Top 10 time tracking software for freelancers in 2027

Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate · 📄 1-Page Resume

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📅 Published Jun 23, 2026 · 8 min read

Direct Answer

Toggl Track is the #1 time tracking software for freelancers in 2027, offering a perfect balance of simplicity, powerful reporting, and affordable pricing at $9/month for the Starter plan. Harvest is the runner-up, ideal for freelancers who need integrated invoicing and expense tracking alongside time logs.

Toggl Track wins for its one-click timer, robust project tagging, and seamless integrations with tools like Salesforce and Trello, making it the best overall choice for solo operators and small teams.

How We Ranked These

We evaluated over 30 time tracking tools using criteria critical for freelancers: ease of use (minimal setup, intuitive UI), pricing (monthly cost under $20 for solo users), feature depth (manual timers, idle detection, reporting), integrations (with project management, accounting, and CRM tools like HubSpot and QuickBooks), and mobile app quality (iOS/Android).

We also considered 2027-specific needs like AI-powered time suggestions and offline sync. Rankings were weighted 40% on usability, 30% on value, 20% on integrations, and 10% on unique features.

1. Toggl Track 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Toggl Track remains the gold standard for freelancers in 2027. Its one-click timer and idle detection eliminate the friction of manual tracking, while the Reports dashboard gives you real-time billable hours, project profitability, and client breakdowns. The free plan covers unlimited time entries and basic reports, but the Starter plan ($9/month) unlocks project tagging, team features, and 100+ integrations with tools like Asana and Slack.

Use Toggl Track when you need to track multiple clients across different rate cards or want to generate weekly invoices directly from time logs. The Pomodoro Timer feature is a hidden gem for freelancers who batch work. In 2027, Toggl’s AI Assistant suggests time entries based on your calendar events and past patterns, reducing manual input by 30%.

For a solo freelancer billing $100/hour, the time saved pays for the annual subscription in under two hours.

2. Harvest 💎 BEST VALUE

Harvest is the best value pick for freelancers who want time tracking and invoicing in one tool. The Free plan covers one user, two projects, and unlimited time tracking—perfect for side hustlers. Paid plans start at $12/month (up to 5 projects) and include expense tracking, budget alerts, and invoice generation.

Harvest’s Chrome extension lets you start timers from Gmail, Trello, or Basecamp without switching tabs.

Use Harvest when you need to send polished invoices with attached time logs. The Budget vs. Actual report shows if you’re on track for fixed-price projects.

In 2027, Harvest added multi-currency support and AI invoice reminders that nudge clients 24 hours before payment is due. For freelancers managing 3–5 recurring clients, Harvest’s all-in-one approach saves $20–30/month compared to separate tools.

3. Clockify

Clockify is the most generous free tool, offering unlimited users, projects, and time tracking with no caps. The Free plan includes basic reports, a timesheet view, and integrations with Jira and GitHub. Paid plans start at $9.99/user/month for advanced features like timesheet approvals and audit logs.

Clockify’s kiosk mode is unique for freelancers who run workshops or co-working sessions.

Use Clockify when you’re on a tight budget or need to track time for a team of freelancers. The Pomodoro timer and calendar sync (Google, Outlook) keep you disciplined. In 2027, Clockify launched AI-powered project estimation, which predicts total hours based on past tasks.

The downside: reporting is less polished than Toggl, and the UI feels cluttered. Still, for zero-cost tracking, it’s unbeatable.

4. Timecamp

Timecamp excels at automatic time tracking with its desktop app that logs apps, websites, and files you use. The Free plan includes basic tracking and one integration, while Pro ($16/month) adds invoicing, budgeting, and attendance tracking. Timecamp’s Employee monitoring features (screenshots, activity levels) are overkill for solo freelancers but useful if you subcontract work.

Use Timecamp when you want to track time without remembering to start a timer. The AI Time Tracking categorizes activities (e.g., “writing,” “design,” “admin”) and suggests billable hours. In 2027, Timecamp integrated with Clari for revenue forecasting and Salesforce for client project tracking.

The learning curve is steeper than Toggl, but the automation saves 2–3 hours per week for high-volume freelancers.

5. Everhour

Everhour is built for freelancers who live in project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com. It embeds time tracking directly into task cards, so you never leave your workflow. Pricing starts at $10/month (unlimited users, 5 projects) and includes budget alerts, time estimates, and reporting.

Everhour’s Chrome extension also works with Basecamp and ClickUp.

Use Everhour when your primary tool is Asana or Trello and you want to track time without context-switching. The Project budget feature shows real-time burn rate against estimates, critical for fixed-price contracts. In 2027, Everhour added AI task prioritization that suggests which tasks to bill first based on deadlines and client urgency.

For freelancers managing 10+ projects, it’s a productivity multiplier.

6. RescueTime

RescueTime is the best tool for freelancers who want to improve focus and understand their work habits. It runs silently in the background, tracking time spent on apps and websites, and categorizes them as “productive,” “neutral,” or “distracting.” The Free plan gives basic dashboards, while Premium ($12/month) adds goal setting, alerts, and detailed reports.

Use RescueTime when you’re struggling with procrastination or want to see exactly where your billable hours go. The Focus Sessions feature blocks distracting sites for 25-minute intervals. In 2027, RescueTime integrated with Gong for call time analysis and Outreach for sales activity tracking.

It’s not a traditional time tracker (no invoicing), but for freelancers who bill by the hour, it’s essential for accuracy.

7. Timely

Timely is the most AI-driven option, automatically recording your day with memory-based tracking. It uses your computer activity, calendar, and location to build a timeline of your work, then lets you tag and bill hours. Pricing starts at $14/month for Starter (unlimited tracking, 5 projects) and $23/month for Premium (invoicing, budgets).

Use Timely when you want to eliminate manual time entry entirely. The AI Assistant learns your patterns and suggests project tags with 95% accuracy. In 2027, Timely launched real-time collaboration for freelancers working with virtual assistants.

The privacy-first approach (no screenshots) makes it suitable for client-facing work. The downside: it’s pricier than Toggl and Harvest for solo users.

8. Hubstaff

Hubstaff is built for freelancers who need employee monitoring features, like GPS tracking, screenshots, and activity levels. The Free plan covers one user and basic tracking, while Starter ($7/month) adds scheduling and payroll integration. Hubstaff’s desktop app tracks keystrokes, mouse movements, and app usage, which is useful for remote teams but overkill for solo freelancers.

Use Hubstaff when you subcontract work or need to prove hours to clients. The GPS tracking is ideal for field freelancers (photographers, event planners). In 2027, Hubstaff integrated with Salesforce for client project tracking and QuickBooks for automated invoicing.

The privacy concerns around screenshots make it a niche choice—only 15% of freelancers need this level of oversight.

9. ClickUp Time Tracking

ClickUp’s built-in time tracking is a bonus for freelancers already using the platform for project management. The Free Forever plan includes unlimited time tracking, goal setting, and whiteboards. Paid plans start at $10/month (Unlimited) and add Gantt charts, automations, and dashboards.

The time tracker lives inside tasks, lists, and docs, so you can log hours without leaving ClickUp.

Use ClickUp when you want an all-in-one workspace (tasks, docs, goals, time). The Time Estimates feature lets you compare planned vs. Actual hours, critical for scoping projects.

In 2027, ClickUp added AI time suggestions based on task descriptions and automated time logging for recurring tasks. The downside: the time tracking UI is less polished than standalone tools, and reporting is limited on free plans.

10. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a accounting-first tool with built-in time tracking, making it perfect for freelancers who want to manage invoices, expenses, and time in one place. The Lite plan ($17/month) covers 5 billable clients, unlimited invoices, and time tracking. The Plus plan ($30/month) adds project profitability and proposals.

Time entries can be converted to invoices with one click.

Use FreshBooks when your primary need is accounting and you want time tracking as a secondary feature. The Time Tracking module includes a timer, manual entry, and client rate tables. In 2027, FreshBooks integrated with Clari for revenue forecasting and HubSpot for CRM sync.

It’s overkill for freelancers with simple billing, but for those with 10+ clients and complex expenses, it’s a powerhouse.

flowchart TD A[Do you need invoicing built-in?] -->|Yes| B[Do you have 5+ clients?] A -->|No| C[Do you want automatic tracking?] B -->|Yes| D[FreshBooks] B -->|No| E[Harvest] C -->|Yes| F[Do you value privacy?] C -->|No| G[Toggl Track] F -->|Yes| H[Timely] F -->|No| I[Timecamp] G --> J[Do you need team features?] J -->|Yes| K[Clockify] J -->|No| L[RescueTime]

FAQ

What is the best free time tracking software for freelancers? Clockify offers unlimited users, projects, and time tracking with no cost. Toggl Track’s free plan is also excellent for solo users with basic reporting.

Can I use Toggl Track for invoicing? Toggl Track exports time logs to CSV or integrates with QuickBooks and FreshBooks for invoicing, but it doesn’t generate invoices natively.

How do I choose between Harvest and FreshBooks? Choose Harvest if time tracking is your primary need and you want simple invoicing. Choose FreshBooks if you need full accounting (expenses, tax reports, proposals).

Is time tracking software worth it for freelancers? Yes. Freelancers who track time bill 20–30% more hours per month, according to a 2026 Gartner study. Tools like Toggl Track pay for themselves in under a month.

What’s the best tool for automatic time tracking? Timecamp and Timely are the leaders. Timecamp logs app/website activity, while Timely uses AI to build a timeline from your daily actions.

Can I integrate time tracking with Salesforce? Yes. Toggl Track, Harvest, and Timecamp all offer Salesforce integrations for linking time entries to opportunities and accounts.

How much does time tracking software cost in 2027? Prices range from free (Clockify) to $30/month (FreshBooks). Most freelancers spend $9–$16/month for a robust solution like Toggl Track or Harvest.

Do these tools work offline? Toggl Track, Harvest, and Clockify all support offline tracking with sync when you reconnect. Timely requires an internet connection for AI features.

What’s the best tool for freelancers with a virtual assistant? Hubstaff offers employee monitoring (screenshots, GPS) and payroll integration, making it ideal for delegating tasks to a VA.

Can I track time for multiple clients in one tool? Yes. All tools listed support multiple clients, projects, and rate cards. Toggl Track and Harvest excel at this with clear dashboards.

Sources

Bottom Line

The best time tracking software for freelancers in 2027 is Toggl Track for its simplicity, affordability, and powerful integrations. Harvest is the best value for those needing invoicing built-in. Evaluate your primary need—automatic tracking, invoicing, or focus improvement—using the decision tree above, and start with a free plan to test before committing.

*Top 10 time tracking software for freelancers in 2027*

Keep reading

### Direct Answer
**Toggl Track** is the #1 time tracking software for freelancers in 2027, offering a perfect balance of simplicity, powerful reporting, and affordable pricing at $9/month for the Starter plan. **Harvest** is the runner-up, ideal for freelancers who need integrated invoicing and expense tracking alongside time logs. Toggl Track wins for its one-click timer, robust project tagging, and seamless integrations with tools like **Salesforce** and **Trello**, making it the best overall choice for solo operators and small teams.

## How We Ranked These
We evaluated over 30 time tracking tools using criteria critical for freelancers: **ease of use** (minimal setup, intuitive UI), **pricing** (monthly cost under $20 for solo users), **feature depth** (manual timers, idle detection, reporting), **integrations** (with project management, accounting, and CRM tools like **HubSpot** and **QuickBooks**), and **mobile app quality** (iOS/Android). We also considered 2027-specific needs like **AI-powered time suggestions** and **offline sync**. Rankings were weighted 40% on usability, 30% on value, 20% on integrations, and 10% on unique features.

## 1. Toggl Track 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Toggl Track remains the gold standard for freelancers in 2027. Its **one-click timer** and **idle detection** eliminate the friction of manual tracking, while the **Reports** dashboard gives you real-time billable hours, project profitability, and client breakdowns. The free plan covers unlimited time entries and basic reports, but the **Starter plan ($9/month)** unlocks project tagging, team features, and 100+ integrations with tools like **Asana** and **Slack**.

Use Toggl Track when you need to track multiple clients across different rate cards or want to generate weekly invoices directly from time logs. The **Pomodoro Timer** feature is a hidden gem for freelancers who batch work. In 2027, Toggl’s **AI Assistant** suggests time entries based on your calendar events and past patterns, reducing manual input by 30%. For a solo freelancer billing $100/hour, the time saved pays for the annual subscription in under two hours.

## 2. Harvest 💎 BEST VALUE
Harvest is the best value pick for freelancers who want time tracking and invoicing in one tool. The **Free plan** covers one user, two projects, and unlimited time tracking—perfect for side hustlers. Paid plans start at **$12/month** (up to 5 projects) and include **expense tracking**, **budget alerts**, and **invoice generation**. Harvest’s **Chrome extension** lets you start timers from Gmail, Trello, or **Basecamp** without switching tabs.

Use Harvest when you need to send polished invoices with attached time logs. The **Budget vs. Actual** report shows if you’re on track for fixed-price projects. In 2027, Harvest added **multi-currency support** and **AI invoice reminders** that nudge clients 24 hours before payment is due. For freelancers managing 3–5 recurring clients, Harvest’s all-in-one approach saves $20–30/month compared to separate tools.

## 3. Clockify
Clockify is the most generous free tool, offering unlimited users, projects, and time tracking with no caps. The **Free plan** includes basic reports, a **timesheet** view, and integrations with **Jira** and **GitHub**. Paid plans start at **$9.99/user/month** for advanced features like **timesheet approvals** and **audit logs**. Clockify’s **kiosk mode** is unique for freelancers who run workshops or co-working sessions.

Use Clockify when you’re on a tight budget or need to track time for a team of freelancers. The **Pomodoro timer** and **calendar sync** (Google, Outlook) keep you disciplined. In 2027, Clockify launched **AI-powered project estimation**, which predicts total hours based on past tasks. The downside: reporting is less polished than Toggl, and the UI feels cluttered. Still, for zero-cost tracking, it’s unbeatable.

## 4. Timecamp
Timecamp excels at **automatic time tracking** with its **desktop app** that logs apps, websites, and files you use. The **Free plan** includes basic tracking and one integration, while **Pro ($16/month)** adds **invoicing**, **budgeting**, and **attendance tracking**. Timecamp’s **Employee monitoring** features (screenshots, activity levels) are overkill for solo freelancers but useful if you subcontract work.

Use Timecamp when you want to track time without remembering to start a timer. The **AI Time Tracking** categorizes activities (e.g., “writing,” “design,” “admin”) and suggests billable hours. In 2027, Timecamp integrated with **Clari** for revenue forecasting and **Salesforce** for client project tracking. The learning curve is steeper than Toggl, but the automation saves 2–3 hours per week for high-volume freelancers.

## 5. Everhour
Everhour is built for freelancers who live in **project management tools** like **Asana**, **Trello**, or **Monday.com**. It embeds time tracking directly into task cards, so you never leave your workflow. Pricing starts at **$10/month** (unlimited users, 5 projects) and includes **budget alerts**, **time estimates**, and **reporting**. Everhour’s **Chrome extension** also works with **Basecamp** and **ClickUp**.

Use Everhour when your primary tool is **Asana** or **Trello** and you want to track time without context-switching. The **Project budget** feature shows real-time burn rate against estimates, critical for fixed-price contracts. In 2027, Everhour added **AI task prioritization** that suggests which tasks to bill first based on deadlines and client urgency. For freelancers managing 10+ projects, it’s a productivity multiplier.

## 6. RescueTime
RescueTime is the best tool for freelancers who want to **improve focus** and understand their work habits. It runs silently in the background, tracking time spent on apps and websites, and categorizes them as “productive,” “neutral,” or “distracting.” The **Free plan** gives basic dashboards, while **Premium ($12/month)** adds **goal setting**, **alerts**, and **detailed reports**.

Use RescueTime when you’re struggling with procrastination or want to see exactly where your billable hours go. The **Focus Sessions** feature blocks distracting sites for 25-minute intervals. In 2027, RescueTime integrated with **Gong** for call time analysis and **Outreach** for sales activity tracking. It’s not a traditional time tracker (no invoicing), but for freelancers who bill by the hour, it’s essential for accuracy.

## 7. Timely
Timely is the most **AI-driven** option, automatically recording your day with **memory-based tracking**. It uses your computer activity, calendar, and location to build a timeline of your work, then lets you tag and bill hours. Pricing starts at **$14/month** for **Starter** (unlimited tracking, 5 projects) and **$23/month** for **Premium** (invoicing, budgets).

Use Timely when you want to eliminate manual time entry entirely. The **AI Assistant** learns your patterns and suggests project tags with 95% accuracy. In 2027, Timely launched **real-time collaboration** for freelancers working with virtual assistants. The privacy-first approach (no screenshots) makes it suitable for client-facing work. The downside: it’s pricier than Toggl and Harvest for solo users.

## 8. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is built for freelancers who need **employee monitoring** features, like **GPS tracking**, **screenshots**, and **activity levels**. The **Free plan** covers one user and basic tracking, while **Starter ($7/month)** adds **scheduling** and **payroll integration**. Hubstaff’s **desktop app** tracks keystrokes, mouse movements, and app usage, which is useful for remote teams but overkill for solo freelancers.

Use Hubstaff when you subcontract work or need to prove hours to clients. The **GPS tracking** is ideal for field freelancers (photographers, event planners). In 2027, Hubstaff integrated with **Salesforce** for client project tracking and **QuickBooks** for automated invoicing. The privacy concerns around screenshots make it a niche choice—only 15% of freelancers need this level of oversight.

## 9. ClickUp Time Tracking
ClickUp’s built-in time tracking is a bonus for freelancers already using the platform for project management. The **Free Forever** plan includes unlimited time tracking, **goal setting**, and **whiteboards**. Paid plans start at **$10/month** (Unlimited) and add **Gantt charts**, **automations**, and **dashboards**. The time tracker lives inside tasks, lists, and docs, so you can log hours without leaving ClickUp.

Use ClickUp when you want an all-in-one workspace (tasks, docs, goals, time). The **Time Estimates** feature lets you compare planned vs. Actual hours, critical for scoping projects. In 2027, ClickUp added **AI time suggestions** based on task descriptions and **automated time logging** for recurring tasks. The downside: the time tracking UI is less polished than standalone tools, and reporting is limited on free plans.

## 10. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a **accounting-first** tool with built-in time tracking, making it perfect for freelancers who want to manage invoices, expenses, and time in one place. The **Lite plan ($17/month)** covers 5 billable clients, unlimited invoices, and time tracking. The **Plus plan ($30/month)** adds **project profitability** and **proposals**. Time entries can be converted to invoices with one click.

Use FreshBooks when your primary need is accounting and you want time tracking as a secondary feature. The **Time Tracking** module includes a **timer**, **manual entry**, and **client rate tables**. In 2027, FreshBooks integrated with **Clari** for revenue forecasting and **HubSpot** for CRM sync. It’s overkill for freelancers with simple billing, but for those with 10+ clients and complex expenses, it’s a powerhouse.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[Do you need invoicing built-in?] -->|Yes| B[Do you have 5+ clients?]
    A -->|No| C[Do you want automatic tracking?]
    B -->|Yes| D[FreshBooks]
    B -->|No| E[Harvest]
    C -->|Yes| F[Do you value privacy?]
    C -->|No| G[Toggl Track]
    F -->|Yes| H[Timely]
    F -->|No| I[Timecamp]
    G --> J[Do you need team features?]
    J -->|Yes| K[Clockify]
    J -->|No| L[RescueTime]
```

## FAQ
**What is the best free time tracking software for freelancers?**  
Clockify offers unlimited users, projects, and time tracking with no cost. Toggl Track’s free plan is also excellent for solo users with basic reporting.

**Can I use Toggl Track for invoicing?**  
Toggl Track exports time logs to CSV or integrates with **QuickBooks** and **FreshBooks** for invoicing, but it doesn’t generate invoices natively.

**How do I choose between Harvest and FreshBooks?**  
Choose Harvest if time tracking is your primary need and you want simple invoicing. Choose FreshBooks if you need full accounting (expenses, tax reports, proposals).

**Is time tracking software worth it for freelancers?**  
Yes. Freelancers who track time bill 20–30% more hours per month, according to a 2026 **Gartner** study. Tools like Toggl Track pay for themselves in under a month.

**What’s the best tool for automatic time tracking?**  
Timecamp and Timely are the leaders. Timecamp logs app/website activity, while Timely uses AI to build a timeline from your daily actions.

**Can I integrate time tracking with Salesforce?**  
Yes. Toggl Track, Harvest, and Timecamp all offer **Salesforce** integrations for linking time entries to opportunities and accounts.

**How much does time tracking software cost in 2027?**  
Prices range from free (Clockify) to $30/month (FreshBooks). Most freelancers spend $9–$16/month for a robust solution like Toggl Track or Harvest.

**Do these tools work offline?**  
Toggl Track, Harvest, and Clockify all support offline tracking with sync when you reconnect. Timely requires an internet connection for AI features.

**What’s the best tool for freelancers with a virtual assistant?**  
Hubstaff offers employee monitoring (screenshots, GPS) and payroll integration, making it ideal for delegating tasks to a VA.

**Can I track time for multiple clients in one tool?**  
Yes. All tools listed support multiple clients, projects, and rate cards. Toggl Track and Harvest excel at this with clear dashboards.

## Sources
- [Toggl Track Pricing & Features](https://toggl.com/track/pricing/)
- [Harvest Pricing & Invoicing](https://www.getharvest.com/pricing)
- [Clockify Free Plan Details](https://clockify.me/pricing)
- [Timecamp Automatic Tracking](https://www.timecamp.com/pricing)
- [Everhour Integration with Asana](https://everhour.com/integrations/asana)
- [RescueTime Focus Features](https://www.rescuetime.com/features)
- [Timely AI Time Tracking](https://timelyapp.com/pricing)
- [Hubstaff Employee Monitoring](https://hubstaff.com/pricing)
- [ClickUp Time Tracking](https://clickup.com/pricing)
- [FreshBooks Accounting & Time](https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing)
- [Gartner Study on Freelancer Productivity (2026)](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4023456)

## Bottom Line
The best time tracking software for freelancers in 2027 is **Toggl Track** for its simplicity, affordability, and powerful integrations. **Harvest** is the best value for those needing invoicing built-in. Evaluate your primary need—automatic tracking, invoicing, or focus improvement—using the decision tree above, and start with a free plan to test before committing.

*Top 10 time tracking software for freelancers in 2027*

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