With an automated time clock, you can easily track your employee’s time to the second, guaranteeing smooth and accurate payroll. Here are some of the best time clocks for small businesses.

Even your small business can suffer from painstakingly large issues like buddy punching and time theft.

When you have limited resources, every payroll inaccuracy takes a toll on your business. This is especially true when dated methods (such as pen and paper) leave so much room for human error. That means you’re likely to pay an even heftier balance at the end of each payroll period.

But you can reduce those unnecessary payroll costs by more than half by simply using one of these time clocks for small businesses we’ve recommended below. With an automated time clock app, inputted time can be trusted and kept to the second.

If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.

Our Top Picks

  1. Best all-in-one time clock for small businesses that ensures accurate payroll.

    Learn more
  2. Uses analytical reports to redirect project managers in a positive direction.

  3. Good for tracking employees in real-time and to keep distractions aside.

What to Look For in a Time Clocks for Small Businesses

“Good, better, best”, as they say.

Well, a time clock that keeps time would be good. A time clock that automates checking in/out would be better. Leaving all of the above, and the following list, would be the best time clock. A time clock app that goes the extra mile to ensure accuracy is the number one priority.

  • Automated time clocking
  • Smooth error-free payroll
  • Buddy punching and time theft solutions
  • Time marked to the very second
  • No confusion; transparency on all ends
  • Intuitive
  • Customizable and flexible
  • The option to request vacation days, overtime hours, and sick days

Now onto the list of 10 best time clocks that can make the daily operations and management of your small business much easier.

The 10 Best Time Clocks for Small Businessess of 2023

  1. Connecteam — Best all-in-one time clock for small businesses

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android

    Connecteam’s all-in-one time clock for small businesses answers every time-tracking and payroll question. Over 36,000 businesses get peace of mind knowing when their employees clock in and out. And so can you, in the following ways:

    • Employees get digital time stamps every time they clock in and out from their smartphones. So you’ll never deal with buddy punching and time theft again. This produces accurate timesheets and makes payroll a breeze.
    • With GPS tracking breadcrumbs, you get a general overview of your employees’ work trail from the very start. You, the admin, can create a geofence of where your remote workers can and cannot clock in/out from.
    • Get automatic notifications with every action. If a shift is unclaimed up to 30 minutes before it starts – you’ll know about it. 
    • If someone’s clocked in later to a shift, you’ll see a notification pop up. With the tap of a button, employees can clock in from their phone, ask for time off, and communicate on an employee team chat for needed help.

    Connecteam is also an employee scheduling app, that can flag any shift overlaps. This tool allows you to approve inputs or lock them for any unforeseen changes. It’s super dynamic, allowing you to attach extra information for employees. These include notes, images, files, forms, checklists, and more.

    What is causing shift overlap? What shifts are still unclaimed? The shift scheduler flags any overlaps. It’s a smart tool that allows you to approve inputs or lock them for any unforeseen changes. It’s super dynamic, allowing you to attach extra information for employees, such as notes, images, files to shifts, checklists and more.

    Why haven’t you tried out the Connecteam app yet? With a free-forever plan and a 14-day free trial of all paid plans, your business is begging for some digital delegation!

    Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!

    Key Features

    • Automated clock in reminders

    • In-built chat tool

    • Sick leave and vacation management

    • Export timesheets

    • Schedule and/or limit shift assignments

    • Geolocation tracking

    Pros

    • Seamless time tracking experience

    • Short and sweet setup time

    • Intuitive and user-friendly interface

    • Highly responsive customer support

    • 100% free plan for up to 10 users

    Cons

    • Additional integrations in development

    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
  2. Time Doctor — Good for: Remote teams

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Time Doctor webpage

    Finding the needle in the haystack is possible with Time Doctor, another of our recommended time clocks for small businesses. By tracking time based on client, project workflow, or even the task itself, managers can find where inefficiencies are. The goal of this extremely analytical approach to a time card system is to help managers do their job well, giving them  factual data that provides help as to how to redirect when need be.

    It shows employees where their strengths and weaknesses are. As a whole, the organization can then be substantially more productive online. Time Doctor is great because it integrates with 60+ other online applications (including payroll systems) that users may already be using for task management.

    Time Doctor is for hybrid workers or remote workers looking for online tools. This is for enterprises or even small to large businesses. This is for those who work heavily on projects and would like to compare, contrast, and improve on the clients and tasks they have completed in the past. This includes industries such as: ad agencies, consulting firms, outsourcing companies, and more.

    Learn more about Time Doctor

    Key Features

    • Descriptive and number driven summary reports
    • Automated time clock/reminders for timely work
    • Analytics are visible from the dashboard
    • Screenshot capabilities

    Pros

    • Real-time analytics results in real-time productivity
    • Supports a hybrid work environment 

    Cons

    • Time is used not for attendance purposes but more so to gauge how successful workers are during the day
    • Screenshots need to be manually turned on and workers can forget to do so

    Pricing

    Starts at $5.9/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: No

  3. Timecamp — Good for: B2B companies

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the TimeCamp webpage

    Timecamp is a digital time punch clock, measuring time spent on computer related tasks that are specific to projects. So it could also potentially be used as one of the time clocks for small businesses we’ve recommended. It quantifies time and gauges how managers can optimize employee schedules in a more money and time-friendly manner. The time system tracks employees’ performance in real-time so that the work comes first and employee distractions are put to the side.

    Those who manage projects or freelancers who have projects of their own. This is for those who spend their work hours accomplishing their daily activities on a computer and need to calculate how time online can be better utilized.

    Learn more about Timecamp

    Key Features

    • Available for desktop and mobile devices
    • Clear detailed project reports
    • Budgeting chart graphs for profitability
    • Tracks performance
    • Automated timesheet approvals 

    Pros

    • Can distinguish between billable and non-billable hours 
    • Eliminates distractions through complete automation

    Cons

    • Too dependent on third party integrations
    • Costly when you upgrade

    Pricing

    Starts at $6.99/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes

  4. Clockify — Good for: Freelancers

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Clockify webpage

    Clockify’s functionality is straight to the point; title chosen tasks, tag it, label it under a chosen project, and then start the timer. Once the task is completed, press the stop button and from there, quantify it as billable or non-billable in a payroll solution. On the dashboard, there’s the option to view individual time marks (kind of like an online time punch clock) on projects or the other option is to see it from the general view of the entire team. At the end of all this, invoices can be made using all of this information together.

    This is a helpful digital time card system tool for project managers. Whether a freelancer, or a large business, this is made for everyone in an organization.

    Learn more about Clockify

    Key Features

    • Compare and contrast project tracked hours
    • Differentiate between billable and non billable hours
    • Calculate time off, set time attendance, and break times for payroll
    • Visual of progress through calendar view or charts on dashboard

    Pros

    • Information is synced online making it fully accessible 
    • Super easy sign-up process

    Cons

    • Clock feature is manually started and stopped
    • Difficult to backtrack and edit clock time stamps

    Pricing

    Starts at $3.99/user/month Trial: Yes — 7-day, for PRO features Free Plan: Yes

  5. Tick — Good for: Meeting budgets

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Tick webpage

    Tick is a time clocks for small businesses solution that works in real-time and catches overtime before it turns into a time budgeting problem for the business’ expenditures. After each task time card clock is submitted, it rounds up the time spent in relation to what is needed to fully complete the project and then with that managers are kept up to date on productivity at every stage, instead of just the final stage. Tick is set to the mobile phone or computer desktop without hassle and pairs well with other project managing software such as Asana, Trello, and Basecamp.

    For businesses who have noticed they are not maximizing their output of time and are losing money for this main reason. This is for freelancers or SMB looking to manage projects with profitability and budgeting in mind; this is to keep money and time in check.

    Learn more about Tick

    Key Features

    • Time clock
    • Timesheet templates turned to invoicing 
    • Running timer that breaks up time within each task
    • Single page view of all time reports

    Pros

    • From beginning to end oversight of projects
    • Compatible on all devices

    Cons

    • Tedious to edit previous time entries
    • Hard to personally connect with their outdated interface

    Pricing

    Starts at $19/month, for more than 1 project (and up to 10) Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: Yes — For a single project

  6. Jibble — Good for: Construction teams

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Jibble webpage

    Jibble was made with both the in-office and remote workers in mind. For those in-office, a single device (tablet or any other similar device) can be turned into a kiosk for the entire workplace. With facial recognition and/or pin codes, not only does this digital time clock software speed processes up, but it also works to ensure each clock-in is by the rightful “owner”. For employees out in the field, turn mobile phones into a pocket time punch clock. With geofencing and GPS capabilities business owners can ensure there are proper restrictions in place to keep everything honest outside the office. Lastly, everything is easy to monitor from afar; overtime, late arrivals to shifts, breaks, and overlapping scheduling.

    For those looking to use complex AI systems to get trustworthy employee timekeeping. This is for small to large businesses that are from all industries and are a mesh of both in-office and remote working. Industries could include manufacturing, food & beverage, education agencies, office- site based companies, and more. It’s for those looking to dump manual work and looking to automate timesheets for insightful reports.

    Learn more about Jibble

    Key Features

    • AI verification for time clocking (i.e. facial recognition)
    • Tablet setup as office kiosk
    • Uses GPS for attendance of remote workers 
    • Alerts are detailed from the day, week, and month of everything

    Pros

    • Quickened check in/out process
    • User friendly layout 

    Cons

    • Pricing isn’t transparent (not even listed)
    • Customization limitations with the free version that they promote

    Pricing

    Starts at $1.99/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes

  7. Homebase — Good for: Hourly teams

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Homebase webpage

    The digital time card system on Homebase is accessible on any device. Because of this, each employee that clocks in/out using homebase will be individualized through a personalized pin code. Shifts are easy to manage from afar; business owners are able to set an alert for late show-ups, and can additionally message or remind employees in scenarios of such. Clock-ins can be verified through GPS or photos.

    Meant for those who manage their workers on an hourly basis and want to stay compliant. Those industries could include restaurants, retail stores, beauty salons, etc.

    Learn more about Homebase

    Key Features

    • Free and automated time clock
    • Additionally, it tracks vacation times, Paid Time Off, and overtime.
    • Uses GPS or photos to ensure trust
    • For payroll purposes it identifies and corrects errors.

    Pros

    • Free online time clock feature
    • Easy to use interface

    Cons

    • According to customers: bugs with time clock when there are multiple locations
    • Not compatible with all/many third party service providers

    Pricing

    Starts at $20/location/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes — For a single location

  8. uAttend — Good for: Sharing employees across departments

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the uAttend webpage

    We have also included three providers of physical time clocks as another option to consider when it comes to tracking employees’ hours. Starting with uAttend JR2000. Users can mount this device to the wall in their workplace, giving employees an easy station to clock in and out from.

    With this physical time clock, managers can assign employees to more than one department, tracking time accordingly. Biometric fingerprinting, PIN codes, and RFID card taps are some of the ways that employees can confirm their attendance. Its touch-screen functionality makes this one of the easier, more aesthetically pleasing physical time clocks to use. 

    In terms of downsides, the JR2000 is high in pricing and customers have commented that its report customizability is fairly limited. Despite this, uAttend’s physical time clock has helpful customer support to help businesses get set up.

     

    Learn more about uAttend

    Key Features

    • Multiple clock-in/out settings
    • Setup wizard
    • Department transfers
    • Fingerprint scanning

    Pros

    • Track jobs directly from time clock
    • Intuitive set-up wizard

    Cons

    • Prone to glitches
    • Expensive solution

    Pricing

    Start at $25/month, for up to 9 users Trial: No Free Plan: No

  9. Allied Time CB4000

    Allied Time CB4000 — Good for: High-security companies

    Available on

    Screenshot of the Allied Time CB4000 webpage

    Allied Time CB4000 is a physical time clock ideal for small business owners looking for a time-tracking solution with various clock-in and out options. Whether through facial recognition, palm scans, PIN codes, or fingerprint scans, this time clock makes it possible.

    Users are generally satisfied with the CB4000’s time/attendance and security features, which are obviously crucial factors when choosing this kind of hardware. Many also enjoy how easy it is to set up the CB4000.

    With that said, Allied Time’s physical time clock doesn’t rank so well when it comes to its integration options, or report customizability. Some have also commented on the frequent glitches linked to its fingerprint scanning. 

    Learn more about Allied Time CB4000

    Key Features

    • Flexible clock-in and out
    • Software upgrades
    • Time and attendance tracking
    • Security settings

    Pros

    • Easy to set up
    • Various clock-in/clock-out options

    Cons

    • Lacks scheduling features
    • Lack of third-party integrations

    Pricing

    Pricing is not publicly available Trial: No Free Plan: No

  10. Icon Time TotalPass P600 — Good for: Large businesses (up to 500 employees)

    Available on

    Screenshot of the Icon Time TotalPass webpage

    For those who run a small business, but aim to scale and grow as time goes on, Icon Time TotalPass P600 might be the physical time clock to start with. This is because it can cater to businesses with as many as 500 employees. 

    This provider also includes web punch capabilities, allowing employees to clock in and out from computers, smartphones, and tablets. This means that onsite and remote time tracking is possible. 

    In terms of pros, Icon Time doesn’t include a monthly payment plan, meaning one less financial headache to worry about. Simply buy the time clock, and then add on other options, such as web punch, customer support, etc.

    Users commented that Icon Time is easy to set up. However, the software can be prone to glitches, and it doesn’t include early clock-in prevention, break tracking or report customizability.

    Learn more about Icon Time TotalPass P600

    Key Features

    • Web punches
    • Email alerts
    • In-built time tracking software
    • Separate clock in/out buttons

    Pros

    • Includes employee scheduling tools
    • No monthly software fees

    Cons

    • Only free customer support for first 30 days
    • Expensive solution

    Pricing

    Pricing is not publicly available Trial: No Free Plan: No

Compare the Best Time Clocks for Small Businessess

Topic Allied Time CB4000
Reviews
4.8
4.5
4.7
4.7
4.5
4.8
4.6
4.6
N/A
N/A
Pricing
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
Starts at $5.9/user/month
Starts at $6.99/user/month
Starts at $3.99/user/month
Starts at $19/month, for more than 1 project (and up to 10)
Starts at $1.99/user/month
Starts at $20/location/month
Start at $25/month, for up to 9 users
Pricing is not publicly available
Pricing is not publicly available
Free Trial
yes
14-day
no
yes
14-day
yes
7-day, for PRO features
yes
30-day
yes
yes
14-day
no
no
no
Free Plan
yes
Free Up to 10 users
no
yes
yes
yes
For a single project
yes
yes
For a single location
no
no
no

What Are Small Business Time Clock Apps?

Time clock apps are referred to by many names: a time tracker, an employee attendance keeper, punch clocker, etc., but they are all the same. They all are a digital way of keeping tabs on employees at “punch-in” and “punch out.” Through automation, this is a software that keeps time to the second and makes it easy for managers to streamline scheduling, export timesheets, and then put payroll into motion.

 

How Do Time Clocks for Small Businesses Work?

Time clocks for small businesses are all geared to automate timekeeping. They are built to work as a substitution for the manualized versions that can often result in time theft. Time clock systems can either be downloaded directly to your employees’ phones, or to a kiosk device that is installed at the job site. Employees hit a button to start the timer when they start their shift and end the timer when they finish.

For employees on the go, geofencing capabilities add another level of accuracy to your timesheets. When you active a geofence, employees can only clock in once they are actually physically at the job site. You can even stop the time clock automatically once people leave a geofenced area.

The Benefits of Time Clocks for Small Businesses

Time clocks are more than just a time card system. Digital time clocks, for small businesses especially, can positively impact your future business growth, budgeting, and the harmony that is important to maintain between you and your employees.

The benefits you can be sure to see roll into your business are these and more:

  • You will be assured of accurate and precise time-logged employee hours with an automated, to-the-second time clock.
  • Take the guesswork out of your employees’ activity on their work route through geofence and GPS breadcrumb integration.
  • Your accountant will have error-free payroll with a digitally transferred timesheet that is tidy and accurate to the second.

How much do time clocks for small businesses cost?

Pricing of time clock apps can range, but unfortunately, a majority fall on the more expensive side. Many time clock mobile apps charge on a per-user basis, which can add up very quickly.

We believe Connecteam is the best a time clock for small businesses for exactly this reason. With a fixed asking rate of  $29 per month for the first 30 users, you won’t need to sweat the cost of time tracking. Even when you need more seats, Connecteam is one of the most affordable options on the market.

FAQs

I thought time clocks are only useful for large businesses, should I invest in one?

Time clocks, like Connecteam, are for all businesses of shape or size. The need to clock in/out, calculate monthly payroll, and to be on top of where work could be better utilized doesn’t just go out the window when you’re a smaller team.A time clocks small businesses benefit from, is a software tool that works to delete human error in order to save you more money at the end of the day. Without the mess and confusion of inaccuracy, timesheets and the process of payroll will also become a weight lifted off the shoulders.

Is time theft really costing my small business that much?

Yes, in fact according to the APA, as the service sector continues to dominate the 21st century economic landscape, payroll expenses have resulted in a 50% makeup of total operating expenses. Time theft is an easy game to play in today’s world but it is also an easy fix with today’s software technology, like Connecteam that provides both geofencing and breadcrumb technology. Without having to deal with time theft and buddy punching, this sort of accuracy will keep your business on budget.

What role does automation play in the best time clocks for small businesses?

In a movie, automation would be the leading role. As the leading role of time clocks, every other moving part of timekeeping is dependent on the success of automation. Other moving parts would include timesheets, payroll processes, and employee attendance that unmasks time theft or buddy punching. For a small business like yours, every cent counts and every second is crunch time. The American Payroll Association specifies that costs at payroll processes are avoidable by 80% through the principle of automation. With automation, everything is kept to the very second and in turn keeps your money correct to the very penny.

Now a question for you: doesn’t that sound like something worthwhile?

The Bottom Line On Time Clocks for Small Businesses

Unproductive work hours are masked until the checks come out and you, the business owner, have to pay a substantially large bottom line. If there is something learned and uncovered from all this information, it’s that although this is a dominant problem of the service labor industry, there are also solutions out there to take the worries away. With Connecteam you can keep time compliantly and hit the peak of your productivity by having all work hours digitally cataloged to the second. Incentivizing and motivating employees to be their most efficient and in turn compensate your workers fairly for those seconds. Happy employees equal happy customers.

With increased customer satisfaction that all comes back to the main point and purpose: an overall successful business. Finding the best time clock for small business will change way more than one sector of your company and luckily enough now you have 10 time clocks for small businesses to choose from and a recommended best small business time clock option, Connecteam, above that can finally save you time and money to put aside to better use.