As a freelancer, managing your time effectively is key to maximizing productivity and ensuring you get paid for every minute of your work. Whether you’re juggling multiple clients or trying to stay on top of deadlines, using a reliable time tracking app can make all the difference. In 2025, the freelance landscape is more competitive than ever, and having the right tools in your digital toolbox can help you stay ahead.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top time tracking apps every freelancer should try in 2025, with features like screenshot monitoring, invoicing, and seamless integrations. These tools are not only designed to help you track hours but also to improve focus, simplify billing, and keep your projects on track.
Why Time Tracking Matters for Freelancers
Before diving into the best tools, let’s talk about why time tracking is essential for freelancers:
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Accurate billing: Time tracking apps allow you to bill clients based on exact hours worked.
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Improved productivity: Visualizing how you spend your day can help eliminate distractions.
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Client trust: Some tools offer screenshot monitoring, giving clients proof of work.
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Better project management: Stay organized by knowing how much time you’re spending on each task or client.
With that in mind, let’s explore the best apps available in 2025.
1. Toggl Track – Best for Simplicity and Flexibility
Toggl Track remains a favorite among freelancers for its clean interface and easy-to-use features. You can track time with a single click, categorize tasks by project or client, and generate beautiful reports.
Top Features:
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One-click time tracking
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Detailed reporting
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Cross-platform support (Web, iOS, Android, Desktop)
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Integrations with tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack
Pros:
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Beginner-friendly
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No unnecessary complexity
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Offline mode available
Cons:
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Limited features in free plan
Best For: Freelancers looking for a lightweight, intuitive tracking tool.
2. Harvest – Best for Time Tracking + Invoicing
Harvest is a powerful tool for freelancers who want more than just time tracking. It combines tracking, invoicing, and expense management in one platform, making it ideal for those who bill hourly.
Top Features:
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Time and expense tracking
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Professional invoice generation
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Project budget tracking
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Integration with QuickBooks, Trello, and Zapier
Pros:
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Built-in invoicing
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Great for managing client budgets
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Reliable customer support
Cons:
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Slight learning curve for new users
Best For: Freelancers who need built-in invoicing and budget tracking.
3. Clockify – Best Free Time Tracker for Teams and Individuals
Clockify is one of the most popular free time tracking tools in 2025. It’s ideal for solo freelancers as well as those who collaborate with others. The app provides detailed breakdowns of where your time goes and supports unlimited tracking.
Top Features:
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Unlimited time tracking (even on free plan)
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Timesheets and activity logs
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Screenshot monitoring and GPS tracking (premium)
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Team management features
Pros:
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Generous free plan
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Cloud-based and mobile access
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Great reporting tools
Cons:
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UI can feel a bit clunky
Best For: Freelancers looking for a robust free tool with optional premium features.
4. TimeCamp – Best for Automation and Passive Tracking
TimeCamp is perfect for freelancers who forget to hit the “Start” button. It offers automatic time tracking by monitoring app and website usage, making it easier to track billable hours without manual input.
Top Features:
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Automatic time detection
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Idle time tracking
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Productivity analysis
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Project and task tracking
Pros:
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Passive time tracking saves effort
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Visual timesheets
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Integrates with project management tools
Cons:
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Limited automation in the free version
Best For: Freelancers who want automatic tracking with productivity insights.
5. Hubstaff – Best for Screenshot Monitoring
For freelancers working with clients who demand transparency, Hubstaff is an excellent option. It offers robust monitoring features including screenshots, activity levels, and app tracking.
Top Features:
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Time tracking with screenshots
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GPS and productivity monitoring
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Automated payroll options
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Strong security features
Pros:
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Ideal for remote work contracts
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Builds client trust with proof of work
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Multi-platform support
Cons:
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Can feel intrusive for solo users
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Higher pricing for premium plans
Best For: Freelancers with clients who require activity proof or monitoring.
6. RescueTime – Best for Focus and Productivity
Unlike traditional trackers, RescueTime is focused on helping you build better work habits. It automatically tracks what apps and websites you’re using and provides detailed reports on your productivity levels.
Top Features:
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Automatic activity tracking
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Focus sessions and alerts
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Daily and weekly productivity reports
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Goal setting and time blocking
Pros:
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Encourages better work habits
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No need to manually track time
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Excellent for digital wellness
Cons:
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Not built for client billing
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Lacks invoicing features
Best For: Freelancers looking to improve their focus and time management.
7. Timely by Memory – Best for Smart Time Tracking with AI
Timely uses AI to track your work activities automatically, making time tracking completely passive. It learns your patterns and helps you assign tracked time to specific projects or tasks.
Top Features:
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AI-based automatic tracking
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Private memory timeline
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Real-time project dashboards
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Data privacy controls
Pros:
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Very little manual input needed
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Beautiful interface
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Works in the background
Cons:
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More expensive than basic tools
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Limited integrations
Best For: Freelancers who want automated tracking with minimal effort.
8. Freelancy – Best All-in-One Freelancing Platform
New to the scene in 2025, Freelancy combines time tracking, project management, and invoicing in one streamlined platform designed specifically for freelancers.
Top Features:
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Time tracking with task management
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Invoice and proposal generation
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CRM tools for client communication
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Calendar and deadline tracking
Pros:
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Designed with freelancers in mind
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All-in-one solution
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Streamlines your freelance workflow
Cons:
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Not ideal for larger teams
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Still growing in features
Best For: Freelancers looking for a complete business management tool.
Choosing the Right Time Tracking App for You
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before picking the right app:
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Do you bill hourly or by project?
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Do your clients require proof of work?
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Do you prefer manual or automatic tracking?
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Do you need invoicing or reporting features?
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What’s your monthly budget for tools?
Some freelancers may benefit from combining two tools — one for deep focus like RescueTime, and another like Harvest for billing and invoicing.
Final Thoughts
The best time tracking apps for freelancers in 2025 go far beyond just counting hours. They help you stay organized, prove your value to clients, and grow your freelance business with confidence.
Whether you prefer simplicity, automation, or advanced features like screenshot monitoring, there’s a tool out there for every type of freelancer. Test a few options from this list and find the one that fits your workflow best.
Remember: time is your most valuable resource — track it wisely.
