How we test time tracking apps at TheBusinessDive
To stay transparent, we want to explain how we test time tracking apps at TheBusinessDive.
Our testing approach
We test time tracking apps by logging real work time over multiple days. We use timers and manual entries, pause and resume sessions, adjust logged time, and check how accurately the tool reflects actual hours worked. We also test how well time tracking fits into broader workflows, such as calendars, project tools, invoicing, and reporting.
This testing framework is used across all of our time tracking apps-related content — including individual reviews, comparisons, and “best of” guides. That said, all the recommendation you see is based on this same evaluation process, not on one-off impressions.
Why time tracking apps are hard to compare
Time tracking apps usually look simple until you actually try to use them every day. Tracking time requires regular input, corrections, and habits, and small differences in how a tool works can make a big difference over time.
From our testing, these are the main reasons time tracking apps are hard to compare:
- Manual vs automatic tracking. Some tools rely on timers and manual input, while others try to track activity automatically. These are very different experiences.
- Solo vs team use. Tracking time for yourself is not the same as managing timesheets, approvals, and permissions for a team.
- Reporting needs. Simple summaries and detailed client or payroll reports are not interchangeable.
- Integrations. Time tracking connected to projects, invoicing, or payroll behaves very differently from standalone tracking.
Because of this, the real test starts once you use it every day.
What we actually test
When testing time tracking apps, we focus on what matters in daily use.
This includes:
- Timer reliability. Whether timers start, stop, and resume consistently without losing time.
- Manual entries and edits. How easy it is to add, adjust, or fix time entries after interruptions or missed tracking.
- Automatic tracking and idle detection. Whether automatic features are accurate and how they handle breaks and distractions.
- Reporting and exports. Whether reports are clear, flexible, and usable for billing, payroll, or internal reviews.
- Integrations. How well time tracking connects with calendars, project tools, invoicing, and other systems.
- Team workflows. For team use, how approvals, permissions, and visibility are handled.
- Pricing vs access. Whether core tracking and reporting features are available on lower plans or locked behind higher tiers.
Here are some of our reviews about AI note-takers, so you can get a better understanding of how we implement these in practice:
How we test time tracking apps
We test time tracking apps by using them during real workdays.
We run timers for different tasks, log time manually, pause and resume tracking, and adjust entries afterward. We compare logged time with actual work hours and review reports to see if the data is usable.
For team tools, we also test timesheet reviews, approvals, and admin controls. We check how easy it is to spot missing time, correct errors, and keep everything consistent across users.
We do not rely on short sessions or demo data. Tools are tested over time, across different types of work, to see how they hold up when used daily.
What we don’t do
Just as important as what we test is what we intentionally avoid.
- We don’t rely only on demos or marketing pages
- We don’t rank tools based on affiliate payouts
- We don’t claim there is one time tracking app that works for everyone
How we make recommendations
Instead of naming a single “best” tool, we focus on specific use cases, such as:
- Best for freelancers
- Best for team time tracking
- Best for billable hours and client work
- Best for simple personal tracking
- Best budget option
This makes it easier to choose a tool based on how you actually track time.
Check out our reviewed time tracking apps here.
How often reviews are updated
Time tracking tools change regularly. Pricing models shift, features are added, and integrations evolve.
We revisit reviews when:
- pricing or plan limits change
- major features are released
- key integrations are updated
Keeping reviews current is part of the process.
Transparency & monetization
Some articles include affiliate links. If you sign up through one of them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This never influences how tools are tested, ranked, or recommended.