Best Remote Working Time Tracking Software for Productivity

Time tracking isn’t about micromanaging every second—it’s about understanding where your hours actually go. Because let’s be honest: How much of your workday is spent on actual work versus answering emails, scrolling Slack, and getting lost in yet another unnecessary meeting?

Here’s a wild stat: Studies show that the average worker is only productive for about 2 hours and 53 minutes per day.That’s less than half a workday! The rest? A blur of distractions, interruptions, and tasks that somehow eat up hours without real results.

That’s where remote working tracking software comes in. Not as a digital overlord breathing down your neck, but as a tool for better productivity, accountability, and focus. The right software helps teams meet deadlines, managers keep projects on track, and freelancers bill clients with actual data—not just best guesses.

But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Some tools are built for small teams, others for enterprise-level oversight. Some focus on simplicity, others on detailed productivity analytics. And some… well, some just feel like spyware.

We’ve done the digging, tested the top options, and put together a definitive list of the best time tracking tools for remote workers. Let’s find the one that fits your workflow—without turning your job into a surveillance experiment.

Best Remote Working Tracking Software to Stay Productive (Without Feeling Watched)

Tracking your time isn’t about proving you’re working—it’s about working smarter. If you’ve ever wondered, Where did my day go? only to realize you spent three hours in meetings and another two battling email overload, you’re not alone.

Remote work gives us freedom, but that freedom can be a double-edged sword. Without a clear sense of how time is spent, productivity can slip through the cracks. The solution? A great time tracking tool that works with you, not against you.

We’ve tested the best software for freelancers, remote teams, and managers who want to track time effectively—without feeling like Big Brother is watching. Here’s our list.

What to Look for in a Time Tracking Tool (So You Don’t Regret Your Choice)

Before jumping into the best tools, let’s break down what actually matters when choosing time tracking software.

✅ Ease of Use – You don’t want to spend more time figuring out the software than doing your work.

✅ Automated vs. Manual Tracking – Some tools track time automatically, others require manual input. Decide what works best for you.

✅ Integrations – If you use Slack, Trello, Asana, or Notion, your time tracker should fit seamlessly.

✅ Reports & Analytics – Because guessing where your time went isn’t a great strategy.

✅ Privacy & Compliance – Some tools log every single activity (yes, even your Spotify sessions). Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of tracking.

✅ Pricing – Free vs. paid—some tools are worth the money, others are overpriced distractions.

Now, let’s get to the list.

7 Best Remote Time Tracking Software (Ranked & Reviewed)

1. Insightful – Best for Large Teams & Enterprise

Why it’s great: AI-powered insights, automated time tracking, and deep analytics for team productivity.

Best Features:

• Automatic time tracking (no start/stop button needed).

• Productivity analysis with real insights into how teams work.

• Screenshots and app usage tracking for managers.

👍 Pros: Excellent analytics, great for workforce management.

👎 Cons: More suited for medium to large teams, pricing can be steep.

Best for: Enterprises and managers who want detailed performance insights.

2. ActivTrak – Best for Productivity Analytics

Why it’s great: Tracks time AND how employees spend it—without feeling invasive.

Best Features:

• AI-powered work behavior insights.

• Categorizes productive vs. unproductive time.

• Alerts for excessive screen time (hello, work-life balance).

👍 Pros: Useful reports, automatic tracking, good balance between monitoring and trust.

👎 Cons: Less customization than competitors.

Best for: Managers who want productivity data, not just hours worked.

3. Monitask – Best for Small Businesses & Freelancers

Why it’s great: Simple, lightweight, and budget-friendly.

Best Features:

• Tracks time, captures screenshots, and logs tasks.

• Customizable reports to show clients or employers.

• No-nonsense interface (because no one likes software that feels like homework).

👍 Pros: Easy to use, great for freelancers and small teams.

👎 Cons: No mobile app, lacks advanced analytics.

Best for: Startups, freelancers, and anyone who needs basic but effective time tracking.

4. Apploye – Best for Hybrid & Remote Teams

Why it’s great: Tracks remote and in-office employees, with GPS tracking included.

Best Features:

• Automatic and manual time tracking.

• Payroll integration for easier invoicing.

• GPS location tracking (for teams working on-site).

👍 Pros: Affordable pricing, great for hybrid teams.

👎 Cons: Interface feels outdated.

Best for: Companies with both remote and on-site employees who need a single system.

5. Toggl Track – Best for Freelancers & Solopreneurs

Why it’s great: One-click time tracking that’s ridiculously easy to use.

Best Features:

• Simple start/stop timer for tracking work.

• Billable hours tracking for client projects.

• Team dashboards and reports for collaboration.

👍 Pros: No learning curve, great reports, free version is solid.

👎 Cons: No deep monitoring features—this is a time tracker, not a surveillance tool.

Best for: Freelancers and small teams who want simple, no-fuss time tracking.

6. Hubstaff – Best for Automated Time Tracking & Payroll

Why it’s great: Hands-off time tracking with built-in payroll and invoicing.

Best Features:

• GPS tracking for field teams.

• Payroll automation for easier payments.

• Productivity monitoring (screenshots, idle time tracking).

👍 Pros: Set it and forget it—perfect for remote agencies.

👎 Cons: Can feel a bit invasive if not used properly.

Best for: Companies managing remote employees and freelancers at scale.

7. Time Doctor – Best for Remote Productivity Management

Why it’s great: Helps employees stay focused with distraction alerts.

Best Features:

• Tracks time and app usage.

• Sends alerts if someone strays to unproductive websites (goodbye, Twitter scroll).

• Integrates with major project management tools.

👍 Pros: Great for staying on task, detailed productivity reports.

👎 Cons: Feels micromanage-y if misused.

Best for: Teams that need structured time tracking with accountability features.

How to Pick the Right Time Tracking Software for Your Needs

Freelancers & Small Teams: Choose simple, low-cost tools like Toggl Track or Monitask.

Medium-Sized Businesses: Go for detailed analytics and team tracking—ActivTrak or Time Doctor are solid picks.

Enterprise & Large Teams: You need scalability and AI-driven insights—Insightful or Hubstaff will do the job.

Hybrid Teams: If you need both remote and in-office tracking, Apploye is a great fit.

Conclusion: Pick a Tool, Take Back Your Time

Time is your most valuable asset. You can’t make more of it. You can’t pause it. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. The only thing you can do? Use it wisely.

A good time tracking tool isn’t about working more—it’s about working smarter. Whether you need a simple tracker for freelance projects, a team-friendly solution to keep work visible, or AI-driven insights into productivity trends, the right software can change how you work.

So pick one. Try it. Test it. See how it fits into your workflow. Most of these tools offer free trials—take advantage of them before committing.

And if tracking your time helps you finally cut down on wasted hours, reduce stress, and actually enjoy your workday a little more? Well, that’s time well spent.

People also ask

• What software is used to monitor remote employees?

  Employers often use tools like Time Doctor, Hubstaff, Teramind, and ActivTrak to monitor productivity, track time, and ensure accountability.

• Can remote workers be tracked?

  Yes, employers can track remote workers using software that logs activity, screenshots, and keystrokes, but this must comply with privacy laws.

• How can I track time when working remotely?

  You can use apps like Toggl, Clockify, or RescueTime to manually or automatically log your work hours and productivity.

• Is it illegal for employers to use employee monitoring software?

  It depends on the country. In most cases, employers can use monitoring software with employee consent and transparency. However, laws vary by region.