Hours Tracker Time Clock

Can You Track Hours Without Expensive Software?

You don't need business software with per-seat pricing to keep an accurate record of your hours. If you're tracking your own time as an hourly worker, freelancer or small contractor, a phone and a simple method are enough. Here are the realistic options, from free to a few dollars a month.

Option 1: Paper or a notebook

A small notebook costs almost nothing and works anywhere. The downside is everything after the writing: adding up totals, figuring overtime, and keeping it safe. We cover the trade-offs in should you switch from paper timesheets.

Option 2: A spreadsheet

A spreadsheet adds math, but it adds risk too. One broken formula or a row typed into the wrong week can throw off a whole month, and spreadsheets aren't easy to update from a job site. See what timesheet mistakes are costing you.

Option 3: Your phone's notes or calendar

Quick to use and always with you, but there's no automatic total, no overtime and nothing to export as proof.

Option 4: A personal hours app

A phone app built for individuals sits between the free methods and pricey business software. You get automatic totals, overtime, backup and export for the cost of a coffee or two a month, and no team plan you don't need.

How to choose the right level

Ask yourself three questions:

  • Do I ever get overtime, or work more than one job? If yes, automatic calculations will save you time and mistakes.
  • Would I need proof of my hours? If yes, you need clean exports.
  • What happens if I lose this record? If the answer is "I'd lose money," you need backup.

If all three are no, a notebook may be fine. If any is yes, a personal app is the better deal. Our guide to what a work hours app should include lists what to look for.

How Hours Tracker Time Clock keeps it affordable

Hours Tracker Time Clock is built for one person tracking their own time, not a company paying per employee. It costs $49.99 a year, about $4.17 a month, and includes:

  • Home-screen widgets to clock in, watch a live timer and spot missed days
  • Automatic overtime and breaks
  • Unlimited jobs and rates
  • Cloud backup and one-tap PDF or CSV export
  • Import of old timesheets from CSV or XLSX, so your spreadsheet history comes with you

Get accurate without overspending

Download Hours Tracker Time Clock on the App Store or Google Play and try it free. Still deciding? Read why work hours apps cost money.