10 Free Time Tracking Apps for Developers 2024

Discover the top 10 free time tracking apps for developers in 2024 to boost productivity and manage projects effectively.

Productivity
Sep 13, 2024
10 Free Time Tracking Apps for Developers 2024

Boost your productivity and manage projects better with these top free time tracking apps:

Quick Comparison

AppBest ForStandout FeatureFree Plan Limit
ClockifyTeams of any sizeUnlimited everythingNo limit
Toggl TrackFreelancers, small teams100+ integrations5 users
ClickUpTeams wanting all-in-oneProject managementLimited storage
TimeCampRemote teamsAuto-tracking1 user
JibbleStartupsMobile-friendlyUnlimited users
HarvestFreelancers, agenciesBuilt-in invoicing1 user, 2 projects
HubstaffField workersGPS tracking1 user
TimelyHands-off trackersAI auto-trackingNo free plan
DeskTimeOffice-based teamsProductivity analysis1 user
My HoursProject-based workDetailed reporting5 users

Choose based on your team size, integration needs, and specific features like invoicing or auto-tracking. Test a few to find the best fit for your workflow.

How We Picked These Apps

We focused on what developers actually need in time tracking apps. Here’s what mattered:

  1. Project Integration: Works with Jira, Trello, GitHub, etc.
  2. Ease of Use: Simple interface. No learning curve.
  3. Reporting: Detailed analytics for billing and productivity.
  4. Customization: Adapts to your workflow.
  5. Free Plan: Solid free options, not just trials.

Our criteria breakdown:

CriteriaWeight
Core Functionality25%
Standout Features25%
Usability10%
Onboarding10%
Customer Support10%
Value For Money10%
User Reviews10%

We tested each app ourselves, for both solo devs and teams. The goal? Find tools that help, not hinder.

“The best time tracking app is the one you’ll actually use”, says Sarah Chen, CTO of DevTrack. “It should feel like a natural part of your workflow, not an interruption.”

We looked at pricing too. While we focused on free options, we checked upgrade paths. Most apps offer paid plans from $5 to $20 per user/month, with enterprise options.

1. Clockify

Clockify

Clockify is a free time tracking app that developers love. It’s web-based and packed with features for solo devs and teams alike.

What makes Clockify stand out?

  • Free plan with no limits on users or projects
  • Track time in your browser, desktop, or with an extension
  • Get detailed reports and stats
  • Works with popular project management tools

The best part? It’s super easy to use. You can start tracking time right away without any headaches.

“Stay lean. Move fast. See everything.” - Nenad Milanovic, Clockify Co-founder

This sums up Clockify’s approach perfectly.

Working on multiple projects? No problem. Clockify lets you track time across different projects, tasks, and clients. Then, you can analyze where your time’s going.

Need help staying focused? Try the Pomodoro timer. It’s great for boosting productivity and avoiding burnout.

While the free plan is awesome, Clockify also offers paid options:

PlanPrice (per user/month)What You Get
Free$0Unlimited everything + basic reports
Basic$3.99Time audits, custom exports
Standard$5.49Approve timesheets, invoice
Pro$7.99GPS tracking, screenshots
Enterprise$11.99SSO, advanced user management

Clockify plays nice with over 80 web apps, including Jira, GitHub, and Trello. So you can track time without messing up your workflow.

Just keep in mind: some users find the reports a bit basic, and the interface isn’t the most modern.

But if you want a free time tracker with solid features, Clockify is tough to beat. It’s especially great for small teams or startups on a budget.

2. Toggl Track

Toggl Track

Toggl Track is a top free time tracking app for developers. It works on web, desktop, mobile, and as browser extensions.

Key features:

  • One-click timer
  • Offline mode
  • Project management
  • Detailed reports
  • 100+ integrations (GitHub, Jira)

The free plan supports 5 users with unlimited time entries. Perfect for small teams or freelancers.

Pricing:

PlanPrice (per user/month)Key Features
Free$0Basic tracking, unlimited projects
Starter$10Billable rates, time estimates
Premium$20Team management, forecasts
EnterpriseCustomPriority support, training

Andy, a software consultant, says: “Chose Toggl Track after trialing 20+ similar tools.”

Real impact:

  • Perception Engineering: 40+ hours saved monthly
  • Newlogic: 100% team adoption
  • Sweat+Co PR: 20% increased profitability

Toggl Track focuses on trust, not surveillance.

Pros and cons:

  • Cross-platform support
  • Generous free plan
  • Detailed categorization
  • Offline sync needs internet
  • Manual tracking can be forgotten
  • Some find notifications excessive

With 145 integrations and API access, Toggl Track plays well with other tools. Its customizable dashboards and Insights tool help analyze productivity and profitability.

For developers, Toggl Track offers a solid mix of features, ease of use, and scalability.

3. ClickUp

ClickUp

ClickUp is a Swiss Army knife for developers. It’s not just time tracking - it’s project management, goal setting, and team chat all rolled into one.

Here’s what ClickUp brings to the table:

  • Track time on desktop, mobile, or Chrome
  • View tasks as lists, boards, calendars, or Gantt charts
  • Play nice with 1000+ other apps
  • Bend workflows to your will
  • Work offline and sync later

ClickUp’s time tracking isn’t just about clocking hours. It’s about understanding where your time goes. And with the Chrome extension, you can track time while you browse.

Pricing? Here’s the breakdown:

PlanPrice (per user/month)What you get
Free Forever$0Basics, limited storage
Unlimited$5Unlimited storage, built-in time tracking
Business$12Export how you want, bring in guests
Business Plus$19Share with your team, automate more
EnterpriseCustomTalk to sales

The free plan lets you track time 60 times. Need more? Upgrade.

One user raves:

“ClickUp is a breeze to use. It’s not just easy for the team - it’s a cinch to customize and get the most out of it.” - Oskar B., Verified User in Computer Software

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows:

  • Time reports are basic
  • Some find the interface tricky
  • Mobile app timers can be glitchy

How does it stack up?

FeatureClickUpOther Time Trackers
Log time for othersNopeOften yes
Time approvalNadaCommon
Project budgetingSo-soUsually better
Custom reportsBasicOften more advanced

ClickUp is great if you want one tool to rule them all. But if you’re after deep time analytics, you might need to keep looking.

4. TimeCamp

TimeCamp

TimeCamp is a time tracking app that’s perfect for remote dev teams. It runs in the background, so you can focus on coding, not clock-watching.

Here’s what TimeCamp offers:

  • Automatic time tracking
  • Keyword-based task sorting
  • Project and task organization
  • Detailed reporting
  • Productivity monitoring

TimeCamp’s automatic tracking is like having a personal assistant. It logs time spent on emails, meetings, and document editing without you lifting a finger.

For developers, TimeCamp shines with its integrations. It works with Trello, Asana, Jira, Slack, and more. No more app-hopping to track your time.

Here’s the pricing breakdown:

PlanPrice (per user/month)Features
Free$0Unlimited users, basic features
Basic$7Time tracking, productivity tools
Pro$10Team management, invoicing
EnterpriseCustomAll features, custom integrations

The free plan is solid, offering unlimited users and basic tracking. Paid plans start at $7 per user per month.

TimeCamp doesn’t just track time - it helps you understand your work habits. You can see which projects are time-sinks and when you’re most productive.

Pro tip: Install the TimeCamp app and browser extensions to catch all your work time across different tools and websites.

One quirk: The automatic timer only works on the timesheet window. If you like seeing a timer tick away, you might need to adjust.

TimeCamp’s reputation is strong, with 4.7 out of 5 on both Capterra and G2. But it’s not perfect - some users find the interface cluttered, and the mobile app can be glitchy.

Bottom line: If you’re a remote developer wanting a time tracker that does the heavy lifting, TimeCamp’s worth checking out. It’s especially useful for juggling multiple projects or clients.

Just remember, TimeCamp can track your time automatically, but it can’t write your code. Yet.

5. Jibble

Jibble

Jibble is a free time tracking app that’s catching on with developers. It’s cloud-based and helps teams track attendance and billable hours.

Here’s what Jibble offers:

  • Free plan with unlimited users
  • GPS and facial recognition for clock-ins
  • 800+ app integrations
  • Custom schedules and break rules
  • Detailed timesheets and reports

Jibble’s free plan packs a punch:

FeatureWhat It Does
Time TrackingLog time for projects and tasks
GPS TrackingCheck work locations for remote teams
Biometric VerificationUse facial recognition to clock in
ReportingGet timesheets and productivity data
IntegrationsLink with project management tools

Jibble shines for multi-project developers. You can hop between tasks and see where your time goes.

The app plays well with others, too. One developer said:

“We use Zoho Flow to link Zoho Billing with JotForm. Customer preferences from JotForm automatically create subscriptions in Zoho Billing. Setting it up was a breeze with the drag-and-drop interface!” - Josh Lucas, Head of Operations, AAA Band Rentals

Got spotty internet? No problem. Jibble works offline, so you won’t lose data.

While the free plan is solid, Jibble also has paid options:

  • Power Plan: $3.99 per user/month
  • Ultimate Plan: $7.99 per user/month

These add group management, live location tracking, and client-based time tracking.

Heads up: Solo developers might find Jibble pricey, as paid plans require a minimum of three users.

For teams, Jibble is easy to set up. A quick training session can get everyone on board.

Developers love Jibble’s user-friendly design and helpful support. Its reporting feature is great for sending detailed client reports, making billing a breeze.

6. Harvest

Harvest

Harvest isn’t just another time tracker. It’s a Swiss Army knife for developers, handling time, projects, and billing in one go.

What’s in the Harvest toolbox?

  • Track time on any device
  • Manage projects
  • Invoice and get paid
  • Crunch the numbers

The free plan? It’s basic but useful:

FeatureFree Plan
Users1
Projects2
ClientsUnlimited

Juggling multiple projects? The Pro plan ($12/user/month) unlocks everything.

Developers love Harvest’s simplicity:

“Analytics, UI, and invoicing save us days each month. It’s way cheaper than other options.” - Kristian M., Operations Manager

Here’s why Harvest rocks for developers:

  1. Time Tracking

Log time without breaking a sweat:

  • Use the timer on your phone or desktop
  • Manually add forgotten time
  • Link with Google Calendar for context
  1. Project Management Keep projects on track and teams balanced. Visual reports spot overworked devs and untapped resources.

  2. Invoicing Turn time into money with a few clicks. PayPal and Stripe integration? Check.

  3. Plays Well with Others Harvest links up with other tools. Here’s how to connect with monday.com:

  4. Open your monday.com board

  5. Hit the Integration button

  6. Pick Harvest

  7. Choose an automation recipe

  8. Link your accounts

Heads up: Changes in monday.com won’t auto-update in Harvest.

Harvest’s been around since 2006, serving over 70,000 companies. It’s perfect for freelancers and small teams who want no-fuss time tracking with built-in billing.

Need deep analytics or have a big team? Check out Toggl Track. But for many devs, Harvest hits the sweet spot of time tracking, project management, and invoicing.

7. Hubstaff

Hubstaff

Hubstaff isn’t just another time tracker. It’s a full-blown remote team management system.

What’s in the box?

  • Track time on any device (desktop, web, mobile, GPS)
  • Keep an eye on employees (with optional screenshots)
  • See who’s productive and who’s slacking
  • Manage projects and budgets
  • Pay people and send invoices automatically

Free plan? Sure, but it’s limited:

UsersProjectsClients
1LimitedLimited

Got multiple projects? Paid plans start at $7/user/month.

Why devs dig Hubstaff:

  1. Time tracking on steroids Track time everywhere, set weekly limits, and approve timesheets without lifting a finger.

  2. Productivity x-ray vision See who’s actually working (based on keyboard and mouse use), compare your team to others, and spot time-wasting apps and sites.

  3. Project management that doesn’t suck Set budgets, track progress, see what’s making money, and assign tasks without the hassle.

  4. Plays nice with others Connect to your favorite dev tools and streamline your workflow.

Real-world example:

A dev agency used Hubstaff’s geofencing to clock field techs in and out automatically. Result? 35% fewer timesheet errors and 5 hours saved on admin work every week.

The good, the bad, and the ugly:

ProsCons
Tracks EVERYTHINGMight freak out privacy-conscious folks
Built-in payroll and invoicingFree plan is pretty bare-bones
GPS tracking for field workMobile app isn’t as feature-rich

Hubstaff shines for teams that want to know EXACTLY what’s going on. If you’re all about trust and autonomy, maybe look at Toggl Track instead.

Pro tip: If you use Hubstaff, be upfront with your team about what you’re tracking. It’ll keep things smooth and avoid any “Big Brother” vibes.

8. Timely

Timely

Timely’s AI-powered Memory Tracker takes the pain out of time tracking for developers. No more manual logging - it’s all automatic.

Here’s how it works: The Memory Tracker records your desktop activity and groups similar tasks. You then sort these “memories” into timesheets.

FeatureWhat it does
Automatic trackingLogs all desktop activity
AI groupingBundles similar tasks
Manual sortingYou assign memories to projects
Idle detectionAsks about offline time after 15 minutes

The good and the bad:

ProsCons
Less manual entrySorting can eat up time
Tracks idle timeNo free option (starts at $11/user/month)
Strong privacyBasic task management (add-on only)

A developer who uses Timely said: “When a client needs a rush job, I can quickly check Timely to see if I can fit it in.”

Tips for developers:

  1. Use it often: The AI gets smarter with more data.
  2. Dive into reports: Compare estimates vs. actual time to improve your planning.
  3. Connect with Google Calendar: Simplify scheduling and project management.

Timely’s automatic tracking is powerful, but it’s not perfect. The price and manual sorting might not work for everyone. Think about what your team needs before you commit.

9. DeskTime

DeskTime

DeskTime mixes automatic and manual time tracking for developers. Here’s the scoop:

FeatureWhat It Does
Auto-trackingLogs app and website time
Manual entriesAdd offline work or meetings
Project managementLink time to projects and tasks
Productivity analysisLabels time as productive or not
IntegrationsPlays nice with Google Calendar, Outlook, Trello, etc.

The free Lite plan gives you auto-tracking, URL and app logging, but for one user only.

Want team features? The Pro plan starts at $7/user/month, adding manual tracking, productivity stats, and team management.

“I love how easy it is to log time. It logs everything you do on your computer, so if you forgot to track time for a certain project you can figure out later exactly when you started based on your activity, and add it manually.” - Elena P., Senior Marketing Specialist

Pro tips:

  • Customize productivity categories for your dev tools
  • Use the absence calendar for team planning
  • Check weekly reports to spot time-wasters

Heads up: DeskTime takes screenshots by default. You might want to turn that off.

DeskTime’s solid, but it’s not dev-specific. Think about your team’s needs and privacy before jumping in.

10. My Hours

My Hours

My Hours is a free time tracking tool that’s great for developers and freelancers. Here’s the scoop:

What It Does:

FeatureDetails
Time TrackingReal-time, manual, and mobile options
Project ManagementTask organization and budget tracking
ReportingDetailed time reports and custom invoices
Team CollaborationAdmin controls for teams
IntegrationsWorks with 6,000+ apps via Zapier

It’s free for up to 5 users, perfect for small teams or solo devs. Want invoicing and priority support? Go Pro.

What Users Say: Oleg, a computer networking pro, loves it:

“I’ve used similar apps for 6+ years. For the last 3, it’s been only MyHours - the best, in my opinion.”

Pro Tips:

  1. Set reminders to log your hours.
  2. Use team approval workflows to catch mistakes.
  3. Export reports as XLS or PDF for easy invoicing.

Play Nice with Others: My Hours connects to tons of tools through Zapier. You can:

  • Add Asana tasks to My Hours
  • Create Google Calendar events from My Hours tasks
  • Log Outlook events as My Hours entries

Safety First: My Hours is GDPR compliant and ISO27001 certified. Your data’s safe.

Not Perfect: Some users want a better Reports dashboard. Think about what YOU need before jumping in.

Comparing All 10 Apps

Let’s break down the key features of these 10 free time tracking apps:

AppStandout FeaturesWho It’s For
ClockifyUnlimited everything, easy to useTeams of any size
Toggl Track100+ integrations, flexible trackingFreelancers, small teams
ClickUpAll-in-one project managementTeams wanting it all
TimeCampAuto-tracking, productivity monitoringRemote teams
JibbleSimple, mobile-friendlySmall teams, startups
HarvestTime tracking + invoicingFreelancers, agencies
HubstaffGPS tracking, screenshotsRemote teams, field workers
TimelyAI-powered auto-trackingHands-off time trackers
DeskTimeDetailed productivity analysisOffice-based teams
My HoursProject management, reportingFreelancers, project work

Picking the right app? Think about:

  1. Team size (Clockify for big teams, Toggl for small)
  2. Integration needs (Toggl’s 100+ integrations)
  3. Invoicing (Harvest’s built-in billing)
  4. Automation (Timely and TimeCamp for hands-off tracking)
  5. Privacy (Hubstaff’s screenshots might not work for everyone)

Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all. Choose what fits YOUR needs best.

Picking the Right App for You

Choosing a time tracking app? Here’s how to nail it:

  1. Know your needs Are you solo or part of a team? Your situation dictates what features you’ll want.

  2. Check integrations Make sure it plays nice with your other tools. Toggl Track, for example, works with 100+ platforms. Great for devs juggling multiple tools.

  3. Match your work style

  • Want hands-off? Timely or TimeCamp auto-track for you.
  • Need productivity insights? DeskTime’s got you covered.
  • Always on the move? Jibble’s mobile-friendly interface might be your jam.
  1. Think about reporting Need to show clients or bosses where time goes? Look for strong reporting features. Harvest combines time tracking with invoicing - perfect for freelancers.

  2. Test the UI A clunky interface? You’ll never use it. Try a few to find one that feels right.

  3. Consider privacy Some apps, like Hubstaff, can take screenshots. Useful for some teams, but not everyone’s cup of tea.

  4. Look at scalability Your needs might grow. Clockify offers unlimited everything on their free plan. Easy to scale up later.

  5. Check the support Good help when you’re stuck? Priceless. Research each app’s support quality.

No one-size-fits-all here. The best app? The one that fits YOUR workflow and helps YOU manage time better.

If You NeedConsider
All-in-one solutionClickUp
Simple, no-frills trackingClockify
Detailed productivity insightsDeskTime
Invoicing + time trackingHarvest
AI-powered auto-trackingTimely

Wrap-Up

Time tracking isn’t just bean counting—it’s a developer’s secret weapon. Here’s why these apps pack a punch:

  1. Productivity boost See where your hours fly. Cut the fluff, focus on what matters.

  2. Project management pro Track task time to nail those deadlines and plan like a boss.

  3. Client trust builder Show clients the nitty-gritty of where their cash goes.

  4. Data-driven decisions Use time stats to fine-tune your workflow and tool choices.

The best app? It’s the one you’ll actually stick with. Here’s a quick rundown for every coder:

You wantYou get
No-frillsClockify
Team synergyClickUp
Deep insightsDeskTime
Billing made easyHarvest
Set-and-forgetTimely

Pick your poison and start tracking. Your future self will thank you.

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Written by
Author

Himanshu Mishra

Indie Maker and Founder @ UnveelWorks & Hoverify