Key Insights
A concise summary of what matters most when choosing timesheet software
Expand key insights
- Timesheet software is a core system for modern teams in 2026: It enables accurate tracking of work hours, connects time data to projects, and provides reliable visibility into productivity and costs.
- Manual and spreadsheet-based timesheets do not scale effectively: As organizations grow, disconnected tracking methods introduce errors, delays, and gaps in reporting.
- Project-based time tracking improves operational control: Linking time entries to tasks and projects allows teams to monitor budgets, timelines, and resource usage more precisely.
- Accurate time data supports better financial outcomes: Reliable timesheets improve billing accuracy, payroll processing, and forecasting based on real work patterns.
- Not all timesheet tools serve the same needs: Some focus on basic time logging, while others support approvals, reporting, and project-level visibility.
- Integrated platforms deliver higher long-term value: Timesheet software combined with project planning and reporting provides deeper insight than standalone tools.
Timesheet software makes it easier for teams to record and manage their working hours in one place. It helps organizations understand how time is spent, spot productivity patterns, and use resources more effectively. Digital timesheets replace paper logs and Excel, automating tasks like billing, payroll, and reporting. Modern timesheet tools often integrate with project management, invoicing, and collaboration features, making it easier to track billable vs. non-billable work across tasks and projects. Selecting the right timesheet management software depends on your team size, workflows, and whether you need extra features like automated invoicing or analytics.
Table of Contents
Navigate key sections of this timesheet software guide
- ➤ What is a timesheet software?
- ➤ What are the benefits of timesheet software?
- ➤ Why might software engineers dislike keeping timesheets?
- ➤ List of the Top Timesheet Software Tools (Teams & Enterprises)
- 1. Celoxis – All-in-One Project & Timesheet Management Software
- 2. Clockify – Free Time Tracking & Reporting
- 3. Harvest – Time Tracking & Invoicing Software
- 4. Wrike – Project Management Software with Timesheets
- 5. Triskel Software – Project-Based Timesheet Software
- 6. Asana – Work Management Tool with Time Tracking Integrations
- 7. Paymo – Timesheet and Invoicing Software for Small Teams
- ➤ Timesheet Software Comparison
- ➤ FAQs
- ➤ How to Choose the Right Timesheet Software
- ➤ Conclusion
What is a timesheet software?
Timesheet software, often referred to as time tracking software, is an online system used to record work hours. It allows employees to log time against tasks or projects using timers, simple forms, or clock-in and clock-out options. All time entries are stored in one shared system, making it easy for managers to see who worked on what and for how long. The software then turns this data into summaries and reports, such as weekly or monthly timesheets, showing total hours by employee, project, or client. Replacing manual timesheets, it provides more accurate and up-to-date visibility into labor effort and project progress.
What are the benefits of timesheet software?
Using timesheet software offers clear, practical benefits for teams and businesses. It improves billing and payroll accuracy by capturing actual work hours, making it easier to invoice clients correctly and calculate employee pay. Timesheets also help boost productivity, as detailed time logs show where employees spend their time and where effort may be wasted. Managers gain better visibility into project budgets and deadlines because tracked hours directly reflect progress and costs. Modern timesheet tools support smoother project management by connecting time tracking with planning and reporting. With integrated systems, organizations can quickly turn tracked hours into invoices and keep projects on budget with fewer manual steps.
Why might software engineers dislike keeping timesheets?
Many engineers and creative professionals find timesheeting tedious and disruptive. Critics argue that filling out timesheets takes time away from real work – one expert notes it could waste the equivalent of an extra full-time headcount per year just on admin. In practice, engineers often defer timesheet entry to the month’s end, leading to inaccurate or “fudged” data as they forget details. The overhead of categorizing creative or research tasks into fixed codes can frustrate engineers and stifle spontaneity. In short, timesheets can feel counterproductive for developers who prefer focusing on code rather than logging hours. However, good software makes tracking as seamless as possible, so teams can still capture time efficiently without bogging down their workflow.
Top Timesheet Software Tools
- 1. Celoxis – Enterprise Timesheet & Project Management
- 2. Clockify – Free Time Tracking & Reporting
- 3. Harvest – Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
- 4. Wrike – Project-Based Time Tracking for Teams
- 5. Triskel Software – Simple Timesheet and Work Tracking
- 6. Asana – Task and Project Time Tracking Tool
- 7. Paymo – Timesheet and Expense Tracking Software
List of the Top Timesheet Software Tools (Teams & Enterprises)
1. Celoxis – All-in-One Project & Timesheet Management Software
Celoxis is an enterprise-grade project and time management platform with comprehensive timesheet features. It seamlessly combines scheduling, resource management, timesheets, billing, and reporting in one system. Celoxis lets users log hours at the task level or with timers, and these entries automatically update project schedules and budgets. Managers can set up approval workflows for timesheets, track billable vs. non-billable hours, and generate real-time utilization and profit reports. With built-in analytics and custom dashboards, Celoxis turns time logs into actionable insights for project planning and resource optimization.
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What makes Celoxis great timesheet software?
Celoxis stands out because it is more than a timesheet app – it’s a full project management suite. Timesheet data in Celoxis automatically feeds into project plans and resource calendars, so you instantly see the impact of time spent on tasks. Enterprises use it to manage time across dozens of projects and teams, ensuring accurate tracking for billing and margin control. For example, Celoxis can notify a manager if a project is over its allocated hours or budget in real time. Its powerful reporting engine then provides drill-down views (by project, role, client, etc.) so stakeholders can review productivity and costs on demand. This level of integration and visibility makes Celoxis a great choice for organizations that need both detailed timesheet tracking and advanced project analytics.
How does Celoxis streamline time tracking?
Celoxis ties every time entry directly to a task, milestone, or project. Users can enter hours via web, mobile, or email – even quickly log the time they spent on any recent task. Celoxis then automatically allocates those hours into project schedules and Gantt charts. Timesheets can be submitted and approved in workflows, ensuring accuracy before finalizing payroll or invoices. Since Celoxis includes built-in billing, teams can flag entries as billable and generate invoices from tracked time. In short, Celoxis removes manual steps: you don’t have to copy hours into a separate system because everything (planning, tracking, invoicing) is in one platform.
Best For:
- Enterprises and project-driven companies need integrated PM and time tracking.
- PMOs managing multiple simultaneous projects with central visibility.
- Professional services firms track billable hours for client invoicing.
- Teams that require timesheet approval workflows (submission and sign-off).
- Organizations want real-time resource utilization, profitability, and variance reports.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution: Combines scheduling, resource management, and timesheets in one platform.
- Enterprise features: Offers portfolio dashboards, custom reports, and AI-driven resource forecasting.
- Scalability: Handles complex projects and portfolios for large teams.
- Customization: Highly configurable forms, fields, and workflows to match any timesheet policy.
Cons:
- Not a free tool – licensing needed (see pricing).
- May be overkill for very small teams or simple tracking needs.
- Rich features come with a learning curve for beginners.
Pricing: Celoxis starts at $10 per user/month (billed annually). This includes full access to all features. A free 14-day trial is available for evaluation.
Get Clear Visibility Into Project Time and Costs
See how Celoxis connects timesheets directly to projects, budgets, and delivery plans across teams.
Explore Celoxis Demo2. Clockify – Free Time Tracking & Reporting
Clockify is a popular freemium time tracker that includes weekly timesheet views and project reports. It supports unlimited users on the free plan, making it attractive for teams on a budget. Clockify lets users start timers for tasks or manually enter hours, and then view them in list or calendar views. Core reporting (hours by project, by user, etc.) is included, and you can export timesheets to Excel or PDF. It’s a simple, no-frills tracker often used by businesses needing a basic online timesheet solution. Many teams like Clockify for its simplicity, and because the free tier covers essential time tracking features.
Best For:
- Freelancers and small teams need a free, unlimited user time tracker.
- Organizations looking for a straightforward weekly timesheet and simple reporting.
- Budget-conscious teams that want to start tracking time immediately.
- Companies that plan to upgrade only for advanced features (since core features are free).
Pros:
- Free plan: Unlimited users and projects at no cost. Basic time tracking features included.
- Simple, intuitive interface for easy adoption by any team member.
- Supports timers, manual entry, projects, clients, tags, and simple reports.
Cons:
- Advanced features behind a paywall: Detailed reports, billing, scheduling, and time-off require a paid plan.
- Lacks built-in project management or invoicing (time tracking only).
- The free version has limited integrations and no formal approval workflow.
Pricing: Clockify has a free plan and offers paid plans for extra features. The Standard plan (with invoicing, time off, etc.) starts at about $5.49 per user/month (billed annually)
Built for PMOs That Need Oversight and Control
Centralize timesheets, approvals, and reporting across multiple projects.
Request a PMO Walkthrough3. Harvest – Time Tracking & Invoicing Software
Harvest is a time tracking tool that includes expense and invoice management. It allows teams to track hours and expenses against projects and then generate invoices directly from tracked time. Harvest is tailored to service businesses and agencies – its built-in reporting helps you see project budgets vs. actuals, and time costs vs. revenue. For example, an agency could track hours on client projects in Harvest, then issue client invoices that reflect those hours automatically. Harvest also offers integrations with many project management and accounting apps.
Best For:
- Small to mid-sized agencies and consultants billing clients by the hour.
- Teams need an all-in-one time tracking and invoicing solution.
- Businesses that want simple budget/expense tracking for projects.
- Managers who need phone or email support (Harvest provides phone support on paid plans).
Pros:
- Combines time tracking, expense logging, and quick invoicing in one tool.
- Provides budget and forecast features (set estimated hours/budgets and compare actuals).
- Integrates with apps like QuickBooks, Slack, Basecamp, and Trello for a streamlined workflow.
Cons:
- Free plan is very limited (only 1 user and 2 projects).
- Paid plan pricing can be high for larger teams ($11/user/month).
- Lacks advanced features like approvals or detailed resource management.
Pricing: Harvest offers a Free plan (1 user, 2 projects). The Pro plan is $11 per user/month (when billed yearly), which includes unlimited projects and team reporting.
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Built for PMOs That Need Oversight and Control
Centralize timesheets, approvals, and reporting across multiple projects.
Request a PMO Walkthrough4. Wrike – Project Management Software with Timesheets
Wrike is a project management software that includes built-in timesheet functionality. Teams can track time against tasks and projects within a collaborative workspace. Wrike is often used by mid-sized and large teams that need structured workflows and reporting. Its timesheet features support internal reporting and approvals, although they are not as deep as dedicated timesheet systems.
Best For:
- Mid-sized to large teams
- Project-driven organizations
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Structured workflows and reporting
- Teams already using Wrike for project management
Pros:
- Strong project and task management features
- Customizable workflows
- Integrated time tracking
Cons:
- Timesheet features are secondary to project management
- Setup can be complex
- Higher pricing tiers are required for advanced features
Pricing: Wrike paid plans start at $9.80 per user per month, billed annually.
Turn Timesheet Data Into Resource Insights
Understand utilization, capacity, and workload trends in real time.
View Resource Reports5. Triskell Software – Project-Based Timesheet Software
Triskell Software provides project-based timesheet tracking designed for small to mid-sized teams. It allows users to log time by project and monitor budgets and costs over time. Triskell focuses on simplicity and project-level visibility rather than enterprise-scale complexity. Its reporting features help teams understand where time is spent across different projects.
Best For:
- Small project teams
- Agencies with basic timesheet needs
- Teams tracking project costs
- Organizations seeking simple reporting
- Growing businesses
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Project-based time tracking
- Basic budget monitoring features
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large teams
- Fewer integrations compared to larger platforms
- Reporting capabilities are relatively basic
Pricing: Pricing varies by plan and team size.
Improve Billing Accuracy With Project-Based Timesheets
Track billable and non-billable time with built-in approvals and controls.
See Billing Workflow6. Asana – Work Management Tool with Time Tracking Integrations
Asana is a work management software designed to help teams plan, organize, and collaborate on tasks and projects. It focuses primarily on task visibility, coordination, and workflow management rather than native timesheet software. Teams using Asana can track time through third-party time tracking integrations, allowing work hours to be recorded alongside tasks and projects. Asana is widely adopted by cross-functional teams that want a clear view of responsibilities and progress without managing complex reporting structures. Its flexibility makes it suitable for teams that value collaboration and structured task planning over detailed timesheet reporting.
Best For:
- Task-focused teams managing daily work
- Cross-functional collaboration across departments
- Lightweight project planning and execution
- Teams using third-party time tracking tools
- Growing organizations need scalable task management
Pros:
- Easy to adopt with a clean and intuitive interface
- Strong collaboration features for task assignment and visibility
- A large ecosystem of integrations that extends functionality
Cons:
- No built-in timesheet software or native time tracking
- Relies on external tools for tracking work hours
- Limited billing and timesheet reporting capabilities
Pricing: Asana offers a Free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $10.99 per user per month, billed annually, and include advanced workflow and collaboration tools.
Scale Time Tracking Across Teams and Portfolios
Manage timesheets consistently across departments and locations.
Explore Enterprise Setup7. Paymo – Timesheet and Invoicing Software for Small Teams
Paymo is a time tracking and invoicing software built for freelancers and small teams that manage client-based work. It allows users to track work hours, organize tasks, and generate invoices directly from logged time. Paymo places a strong emphasis on simplicity and ease of use rather than advanced project or resource management features. Its built-in timers and timesheets help teams capture work hours accurately and turn time data into client invoices with minimal effort.
Best For:
- Freelancers and independent professionals
- Small businesses and startups
- Teams managing client billing and invoicing
- Simple project and task tracking needs
- Agencies with straightforward workflows
Pros
- Combines time tracking and invoicing in one platform
- Easy-to-use interface with minimal setup
- Affordable pricing designed for small teams
Cons:
- Limited scalability for larger organizations
- Reporting and analytics features are basic
- Not intended for enterprise project management
Pricing: Paymo paid plans start at approximately $9.95 per user per month, billed annually.
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View Reporting CapabilitiesTimesheet Software Comparison:
| Feature | Celoxis | Clockify | Harvest | Wrike | Triskell Software | Asana | Paymo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timesheet Tracking | Advanced task and project-based | Basic time tracking | Project-based | Task-level | Project-based | Via integrations | Task and project-based |
| Project Integration | Deep native integration | Limited | Moderate | Strong | Moderate | Strong | Moderate |
| Timesheet Approvals | Yes, configurable workflows | Limited | No | Yes | Limited | No | Limited |
| Resource Management | Advanced enterprise-grade | No | No | Moderate | Basic | No | No |
| Billing and Invoicing | Built-in from timesheets | Paid plans only | Built-in | Limited | No | Via integrations | Built-in |
| Reporting and Analytics | Advanced dashboards and reports | Basic reports | Standard reports | Strong project reports | Basic reports | Limited | Basic reports |
| Starting Price | $10 per user per month | Free | $11 per user per month | $9.80 per user per month | Varies | $10.99 per user per month | $9.95 per user per month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about timesheet software and time tracking
What is timesheet software and how does it work?
Timesheet software is a digital system used to record and manage work hours. Employees log time against tasks, projects, or clients, and this data is stored in a centralized platform. Managers can review timesheets, generate reports, and analyze productivity. Many timesheet software platforms also integrate with project management, payroll, or billing systems.
What are the main benefits of using timesheet software?
Timesheet software improves accuracy in tracking work hours, supports better project planning, and helps organizations control costs. It reduces manual data entry, improves billing and payroll accuracy, and provides visibility into how time is spent across teams and projects.
Is timesheet software suitable for small businesses?
Yes. Timesheet software for small business helps track employee hours accurately, manage workloads, and avoid billing or payroll errors. Many tools are affordable and easy to use, making them suitable for small teams that plan to grow.
How does timesheet software support project management?
Project management timesheet software links time tracking directly to tasks and projects. This allows teams to monitor progress, compare planned versus actual effort, and improve visibility into resource utilization and project costs.
Why do some teams struggle with timesheet adoption?
Teams often struggle when timesheet processes are manual, time-consuming, or disconnected from daily work. Adoption improves when time tracking is integrated into project workflows and requires minimal extra effort.
What features should I look for in the best timesheet software?
Key features include task and project-level tracking, approval workflows, reporting, integrations with project management or billing systems, and support for both timers and manual entry. Scalability and ease of use are also important.
What makes integrated timesheet software better than standalone tools?
Integrated timesheet software connects time tracking with projects, resources, and financial data in one system. This reduces manual work, improves accuracy, and provides deeper insight compared to standalone time tracking tools.
How to Choose the Right Timesheet Software
A practical framework for selecting timesheet software based on team needs and scale
- Define your time tracking requirements: Determine whether your team needs basic time logging, project-based timesheets, billing support, or detailed reporting.
- Consider team size and future growth: Small teams may prioritize simplicity, while growing or enterprise teams require approvals, governance, and scalability.
- Evaluate project and task integration: Timesheet software that links time entries directly to projects and tasks provides stronger visibility into progress and budgets.
- Review reporting and analytics depth: Look for tools that offer clear insights into productivity, utilization, and costs to support better planning and decisions.
- Assess integrations and automation: Software that connects with project management, payroll, invoicing, or accounting systems reduces manual effort and errors.
See How Celoxis Unifies Timesheets and Project Management
Explore one platform built for visibility, control, and execution.
Schedule a Personalized DemoConclusion
Timesheet software plays a critical role in how teams manage time, projects, and resources. As organizations grow, manual tracking methods often lead to inaccuracies and limited insight. Modern timesheet management software provides a centralized system to track hours, support billing, and improve project visibility. While some tools focus on basic time logging, platforms that integrate timesheets with project management and reporting deliver greater long-term value. Selecting the right timesheet software depends on team size, complexity, and the need for scalable, reliable time data.