A time clock kiosk app makes it easier for employees to punch in and can streamline payroll. We review the seven best time clock kiosk apps in 2023.
There’s nothing more important than accurately tracking your employee hours.
A time clock kiosk provides a central place for all of your employees to clock in and out. It can be a great solution for accurate time tracking if your employees start and end their day at a central location like your office, or for industries where staff can’t have their phones on them.
Many time clock kiosk apps also integrate with scheduling tools, payroll software, and other business platforms to streamline your operations.
In this guide, I’ve done a ton of market research so you don’t have to. I’m reviewing the top 7 best time clock kiosks on the market today so you can choose the best one for your business.
In this guide, we’ll review the seven best time clock kiosk apps in 2023 and help you choose the right clock-in kiosk for your business.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one time clock kiosk app
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Good for multiple clock-in locations
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Good for payroll integration
How I Chose the Best Time Clock Kiosks
To give you a more specific look into how I narrowed down my list, these are the key functions and features I looked for when evaluating time clock kiosk apps:
Important core features:
- Mobile time clock: The best time clock kiosk apps have a mobile time clock so employees can clock in and out from the kiosk.
- Overtime calculation: The app should automatically calculate overtime based on set rules or regulations.
- Automated time sheets: The app should automatically calculate employee hours and record them onto timesheets.
- Payroll integrations: Look for a time clock kiosk that exports employee timesheets to Excel or your accounting software to streamline the payroll process.
I also checked for usability features, such as:
- Intuitive interface: Good clock-in and out apps make it easy to track working hours, often with just one button.
- Support: Whatever software you choose should have good customer support if you encounter any technical issues.
As a final check, I looked for these specific features that make for a great clock-in and out app:
- Manual options: If someone makes an error, such as forgetting to clock in or leaving a clock running, you’ll need a way to fix the mistake and edit the timesheet.
- Multiple job codes: If employees work different roles or tasks, they should be able to clock into specific job codes or categories.
- Reporting features: Managers should be able to generate reports on employee hours, overtime, late arrivals, early departures, etc.
The 7 Best Time Clock Kiosk Apps of 2023
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Connecteam — Best for: All-in-one time clock kiosk app
In my opinion, Connecteam is the best kiosk app on the market. It makes time tracking incredibly easy and comes with tons of helpful features to make your business run smoothly.
Why I chose Connecteam: Just open Connecteam on a tablet or smartphone and employees can clock in with a personalized PIN. It only takes a few minutes to set up the kiosk, and it requires very little training for employees. Plus, there are plenty of extra features that make management, scheduling, and payroll simple.
Let’s take a look at some of the specifics:
Customizable clock-in rules & identity verification
Managers can restrict when clock-ins are allowed. That means that employees who arrive late or want to leave early have to speak with a manager—they can’t just punch in or out without notifying anyone. And if you’re worried about buddy punching, you can also require that each employee poses for a selfie when clocking in.
You can also program the kiosk to display important information for employees when they clock in. Connecteam can display their schedule for the day, as an example, or a list of tasks that they need to complete.
Overtime control
Connecteam helps managers stay on top of overtime. Our kiosk time clock supports overtime alerts for managers and enables managers to create custom rules around when and how overtime is authorized. Connecteam can automatically clock employees out if they go into unauthorized overtime and help managers limit new jobs or shifts for employees who are already in overtime.
HR and payroll integration
Tracking time with Connecteam makes HR and payroll seamless. Our platform provides an easy-to-use self-service portal that employees can access online or from their mobile devices. Employees can check how many hours they’ve worked and see how much they’ll be paid. The self-service portal also enables employees to request paid time off (PTO), which is tracked right alongside hours worked.
Connecteam supports automated approval workflows for employee timesheets for payroll, making it easy to turn clock-ins into data to pay employees properly. Our software integrates with several major payroll platforms including Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero.
Tools for workers in the field
If your employees start their day at the office and then head into the field, Connecteam provides even more valuable features. The Connecteam mobile app offers a real time GPS tracker so that managers know where employees are working throughout the day. Our app also includes online team chat to chat one-on-one or in group chats with team members to help employees and managers keep in touch throughout the workday.
Affordability for small businesses
Connecteam’s time clock kiosk app is completely free for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For larger businesses, pricing starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 employees, plus $0.50 for every additional employee.
I had people that we would just schedule for work and hope and pray that they show up. And now, we have an average of a 90-95% attendance rate.
Key Features
Pros
Only takes a few minutes to set up
Customizable timesheet approval workflows
Mobile GPS app to monitor employees working in the field
Free for businesses with 10 or fewer users
Cons
Does not support facial recognition
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
ClockIt — Good for multiple clock-in locations
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
ClockIt offers an easy-to-use time kiosk app.
Why I chose ClockIt: The app is especially good for businesses with several offices or clock-in locations, since data syncs instantly and automatically across multiple kiosks. Employees can even clock in at one location and clock out at another.
Employees clock in and out using a personalized PIN or a QR code on their smartphone. ClockIt automatically takes a photo of every employee during clock-in to prevent buddy punching.
Project managers will appreciate the platform’s Asana integration. This enables employees to add job codes to their clock-ins so managers can see how much time employees are spending on different projects.
ClockIt doesn’t currently offer payroll integrations, but it says that support for QuickBooks, ADP, Xero, and Paychex is coming soon.
Learn more about ClockItKey Features
- Sync data instantly across multiple kiosks
- Clock in with PIN or QR code
- Takes a selfie during every clock-in
- Supports job codes with Asana integration
Pros
- Detailed audit tools for employee timesheets
- Supports PTO tracking
Cons
- Payroll integrations not yet available
- Limited overtime alerts and authorization options
Pricing
Starts at $82.50/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Buddy Punch — Good for payroll integrations
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Buddy Punch offers multiple ways for employees to clock in at a kiosk.
Why I chose Buddy Punch: Employees can enter a personal PIN code, scan a QR code, or enter a username and password. Alternatively, Buddy Punch can use facial recognition to clock employees in automatically. No matter which method you choose, Buddy Punch can record a photo of every employee when they clock in.
Managers can create an unlimited number of job codes for employees to clock in to and set up kiosks in multiple locations. They can also receive alerts when employees they manage clock in or go into overtime. The app offers tons of customizable settings, including break times, overtime rules, timecard rounding, and more.
One of the best things about Buddy Punch is that it’s also a payroll provider. Transferring time data to Buddy Punch Payroll is extremely simple and makes the platform’s self-service portal for employees that much more useful. Buddy Punch also integrates with QuickBooks, Gusto, and Paychex.
Learn more about Buddy PunchKey Features
- Clock in with facial recognition, PIN, QR, or password
- Supports job codes
- Clock-in alerts for managers
- Offers its own payroll software
Pros
- Very customizable
- Integrates with many payroll providers
Cons
- No late or no-show alerts
- Moderately complex to set up
Pricing
Starts at $2.99/user/month + $19 base fee/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Clockify — Good for managing break time
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
If your employees need to take breaks throughout their shifts, Clockify can help you track the time they spend off the clock.
Why I chose Clockify: This clock-in kiosk app enables employees to punch into and out of breaks the same way they punch into and out of shifts. Break time is clearly shown in employee time cards and reports, making it easy for managers to see how much time employees are taking during the day.
Clockify is very simple to use, but it does have a relatively limited set of kiosk features. Employees can only clock in and out with PIN numbers, not QR codes or facial recognition. The platform also doesn’t take photos of employees when they clock in, so there’s little protection against buddy punching.
On the plus side, Clockify kiosks double as self-service portals for employees. They can see their hours worked and pay rates, plus enter time-off requests through the kiosk. Managers can pull up detailed reports and approve timesheets right from the kiosk.
Learn more about ClockifyKey Features
- Clock in and out for breaks
- Self-service portal for employees
- Supports multiple kiosk locations
- View who’s currently working from the kiosk
Pros
- Free for a single kiosk with unlimited users
- Tons of reporting features
Cons
- Does not protect against buddy punching
- Cannot enter job codes when clocking in
Pricing
Starts at $3.99/user/month Trial: Yes — For PRO features Free Plan: Yes
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QuickBooks Time — Good for detailed time reporting
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
QuickBooks Time is a good solution for managers who want a thorough breakdown of how employees are spending their time.
Why I chose QuickBooks Time: When employees clock in with QuickBooks Time, they can assign their time to a specific project using job codes. They can also select individual projects or even sub-tasks when clocking in.
On top of that, QuickBooks Time supports kiosks in multiple locations. Each kiosk has a location code, so managers can see where an employee was working when reviewing timesheets.
All of this data can be broken out into customizable time reports. This is a major advantage if managers need to keep detailed records of billable hours for a project or want to reassign employees and need to know what they’ve been working on.
The QuickBooks Time kiosk can run on any tablet, smartphone, or computer. Employees clock in with a PIN, and the software automatically takes a photo during clock-in.
Learn more about QuickBooks TimeKey Features
- Assign codes for jobs, projects, tasks, and locations
- Photo capture during every clock-in
- Integrates with QuickBooks for payroll
- Highly customizable time reports
Pros
- Supports text and email alerts for managers
- Automate timesheet approvals
Cons
- Does not offer facial recognition
- Expensive
Pricing
Starts at $20/month + $10/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: No
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ClockShark — Good for biometric clock-in
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
ClockShark is one of only a handful of kiosk time clock apps that currently use facial recognition to cut down on buddy punching.
Why I chose ClockShark: Employees clock in with a PIN and the kiosk device takes a photo of them. Behind the scenes, ClockShark compares that image with the employee’s headshot to confirm a match. If there’s an issue, managers are alerted right away.
ClockShark supports job and project codes, making it easier for managers to assign billable hours to the right customer. Employees can also add notes when clocking in, which can be very handy when managers are reviewing timesheets later.
ClockShark’s clock-in app doesn’t let employees or managers do anything other than clock in and out. Employees can’t view their hours or enter time-off requests through the kiosk, for example. Managers also can’t pull up real-time reports that show who’s currently working. All of these tasks must be completed using the ClockShark web dashboard or mobile apps.
Learn more about ClockSharkKey Features
- Facial recognition to reduce buddy punching
- Job and project codes
- Supports notes alongside clock-ins
- Detailed reporting in web dashboard
Pros
- Facial recognition works behind the scenes
- Built-in Spanish language support
Cons
- No employee self-service tools in kiosk
- Doesn’t support overtime alerts
Pricing
Starts at $20/month + $8/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
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Tommy — Good for: Integrations with shift scheduling
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Tommy is a simple time clock kiosk app that makes it easy for employees to clock in and out with a PIN. You can enable the kiosk to take photos of each employee during clock-in, but this isn’t required. At small businesses, leaving photo verification off can be a good way to show employees that you trust them.
The kiosk doesn’t offer many advanced features. Employees can’t enter job codes or view their hours worked. Managers can see who’s working from the kiosk, but they can’t set up alerts for late or no-show employees.
The nice thing about this kiosk is that it comes packaged with Tommy’s shift scheduling software. This is a very user-friendly drag-and-drop scheduling app. In addition, Tommy’s kiosk can export time and attendance data to most popular payroll platforms.
Learn more about TommyKey Features
- Optional photo capture during clock-in
- Real-time reports show who’s working right now
- Integrated with Tommy’s shift scheduling software
- Export timesheets for payroll processing
Pros
- Free clock-in kiosk for up to 200 users
- Built-in Chinese language support
Cons
- No employee self-service tools in kiosk
- No payroll integrations
Pricing
Starts at $4.34/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best Time Clock Kiosk Apps
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Start for free
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $82.50/month
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Starts at $2.99/user/month + $19 base fee/month
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Starts at $3.99/user/month
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Starts at $20/month + $10/user/month
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Starts at $20/month + $8/user/month
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Starts at $4.34/user/month
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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yes
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yes
For PRO features
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yes
30-day
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yes
14-day
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yes
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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yes
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no
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
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What Are Time Clock Kiosk Apps?
Time clock kiosk apps are digital versions of traditional workplace time clocks. Instead of having employees punch in on a physical time card, these apps allow employees to clock in to work with software. At the end of a shift or workday, employees can clock out using the same kiosk app.
Importantly, time clock kiosk apps require employees to clock in and out from the specific location where the kiosk is present. They are distinct from mobile time clock apps, which enable employees to clock in and out from anywhere using their smartphones.
How Do Time Clock Kiosk Apps Work?
Time clock kiosks are physical devices running software that allows employees to clock in and out. Usually, these devices are laptops, iOS or Android tablets, or smartphones that are placed in a specific, known location that employees pass at the beginning and end of each shift.
Time clock kiosks must make it simple for employees to clock in and out of work while making it difficult for them to clock other employees in or out. To accomplish this, most employee time clock kiosks rely on personalized PIN codes. Managers can assign each employee a PIN, and they must enter this PIN every time they clock in or out.
Some employee time clock apps offer other options for clocking in or out. For example, employees may have a QR code on their smartphone that they can scan. A few apps even use facial recognition to automatically clock employees in when they stand in front of the kiosk.
Most kiosks are integrated with mobile employee time clock trackers so employees working in the field can clock in and out of the same time tracking system with their smartphone. A kiosk works best when most or all of your business’s employees start and end their day in a central location.
Benefits of Time Clock Kiosks
Here are the primary benefits of using time clock kiosk apps in your business:
- Accuracy and elimination of human errors:
Time clock kiosk apps reduce the chances of human error in manual time tracking. Employees can clock in and out accurately using the app, eliminating mistakes associated with manual data entry or paper-based systems.
- Convenience and accessibility:
Employees can easily clock in and out using a mobile device or a designated kiosk. This convenience is especially valuable for businesses with remote or field-based workers who can use their smartphones to record their work hours.
- Real-time data and reporting:
They provide real-time data on employee attendance and work hours. Managers can access up-to-date information, enabling better decision-making and allowing for quick adjustments in scheduling or staffing as needed.
- Cost-efficiency:
Automated time tracking reduces the administrative workload associated with manual timekeeping systems. This efficiency translates into cost savings for businesses by reducing the time spent on payroll processing and minimizing errors that could lead to financial discrepancies.
- Compliance and accountability:
Time clock kiosk apps can be configured to comply with labor laws and company policies. They can track breaks, overtime, and other attendance-related regulations, ensuring that the business remains compliant. Additionally, these apps create an accountable environment where employees are aware that their work hours are being monitored accurately.
- Integration with payroll systems:
Many time clock kiosk apps integrate seamlessly with payroll software. This integration simplifies the payroll process by automatically transferring accurate attendance data to the payroll system. It reduces the time and effort required for manual data entry, minimizing payroll errors, and ensuring that employees are compensated correctly.
- Enhanced security:
Time clock kiosk apps often come with security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), PIN codes, or RFID card scanning. These features enhance the security of the time-tracking system, preventing buddy punching (when one employee clocks in or out for another) and ensuring the integrity of attendance data.
How Much Do Time Clock Kiosk Apps Cost?
Time clock kiosk apps typically charge a base price plus an additional fee per kiosk or per user. This means that the more employees your business has, the more you’ll pay for your kiosk app.
For example, Buddy Punch starts at $19 per month plus $2.99 per user per month. So if your business has 10 employees, you’ll pay $48.90 per month. If your business has 30 employees, you’ll pay $108.70 per month.
Connecteam is one of the most affordable time clock kiosk apps currently available. It’s completely free for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For larger businesses, we charge a flat monthly fee of $29 for up to 30 users, then only $0.50 per user per month for each additional user.
>>Get started with Connecteam for free today!<<
FAQs
Is there a free time clock kiosk app?
Connecteam offers a free employee time clock kiosk app for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The platform also has a 14-day free trial for businesses with more than 10 employees.
Can I use a smartphone as a time clock kiosk?
Yes, most time clock kiosk apps work on iOS and Android smartphones. Simply set up the time kiosk app on your device and put it in a centralized location for employees to access.
What is the best app to keep track of work hours?
Connecteam’s time clock kiosk makes it simple to keep track of working hours for all of your employees. Employees can clock in or out with a PIN, and Connecteam takes a photo to prevent buddy punching. Connecteam is free for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
The Bottom Line On Time Clock Kiosk App
Time clock kiosk apps make it easy for your business to accurately track the hours your employees work. Managers receive approval-ready time cards that make running payroll a breeze. Time clock kiosks can also help managers bill customers correctly, manage overtime, and prevent time theft.
We recommend Connecteam as the overall best time clock kiosk app for 2023. Our platform is simple to set up and offers features like overtime alerts, an employee self-service portal, payroll integrations, and more.