Best Digital Time Clock Apps | Top 5 Options

Looking to analyze your business operations? A digital time clock app might be the solution you need. 

Here are our top five recommendations of the best digital time clock apps for your small business 👇

Best Digital Time Clock Apps | Top 5 Picks 📜
Buddy Punch | Best Time Clock SoftwareRead Review
Hubstaff | Best for Productivity MonitoringRead Review
OnTheClock | Best for Overtime TrackingRead Review
Clockify | Best for Recording Billable HoursRead Review
Connecteam | Best All-in-One Employee AppRead Review

The digital time clock apps are helpful for small businesses because they make it easy to track how much time employees work and manage their schedules.

Both employers and employees benefit from these apps because they deal with three main problems:

  1. Accuracy: When you use automatic time tracking, you won’t make mistakes or have to guess anymore. Digital clock apps ensure that you record the hours you work accurately. 
  2. Accountability: When there are clear records of when employees start and finish work, everyone knows who’s responsible for what. 
  3. Efficiency: These apps make scheduling easier, reduce paperwork, and give instant updates on how your staff is doing. 

Getting a digital time clock app is an excellent way to improve how your business runs and keep your employees happy.

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What is a Digital Time Clock App?
A digital time clock app is a tool that makes it easier for small businesses to track when their employees are working. Instead of using paper to record hours, this app lets you use a computer (Windows or Mac), mobile devices (mobile apps on both Android or iOS), and web-based or cloud-based apps.

Employers can monitor real time attendance, track hours worked accurately, and generate timesheets effortlessly. 

Best Employee Time Clock Apps

In this section, we‘ll discuss the top five best digital time clock apps for SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses).

  1. Buddy Punch 
  2. Hubstaff
  3. OnTheClock 
  4. Clockify
  5. Connecteam

1. Buddy Punch | Best Time Tracking App

Buddy Punch Interface

Buddy Punch is more than just a digital time clock app; it’s a comprehensive kiosk time tracking software designed to revolutionize how businesses manage their workforce’s time efficiently. 

Trusted by businesses of all sizes and spanning various industries, Buddy Punch simplifies attendance management processes with its intuitive interface and solid features, including employee timesheets and mobile time tracking capabilities.

After COVID-19, where teams are often dispersed across different locations, Buddy Punch ensures seamless tracking of the team’s time, regardless of geographical boundaries. 

Its cloud-based time tracking tool enables employees to clock in and out effortlessly, whether they’re in the office or on the go, thanks to features like auto-align and mobile time tracking.

Gone are the days of manually recording attendance on paper or using outdated punch card systems. 

Buddy Punch’s innovative solutions, such as RFID and fingerprint time clock integration, provide accurate and reliable employee time card data, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual processes. 

Furthermore, features like punch out reminders and countdown notifications help employees stay on track with their schedules, enhancing productivity and accountability.

With Buddy Punch, businesses can say goodbye to the hassle of adjusting for time zone differences or managing daylight saving transitions manually. 

Its intelligent date stamp and automatic time zone adjustment functionalities ensure accurate time recording regardless of location or time of year.

Moreover, Buddy Punch seamlessly integrates with popular payroll solutions like QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, etc., streamlining the payroll process and reducing errors associated with manual data entry. 

By leveraging advanced technologies like biometric recognition and geofencing, Buddy Punch’s attendance software not only simplifies attendance management but also safeguards against time theft and unauthorized clock-ins.

In short, Buddy Punch is more than just a time tracking tool—it’s a game-changer for businesses seeking efficient and reliable attendance management solutions.

High-Level Overview of How Buddy Punch’s Digital Time Clock App Works?

In this section, we’ll briefly explain how Buddy Punch works.

1. Employees punch in and out via their phone (iOS or Android), tablet, or desktop
Buddy Punch Interface

Our digital time clock app, Buddy Punch, helps small businesses keep track of when their employees start and finish work. 

Employees can use their smartphones, tablets, or computers to easily clock in and out, which is convenient and flexible. 

After they clock in or out, our software automatically figures out all the important details needed for paying employees, like how many hours they worked and if they worked extra time. This makes sure everything is correct and saves time.

2. Buddy Punch automatically calculates all the details needed for payroll

Our software does all the math for paying employees, like figuring out how many hours they worked, if they did any extra hours (overtime), and when they took breaks. 

Payroll Reports on Demand

Employees can start and finish work in different ways, like using their phone, computer, or a machine. 

We make sure employees can only clock in and out from where they’re supposed to be using GPS. This helps to make sure everyone is honest and doesn’t cheat on their hours. 

Managers can easily check and approve timesheets, and our software works well with other popular programs for paying employees. 

With our app for tracking time, small businesses can make paying employees easier and faster, so they can spend less time on paperwork. 

Also, you can select the relevant pay period and download this information via Excel CSV or Adobe PDF.

In-Depth Look: Buddy Punch’s Accountability Features

When it comes to accountability, Buddy Punch goes above and beyond with its advanced features.

Up next, we’ll list a number of different accountability features that restrict employee punches to a specific device, location, Wi-Fi network, and so on. They are optional and can be activated depending on the needs of your business.

If you’re unsure which of these features you need, we’ll clarify all your doubts via live chat, and we invite you to book a one-on-one demo or start a trial.

1. Employee Time Tracking

Buddy Punch shines in its powerful employee time tracking capabilities, offering small businesses accurate and reliable tracking solutions. 

Type, Time, Device: Punch In and Punch Out

It’s easy to use – employees just need to press a button when they start and finish work, and it keeps a precise record of their hours. 

The platform provides real-time visibility into employee attendance, allowing employers to promptly monitor attendance patterns and identify conflicts. 

By making it easier to track time, Buddy Punch helps businesses save money and use their resources better.

2. Overtime Tracking

Buddy Punch helps small businesses easily keep track of extra hours worked by employees to make sure they follow work rules and get paid fairly. 

New Notifications: Eric Pena is working overtime

It figures out overtime automatically using rules that can be changed to fit the company’s needs. This saves time and avoids mistakes that can happen when doing overtime calculations by hand. 

Employers can set limits for overtime and get notifications when employees are close to going over these limits. By accurately recording overtime, Buddy Punch helps businesses avoid breaking labor laws and keeps payroll transparent.

3. Employee Accountability

Buddy Punch helps make sure employees are responsible for their work hours by using features like, 

  • geofencing, which sets a virtual boundary for where they can clock in, 
  • IP address locking, which means they can only log in from certain computers or networks; 
  • and biometric facial recognition, which verifies their identity using their face. 
Geofence

These fancy security tools stop things like stealing time and clocking in when they shouldn’t, making sure employees are on the hook for the hours they work. 

IP Address Lock: Restrict clock in behavior based on IP address

Buddy Punch also encourages honesty and responsibility at work, making it easier for everyone to trust each other and be more productive and happy.

4. Flexible Punch Options

Buddy Punch offers flexible punch options to accommodate various work environments and scheduling needs. It’s flexible, so you can use it whether you work in the office, from home, or at different times. 

You can punch in using your phone, computer, or a physical clock. 

This makes it easy for businesses to handle different work setups and accurately track time, no matter where employees are or what devices they use.

5. Workflow Management

Buddy Punch makes work easier by putting all the tasks of tracking time, making schedules, and managing payroll in one place. 

Employers can easily create and handle employee schedules, keep track of hours worked, and smoothly transfer information to payroll systems. 

By automating tasks that are done repeatedly and lessening the amount of paperwork, Buddy Punch helps businesses concentrate on their main activities and plans for the future.

6. Job Codes to Track Projects & Tasks

Buddy Punch’s job code feature makes it easy to keep track of projects and tasks. This feature lets businesses accurately assign time to particular projects or clients. 

Assign Job Codes For Accountants To Punch Into

Employees can tag their time entries with job codes, helping employers see how much time and money is spent on different projects or tasks. 

This detailed tracking helps with managing projects, assigning resources, and billing clients. Overall, it makes small businesses more transparent and profitable.

7. Photos on Punch 

Are you worried about employees manipulating their work hours by asking others to punch in and out for them?

By enabling Photos on Punch, each time an employee uses our app to punch in or out, they’ll need to take a selfie photo.

Administrators (business owners, managers, etc.) can then review all the photos in one central place, and ensure the right person punched in from the right location.

This feature adds an additional level of accountability, allowing employers to verify the identity of employees making time punches.

By making workers take photos, companies can stop cheating where one person punches in or out for another and be sure that the time records show when workers were actually at work.

Additional Features to Increase Employee Accountability

We offer many other task management features in our time clock system to increase employee accountability, including GPS Tracking, Facial Recognition Punching, PIN Punching, Punch Limiting Rules, and more.

In-Depth Look: Buddy Punch’s Payroll Features

Here’s what Buddy Punch has to offer when it comes to its inventory of providing payroll to its users.

1. Employee Payroll Option

Buddy Punch provides a complete system for paying employees. It makes it easy to handle all the tasks involved in paying employees accurately and smoothly.

Emma Megan Payroll example: Overtime Type

Employees can easily see their pay information, including how much they’ve earned, any money taken out, and details about taxes, all in one place. 

This helps employees stay informed about their pay and makes sure everything about paying them is clear and open. 

2. Payroll Reports on Demand

Using Buddy Punch makes it easy to create payroll reports whenever you need them.

Employers can see reports that show how many hours employees worked, any overtime they did, and their accrued leave. 

Robert Fox: Export to Excel for Payroll

Manually tracking and calculating all this information typically takes hours, but now you can get it done in minutes (with greater accuracy and less hassle).

These reports can be changed to show exactly what you need, helping you understand how productive your team is and making sure payroll is calculated correctly. 

Buddy Punch lets you see payroll information in real-time, which helps make managing payroll faster and more accurate.

As we’ve mentioned, our online time clock automatically calculates all the details needed for payroll (regular hours, overtime, time off, and more). 

You can select the relevant pay period and download this information via Excel or PDF.

3. Payroll Provider Integrations

Buddy Punch easily connects with popular payroll systems, making it easier for small businesses to handle payroll. 

payroll-integrations-with-buddy-punch.png

As we’ve mentioned, Buddy Punch includes payroll integrations with the most popular payroll providers, allowing you to transfer employee hours in just a couple of clicks (rather than inputting them manually, which is a tediously long process that’s prone to human error). 

Connect directly with QuickBooks, Zapier, ADP, and more. 

This setup makes payroll more accurate and reduces the extra work for managing staff, letting businesses concentrate on their main tasks.

4. Time Off Tracking

Buddy Punch makes it easy for employees to ask for time off and keep track of it. They just request time off using the system, and their supervisors decide whether to approve it. 

time off tracking

Employers can see and handle all time-off requests in one place, making sure staffing and schedules run smoothly.

Buddy Punch offers a wide range of absence & time off tracking features and functionality. For example:

  • Employees can easily request time off (subject to an administrator’s approval). We designed our app to make this process simple and intuitive for both employees and employers.
  • Our software automatically calculates paid and unpaid time off balance, and you can easily pull up this information in a couple clicks.  
  • And more.
5. Accruals

Buddy Punch simplifies accrual tracking by automating the process for employers.

Employers can set up accrual policies based on employee tenure or company-specific guidelines. 

accruals

The platform automatically calculates accrued leave based on employee attendance and tenure, providing accurate accrual balances in real time. 

This feature helps employers manage time off more easily and ensure they’re following the rules.

Buddy Punch makes it easy to add and edit time off accrual rules. Learn more about this feature via this video or help doc article.

Explore Additional Features

Buddy Punch offers many features that aren’t mentioned above. For example:

Buddy Punch’s Online Reviews

Buddy Punch currently has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Capterra (based on 946 reviews).

buddy punch reviews capterra march

Many customers have commended Buddy Punch for:

  1. Being intuitive and easy to use for both employers and employees.
  2. Providing responsive and informative customer support.

No wonder clients put away their Lathem calculating time clocks and Acroprint punch clocks in favor of a more convenient, fully-digital option.

Here are a few reviews that touch on these areas:

“We signed up for the trial period, and our employees were impressed immediately. They were able to start… immediately with zero training or assistance, which was a priority for us. The system is also very easy to use from an administrator end.”

Click here to read the full review.

“The chat staff has been super helpful to me every single time I have messaged them. They assisted me to get the software ready for a trial run which was very helpful! Every chat session was emailed to me for future reference.”

Click here to read the full review.

“Minimal training for end users (employees or managers). The back end (admin) features are just as simple and intuitive. We wanted a product that was simple to use, cost friendly and allowed us to customize — all of these areas were met. Very impressed!”

Click here to read the full review.

“The area I am most impressed with is with their support — they respond quickly, accurately and offer real solutions.”

Click here to read the full review.

“The team is responsive, and eager to assist. Any questions we’ve had, whether using the free trial, or after we signed up as a customer, have been answered quickly”.

Click here to read the full review.

Try Buddy Punch for Free

Ready to give Buddy Punch a try?

For free trial, no credit card required.

If you feel that Buddy Punch might be the right fit for your business, sign up for a 14 day free trial (no credit card needed). You can also book a one-on-one demo, or view a pre-recorded demo video.

2. Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a tool that helps businesses keep track of time and monitor employees. It’s made to help manage teams that work remotely or in different locations. 

It has different tools to help keep track of time, manage projects, and see how productive employees are.

Key Features

  1. Time tracking
  2. Activity monitoring
  3. Automated payroll
  4. GPS tracking
  5. Online timesheets
  6. Project budgeting
  7. Invoicing
  8. Team scheduling
  9. Productivity analysis
  10. Integration with other tools and platforms

At the time of writing, Hubstaff has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra (based on 1461 reviews).

Below, we share a customer review indicating why it’s a solid digital time clock solution:

“It allows us to easily calculate the hours worked by our remote team whilst ensuring the team is focused and easily shows us how much is owed at the end of the month. A vital tool for outsourcing.”

Click here to read the full review.

3. OnTheClock

OnTheClock is an online tool for tracking time and organizing work schedules. 

It’s made for businesses of any size and has lots of helpful features to make managing time easier and to keep track of when employees work and what shifts they have.

Key Features

  1. Employee time tracking
  2. Online punch clock
  3. Employee scheduling
  4. Mobile app for time tracking on the go
  5. Geofencing for accurate time tracking based on location
  6. PTO (Paid Time Off) tracking
  7. Overtime tracking
  8. Reporting and analytics tools
  9. Integration with payroll systems
  10. Customizable settings and permissions.

At the time of writing, OnTheClock has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra (based on 539 reviews).

Below, we share a user review indicating why its pros outweigh any cons when it comes to tracking employees:

“I love the ease of clocking in using my mobile device. As someone who has always had to punch in on a computer, I know firsthand that computers sometimes take their time opening and connecting to the internet for you to do anything. That’s never fun, especially when you need to clock in. This has been a great product to use instead.”

Click here to read the full review.

4. Clockify

Clockify is a tool that helps you keep track of how much time you spend on different tasks and projects. 

You can use it on your computer or phone. It lets you see where your time goes, how productive you are, and helps you organize your projects better.

Key Features

  1. Time tracking for tasks and projects
  2. Manual time entry and editing
  3. Pomodoro timer for focused work sessions
  4. Billable hours tracking
  5. Reporting and analytics on time usage
  6. Project and client management
  7. Team collaboration and sharing of time data
  8. Integration with various project management and productivity tools
  9. Mobile apps for tracking time on the go
  10. Customizable settings and preferences for personalized us

At the time of writing, Clockify has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra (based on 4789 reviews).

Below, we share a user review indicating why it’s a solid digital time clock app for small businesses:

“We can easily log in, the software always tracks what kind of task we spend time on. We can also create task names and see where we are at in its realization and time we spent on it. It can also be used in groups, as users can be linked in teams. It’s such a powerful tool at the end of the day, as it allows us to see how to be more efficient in terms of time/task.”

Click here to read the full review.

5. Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management and communication platform designed for deskless and remote teams. 

It provides a complete set of tools to analyze operations, enhance productivity, and improve communication within organizations. 

Key Features

  1. Employee scheduling
  2. Time tracking
  3. Task management
  4. Communication tools (chat, announcements, feedback)
  5. Training and onboarding modules
  6. Forms and checklists creation
  7. GPS-based location tracking
  8. Shift swapping and availability management
  9. Document sharing and storage
  10. Reporting and analytics functionality

Currently, Connecteam has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Capterra (based on 325 reviews).

Below, we share a user review showing why it’s one of the best web-based time clock apps:

“I have several old-school folks on my team. I tend to get a lot of push back when I introduce a new form of technology. We don’t have a central meeting location therefore I can’t have one time clock for everyone to punch. This app works great, and my team really seems to like it. It is very easy to install and user friendly.” 

Click here to read the full review. 

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What to Look for in a Digital Time Clock Software? Buying Guide

Here is the complete list of features you should look for in your business in the digital time clock app before making a purchase decision.

1. Access Your Needs

Before picking a digital time clock app, think about your business needs. 

Consider factors such as the size of your workforce, the nature of your industry, and any unique scheduling needs. 

Decide if you need features like geofencing for remote employees, integrations with payroll software, or getting detailed reports. 

If you know what you need from the start, it’ll be easier to find an app that fits your business goals.

2. Compare Features

To find the right digital time clock app for your business, compare the features of different options. 

Look for basic functions like clocking in and out, access on mobile devices, GPS tracking, and reporting tools.

Also, consider extra features like using fingerprints or facial recognition, making employee schedules, and integrations with other business tools. When you check out each app, think about how easy it is to use and how helpful customer support is. 

By comparing all these things, you can pick the app that gives you the most bang for your buck and fits your business needs.

3. User Reviews

Check out what other people are saying about digital time clock apps to see how well they work and if you can rely on them. 

Look at reviews from businesses like yours and see if there are any common issues or things people like. 

Good reviews can tell you if a product is good and does what it’s supposed to, while bad reviews might point out problems or things it can’t do well. 

Think about what most people are saying and use their experiences to help you decide. 

Reviews from users give you real insights that can help you pick the right app for your business.

4. Trial Period

Try out the free trials offered by digital time clock app providers to see if they work well for your business. 

During the trial, test out the app’s features, how easy it is to use, and how it performs in real situations. 

Get feedback from important people like managers and employees to hear different opinions. 

Check how well the app fits with your current systems and ways of working, and see if it helps you work better and faster. 

By thoroughly testing during the trial, you can make a smart choice and pick the best digital time clock app for your business.

Types of Digital Time Clock Apps

Digital Time Clock Apps

Let’s explore some of the various types of digital time clock apps.

1. Web Based

Web-based digital time clock apps are tools you can utilize from any device connected to the internet. 

They’re handy for people working remotely or on the move because you can access them from anywhere with a web browser. 

These apps let you track time, handle schedules, and make reports. 

They come with features like setting up virtual boundaries around places (geofencing) and tracking IP addresses to make sure timekeeping is accurate, and nobody’s stealing time. 

Many of these online solutions also work smoothly with payroll systems, which makes paying employees easier for small businesses. 

In general, web-based digital time clock apps give organizations accessibility, efficiency, and up-to-date insights into how productive their workforce is.

2. Mobile App (Android or iOS)

Mobile apps for keeping track of time on your phone make it easy for employees to clock in and out wherever they are. 

These apps use GPS tracking to know where your employees are and can set up virtual boundaries so you can only clock in and out from approved locations, ensuring accurate records of when you work. 

They often include other helpful features like making schedules, managing tasks, and sending messages, which help everyone work together better and get more done. 

For employers, these apps let them see who’s working when in real-time and make it simpler to pay people accurately. 

With easy-to-use interfaces and notifications that remind you to clock in or out, these apps make tracking time simple for small businesses and their workers, making sure everyone knows what’s happening and who’s responsible.

3. Desktop App (Windows or Mac)

Desktop digital time clock apps are installed directly on computers and have strong features like fingerprinting or facial recognition to make sure it’s really you clocking in or out, even if you don’t have internet access. 

They work well with other software the majority of business uses, like accounting software or project management tools, making things easier for small businesses. 

While they’re mostly used in offices, they’re also good for workers who always work from the same place, providing a reliable way to keep track of their time.

What is the Importance of Electronic Time Clock Apps In Time Management?

Electronic time clock apps are essential tools for managing time effectively in various industries, including on-site job sites and freelancers’ engagements. 

These apps streamline the process of tracking employee hours, breaks, and attendance, ensuring labor costs are accurately recorded and managed. With features such as unlimited users and templates, these apps accommodate teams of any size and simplify the payroll process by seamlessly integrating with payroll systems. 

Moreover, the ability to track employee hours through mobile “time and GPS location” ensures accurate attendance tracking, especially for team members working remotely or in the field. 

Additionally, the inclusion of free plans or free trials (offered by most vendors) makes these apps accessible to businesses of all sizes, while the option to capture screenshots ensures accountability and compliance. 

By providing comprehensive time tracking features and eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets, electronic time clock apps optimize workforce management, promoting productivity and accountability across the organization.

What is Biometric Time Clock?

Biometric Time Clock

A biometric time clock is an advanced device that enhances time tracking accuracy and security in the workplace. 

Unlike traditional time clocks, which rely on cards or codes, biometric time clocks utilize employees’ unique biological features such as fingerprints or facial recognition for clocking in and out. 

Biometric time clocks prevents instances of fraudulent attendance, ensuring that only authorized team members can access designated areas, thus enhancing on-site security. 

Moreover, biometric time clocks streamline the payroll process by automatically recording employees’ work hours, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing errors in the payroll process. 

With features such as employee location tracking, these clocks provide real-time visibility into workforce activities, enabling efficient management of labor costs and attendance tracking. 

Are There Any Free Time Clock Apps for Small Businesses That Offer Clock In/Clock Out Features?

Yes, there are indeed free time clock apps available for small businesses that offer clock in/clock out features. Among these, two prominent options are Homebase and QuickBooks Time.

1. Homebase

Homebase has a free Basic plan for teams with up to 20 employees in one place. It includes time tracking, scheduling, and team chat. If you have multiple locations or need more features, there are paid plans like Essentials, Plus, or AiO. 

They help you handle the challenges of managing multiple locations from one platform.

2. QuickBooks Time

Formerly called TSheets, QuickBooks Time lets businesses try it for free for 30 days. After that, you can choose between two plans: Premium and Elite. 

The Premium plan costs $8 per user each month, plus a $20 base fee. The Elite plan costs $10 per user each month, plus a $40 base fee. 

QuickBooks Time helps you track time well and integrates with payroll, making it great for small businesses.

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How User-Friendly Are Time Clock Apps For Both Employees and Administrators?

Digital time clock apps are made to be easy to use for everyone. 

Employees can easily clock in and out, ask for time off, and check their schedules from any device, like a phone or computer. 

Administrators benefit from automatic payroll integrations, customizable reporting tools, and employee management functionalities. 

These apps focus on making things simple for users, with easy-to-follow directions and menus that are easy to navigate. 

By user-friendly interfaces, time clock apps help businesses keep track of time better and work more efficiently, no matter how big they are.

Can Time Clock Apps Accommodate Remote Work and Flexible Schedules?

Certainly! Time clock apps are made to smoothly accommodate remote work and flexible schedules. 

With features like mobile access and geofencing, employees can clock in and out from anywhere, ensuring accurate time tracking regardless of location. This ensures that their hours are accurately recorded no matter where they are. 

These apps also allow managers to easily create and adjust shifts to accommodate different work hours or remote setups. 

By letting employees clock in remotely and showing managers who are at work in real-time, these apps help small businesses manage their staff well, even if they’re working from different places or on flexible schedules.

How Do Time Clock Apps Address Privacy Concerns Related To Employee Data Collection?

Time clock apps prioritize data security and transparency by using strong encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring only authorized personnel can access employee data. 

Additionally, these apps often provide clear privacy policies outlining how employee data is collected, used, and stored. Employers can decide who gets access to what, making sure only the right people handle time tracking. 

Moreover, these apps can also hide information and let businesses control how long they keep data, which helps them follow privacy laws while keeping track of when employees work. 

Time clock apps build trust between employers and employees by prioritizing data privacy and security.

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