The Best Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers in 2025 | Illustration by Steve Leggat

The Best Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers in 2025

By Steve Leggat Illustration by Steve Leggat
When comparing top time tracking apps, the reality is most are built for teams and corporate environments - not solo professionals.

We’ve compared some excellent time tracking tools against what solo professionals need: simple logging, minimal setup, and integration with existing invoicing workflows. These are all solid products, but they weren’t really designed for freelancers, contractors, and sole traders looking for frictionless time tracking and invoice prep.

TallyHo was built specifically for solo professionals by someone who’s been tracking client time since 1996. Instead of forcing you to adapt to corporate workflows, it works the way independent professionals naturally think about their work.

Screenshot of popular time tracking apps showing team-focused features vs freelancer needs A quick scan of popular time tracking websites shows their focus: teams, collaboration, management - not the solo freelancer experience

Time Tracking Tool Comparison

TallyHoTogglHarvestClockifyRescueTime
Target UserSolo freelancersIndividuals & teamsFreelancers & small agenciesTeams & enterprisesProductivity analysis for individuals
Time EntryLog after completionStart/stop timers + manual entryStart/stop timers + manualStart/stop timers + manualAutomatic background tracking
Setup RequiredNone – create clients/projects on the flyOptional projects (can assign later)Clients/projects recommendedProjects optional, helpful for teamsInstall & categorise apps
Workflow InterruptionMinimal (log when finished)Low (timer notifications optional)Low (idle alerts optional)Low–moderate (optional alerts)Runs in background
Invoicing IntegrationGenerate timesheets to copy-paste to any invoicing system (universal)Integrations with popular apps (Xero, QuickBooks, etc.)Built-in invoicingExport + integrationsNone
Learning Curve~15 minutes~1 hour for basics1–2 hours to use invoicing1–2 hours depending on featuresOngoing categorisation
PricingFree (5 clients, 10 projects each) / Pro $5/moFree (up to 5 users) / $9+ per userFree (1 user, 2 projects) / $12+ per userFree (unlimited users, basic features) / $3–12+ per userFree (individual, basic) / $6.50+
Best ForFreelancers who want quick, lightweight loggingUsers who like timers & detailed reportsAgencies needing invoicingLarge teams & enterprise needsUnderstanding personal productivity

Why I Reckon TallyHo Is The Best Option for Freelancers

For freelancers, the hardest part of time tracking often isn’t the software, it comes down to remembering to actually use it. Miss a timer once, and you end up piecing together your day from memory.

That’s where TallyHo makes life easier: you simply log the time you’ve just finished, right after you’ve done it. It’s quick, easy to turn into a habit, and it keeps you focused on the work itself while your timesheet stays accurate and clear.

Built for freelancers, not corporations: Unlike larger tools designed for teams and enterprises, TallyHo is crafted by a freelancer who’s been tracking client time for over 25 years. The result is lean, frictionless timesheet logging that fits the way most independent professionals work.

And because freelancers use all kinds of invoicing systems, TallyHo avoids fragile integrations. Instead, its universal copy-paste approach works with anything, Xero, Hnry, FreshBooks, or even a Word document. Your time is portable and never locked in.

When you’re working solo, you need tools that get out of the way, not another system to manage.


Ready to try time tracking that actually works for freelancers? TallyHo offers a Free Forever Plan perfect for freelancers starting their journey – track time for up to 5 clients with 10 projects each (50 projects total). All features included, no time limits, no restrictions. For growing freelancers who need unlimited clients and projects, TallyHo Pro provides everything you need with priority support.


Information correct as of August 23, 2025. Pricing and features are subject to change. Check each vendor's website for current details.
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