8 best time and attendance software platforms for 2025
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10 Best Time and Attendance Software Solutions in 2025
Running payroll should be straightforward: employees clock in, clock out, you approve their hours, and everyone gets paid accurately. But if you're still using spreadsheets, paper timecards, or disconnected systems, you know it's rarely that simple.
Someone forgets to clock out. Another employee clocks in 20 minutes early every day. Overtime creeps up without warning. You spend hours reconciling timesheets with schedules, fixing errors, and hoping you didn't miss something that will cause problems during payroll processing.
Different states have different overtime rules, making multi-state payroll processing particularly complex. Break requirements vary by location. One miscalculation can lead to wage and hour violations that cost far more than the original error. Modern compliance management software helps prevent these costly mistakes.
Time and attendance software solves these problems by automating hourly tracking, enforcing compliance rules, and connecting time data directly to payroll. The right system eliminates manual work, prevents costly errors, and gives you confidence that employees are paid correctly for every hour worked.
After researching platforms, reviewing user feedback, and examining how each system handles real-world time tracking challenges, I've identified the best time & attendance software that actually delivers on their promises.
Why accurate time and attendance tracking matters
Payroll errors, compliance risks, lost admin hours, and disconnected tools make manual time tracking a nightmare. Fragmented approaches cost time, money, and peace of mind—especially as your business grows and regulations change. Modern time and attendance software eliminates these headaches by automating tracking, enforcing compliance, and connecting your workforce data end-to-end.
Comprehensive comparison: Best time and attendance software platforms
Software | Best for | Choose this if you | Key features | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rippling | Eliminating payroll errors and compliance risks with automated enforcement | Want time tracking that syncs with payroll automatically and enforces labor laws without manual oversight | Automated payroll sync, compliance automation, customizable workflows, real-time visibility, mobile app, overtime management | $8/employee/mo |
Clockify | Teams needing free time tracking with optional upgrades | Want unlimited free time tracking for unlimited users with the option to add features later | Timer, timesheet, calendar, kiosk, auto tracker, unlimited projects, basic reports | Free; $3.99/user/mo |
Hubstaff | Remote and field teams needing productivity tracking | Manage distributed teams and need visibility beyond just hours worked | Screenshots, activity monitoring, GPS tracking, automated timesheets, payroll integration | $4.99/seat/mo |
OnTheClock | Small businesses wanting simple time tracking | Need straightforward time clock software without complexity | Time tracking, PTO management, location controls, overtime calculation, multiple punch devices | $4/employee/mo + $5 base fee |
Connecteam | Deskless and frontline teams needing mobile-first solutions | Manage field workers, retail teams, or other non-desk employees who need mobile time tracking | Mobile time clock, GPS geofencing, kiosk station, scheduling integration, task management | $29/mo for first 30 users |
Deputy | Shift-based businesses needing scheduling and time tracking together | Want time tracking tightly integrated with shift scheduling and demand forecasting | Shift management, auto-scheduling, biometrics, labour law and break planning compliance | $5/user/mo |
QuickBooks Time | Businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting | Already use QuickBooks and want to sync time tracking data to accounting and payroll. | Workforce app, geofencing, project tracking, customized reports, time kiosk | $10/mo + $8/user/mo (for 3 months) |
When I Work | Single or multi-location teams wanting scheduling with time tracking | Need an affordable solution for scheduling, time clock, and team messaging | Employee scheduling, geofencing, photo clock-in, payroll integration, shift swapping | $2.50/user/mo |
Our scoring methodology and research process
We evaluated more than 20 platforms using a weighted scoring system prioritizing automation, integration, unified architecture, ease of use, pricing, and support. Each vendor was reviewed with input from product demos, user reviews, and hands-on testing. Only the top 10 are reviewed in detail, and Rippling Finance was evaluated on the same criteria—scoring highest for automation, compliance, and integration depth.
Top 10 time and attendance software platforms: Detailed reviews
1. Rippling Finance
Rippling Finance stands apart by unifying HR, payroll, time tracking, and recruiting capabilities in a single platform. With native integrations, real-time compliance automation, and customizable workflows, Rippling eliminates manual reconciliation and ensures accuracy across every location and pay rule. The platform adapts as you grow—no spreadsheets, no disconnected tools, and no compliance guesswork.
Key Features:
Native HR/payroll integration, real-time compliance enforcement, customizable workflows, unified data, job costing, advanced scheduling, mobile app
Integrations:
120+ including QuickBooks, NetSuite, Gusto, Xero, HRIS, SSO, Slack
Limitations:
More comprehensive than needed for micro-businesses; onboarding can be complex for very small teams
Pricing:
Starts at $8/employee/month (modular add-ons available)
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk mode, biometric options |
Automated compliance | Yes (federal, state, and local labor laws based on employee location) |
Payroll integration | Native integration with Rippling Payroll, automatic sync of approved hours |
Scheduling | Yes (integrated with time tracking) |
Overtime and break management | Automated enforcement based on hours worked and location |
GPS and geofencing | Yes |
Reporting | 150+ customizable templates, real-time labor cost visibility |
Workflows and automation | Yes (Workflow Studio for custom automations) |
Mobile app | Yes (iOS and Android) |
Starting price | $8/employee/month |
Testimonial Subsection Start
Why customers appreciate Rippling Finance for unified time and attendance
"Nearly all tedious admin tasks have been eliminated! Our recruiting, onboarding, benefits/open enrollment, performance management, payroll, expense reimbursement, and offboarding processes are now smooth and efficient." Working Wardrobes People Ops Manager
"It has been five months since we began our journey with Rippling! We continue adding new Rippling products because of the enhancements and value that each product solution provides to our organization. Using Payroll, Global Payroll, App Management, Expense Management, Performance Management, Time and Attendance, and currently seeking guidance with PEO and EOR…Rippling has become our single source of truth eliminating the busy work so that my value and skills can be invested back into the organization." Adventure Travel Trade Association Global People and Finance Operations Manager
"The fact that we can link permissions to our Rippling data structure and centralize it around who people report to and what department they're located in a way that's all driven from employee data in an updated system is very helpful, rather than trying to integrate to another expense platform." V-Check Sean English, CFO
Testimonial Subsection End
2. Clockify
Clockify is a time-tracking and invoicing platform that helps employees log and manage their time and allows businesses to monitor progress of projects and quickly bill clients. Clockify positions itself as a popular free time tracker, offering unlimited time tracking for unlimited users at no cost. This free-forever model makes it accessible for individuals, freelancers, and small teams who need basic time tracking without financial commitment.
While Clockify excels at basic time tracking, it lacks the deep HR and payroll integrations that platforms like Rippling offer. You can export timesheets to process payroll, but there's no automated sync that prevents errors and eliminates manual work. Also Clockify is also primarily a time tracking tool rather than a comprehensive workforce management solution. So if you need more advanced features, you'll need to supplement Clockify with additional tools.
Key Features:
Free unlimited time tracking, timer and manual entry, basic reporting, project tracking
Integrations:
20+ (Trello, Asana, Jira, QuickBooks, etc.)
Limitations:
Lacks built-in payroll or compliance automation, basic reporting, upgrades needed for advanced features
Pricing:
Free forever, paid from $3.99/user/month
Feature | Available for Clockify? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Timer, manual entry, calendar, auto tracker, kiosk | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | No | Yes |
Payroll integration | Integrates with 14 payroll software | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | No | Yes |
Starting price | Free; $3.99/user/month | $8/employee/month |
3. Hubstaff
Hubstaff provides time tracking designed specifically for remote, field, and distributed teams. The platform goes beyond simple hour tracking to include productivity monitoring features like screenshots, activity levels, and application usage tracking. This makes Hubstaff useful for businesses that need visibility into how remote employees spend their time, not just how many hours they work.
The productivity monitoring features, while powerful, aren't appropriate for every workplace. Some employees find screenshots and activity monitoring invasive, and implementing these features requires careful communication about privacy and trust.
Key Features:
Time tracking, GPS location, productivity monitoring, payroll exports
Integrations:
10+ (PayPal, Gusto, QuickBooks, Jira, Asana, etc.)
Limitations:
Monitoring may be invasive for some teams, limited compliance automation
Pricing:
$4.99/user/month (basic), upgrades for more features
Feature | Available for Hubstaff? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Desktop app, mobile app, Chrome extension | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | No | Yes |
Payroll integration | 3rd party integrations — PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, Bitwage, Deel, Gusto | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $4.99/user/month | $8/employee/month |
4. OnTheClock
OnTheClock delivers basic time tracking without the complexity of enterprise platforms. The software focuses on doing a few things well: tracking employee hours, calculating overtime, managing PTO, and executing payroll.
OnTheClock is designed for simplicity, which means it lacks many advanced features that larger or more complex organizations need. Features like biometric time clocking require additional hardware (fingerprint readers start at less than $100) and cost an extra $0.50 per employee per month. Text messaging for alerts costs $2 per month plus $0.01 per message sent. These add-ons can increase your total cost.
Key Features:
Core time tracking, PTO and overtime management, GPS punch location, simple payroll add-on
Integrations:
Basic payroll exports (QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Paychex)
Limitations:
Add-ons increase cost, limited automation, not ideal for larger orgs
Pricing:
$4/employee/mo + $5 base fee
Feature | Available for OnTheClock? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Web, mobile app, kiosk, fingerprint (add-on) | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | Basic | Yes |
Payroll integration | Optional OnTheClock Payroll add-on | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $4/employee/mo + $5 base fee | $8/employee/month |
5. Connecteam
Connecteam is another time-tracking solution that helps businesses accurately monitor employees' work hours and manage schedules. It takes a mobile-first approach to workforce management, designed for deskless and frontline teams. The time clock is part of Connecteam's Operations Hub, which also includes scheduling, forms and checklists, and task management.
Connecteam's pricing structure can be confusing because features are split across different "Hubs" (Operations, Communications, and HR & Skills). If you want time tracking plus employee training or document management, you'll probably need to subscribe to multiple hubs, increasing costs. Also, while the platform handles time tracking and scheduling well, it doesn't offer the deep payroll integration or automated compliance features that platforms like Rippling provides.
Key Features:
Mobile time clock, GPS geofencing, scheduling, forms, mobile-first experience
Integrations:
15+ (QuickBooks, Gusto, Xero, Slack, etc.)
Limitations:
Features split across hubs, limited payroll integration, costs can add up
Pricing:
$29/mo for first 30 users, free for 10 users
Feature | Available for Connecteam? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Mobile app, kiosk with PIN or selfie | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | Basic | Yes |
Payroll integration | Export to payroll providers (Gusto, QuickBooks, Xero, Paychex) | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $29/mo for first 30 users | $8/employee/month |
6. Deputy
Deputy combines employee scheduling with time and attendance tracking, recognizing that these functions work better when integrated.
Deputy's scheduling capabilities include demand forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on historical sales data and other factors, helping businesses comply with predictive scheduling laws.
While Deputy handles time tracking and scheduling, it's not a comprehensive HR platform. You'll still need separate systems for payroll processing (though Deputy integrates with many payroll providers), benefits administration, performance management, and other HR functions.
Key Features:
Shift scheduling, auto-scheduling, break compliance, demand forecasting
Integrations:
25+ payroll integrations (ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Xero, etc.)
Limitations:
Not a full HR suite, requires other tools for payroll and benefits
Pricing:
$5/user/month
Feature | Available for Deputy? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Mobile app, tablet, desktop, biometric | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | Basic | Yes |
Payroll integration | 25 external payroll integrations | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $5/user/mo | $8/employee/month |
7. QuickBooks Time
QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is built for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting or payroll. The deep integration between time tracking and QuickBooks makes it valuable for companies invested in the Intuit ecosystem. Approved hours sync to QuickBooks for payroll processing or client invoicing. Project time gets allocated to customers and jobs, making it easier to bill accurately and track project profitability.
A QuickBooks Online account is required to use QuickBooks Time. If your business relies on different accounting software, this tool may not be a good fit since its strongest features only work inside the QuickBooks ecosystem.
Key Features:
Project time tracking, geofencing, scheduling, QuickBooks sync
Integrations:
50+ (QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, ADP, etc.)
Limitations:
Requires QuickBooks Online, limited compliance automation
Pricing:
$10/mo base + $8/user/month
Feature | Available for QuickBooks Time? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Desktop app, mobile app, kiosk | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | No | Yes |
Payroll integration | 50 accounting and payroll apps | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | No | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $10/mo + $8/user/month | $8/employee/month |
8. When I Work
When I Work combines employee scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging in an affordable package designed for small businesses and teams. The platform is particularly popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other shift-based businesses. The pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly. Single location businesses pay $2.50 per user per month, while multi-location businesses pay $5 per user per month. Both plans include scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging, making it a basic workforce management solution at a low price point.
There's no automated compliance enforcement beyond basic overtime tracking, no sophisticated workforce analytics, and limited customization compared to enterprise platforms. When I Work also doesn't provide native payroll processing. You can export timesheets to payroll providers like Rippling, but there's no built-in payroll solutions.
Key Features:
Scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, shift swapping
Integrations:
Rippling payroll, QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, etc.
Limitations:
Limited compliance, not a full HR suite, basic analytics
Pricing:
$2.50/user/month (single location), $5/user/month (multi-location)
Feature | Available for When I Work? | Available for Rippling? |
|---|---|---|
Time tracking methods | Mobile app, tablet, any device as time clock | Mobile app, web browser, kiosk, biometric options |
Automated compliance | Via Rippling integration | Yes |
Payroll integration | Payroll powered by Rippling, its preferred partner | Native Rippling Payroll integration |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
Overtime and break management | Yes | Yes |
GPS and geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Reporting | Basic | 150+ customizable templates |
Workflows and automation | Limited | Yes |
Starting price | $2.50/user/month | $8/employee/month |
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9. Brex
Brex is an AI-powered global spend management platform designed for modern, scaling companies. Founded in 2017, Brex serves tens of thousands of businesses, including startups and large enterprises, with a unified suite of tools for corporate cards, expense management, travel, bill pay, and business accounts. Its mission is to empower employees anywhere to make better financial decisions, and its platform is built for global operations, offering local-currency cards and reimbursements in 50+ countries.
Brex stands out for its automation capabilities, including AI-driven receipt capture, policy enforcement, and real-time spend controls. The platform is especially appealing to finance teams seeking robust controls, global coverage, and seamless integration with major ERPs, HRIS, and productivity tools. While Brex offers a free Essentials plan, advanced features like multi-entity support and deep customization are available in paid tiers.
Feature Category | Brex Support | Notes/Details |
Corporate Cards (Physical/Virtual) | ✓ | Global acceptance, local-currency cards in 50+ countries |
Expense Management Automation | ✓ | AI-powered receipt capture, policy enforcement, approvals |
Travel Booking & Management | ✓ | Integrated global travel, 24/7 support, group events |
Bill Pay & Reimbursements | ✓ | Automated bill pay, reimbursements in local currencies |
ERP/HRIS Integrations | ✓ | Direct integrations with NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, Gusto, BambooHR, and more |
Mobile App & Self-Serve Onboarding | ✓ | Central to workflows, WhatsApp support, easy activation |
Multi-Entity & Global Controls | ◐ | Available in Premium/Enterprise plans |
Key Features
AI-powered spend management with automated receipt capture and policy enforcement
Global corporate cards and reimbursements in 50+ countries, with real-time controls
Integrated travel booking and management, including group events and 24/7 support
Live Budgets for real-time spend control and visibility
Integrations
Brex offers direct integrations with major ERPs (NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage), HRIS platforms (Workday, Gusto, Deel, BambooHR), SSO providers (Okta, Azure AD, Google), and automation tools (Zapier, Workato, Slack, Teams, WhatsApp). Over 40 HRIS integrations are supported, making Brex a strong choice for companies with complex tech stacks.
Limitations
Eligibility requires a U.S. EIN and incorporation for U.S.-originated customers, which can limit access for some international or pre-incorporated teams. Advanced features such as multi-entity management and localized issuance are only available in higher-tier plans. Some products may have associated fees, and not all features are available in the free Essentials plan.
Pricing
Essentials: $0/user/month (includes travel, reimbursements, bill pay, accounting integrations)
Premium: $12/user/month (adds advanced policies, multi-entity, AI compliance, Live Budgets)
Enterprise: Custom pricing (unlimited entities, admin center, dedicated support)
10. Ramp
Ramp is a modern finance automation platform founded in 2019, serving over 45,000 customers globally. Ramp’s mission is to save businesses time and money by automating spend management, expense reporting, bill pay, and procurement. The platform is built for startups through global enterprises, offering unlimited virtual and physical corporate cards, advanced controls, and AI-driven automation for finance teams.
Ramp differentiates itself with a free core plan, AI-powered policy agents, and deep integrations across accounting, HRIS, and productivity tools. Its Plus and Enterprise tiers add advanced features like multi-entity support, global programs, and procurement automation, making Ramp suitable for scaling organizations with complex needs.
Feature Category | Ramp Support | Notes/Details |
Corporate Charge Cards | ✓ | Unlimited virtual/physical cards, granular controls |
Expense Management Automation | ✓ | AI policy agents, automated coding, approval routing |
Bill Pay & Accounts Payable | ✓ | ACH, card, check, wires; three-way match; vendor management |
Procurement & Intake | ✓ | Procurement workflows, contract extraction, Buyer negotiation |
ERP/HRIS Integrations | ✓ | 200+ integrations: NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Workday, BambooHR, Okta, Google |
Travel Management | ✓ | Travel booking, policy controls, Priceline inventory |
Multi-Entity/Global Features | ◐ | Available in Plus/Enterprise plans |
Key Features
AI-driven automation for expense management, bill pay, and procurement
Unlimited cards and users, with granular spend controls and real-time reporting
Advanced approval workflows, multi-entity and multi-currency support
Integrated travel booking and policy enforcement
Integrations
Ramp integrates with over 200 platforms, including major ERPs (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, Xero, Microsoft Dynamics), HRIS (BambooHR, Workday), SSO/IdP (Okta, Google, Microsoft), and productivity tools (Slack, Amazon Business). The platform also supports API access and custom workflows for advanced automation.
Limitations
Ramp’s eligibility is focused on U.S.-registered businesses, though global features are expanding in Plus/Enterprise. Some advanced procurement and multi-entity features are only available in paid plans. Bill Pay and wire transfers may incur additional fees, and onboarding for certain global features may require extra steps.
Pricing
Free: $0/user/month (core card and expense software)
Plus: $15/user/month (+ platform fee, annual discount available)
Enterprise: Custom pricing (annual, includes advanced global and procurement features)
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What should you look for in time and attendance software?
Real-time tracking
Automated compliance enforcement
Seamless payroll/HR integration
Scheduling and overtime management
Mobile accessibility
Role-based permissions and controls
Advanced reporting and
workforce analytics
Scalability for growth
Which time and attendance software is right for you?
If your business needs unified automation, multi-location compliance, or seamless HR and payroll integration, Rippling Finance is the clear leader. For growing companies, complex compliance, or eliminating manual reconciliation, Rippling provides unmatched automation and a single source of truth for your workforce.
Why Rippling Finance?
Rippling Finance goes beyond basic time tracking by unifying HR, payroll, and compliance automation into one seamless platform. With real-time enforcement of labor laws, native payroll integration, and customizable workflows, Rippling eliminates manual errors and future-proofs your business for growth.
Scale confidently, automate compliance, and gain a single source of truth for your workforce—no matter how complex your operations become.
Ready to see the difference? See Rippling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is time and attendance software?
Time and attendance (T&A) software is a digital solution that tracks when employees start and end work, manages time-off requests, calculates hours worked, and generates reports for payroll processing. Modern systems do this through mobile apps, web browsers, or kiosk devices rather than physical time cards or paper timesheets.
The software typically includes features like GPS verification to prevent time theft, automated overtime calculations, break tracking for compliance, approval workflows for managers, and integrations with payroll providers to streamline payroll processing.
Why is time tracking important?
Time tracking is important because it:
- Ensures employees are paid accurately for their work
- Helps businesses comply with labor laws
- Provides visibility into labor costs
- Generates documentation needed for payroll and compliance purposes
Without accurate time tracking, businesses risk underpaying or overpaying employees, violating labor laws, losing money to time theft, and lacking the data needed to optimize workforce efficiency.
What is the best software for time and attendance management?
The best time and attendance solution depends on your business’ size, structure, and future growth plans. While many platforms offer reliable time-tracking, scheduling, and reporting offerings, Rippling Time & Attendance stands out with:
- Robust integrations with payroll and other HR processesA
- Automated workflows that save time and manage costs
- Customizable policies to manage time and attendance your way
- Built-in compliance monitoring in adherence with varying local, state, and federal laws
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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