The Top 7 Mobile Time Clock Apps

For many people, the workplace is more than one physical location. Your organization might have employees who work from home or handle their tasks from multiple locations while on the go. Old-school tracking methods are making way for more effective mobile time clock apps.

Mobile time tracking is essential when your workforce isn’t working from a single place. Competitive pressure and compliance regulations favor companies who pay attention to employee time and attendance. Mobile time clock apps provide unprecedented oversight and allow you to refine efficiencies.

What is Mobile Time Tracking?

Mobile time tracking allows workers to manage their working hours with their mobile devices. Specialized apps include functionality for clocking in and out, along with data management to create timecards. When teams aren’t physically located in the same place, a mobile app makes it easier to track time worked.

What is a Mobile Time Clock App and How Does It Work?

A mobile time clock app is accessible via a mobile device. It works by tracking punches made by employees, subcontractors, gig workers, and others performing services for an organization. The data syncs with the company’s application to provide manager access to timesheets and create reports for payroll processing.

When someone starts their shift or begins work, they can use the app to record the time. This punch is added to a timesheet, which will track the hours worked for payroll processing, benefits eligibility, and other purposes.

Some mobile time clock solutions include GPS tracking and geofencing tools, which allow supervisors to view the physical locations of individuals when creating punches. Geofencing allows a manager to create a virtual fence, only permitting users to clock in and out when located within the boundary. GPS tracking shows the location of the device when the punch was created.

Who Benefits from Using Mobile Time Clock Apps?

Businesses across many industries can benefit from utilizing mobile time clocks. Construction is a big one, as workers often travel to different job sites and charge their hours to various projects. Companies in the hospitality and food service industries may also utilize mobile tracking, as employees may work at several locations or travel as part of their duties. If you run a food truck, it’s worth considering a mobile app to track hours worked. Your workers can clock in as soon as they start their shifts, regardless of where the truck may be parked that day.

7 Best Mobile Time Clock Apps

When looking for the best mobile time clock apps for your company needs, here are the seven that made our list.

1. WorkforceHub

WorkforceHub earns the top spot on the list for its simplicity, ease of use, and affordable pricing. The mobile time clock app serves fully remote, on-the-go, and hybrid workforces, with available geofencing functionality that pinpoints the location of the employee punching in or out. You can get accurate hours for improved payroll processing while ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Clocking in and out is simple, and employees and managers can view hours and schedules. The scheduling functionality is among the most robust in the industry, offering tools that allow managers to build schedules with ease. Additional features include clock lockout, which prevents employees from recording punches too early or late, accruals, meal and break tracking, and much more. It’s the mobile time clock app you’ve been looking for, and it’s available to try for free.

2. QuickBooks Time

Formerly called TSheets, QuickBooks Time is a popular time tracking solution that includes a mobile app. Employees can utilize its features and functionality on smartphones and tablets, recording punches and managing time worked. Other features include scheduling and payroll integrations.

3. Paymo

Another option for tracking hours is Paymo, a mobile timekeeping app designed for small businesses. Functionality also includes task management with the ability to collaborate with members of the team. Invoicing and scheduling are also built in, although some users complain that the requirement to clock in and out twice per instance is frustrating. Exporting data is also a challenge within this platform.

4. Harvest

Harvest is a web-based time tracking tool that includes a mobile app. Users start and stop timers to determine the amount of time spent on a task and can assign the hours to specific projects. Reporting, invoicing and integrations are also available within the platform.

5. TimeCamp

TimeCamp is another option you may be considering when comparing mobile time clock apps. It offers real-time tracking of hours worked, along with an approval process for managers to sign off on their teams’ hours. Attendance and productivity tracking are also touted as available features, with custom billing rates and invoicing offered as well.

6. Connecteam

Connecteam is designed for fully remote workforces, as its marketing focuses on deskless teams. Managers can create and share schedules, track hours, and use the information to process payroll. The app also includes other features for growing workforces, including document management, recognition & rewards, surveys, and task management. However, pricing is complex with every additional feature bundle increasing the total overall cost. For a small business budget, this time clock app may not be the right fit.

7. Clockify

A product of CAKE.com, Inc., Clockify is a mobile time tracking app that serves global businesses. The time-tracking product was launched in 2017 and includes timekeeping, reporting, and management features. Employees can start and stop timers to track worked hours, or put in hours manually. However, when dealing with a predominantly hourly workforce, the option to enter time manually can become a liability, particularly among employees who want to pad their time cards.

Mobile Time Tracking Is a Win-Win

Your business will benefit by adding mobile time tracking to your tool belt. Mobile time tracking apps like WorkforceHub offer a world of convenience and accuracy. Your business can be more profitable and your time and data records more accurate.

Improving accuracy, reducing error, and improving time efficiency go a long way toward boosting your bottom line. Mobile time tracking holds a promise of increased efficiency and a stronger foundation of data on which to plan and grow.

Updated July 24, 2024