11 Engineering Time-Tracking Software Picks That Help You Deliver More

Every minute your engineering team spends working is a piece of a much bigger picture. But without a system that actually connects those minutes to business outcomes, you're left guessing.

If you're trying to grow efficiently, you can't afford that guesswork. With time-tracking software projected to jump from $5.23 billion in 2023 to $12.3 billion by 2030, it's clear that more teams are investing in clarity, not chaos.

Make sure you’re not left behind and you get the right insights to outpace your competitors.

In this article, you'll learn how to find the right time-tracking tool for engineers, cut back on wasted hours, and bring real-time visibility to your team's progress and project status.

But apart from using this amazing software to track time, here are some tips to manage your time as a software engineer:

Now, let’s start with a quick look at how top engineering time-tracking tools compare.

Best Engineering Time-Tracking Software Compared

If you're trying to pick the right tool for your engineering team, the options can feel overwhelming fast. Each one comes with strengths, but only a few truly make time tracking simple, accurate, and useful across your projects.

Here are the top tools, each with its standout feature, to help you compare what fits your workflow best:

Best Time-Tracking Alternative for Engineering Teams

If you're leading an engineering team, you know how easy it is to lose track of where time goes. Chrono Platform helps you connect every minute of work to business value, delivery goals, and long-term strategy.

Instead of wasting hours on manual time entry or scattered tools, you get one clean system that does the heavy lifting. Here are the features that help you save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions with fewer tools and less manual work:

• AI-categorized time data: You don’t need to label everything manually. Chrono automatically sorts time entries by project, task, and activity using AI. This helps you avoid wasted time and gives you cleaner data for review.

Pro tip: Use data categorization to streamline R&D tax credit applications and for financial audits. Need to adjust how things are labeled? Chrono lets you re-categorize past time data with just a few clicks. As such, you can easily match different compliance or reporting requirements.

• Built-in integrations: You can connect Chrono to Jira, Asana, Google Calendar, and more. It fits easily into your daily workflow without forcing your team to switch between tools.
• Automated time tracking: You don’t need a stopwatch or manual input. Chrono Platform pulls data from your connected tools and automatically creates time entries. Each entry is sorted into the correct project, the right activity, and even down to the specific task. This saves you hours of admin work and gives you cleaner data tied directly to your workflow.

• Precise investment tracking: You’ll see exactly where your time and effort are going. Whether you're tracking project-based time tracking or aligning with client billing, Chrono helps you connect effort to outcome.
• Detailed reports and R&D insights: You get clear, visual reporting on how your team spends their time, especially on R&D activities. These insights help you make stronger and faster decisions.

• Audit rules: You can set up checks that keep your data clean and your reporting reliable without manually reviewing every entry.
• Unified connection center: All your tools and data sit in one place. This keeps everything in sync and makes it easier to spot trends or issues.
• Capacity on demand: You can assign work to Chrono’s high-performing teams or expand your own by hiring top talent directly through the platform.

As you can see, Chrono is more than a time-tracking software.

But if you want to explore more options, keep reading below.

What Is Engineering Time-Tracking Software?

Engineering time-tracking software is a tool that helps you record and organize how your team spends time on tasks, projects, and clients. It takes the guesswork out of your day by turning activity into time entries you can actually use.

If you're leading software engineers, this kind of system gives you a clearer view of where work happens and what it costs. And that matters because 69% of employees admit they don’t track their time accurately. 

Lack of time tracking means you're flying blind. You’re guessing at project budgets, missing out on R&D tax credits, and underestimating the real cost of delays. It creates blind spots in performance reviews, roadmaps, and even hiring decisions.

“For example, code reviews consistently take way longer than you scheduled for them. Now you know reviews are a bottleneck, so you can dig into why and fix it. Boom – smoother sailing on features across the board.” (Alex Ponomarev, Time Tracking: Friend or Foe of Engineering Productivity?)

With automatic time tracking, you reduce errors, cut back on manual data entry, and stay on top of billable hours. Once you know what these tools do, it’s easier to figure out what makes a good one, so let’s break that down next.

What Makes a Great Time-Tracking Tool for Engineers?

To get the most out of your time-tracking setup, you need something that works with your team and not against it. The right tool should feel almost invisible while giving you full control behind the scenes.

Here are the essentials you should look for:

• Automatic or AI-assisted time capture so you don’t waste time logging each task.
• Time-tracking integrations with tools such as GitHub, Jira, or Asana to keep your workflow smooth.
• Real-time reports that give project managers full visibility into how time connects to delivery goals.
• Smart data structuring to support budgeting, resource planning, and financial reviews.
• Low disruption to developer workflows so your engineers stay focused without extra clicks or context switching.

Side note: Chrono Platform checks all these boxes. It automatically creates time logs from your connected tools, organizes them by project, and gives you real-time insights without the need to track time manually. You can tie every entry back to value and strategy while keeping your engineers in flow.

If you're leading a small team, you can get started for free because Chrono is available at no cost for teams of up to three people. That means you can try it, see results fast, and grow into it without pulling out a credit card.

Best Engineering Time-Tracking Tools

If you're looking for the right fit to track time and manage your engineering team's progress, you’ve got options. Here are the tools built to help you stay focused, improve team performance, and keep your projects on track.

1. Runn

Runn helps you manage project timelines, forecast resources, and balance workloads all in one clean dashboard. You get real-time visibility across your entire team so you can make quick decisions without doubting yourself.

If you're looking to reduce guesswork and keep your billable rates aligned with actual hours, Runn gives you the control you're missing. It’s a solid fit if you’re managing multiple job sites or tracking team availability across long-term projects.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop resource scheduling
• Built-in time tracking and timesheets
• Scenario planning and project forecasting
• Real-time dashboards with live data
• Capacity and utilization heatmaps
• Skills and role tracking
• Integrations with Harvest, Clockify, and more

Pros

• Intuitive interface makes setup fast
• Real-time updates for better planning
• Visual workload views keep you on top of capacity
• Scales well for agencies and engineering firms

Cons

• Some integrations take time to configure
• Limited customization in certain areas
• Learning curve if you’re using advanced features

Pricing

• Starter: Free for up to 5 users, $10/user/month for additional users
• Professional: $14/person/month
• Premium: Custom pricing for 100+ users

2. Everhour

Everhour helps you stay in control of your time and billing with precise tracking, invoicing, and clean integration into tools you already use. If you're managing multiple client projects or tracking team time across tools such as Asana or ClickUp, this one will make your life easier.

Key Features

• Start/stop timer, time estimates, manual time entry
• Built-in budgeting, alerts, and time invoicing
• Custom reports and real-time dashboards
• Deep integrations with project management software such as Trello, Jira, GitHub
• Team scheduling, time off tracking, and approvals

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface with smart time logs
• Seamless integrations across popular platforms
• Flexible hourly rate and billing options
• Clean, filterable reporting

Cons

• No Android app
• No offline time tracking
• The team plan requires at least 5 users

Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month for up to 5 users (limited features)
• Team Plan: $10/user/month or $8.50/user/month billed annually (min. 5 users)

You can test the Team plan for free for 14 days with no credit card needed.

3. Harvest

Harvest helps you track time and expenses without slowing your workflow. You can log hours with a timer or enter them manually, then turn those hours into client-ready invoices with just a few clicks. This is a solid pick if you want a no-fuss time tracker with built-in invoicing and real-time data insights.

Key Features

• Time tracking via desktop app, web, and mobile
• Invoicing and expense tracking
• Visual reports on budgets, team capacity, and project profitability
• Integrations with over 50 tools, such as Asana, Trello, Slack, and Xero
• Reminders and timesheet approvals

Pros

• Simple user interface with quick access to key actions
• Great for tracking project profitability
• Easy-to-read reporting on time entries and budgets

Cons

• Missing advanced features such as GPS or screenshots
• You’ll need integrations for full task management

Pricing

• Free: $0/month for 1 user and 2 projects
• Pro: $13.75/user/month (monthly) or $11/user/month (yearly) with unlimited users and projects
• Premium: $17.50/user/month (monthly) or $14/user/month (yearly) with advanced reporting and admin features

4. Timely by Memory

If you’re tired of timers and manual logs, Timely makes tracking effortless by logging your work in the background. Its AI helps you organize your time without breaking focus. That’s essential because, according to the 2024 DORA State of DevOps Report, high-performing teams have a smooth workflow with uninterrupted blocks of work for their team.

Key Features

• Automatic time tracking via the Memory app
• AI-generated time entries
• Project tracking and billable hours
• Real-time reporting and budget updates
• Integrations with Outlook, Trello, Zoom, and more

Pros

• No manual tracking needed
• Clean drag-and-drop interface
• Privacy-focused - data stays local
• Great for visualizing time across multiple projects

Cons

• No free plan available
• Takes time to fully set up
• Limited mobile tracking features

Pricing

• Starter: $11/user/month (monthly) or $9/user/month (yearly)
• Premium: $20/user/month (monthly) or $16/user/month (yearly)
• Unlimited: $28/user/month (monthly) or $22/user/month (yearly)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large teams with dedicated support
• Optional Tasks add-on: $5/user/month for task management features

5. Toggl Track

If you like keeping things simple but still need powerful tools, Toggl Track makes it easy to manage time across individual tasks or full projects. You can start tracking with a click or let it run in the background while you focus on your work. It syncs across desktop, mobile, and browser, with reports that help you see where your time goes.

Key Features

• One-click timer and calendar view
• Background time tracking with privacy options
• Billable rates and custom time rounding
• Over 100 integrations (Jira, Asana, Salesforce, etc.)
• Manual entries and team reminders

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Generous free plan for small teams
• Strong integrations

Cons

• Premium features are locked behind higher-tier plans
• Some users report sync issues between desktop and mobile apps

Pricing

• Free: $0/month for up to 5 users
• Starter: $10/user/month (monthly) or $9/user/month (annually)
• Premium: $20/user/month (monthly) or $18/user/month (annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with advanced onboarding and support

6. Clockify

Clockify is a flexible time tracker that works well whether you're tracking solo tasks or managing a full team. You can log hours using a timer or manual entry and keep all your time logs organized by project, client, or activity. Clockify offers strong reporting tools and lets you schedule work in advance. 

As a side note, advanced scheduling is essential for good planning, which is the backbone of reaching your goals. In fact, 48% of companies don’t meet half of their objectives, which is something you should avoid.

Key Features

• Time tracking with a timer or manual input
• Timesheet approval, scheduling, and budgeting tools
• Expense tracking, invoicing, and time off management
• 80+ integrations, including project management apps
• Available on web, desktop, and mobile

Pros

• Free plan with unlimited users and projects
• Strong reporting and team scheduling features

Cons

• Some features, such as GPS tracking, are locked behind paid plans
• No built-in payroll integration

Pricing

• Free: $0/month for unlimited users and projects
• Basic: $4.99/user/month (monthly) or $3.99/user/month (annually)
• Standard: $6.99/user/month (monthly) or $5.49/user/month (annually)
• Pro: $9.99/user/month (monthly) or $7.99/user/month (annually)
• Enterprise: $14.99/user/month (monthly) or $11.99/user/month (annually)
• CAKE.com Bundle: $15.99/user/month (monthly) or $12.99/user/month (annually)

7. Hubstaff

If you’re managing remote teams or need a sharper eye on productivity, Hubstaff gives you the tools to do it. You can track time, monitor activity, and automate payroll. It captures screenshots, tracks app usage, and even lets you manage tasks with built-in project boards.

Key Features

• Time tracking with screenshots and activity levels
• GPS and geofencing support
• Payroll and invoicing tools
• Task and project management
• 35+ software integrations

Pros

• Strong monitoring and productivity insights
• Cross-platform apps with detailed reports
• Built-in payroll automation

Cons

• Limited features on mobile apps
• Geofencing doesn’t block offsite check-ins

Pricing

• Starter: $7/user/month (monthly) or $4.99/user/month (annually)
• Grow: $9/user/month (monthly) or $7.50/user/month (annually)
• Team: $12/user/month (monthly) or $10/user/month (annually)
• Enterprise: $25/user/month (annually)
• Free trial: 14 days for all plans

8. RescueTime

If you want to improve how you spend your workday without constantly checking a timer, RescueTime gives you the tools to do just that. It runs quietly in the background, tracking your app and website activity and turning it into reports you can actually use.

You’ll get alerts when you drift off-task and can even schedule focus sessions to block distractions. If you're managing your own time or guiding a small team, this can help you pinpoint where your hours go.

Key Features

• Automatic time tracking
• Focus sessions to block distractions
• Productivity goal setting
• Visual timesheets and calendar sync

Pros

• Great for solo productivity
• Tracks everything passively without clicks
• Strong reports for personal time management

Cons

• Limited team management features
• Mobile app can be unreliable at times

Pricing

• Solo Plan: $12/month or $6.50/month billed annually
• Team Plan: $9/user/month or $6/user/month billed annually (2-user minimum)
• 14-day free trial included

9. Insightful (formerly Workpuls)

Insightful helps you see how work happens across your team. With automatic time tracking, real-time activity monitoring, and smart productivity reports, you’ll get a full picture of what’s happening without slowing anyone down. You can track employee time, categorize work as productive or not, and even automate time mapping to cut down on manual input.

Key Features

• Manual and automatic time tracking
• Productivity analysis with app and website tracking
• Screenshots
• Project cost tracking
• Role-based access and on-premise deployment options

Pros

• Detailed productivity insights
• Multiple pricing options based on needs
• Easy-to-use dashboard

Cons

• Limited mobile features
• May raise privacy concerns with teams

Pricing

• Productivity Management: $8/user/month (monthly) or $6.40/user/month (annually)
• Time Tracking: $10/user/month (monthly) or $8/user/month (annually)
• Process Improvement: $15/user/month (monthly) or $12/user/month (annually)
• Enterprise Solution: Custom pricing (billed annually)
• Free trial: 7 days on all plans (no credit card required)

10. Time Doctor

If you want detailed insight into how your team spends each minute, Time Doctor gives you that power. You can track time online or offline, take screenshots, and even send payroll through integrations like PayPal.

It’s great for remote teams or hybrid setups where visibility matters. You’ll also get distraction alerts and reports that show where time goes and how productive your team is. Just keep in mind the interface isn’t the smoothest, and some users find the screen tracking too invasive.

Key Features

• Online and offline time tracking
• Screenshots and activity monitoring
• Distraction alerts and idle time detection
• Payroll and project budgeting integration
• Cross-platform support (web, desktop, mobile)

Pros

• Integrates payments with payroll tools
• Tracks productivity and idle time
• Works on desktop and mobile

Cons

• No free plan available
• Screenshot feature may feel intrusive

Pricing

• Basic: $8/user/month or $6.70 (annually)
• Standard: $14/user/month or $11.70 (annually)
• Premium: $20/user/month or $16.70 (annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing plan (monthly and annual billing)
• Free trial: 14 days with full access
• Optional add-ons available

11. Jira Time Tracking (Native + Plugins)

If you already use Jira, you can track time directly inside tasks using the Free Time Tracking with Timer plugin. You get simple start/stop timers, editable entries, and basic data exports - all inside your issue view. It’s completely free and blends right into your existing workflow.

You’ll save time switching between apps and avoid clunky setups. But don’t expect advanced reporting or billing features. Some users also report issues with data loading after a month, so it might not work well for long-term records.

Key Features

• Start/stop timer directly inside Jira issues
• Manually log or edit time entries
• Filter and group time logs
• Export time data to CSV

Pros

• 100% free to use
• Built directly into Jira
• Easy to start and edit time entries

Cons

• Basic features only
• Reports of bugs with older time entries

Pricing

• Free forever for all users
• No hidden fees or upgrade tiers

After reviewing the top options, it’s important to look at why these tools matter to you as a leader.

The Benefits of Time-Tracking Software for Engineering Leaders

As an engineering leader, your biggest wins come from clarity. You need to know how your team spends time, where projects stand, and what’s slowing things down. Without accurate tracking, you could be losing over 200 billable hours a year. That’s time and money you’ll never get back.

Here’s how the right time-tracking app, like Chrono Platform, helps you lead smarter:

• Get accurate time entries without chasing your team: AI-powered time capture fills in the gaps for you.
• Cut down admin time: Automated time tracking can cut down the time you spend processing each timesheet from seven minutes to just one. Over a pay period, that adds up fast.
• Increase team efficiency: Companies using AI-based tracking tools see up to 32% more effective work time.
• View real-time data and project progress: You get full visibility into what’s happening, even across multiple business units.
• Measure project investments against delivery: Connect every hour to business value, not just deadlines.
• Use custom reports to guide staffing or budgets: Plan ahead using real numbers, not assumptions.
• No extra tools needed: Chrono syncs with your stack and works quietly in the background.

How Much Does Time-Tracking Software for Engineers Cost?

Most time-tracking tools for engineers cost between $6 and $30 per user per month. With Chrono Platform, you can track time, manage R&D, and generate accurate reports, all without paying a cent for up to 3 users.

Once your team grows, the Team plan starts at $15 per user per month and includes support chat and email, and 18 months of data retention. For growing teams that need even more, the Pro plan is $25 per user per month and adds white glove onboarding, unlimited data retention, and data export.

For larger engineering firms with over 50 users, there’s a custom Enterprise plan with advanced features such as SSO and multi-workspace management. You only pay for what you need and never more.

Turn Engineering Time Into Business Intelligence with Chrono

You already track time, but with Chrono, you turn that data into something you can act on. Every entry connects to real outcomes and gives you the clarity to manage budgets, improve delivery, and lead with confidence.

You’ll stop guessing where hours go and start seeing real-time reports that tie effort directly to business value.

With features such as AI-powered time entries, smart resource management, and seamless time-tracking integrations, Chrono helps you lead smarter without adding extra work.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Chrono Platform today and see how easy it is to make every minute count.

FAQ

1. What is the best time-tracking software?

The best time-tracking software is one that fits your workflow without adding extra work. If you're leading engineering teams, Chrono Platform gives you automatic time entries, real-time data, and reports that help you tie every hour to business value.

2. What is a free engineering time-tracking software?

A free engineering time-tracking software is a tool that helps you log, manage, and analyze work hours without any cost. Chrono Platform offers a free plan for up to 3 users. You can keep track of time, manage budgets, and access core project management tools without paying anything upfront.

3. Does Microsoft have a time-tracking tool?

Microsoft doesn’t offer a full-featured time tracker. Some tools, such as Microsoft Project or Microsoft Planner, can be used manually, but they don’t offer accurate time tracking or automatic features.

4. Do software engineers work 40 hours a week?

It depends on the company and role. Some engineers stick to 40 hours, while others work longer during tight deadlines or complex software development cycles.

5. Does Jira have time tracking?

Yes, Jira includes basic time-tracking features. You can also expand them with plugins to track time logs more effectively and handle advanced billing rates or reporting.