26 Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants in 2025
Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best time tracking software for consultants:
The best time tracking software for consultants helps you stay organized, bill accurately, and juggle multiple clients and tight deadlines so you can make the most of your time. Without the right software tool, you won’t know how much time you’re spending on each project and client, which makes billing a nightmare.
In my time as a project manager, I’ve used many time tracking tools and seen the way they boost productivity and efficiency. For this guide, I've independently tested and reviewed the most popular options to help you find a tool that fits your requirements when it comes to ease of use, key features, and overall value.
Below, I’ll walk you through the top picks and break down what each one offers, so you can choose the right fit with confidence.
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Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants Summary
Compare pricing and specs for each time tracking software for consultants in the table below to find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for project-level tracking of time & costs | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for maximizing billable utilization | Free trial available | From $17.10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for automatic time mapping | 7-day free trial | From $6.40/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for agency management | 14-day free trial | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for simple time management | 30-day free trial | From $6/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for automatic time tracking | 14-day free trial | From $11/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for unlimited users | Free plan available | From $5.49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for expense tracking | 30-day free trial | From $12/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for creative teams | Free demo available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for all-in-one project management | 14-day free trial | From $29/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website |
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Accelo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
monday.com
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Smartsheet
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4
Best Time Tracking Software for Consultant Reviews
Here are my detailed summaries of the best time tracking software for consultants that made it onto my shortlist. I’ve covered key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one for you.
Accelo is a dynamic platform designed to boost business efficiency and profitability, particularly for consultants. It offers features like project management, client management, and time tracking to help you keep your projects on schedule and within budget.
Why I Picked Accelo: I picked Accelo for this list because it combines real-time tracking, automated workflows, and 360-degree client visibility to help manage projects efficiently. These features make it easy to monitor progress, adjust priorities, and strengthen client relationships without losing momentum. Accelo also offers detailed project-level tracking of time and costs, which is essential for consultants managing multiple projects. With templates for quick project launches and automated task updates, it reduces admin work so you can stay focused on delivering high-quality results.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include resource management, which helps you allocate your team's time more effectively, and financial management that allows you to monitor revenue from invoicing to cash collection. Accelo also provides business intelligence through actionable insights, enabling you to respond quickly to changes in project profitability and make informed decisions about future outcomes. These features are designed to help you maximize operational efficiency and drive profitable results for your consulting business.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Exchange & Microsoft Outlook, Xero, QuickBooks Online, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Jira, Continuum, Zendesk, Microsoft Power BI, Expensify, Gusto, HubSpot Partner Portal, Practice Ignition, Google Analytics, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive project and client management features
- Suitable for managing multiple clients and projects
- Offers effective scheduling, project management, and data analytics
Cons:
- Requires separate contacts for each email address
- Steep learning curve for new features
Projectworks is a cloud-based PSA platform designed specifically for consulting firms. It combines time and expense tracking, resource planning, and financial reporting to help teams stay profitable and on schedule. With features tailored to consulting workflows, Projectworks can give you full visibility into utilization rates and project margins.
Why I picked Projectworks: I picked Projectworks because it helps you maximize billable hours while reducing admin overhead. The live time and expense tracking makes it easy to keep client billing accurate, and the utilization dashboards give you a clear view of workload distribution across projects. I also like that it integrates directly with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks, so invoicing stays smooth and financials are always up to date.
Projectworks standout features and integrations:
Features include resource planning tools that help you allocate staff effectively, automated invoicing to reduce billing errors, and real-time project reporting so you always know where projects stand financially. Consultants can also track reimbursable expenses alongside time entries, ensuring full cost visibility.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Salesforce, 12d Synergy, MYOB, Jira, Azure DevOps, Employment Hero, Zapier, direct data connections, and API connections.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated invoicing
- Strong utilization insights
- Accurate real-time tracking
Cons:
- Initial setup takes time
- Limited reporting customization
New Product Updates from Projectworks
Projectworks's Improved Leave Integration and Refreshed Interface
Projectworks has rolled out a redesigned interface and enhanced Employment Hero integration for better usability and accuracy in time tracking. These updates streamline daily workflows and make managing projects and leave more intuitive. For more information, visit Projectworks’ official site.
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Insightful is a time tracking and productivity tool designed for consultants who need accurate, real-time data without manual entry. It helps you capture work hours, monitor productivity trends, and generate reports that make billing and project planning more reliable.
Why I picked Insightful: I chose Insightful because its smart tracking and automatic time mapping reduce the need for manual timesheets—essential for consultants managing multiple projects and clients. The platform assigns work hours to projects in real time, helping you avoid billing errors and keep budgets in check. Its attendance tracking and team overview tools give you a clear picture of availability and workload, which can be especially valuable when working with remote or hybrid teams.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include productivity monitoring to spot performance trends, workload management to balance tasks across your team, and capacity analysis to identify burnout risks before they affect delivery. Insightful also offers detailed activity logs, billable hour tracking, and overtime calculation for precise project accounting.
Integrations are possible through the Insightful developer portal and Insightful API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to mark unproductive apps
- Light on system resources
- Works quietly in the background
Cons:
- More integration options needed
- Limited number of screenshots
Productive is a project management and time tracking tool built for agencies and service-based teams. It helps you manage projects, track time, and improve daily operations, and it’s a good fit for teams that want to work more efficiently.
Why I picked Productive: Productive combines project management and time tracking in one place. Your team can track hours and manage budgets without switching tools. The budgeting feature helps you keep project costs in check. You can also manage leads and monitor upcoming work with the sales pipeline. It’s different from other time tracking tools because it ties time tracking, project delivery, and business performance together.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include the ability to generate invoices directly from tracked time and project data. Productive also offers detailed analytics and insights into project performance, time usage, and profitability.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Jira, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Accurate time tracking
- Effective budgeting feature
- Seamless agency management tools
Cons:
- May need customization for specific needs
- Limited offline functionality
New Product Updates from Productive
Productive Improves Invoicing Features
Productive introduces new invoicing updates to streamline billing workflows and improve financial accuracy. Users can now edit line items and generate automatic drafts for recurring budgets, making invoice management faster and more adaptable. For more information, visit Productive's official site.
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actiTIME is a time tracking and management tool for teams that want a simple way to track hours and manage projects. It’s commonly used by small to mid-sized teams that want time tracking and task management in one platform.
Why I picked actiTIME: actiTIME offers a simple approach to time management with features like manual time entries and daily timesheets. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for your team to get started. You can set up projects and tasks quickly and stay organized easily. The reporting feature gives you clear insights into how the team’s time is spent, which you can use in decision-making.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable billing rates that let you set different rates for different projects or clients. The task management feature helps you organize and prioritize work efficiently. actiTIME also offers time off management so you can track vacations and leaves.
Integrations include QuickBooks and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable billing rates
- Easy project setup
- Simple manual time entries
Cons:
- Basic user interface
- Limited advanced features
Timely is an automatic time tracking tool designed for consultancies, agencies, and SaaS teams. It features memory tracking and AI-generated timesheets which help improve time management and boost operational efficiency.
Why I picked Timely: Timely uses automatic tracking to take the pressure off your team when it comes to logging hours. The memory tracker records work in the background, and AI features can build out timesheets for you. You get a clear view of where your time goes without chasing team members for updates. It’s different from other time tracking tools because it maintains accuracy and doesn’t require you to micromanage your team.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include project dashboards that offer a clear view of your team's workload and progress. Invoicing capabilities help you manage billing and convert tracked hours into invoices. Detailed reporting offers insights into time usage so you can make informed decisions.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Slack, QuickBooks, Zapier, Zoom, Jira, and Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed memory tracking
- AI-generated timesheets
- Automatic time tracking
Cons:
- May require manual adjustments
- Limited offline capabilities
Clockify is a time tracking tool used by freelancers, small teams, and larger organizations. It helps you track work hours, manage projects, and stay productive.
Why I picked Clockify: Clockify offers unlimited users on its free plan, which makes it accessible for teams of any size. You can track time across multiple projects to maintain accurate billing and reporting. Its simple setup and scalability let your team grow without switching tools. Features like detailed reports and timesheet management also help improve day-to-day efficiency.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a Pomodoro timer that encourages focused work periods. The dashboard provides a clear overview of tracked time and project progress. Clockify also offers invoicing functionality, so you can create invoices directly from tracked hours.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Jira, Google Calendar, QuickBooks, Zapier, monday.com, and Basecamp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting capabilities
- Scalable for growing teams
- Unlimited users on free plan
Cons:
- May require manual adjustments
- Basic features in free version
Harvest is a time tracking and expense management tool used by freelancers and small to mid-sized teams. It helps track time, manage costs, and keep better control over projects.
Why I picked Harvest: Harvest makes it easy to track expenses and keep project costs organized. Your team can log expenses quickly using a simple interface. Time tracking and invoicing are built in, so billing stays accurate. Reports combine time and expense data to help you make better financial decisions. It’s different from other time tracking tools because it brings time, cost, and billing together in one place.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include the ability to generate detailed invoices directly from tracked time and expenses. The project budgeting feature helps you monitor project financials and stay within budget. Harvest also lets you review and approve logged time easily.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Asana, Trello, Xero, Stripe, Zapier, Google Calendar, Basecamp, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Timesheet approval process
- Detailed invoicing features
- Effective expense management
Cons:
- Can be expensive for large teams
- Limited customization options
FunctionFox is a time tracking and project management tool built for creative teams and agencies. It helps you manage projects and track time with features that support the way creative professionals work to keep you organized and productive.
Why I picked FunctionFox: FunctionFox works well for creative teams that need simple tools to track time and projects. The timesheets are easy to fill out, so your team can log hours without hassle. You can check project status at a glance to see what’s on track or falling behind. You can customize the dashboards to focus on timelines and billable hours without digging through extra info.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include budget tracking, which helps you manage project costs effectively, and the milestone tracking feature helps you monitor key project stages and make sure they are completed on time.
Integrations are not available in FunctionFox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Budget tracking features
- Effective project status tracking
- Intuitive timesheets
Cons:
- No mobile app
- Limited advanced features
Ravetree is an all-in-one project management tool for agencies, consultancies, and service firms. It combines project management, time tracking, and collaboration features and is a good fit for teams that want to manage everything in one place.
Why I picked Ravetree: Ravetree lets your team log time directly into tasks or projects and track billable versus non-billable hours. You can set up approvals for timesheets, so nothing gets billed until you’ve reviewed it. The platform also connects time entries with budgets, so you can see how logged hours affect your financial targets. Project timelines update as hours are added to give you a current view of progress and make it easier to manage team workloads and client expectations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include tools for tracking reimbursable expenses alongside time entries. You can create custom fields to track specific data related to your team or clients. There's also support for project-based permissions to limit access by role or team.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Google Drive, Dropbox, HubSpot, and OneDrive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated billing and invoicing
- Customizable workflows
- Centralized dashboard
Cons:
- No offline capabilities
- It can be overwhelming for small teams
Other Time Tracking Software for Consultants
Here are some additional time tracking software for consultants options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but which are still worth checking out:
- Timogix
For user-friendly interface
- ProWorkflow
For project collaboration
- Resource Guru
For resource scheduling
- Forecast
For visibility into billable hours
- Kantata
For professional services teams
- Runn
For real-time forecasting
- Wrike
For cross-team collaboration
- Toggl Track
For simple time tracking
- Rocketlane
For project delivery
- Hubstaff
For remote team management
- ClickUp
For all-in-one productivity
- Jibble
For attendance tracking
- Asana
For task management
- TMetric
For detailed time reports
- TimeCamp
For automatic activity tracking
- monday.com
For customizable workflows
Time Tracking Software for Consultant Selection Criteria
When selecting the best time tracking software for consultants to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like billing accuracy and time management efficiency. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Track billable hours
- Generate invoices
- Provide time reports
- Monitor project progress
- Support team collaboration
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automatic time tracking
- Customizable reporting
- Integrations with accounting tools
- Offline time tracking
- GPS location tracking
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Accessibility features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the availability of the following:
- Training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Chatbot assistance
- Live webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Response time
- Access to a knowledge base
- Availability of live chat
- Multichannel support options
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Free trial availability
- Features offered at each price tier
- Discount options for annual subscriptions
- Cost-benefit ratio
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Mention of customer support experiences
- Commonly reported issues
- User recommendations
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
How to Choose Time Tracking Software for Consultants
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your team? Consider whether it supports the number of users you anticipate needing as your business expands. Look for options that offer flexible pricing tiers. |
| Integrations | Does the software connect with your existing tools? Make sure it integrates with your project management, accounting, and communication platforms. This saves time and reduces manual data entry. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your workflows? Check whether you can customize reports, dashboards, and user permissions. This flexibility can make the tool more effective for your specific needs. |
| Ease of Use | Is the software intuitive for your team? Look for a user-friendly interface that minimizes the learning curve. Consider scheduling a demo to see how easily your team can navigate the platform. |
| Implementation and Onboarding | How quickly can your team get up and running? Evaluate whether the vendor provides training resources, such as videos or tutorials, to facilitate a smooth transition. |
| Cost | Does the software fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and consider any hidden fees. Look for a solution that balances cost with the features you need. |
| Security Safeguards | How does the software protect your data? Verify that it offers encryption, regular backups, and compliance with data protection regulations. |
| Support Availability | What support options are available? Consider whether the vendor offers 24/7 support, live chat, or phone assistance, especially if your team operates across different time zones. |
What Is Time Tracking Software for Consultants?
Time tracking software for consultants is a type of software tool for logging billable hours and managing project time. It's used by consultants, freelancers, and small teams to improve billing accuracy and productivity.
Key features like time logging, invoicing, and reporting support improve time management and tracking on your projects, and help you and your team make the most of your time and resources.
Features of Time Tracking Software for Consultants
When selecting time tracking software for consultants, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Time logging: Let's you track billable hours accurately and capture all work done for clients.
- Invoicing: Generates invoices directly from tracked time, simplifies the billing process, and saves time.
- Reporting: Provides insights into time usage and project progress so you can make informed decisions.
- Expense tracking: Monitors project-related expenses and helps you keep track of costs and stay within budget.
- Integrations: Connects with other tools like project management and accounting software to improve your workflows.
- Customizable dashboards: Lets you tailor views to focus on the most relevant data for your team’s needs.
- Mobile access: Allows for time tracking on the go to increase flexibility and convenience for remote work.
- User permissions: Manages access levels for different team members to maintain data security and privacy.
- Project management: Organizes tasks and deadlines so you can keep projects on track and meet client expectations.
Benefits of Time Tracking Software for Consultants
Implementing time tracking software for consultants provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved billing accuracy: Tracks billable hours precisely, which ensures clients are billed correctly and reduces disputes.
- Better productivity: Offers insights into time usage and helps you identify inefficiencies and optimize workflows.
- Better project management: Organizes tasks and deadlines so you can keep projects on schedule and within budget.
- Cost control: Monitors expenses so you can manage project costs and prevent overspending.
- Efficient invoicing: Generates invoices automatically from tracked time to save time and reduce manual errors.
- Data-driven decisions: Provides detailed reports that help you make informed business decisions and plan effectively.
- Increased flexibility: Allows for mobile access so your team can track time from anywhere, which supports remote work.
Costs and Pricing of Time Tracking Software for Consultants
Choosing time tracking software for consultants means understanding the different pricing models and plans available. Costs can vary depending on features, team size, add-ons, and other factors. The table below outlines common plan types, average pricing, and typical features found in time tracking tools for consultants.
Plan Comparison Table for Time Tracking Software for Consultants
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic time tracking, limited projects, and basic reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5 - $15/user/month | Time tracking, invoicing, and project management. |
| Business Plan | $15 - $30/user/month | Advanced reporting, integrations, and expense tracking. |
| Enterprise Plan | $30 - $50/user/month | Customizable dashboards, priority support, and advanced security features. |
Time Tracking Software for Consultants FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about time tracking software for consultants:
How to track hours worked as a consultant?
Time tracking apps like Clockify and Toggl Track help you log work hours. You can track time across multiple projects and clients, which makes it easier to manage billable hours. Features like timers and manual entry give you flexibility based on how you work.
How to manage time as a consultant?
Effective time management involves setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks. Time tracking software helps you plan your hours and avoid overbooking. These tools let you monitor your schedule so you can meet deadlines and stay productive.
What is the timekeeping app for consultants?
Clockify is a popular choice for consultants because of its GPS tracking and simple interface. It lets you log work hours, track billable time, and create invoices. This makes it useful for consultants who work on-site and need accurate time records.
Can time tracking software integrate with other business tools?
Yes, most time tracking software integrates with project management, accounting, and communication tools. This helps simplify workflows and cuts down on manual data entry. Be sure to check the integration options of any tool you’re considering to make sure it works with your current systems.
Are there free time tracking options for consultants?
Many time tracking tools offer free plans with basic features, which work well for individual consultants or small teams. These plans usually include time logging and basic reports but may not offer invoicing or integrations. Check whether the free plan covers what you need.
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