10 Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants in 2025
Discover the top 10 time tracking software options for consultants in 2025. Find the perfect solution to streamline your time management and productivity.
Time tracking is hardly a mere counting of hours; it is a valuable instrument influencing the consultant’s professional services and profitability, clients’ satisfaction, billing, and time recording, as well as the general quality of the projects implemented.
Alla Chernets
Therefore, as consulting work grows intricate and geographically distributed, which tool to calculate billable hours and leverage for optimization of time tracking makes or breaks consultancies.
What Features Should You Look For in Time Tracking Software
While new time tracking solutions are suited to an independent contractor or a consulting firm, they demonstrate features that benefit all kinds of consulting businesses.
These include automatic time tracking, project reports, and integrated invoicing, which change the way consultants run their practices.
Real-Time Activity Monitoring
✅The latest time tracking solutions introduce the functionality of capturing work activities on their own.
It captures time spent on applications, documents and websites and provides consultants with timely data without having to input any time manually.
This removes the most frequent scenario where sometimes the working hours may not be documented, or poor estimates are provided at the conclusion of the week.
Project Management Integration
✨Captivating solutions work in harmony with widely used project management software tools used as Asana, Trello, or JIRA.
This integration enables consultants to record time directly against projects, activities as well as milestones for client engagements hence offering full visibility of the time spent on different clients.
Analytics
📈Present-day time tracking tools usually provide metrics that extend beyond the simple number of hours.
They reveal productivity trends, project efficiency and possibilities of turning the project into a profitable venture and other resources.
Custom reports can include both billed and non-billed hours, project completion against forecast spending, and utilization rates for the team.
Client-Ready Reporting
📋The application should have well-formatted, easily modifiable reports that can be provided to the clients.
It is important for these reports to indicate the extent of progress made toward a project, the time taken in each activity, and the amount of money spent.
Automated Invoicing System
⭐An integrated invoicing system can make billing simpler through the conversion of time recorded in the billing invoices.
The system should allow for multiple billing rates and currencies and multiple methods of payment. Additionally, recurring invoices and payment reminders assist the consultant in planning for his/ her financial needs.
Mobile Accessibility
📳Strong mobile systems let implement time tracking and expense entry on the go.
Offline Functionality
📴It permits consultants to track time even if there is no internet connectivity.
Expense Tracking
💪Flexible features for expense tracking enable consultants to keep track of the expenditures arising from their projects. The software should be able to receive uploads, expense categorization and auto-generation of expense reports. This feature is especially useful to consultants where a consultant has to charge back his/her client.
Team Management Tools
🚶🚶♀️🚶♂️If you employ several team members consider products that have features like team scheduling, workload management, and permissions. Another advantage to be gained from using this model is the opportunity to monitor the team’s working rates and distribute the tasks effectively.
Integration Capabilities
✴️Apart from project management tools the software should be compatible with other business tools like accountancy software, CRM, calendar, etc. These integrations make the work flow well and prevent having to reinput information from one platform to the other.
Data Security and Compliance
📊Since consulting work often involves handling of valuable information, security measures have to be well developed. Seek applications that use role-based access control, and data encryption technologies, have data backup provisions, and respect data privacy legal writings.
Customization Options
🔖Flexibility as per the requirements of the consulting practice is one of the benefits of such software. This include creating special fields, specification of certain operation modes and setting alerts.
API Access
🔜API access is more suitable for consultants with unique technical requirements because this integration makes it possible to automate system configurations. This can be especially helpful in crafting ad hoc reports or interacting with interfaces for a specific system.
Time Entry Flexibility
🕐This means that while automation of processes is a significant advantage, there should be an option to allow manual entry of time for work done. It also includes features such as time entry templates and the ability to edit multiple entries at once as well as synchronize and correct work time data.
Time Tracking Software Quick Comparison
| Tool and Rating | Key Strength | Notable Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMetric ⭐4.5/5 | Project-based tracking & Integration Capabilities | • 50+ Business App Integrations • Custom billable rates • Analytics & reports • Transparency of time consumption |
🪙 Free for individuals. $5/month on paid plan |
| Toggl Track ⭐4.7/5 | Ease of use & Reporting flexibility | • One-click tracking • Calendar integration • Project performance reports • Manual tracking |
🪙Free plan, $9/user (Team) |
| Harvest ⭐4.6/5 | Strong billing system, Accounting integration | • Agile methodology support • Audit trail features • Budget forecasting • Calendar sync |
🪙 $12/user |
| Rescue Time ⭐4.6/5 | Automatic tracking, Productivity focus | • Activity tracking • Focused work sessions • Productivity scoring |
🪙 Free lite, $12 (Premium) |
| Timely ⭐4.7/5 | AI-powered tracking, Project planning | • AI time tracking • Resource allocation • Memory timeline • Team workflow planning |
🪙 $10/per user/per month |
| FreshBooks ⭐4.5/5 | Accounting integration, Invoice generation | • Start/Stop timer • Productivity analysis • Project tracking •Native accounting |
🪙 19 per user/per month on paid plan |
| TimeCamp ⭐4.7/5 | Detailed time analysis, Integration options | • Online invoicing • Activity dashboard • API access • Approval workflow |
🪙 Free plan, $7 per user/per month |
| Hubstaff ⭐4.6/5 | Project management integration, Mobile support | • Automatic time capture • Expense tracking • Activity monitoring • Mobile tracking |
🪙 $4.99/user/month |
| Hours ⭐4.0/5 | Simple interface, Visual timeline | • Visualization of work time • One-tap tracking • Team management • Calendar integration |
🪙 Free plan, $8 per user/per month |
The analysis of the mentioned tools reveals the following information regarding the effectiveness of time tracking software for consultants🕐🔍
- Clockify and Hubstaff are the most affordable tools starting from $4.99 per user.
- TMetric is noted for being particularly feature-rich, making it an excellent choice for consultants and small teams, especially with its free plan.
- Closkify also fits well into this segment.
- TMetric and Timely stand out with their integrations and extensive functionality and provide the most comprehensive plans for consulting firms.
- Also, FreshBooks and Harvest demonstrate their powerful invoicing options; therefore, such products will suit those clients who consider it crucial to maintain the proper level of integration with accounting software.
10 Time Tracking Apps for Consultants to Use in 2025
TMetric: Best for Time Tracking and Invoicing
TMetric can be considered one of the best timesheet software for individuals and teams that offers a time tracker tailored to consultants' needs
⭐4.5/5 on GetApp
🔖TMetric smoothly integrates with the most frequently used project management tools and has a user-friendly interface.
Key Features
- Detailed nook-in reporting with time spent on the particular project
- Automatic billing of the clients
- Integration with more than 50 business applications
In particular, it integrates with ClickUp, which instantly facilitates task and project management for consultants.
- Time-off tracking and team management
- Users can track time manually by starting and stopping timers or applying an automatic tracking feature
- Idle time detection
- Website/app monitoring to capture time spent on specific tasks
- There is also an option for tracking time with a browser extension
- Users can create projects, assign tasks, set budgets, and track progress within the platform
- Users can set custom billable rates for different projects and clients.
- Users can create professional invoices based on time logs, that have been entered and tracked.
- IOS and Android applications.
Cons
- TMetric has a mobile app but some users may find it less functional than the web version of the program.
Pricing
🪙TMetric essential functionality is available on the free plan for solopreneurs. There is also a free trial and a professional option which costs $5 per user per month.
Toggl Track: Best for Simple Time Tracking
Offering a frictionless experience in time tracking, Toggl Track easily adapts to the current needs of consultancies
⭐4.7/5 on GetApp
🔖With it having the option of starting a timer with just a click and generating diverse reports, it is globally preferred by consultants.
Key Features
- One-click time tracking
- Most Toggl Track plans include options that enable consultants to share the results of work with clients
- It offers a calendar integration
- Some reports allow to check the performance of a project and its profitability
- Customization of reports
- A system of notifications for better time management.
Cons
- The majority of the billing features are reserved only for premium customers.
Pricing
🪙The free version is available; the Team plan costs $9 per user per month.
Harvest: Best for Detailed Reporting
Harvest boasts of a strong time tracking system coupled with an equally powerful billing system
⭐4.6/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Access Controls help manage user permissions for data security
- Users can seamlessly connect with accounting software for streamlined financial management
- Consultants can monitor and log all activities for better project management
- There is an option for setting up notifications for important events or updates
- When working in teams, managers can record and track attendance for consultants
- Users can differentiate between billable and non-billable hours for accurate invoicing
- Keep track of billable items and services provided to clients.
Cons
- There can be problems with choosing the right projects, thus making the time entry process time-consuming.
Pricing
🪙7-Day free trial for starters; Individual plan costs $12 per user per month.
Alla Chernets
Clockify: Reimagined Time Tracking for Consulting Business
It is one of the most affordable solutions on the market while still allowing for consulting enterprise use
⭐4.8/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Users can track activities
- It can be used by the users adopting Agile methodologies.
- With constructive implementation, users will have the capability of receiving alerts and notifications
- For approval status, users can always control the process
- There is a feature that enables the users to have a view of an audit trail
- Customers are also able to do budgeting and forecasting
- Users can manage and sync calendars.
Cons
- The website looks dull with the simple lines and shapes used in the UI
- Some features and additional settings, as well as analysis tools, are available only in paid versions of the program.
Pricing
🪙Available on free and paid plans that start at $4.99 per user per month.
RescueTime: Best for Task Automation
RescueTime is primarily an automatic time tracker as well as a productivity measurement tool that may be of value to consultants
⭐4.6/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Users can enjoy automatic activity tracking
- Its functionality enables consultants to try deep work with Guided Focus Sessions
- For teams, it offers productivity scoring
- It makes monitoring the website and the application easy
- It provides timesheet management
- There are detailed productivity reports to choose from.
Cons
- It may be hard to link a recorded activity to a particular project if you are working on several projects at once.
Pricing
🪙The lite version is free; The upgraded version usually goes for $12 per month.
Timely: Best for Agile Teams
Timely employs the use of AI to capture time spent on various projects and tasks to limit the amount of input by the consultants.
⭐4.7/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Using sophisticated algorithms, the automatic tracking in the AI strengthens the monitoring of project progress and other activities as all tasks are traced in real-time
- The project planning tools consist of an array of options for defining project aims, scheduling, and allocating resources.
- There are always team planning features that enable the users to assign tasks, share workload, and boost general team correspondence improving the efficiency of work.
- There is a memory timeline that shows the timeframes of a project and provides an excellent way of looking at main events and achievements
- Billable hours tracking is a feature that is specifically geared toward checking the time used in work projects with accuracy.
- Calendar is syncing with user calendars; users can manage their meetings, deadlines, and other important projects, maintaining perfect coordination
- Consultants can segment projects into chunks; identify critical specifications and deadlines, and define roles that effectively organize workflows.
Cons
- While Timely has been designed perfectly with its functions for effective consulting project management, it has a major problem in the aspect of its price which may not fit an individual on a tight budget.
Pricing
🪙Starts at $10/user/month
FreshBooks: Best for Time and Expense Tracking
Mainly focused on accounting, FreshBooks also packs powerful time tracking capabilities that are compatible with its invoicing and expense tracking.
⭐4.5/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Users can click on a start button and start tracking time on a particular task they are working on, thus, making it easier to log working hours.
- Probably one of the most important functions is that time tracked is easily carried over to invoices so that users can bill for every hour worked that they have recorded, – no chance for missed billable hours
- The mobile application empowers a user with the possibility to log time on the move, which is important for freelancers and consultants.
- It offers possibilities to set project-based time tracking which would help users manage their work and bill only the hours worked.
- FreshBooks can generate reports and offer insights on productivity, costs, and profitability of projects to further help the user make sound business decisions.
Cons
- Because FreshBooks is based on per-user pricing, the program may become costly for growing teams.
Pricing
🪙Lite plan starts at $19/month with a free trial
TimeCamp: Best for Activity Tracking
Consultants might find it valuable, as TimeCamp gives granularity on how the time is spent and produces reports based on that.
⭐4.7/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- TimeCamp is equipped with time tracking that enables consultants to track billable hours, among other things, and project time tracking.
- Online invoicing allows consultants to prepare and dispatch the bills from the online cloud, thus saving time and effort.
- Activity dashboard enables consultants to track processes and aspects of the project and performance indicators to make the right decisions about the project.
- Approval workflow helps check the time entries and project milestones to make sure they are both auditable and accountable.
- Fast access to TimeCamp is provided by API, which means that consultants who work not only with TimeCamp but also with other tools and software, can improve their work.
Cons
- Irrespective of how basic the feature request is, it will take a while before it is introduced.
Pricing
🪙Free plan available; Basic paid plan starts at just $7 per user per month.
Hubstaff: The Future of Consulting with Modern Time Tracking
Hubstaff focuses on compatibility with main project management systems and is especially suitable for consultants who are using, for example, Asana or Trello.
⭐4.6/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- Time tracking can enable consultants to work on a project for a certain period and ensure they bill the client aptly or adjust for workload.
- Activity tracking helps consultants track their time consumption against allocation within the business.
- Automatic time capture minimizes mistakes
- Expense tracking helps monitor and record the costs of different projects making accounting and money collection easy
- The ability to clock time while on the move serves the consultant right since it helps them navigate the complexities of remote work and travel while attending client meetings.
Cons
- The app can hinder work progress if it loses the ability to track automatically and you have to log in and restart manually. Sometimes, it feels like it is no easy way to go back and edit the hours if you closed it by mistake or forgot to open the app.
Pricing
🪙On the Starter Plan, Hubstaff costs $4.99 per user per month
Hours: Best for Project Tracking
Hours appears to be a clean and simple app; yet, the convenience of tracking with Hours is impressive, – one of the best tools for consultants.
⭐4.0/5 on GetApp
Key Features
- It provides a visual timeline for consultant professionals' workday
- It offers one-tap tracking, which enhances time tracking experience
- It functions as a team management tool
- There is an option for having detailed reports on time usage
- It has a calendar integration for impeccable meetings and deadline management.
Cons
- Available on the web and iPhone/iPad only
Pricing
Free version available; paid version at $8 per user per month
Alla Chernets
Sum Up
The tools listed above jointly guarantee to change time tracking from just punching in and out to a full-fledged business management tool.
The best combination of a solution and professional dedication can enhance organizational productivity, revenue, and customer satisfaction in a consulting business of any size.
