Best Project Time Tracking Tools for Freelancers to Maximize Earnings and Save Time

Freelancers often juggle multiple projects for various clients, making time management a critical skill. The right Best project time tracking software can help freelancers manage their time more efficiently, ensuring they stay on task and meet deadlines. By using the best tools available, freelancers can boost their productivity, track their billable hours accurately, and ultimately maximize their earnings while saving time.

In this article, we'll explore the top project time tracking tools for freelancers in 2025, focusing on features that can streamline work and simplify project management. These tools also integrate with attendance tracking software and employee monitoring tools, providing a comprehensive solution for independent professionals.

1. DeskTrack

DeskTrack is a popular time tracking tool known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s ideal for freelancers who want to track their hours without unnecessary complications. Whether you are working on one or multiple projects, DeskTrack makes it easy to log your hours and generate reports for clients.

Key Features:

Easy Time Logging: Start the timer with just one click, or manually log hours if you forgot to track.
Detailed Reports: Generate customized reports to send to clients, showing the total hours worked on each task or project.
Integrations: Integrates seamlessly with project management tools like Asana and Trello.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Sync across multiple devices to track time wherever you are.

DeskTrack is a great choice for freelancers who need a straightforward, easy-to-use tool for managing time across multiple projects.

2. Harvest

Harvest is a robust project time tracking software that not only tracks time but also allows freelancers to manage their expenses and create invoices. Its simple interface makes it ideal for independent contractors looking for a one-stop solution for time tracking and financial management.

Key Features:

Time Tracking: Track time spent on different tasks and projects, with a built-in timer or manual logging option.
Expense Tracking: Record any business expenses for easy invoicing and tax reporting.
Client Invoicing: Automatically create invoices based on tracked time, and send them directly to clients.
Attendance Tracking Software Integration: Sync with attendance tracking software to record hours worked for projects.

Harvest is perfect for freelancers who need a comprehensive solution that covers both time tracking and financial management.

3. Clockify

Clockify offers a free version of its time tracking software with essential features for freelancers. It’s a highly rated tool that allows freelancers to track billable hours, project progress, and client work efficiently. It also provides a paid version with additional features like integrations and reporting.

Key Features:

Unlimited Time Tracking: Track unlimited projects and clients, making it perfect for freelancers juggling multiple jobs.
Detailed Reports: View the total time worked on each project or task with visual charts and detailed data.
Team Management: Even though freelancers typically work alone, Clockify can be used for managing subcontractors or collaborators on larger projects.
Employee Monitoring Tool: Integrates with employee monitoring tools to ensure productivity when working on client projects.

Clockify is ideal for freelancers on a budget who need a reliable tool for time tracking without the added expense.

4. Time Doctor

Time Doctor is one of the most comprehensive employee monitoring tools on the market. Freelancers who want an all-in-one time management solution will find Time Doctor’s features particularly useful. In addition to time tracking, it offers productivity monitoring, website and app usage tracking, and detailed reports on work habits.

Key Features:

Time Tracking with Screenshots: Tracks the time spent on tasks and takes periodic screenshots for accuracy.
Detailed Activity Reports: Provides deep insights into how freelancers spend their time, including active vs. idle time.
Attendance Tracking Software: Syncs with attendance tracking software to manage working hours and availability.
Client and Project Management: Track time for different clients and projects, providing an accurate breakdown of billable hours.

Time Doctor is ideal for freelancers who want to keep a close eye on their productivity and ensure that their time is being spent efficiently.

5. RescueTime

RescueTime is a time tracking tool that works in the background, automatically tracking time spent on different apps, websites, and documents. It’s perfect for freelancers who want a hands-off approach to time tracking while still maintaining accurate records of their work.

Key Features:

Automatic Time Tracking: Tracks time spent on activities and categorizes them as productive or non-productive.
Detailed Reports: Provides weekly reports that summarize your productivity and how you spend your time.
Distraction Blocking: Block distracting websites to help stay focused on your work.
Integration with Project Management Tools: Sync with tools like Trello and Basecamp to manage tasks alongside time tracking.

RescueTime is great for freelancers who prefer an automated approach to tracking their work hours without manually starting and stopping timers.

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6. Choosing the Right Project Time Tracking Software

With so many time tracking tools available, selecting the best one for your freelance business can be a challenge. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right tool:

1. Budget

Some tools like Clockify offer free plans, while others like Harvest and Time Doctor have premium versions. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in time tracking software.

2. Required Features

If you need employee monitoring tools or attendance tracking software in addition to basic time tracking, make sure the tool you choose offers those features. Harvest and Time Doctor are great for more comprehensive tracking.

3. User-Friendliness

Choose a tool that you can easily integrate into your workflow. DeskTrack and Clockify are known for their simple and intuitive interfaces, while tools like Time Doctor offer more advanced features that may take longer to learn.

4. Integration with Other Tools

If you already use project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Slack, check if the time tracking tool integrates with them. Most tools on this list offer seamless integrations with popular platforms.

Conclusion

Freelancers can save time and maximize earnings by using the right project time tracking software. Tools like DeskTrack, Harvest, and Time Doctor offer a range of features that help track billable hours, improve productivity, and manage multiple projects efficiently. Whether you're looking for a free solution like Clockify or need advanced features like screenshot monitoring and attendance tracking software, there’s a tool on the market to meet your needs. By integrating the right time tracking software into your workflow, you can streamline your tasks, save time, and ensure accurate billing for your services.