7 best web-based time tracking software tools

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Are you still tracking time using spreadsheets or outdated desktop apps?

If you are, you’re not alone. But in a world where teams are remote, hybrid, and constantly shifting priorities, these old-school tools often create more problems than they solve. They slow you down, increase manual errors, and make it harder to stay on top of your team’s time.

Now, what if managing your work hours was as easy as checking your email? Web-based time tracking software come close, with easy browser access for reporting and setup, and quick installs for time capture. 

Since it runs in the cloud, your time entries, timesheets, and project data stay synced across all devices. Whether you’re on a laptop, using a mobile app, or switching between Android and iOS, your team’s time stays accurate and accessible. 

Most importantly, it provides a real-time view of how your team spends their work hours.

In this article, you’ll discover the top tools that help you track time, manage projects, and improve profitability, with browser access to reports and settings, while time tracking is handled through the desktop or mobile app.

Table of Contents

• What is a web-based time tracking software?
• 7 best time tracking software tools
• What are the benefits of using web-based time tracking tools?
• How does web-based time tracking software boost productivity?
• Key features to look for in an employee time tracking tool
• Final thoughts

What is a web-based time tracking software?

Web-based time tracking software is a digital tool that helps users record, monitor, and manage time directly through a web browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Unlike traditional tools, web-based time tracking software lets you manage tasks online. But to start tracking time, most platforms require a quick app install. 

This software runs entirely in the cloud. It updates automatically in the background, ensuring users always have the latest version without needing to download or update anything manually.

Because it’s online, it works across all devices with internet access. Whether you’re using a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone, you can log time anytime, anywhere. Most platforms also offer a mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, as well as optional desktop app support.

Key features of a web-based time tracking app often include

• Real-time tracking of work hours
  
• Automatic syncing of time entries
  
• Access to detailed reports
  
• Centralized time data for teams and projects
  

The International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews states that web-based time and productivity tools help teams better understand, manage, and improve their work processes, offering real-time insights that support smarter decision-making.

In short, web-based time tracking software offers a flexible and straightforward way to capture and manage work hours directly through your browser. 

It eliminates the need for installations, keeps your data synced across all devices, and helps your team stay focused, organized, and accountable, regardless of their location.

Now that you understand what web-based time tracking software is and why it matters, the next step is choosing the right tool for your team. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one aligns with your workflow, goals, and budget.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best web-based time tracking software tools available today. 

Each one offers unique features that help you track time, manage projects, and support your team.

7 best time tracking software tools

1. Time Doctor

Best for: Remote and distributed teams

Time Doctor is one of the top options for web-based time tracking software. It’s designed specifically for teams that work across different locations, whether they are remote, hybrid, or in-office. 

You can explore reports, tasks, and settings through your browser. To start tracking time, just install the Time Doctor app. You can handle reports, payroll, and settings right from your browser. 

Because it runs in the cloud, the platform updates automatically. This ensures that managers and team members always have access to the most recent version. 

Most importantly, it offers full visibility into work hours, tasks, and productivity from a single, secure web app.

Key web-based features of Time Doctor

a. Web browser time tracking

You can view reports, manage projects, and adjust settings directly from your browser using Chrome, Safari, or any preferred browser. While tracking itself requires the Time Doctor app to be installed on your device, the web-based dashboard keeps everything else accessible and centralized.

b. Real-time employee monitoring

Time Doctor shows what your team is working on in real time. From active windows to app usage, it gives you clear insights into employee time tracking and helps ensure accountability across your team.

c. Time entries and manual tracking

Team members can log or edit time entries through the web dashboard. This flexibility enables the accurate tracking of billable hours, project time, and various work activities.

d. Detailed time reports

Time Doctor generates customizable and detailed reports directly within the browser. You can break down data by task, project, or person. This makes it easier to improve time management and spot areas for improvement.

e. Screenshots for accountability

Enable screenshot capture to review visual records of user activity. Screenshots are securely stored and accessible through the browser, helping managers build trust and transparency.

f. Mobile app for on-the-go access

Time Doctor’s mobile app enables team members to manually track their work hours, review tasks, and access productivity reports from anywhere. It’s ideal for remote and flexible teams who want to stay organized without needing a desktop.

g. Seamless integrations

Time Doctor connects easily with tools like Asana, QuickBooks, Trello, and more. You can manage all integrations from the web interface, which helps simplify your overall workflow.

h. Role-based access and team management

Assign roles, manage settings, and organize team members through a clean and intuitive browser interface. Everything is built for ease of use, even for first-time users.

i. Cross-device compatibility

Time Doctor works across all platforms. Whether you’re using a desktop app, a mobile app on iOS or Android, or simply sticking with the web version, your time data stays synced and accurate in real-time. 

You can try it all with a 14-day trial, giving you full access to explore its most powerful features risk-free.

2. Clockify

Best for: Small teams and freelancers

Clockify is a solid choice for freelancers and small teams seeking a straightforward, free way to get started with web-based time tracking software. Its browser interface is easy to use for logging hours, creating timesheets, and managing tasks. 

The free plan supports an unlimited number of users, which is ideal for teams on a budget. You can track time entries, use basic templates, and export reports to Excel without needing to install anything. 

At the same time, while Clockify handles core tracking well, teams needing advanced automation or deeper productivity analytics may eventually look for more flexible options.

Key web-based features of Clockify

a. Unlimited users on the free plan

Great for small teams looking to scale without worrying about immediate pricing upgrades.

b. Browser-based time tracking

Log time from any device using a simple web app, with no setup or installations required.

c. Basic task management and templates

Create tasks and apply reusable templates to structure recurring projects or daily work.

d. Excel export for timesheets

Quickly export time data and employee timesheets into Excel to share with clients or managers.

e. Cross-platform support

Available on iOS, Android, and desktop app, so teams can stay connected across devices.

Clockify offers the essentials, and it does them well. However, if your team requires real-time visibility, increased automation, or advanced tracking options, you may need a solution with greater depth and flexibility.

3. Toggl Track

Best for: Creative professionals and flexible workflows

Toggl Track is a popular choice for designers, writers, developers, and creative teams seeking a lightweight, web-based time tracking software that’s easy to use. Its clean, user-friendly interface makes tracking feel effortless.

You can start and stop timers in your browser, organize tasks, and generate detailed reports in just a few clicks. The web app works smoothly across devices, and the mobile apps for iOS and Android help you stay on track wherever you are.

While it’s great for flexible workflows, it may fall short for teams needing built-in features like employee monitoring, GPS tracking, or structured timesheets.

Key web-based features of Toggl Track:

a. Browser-based time tracking

Start, pause, or stop time tracking directly from your browser without extra software.

b. Intuitive task labeling

Categorize time entries by project or client with color-coded tags and custom fields.

c. Visual time reports

Access clean, shareable time data through visual dashboards and detailed reports.

d. Cross-device access

Track time from any device using the desktop app, mobile app (on iOS or Android), or simply stay within the web interface.

Toggl Track is ideal if you value design, speed, and flexibility. However, for teams that need more structure or oversight in their employee time tracking, it may not offer everything in one place.

4. Harvest

Best for: Project-based teams and client billing

Harvest is a trusted choice for businesses that manage multiple projects and need to track billable hours alongside invoicing and time tracking. It combines time tracking with built-in billing features, which makes it especially useful for agencies, consultants, and client-facing teams.

It’s based on time tracking solution that lets you log time through your browser, organize tasks, and generate client-ready invoices from the same dashboard. The interface is simple to learn and works well for day-to-day operations, especially when paired with the mobile or desktop app.

While Harvest excels at tying time data to budgets and payments, it leans more toward financial tracking than advanced employee monitoring or deep-dive productivity analytics. For teams focused on internal performance and real-time visibility, it may be necessary to pair this tool with others.

Key web-based features of Harvest

a. Time tracking with invoicing

Log time in your browser and instantly convert time entries into professional invoices.

b. Budget and expense tracking

Keep track of project time, set budgets, and manage expenses from one convenient location.

c. Simple reporting tools

Generate detailed reports to analyze team performance and client billing.

d. Integrations with project management tools

Works with platforms like Asana, Trello, and QuickBooks, making it easier to sync your workflow.

e. Cross-platform compatibility

Harvest supports tracking across mobile apps (on iOS and Android) and a lightweight desktop app, in addition to the browser version.

Harvest is a smart fit for teams that need to tie time to money. For those looking beyond billing, toward full employee time tracking or screen-level oversight, it might feel limited on its own.

5. Hubstaff

Best for: Field teams and activity tracking

Hubstaff is well-suited for companies that manage remote or mobile teams and want more visibility into how time is spent. It offers web-based time tracking software, combined with built-in activity monitoring, which helps track both time entries and team members’ activities throughout the day.

You can log hours directly in the browser, view detailed reports, and track movement with GPS, making it especially helpful for field teams. The tool also supports automatic screenshots and activity rates, providing managers with more context without requiring constant check-ins.

While Hubstaff offers powerful tracking features, it can feel more structured, which may not be ideal for teams seeking flexibility or a lighter task management approach.

Key web-based features of Hubstaff

a. Browser-based time tracking

Start and stop time tracking from any web browser with ease.

b. GPS and geofencing

Track location and time for field-based team members using GPS and customizable zones.

c. Activity monitoring

Monitor app usage, keystrokes, and screen activity to gain a better understanding of work hours.

d. Customizable reports

View and share time data, project summaries, and employee timesheets from the web dashboard.

e. App availability

Use Hubstaff on iOS, Android, desktop, or stick with the web app for browser-only access.

Hubstaff is ideal for teams that need precise tracking and visibility. For workflows that depend more on creative freedom or light reporting, it may offer more structure than necessary.

6. Everhour

Best for: Teams using project management tools

Everhour works best for teams that already rely on tools like Asana, Trello, or ClickUp and want to add time tracking without disrupting their workflow. It integrates directly into these platforms, bringing web-based time tracking software right into your existing workflow.

You can track time in your browser while managing tasks in real time. The tool also offers clean time reports, simple timesheets, and built-in options for monitoring project budgets and progress.

Because Everhour is designed around integrations, it’s incredibly smooth for teams already using supported tools. However, those looking for standalone features, such as employee monitoring or advanced reporting, may find the platform more limited outside of its connected apps.

Key web-based features of Everhour

a. Seamless integrations

Track time directly within apps like Asana, Trello, and ClickUp without leaving your browser.

b. Browser-based time tracking

Use the Everhour web app to log time entries, organize tasks, and manage team workloads.

c. Project budgeting and forecasting

Monitor budgets, see logged time against estimates, and stay ahead of scope creep.

d. Visual reports and timesheets

Generate shareable, detailed reports and review team timesheets with just a few clicks.

e. Multi-device access

Use Everhour on the web or pair it with its desktop and mobile apps for added flexibility.

Everhour fits naturally into project-focused teams that already use integrated platforms. While it handles task-level tracking well, teams needing more independent tracking tools or monitoring features may want something more robust.

7. My Hours

Best for: Small businesses and simple time tracking

My Hours is a straightforward, web-based time tracking software designed for small teams that want to track projects and manage client work without complexity. It’s easy to get started without needing a credit card, and its clean design makes logging time feel quick and manageable.

From the browser, you can start timers, create time entries, and view detailed reports on tasks and projects. It also enables simple task management, basic budget tracking, and logging of billable hours.

While My Hours covers the essentials, it’s designed more for ease of use than deep customization. Teams looking for advanced employee time tracking, integrations, or features like GPS and screen monitoring may find its scope limited for long-term growth.

Key web-based features of My Hours

a. Browser-based time tracking

Track time through a clean and simple web app, with no installation needed.

b. Project and task tracking

Create tasks, log project time, and categorize your work to stay organized.

c. Budget and billing tools

Set project budgets, track billable hours, and create basic invoices.

d. Reports and time data

Generate easy-to-read, detailed reports and review logged hours across clients and projects.

e. Multi-device access

Use My Hours on iOS, Android, desktop, or entirely in your browser—whichever fits your workflow.

My Hours is a solid choice for small teams who want simplicity and fast setup. For businesses with more complex needs or growing team structures, it may offer fewer features than more full-service platforms.

What are the benefits of using web-based time tracking tools?

A web-based time tracking solution brings flexibility, accuracy, and ease to how your team works, regardless of where or how they operate.

Works across all devices

You can track time from any device, including mobile devices, desktops, iOS, or Android platforms. Everything syncs automatically in real-time, ensuring your data remains consistent and up-to-date.

Tracks project progress as it happens

You can view live time entries and stay informed on project time without needing to wait for manual reports or delayed updates.

Streamlines key admin tasks

This type of software helps automate your payroll, invoicing, budgets, and time management. As a result, it reduces manual work and gives your team more free time to focus on meaningful tasks.

Improves team visibility and accountability

It’s easier to monitor employee time tracking, review timesheets, and manage team members in one place. This is especially helpful for remote and distributed workforce teams that rely on clarity and coordination.

Integrates with your favorite tools

You can utilize built-in integrations with Asana, Trello, ClickUp, and other services. This helps keep your workflow organized without forcing you to switch between platforms.

In short, web-based time tracking software helps your team stay aligned, organized, and productive while keeping operations simple and accessible from anywhere.

How does web-based time tracking software boost productivity?

Web-based time tracking software plays a key role in helping teams stay focused, organized, and results-driven. It does more than just log hours. Instead, it supports better decisions, smarter planning, and more efficient work throughout the day.

Helps teams stay aligned and accountable

With access to real-time data and activity logs, managers and team members can see exactly how time is spent. This fosters a culture of transparency and encourages accountability, while still allowing individuals the flexibility to work independently.

Identifies bottlenecks and time drains

By reviewing time entries and analyzing task-level data, teams can pinpoint where time is being lost. This includes delays in project time, recurring distractions, or inefficient routines. As a result, it becomes easier to eliminate blockers and improve overall efficiency.

Supports habit-building with clear insights

Customized timesheets, detailed reports, and time summaries provide users with direct feedback on their work patterns and productivity. This helps them develop better habits, improve focus, and manage their time more effectively.

Enables faster and smarter decisions

When your time data is both accurate and easy to interpret, decisions become quicker and more strategic. You can reassign work, adjust project deadlines, or improve time management without second-guessing.

Overall, these tools bring together visibility, structure, and productivity analytics in a way that helps teams get more done with less effort.

Key features to look for in an employee time tracking tool

When choosing the best web-based time tracking software, look for features that go beyond basic logging. The right tool should support your team’s productivity, reduce manual work, and fit seamlessly into your existing workflow.

Here are six essential features to keep in mind:

1. Easy and accurate time logging

Look for tools that make it simple to track work hours in real time with minimal setup. Whether it’s through a browser, desktop app, or mobile device, logging time should be quick, accurate, and flexible.

2. Automations

Look for tools that allow you to automate repetitive tasks. Automated time entries help reduce manual errors and ensure consistent time data across projects.

3. Smart reports and timesheets

Your tool should offer customizable timesheets, reusable templates, and access to detailed reports. These insights support better time management and smarter planning.

4. Clock-in and team tracking

Web-based platforms like Time Doctor make it easier to clock in and out, track time off, and monitor team activity in real-time, all from one dashboard.

5. App integrations

Select software with built-in integrations that work seamlessly with the apps your team already uses. For example, syncing with QuickBooks, Asana, or project management tools helps keep everything aligned.

6. Scalability for any team

Whether you’re tracking solo projects or leading a small team, your tool should scale with you. Platforms like Time Doctor are built to support freelancers, agencies, and even whole distributed workforce setups.

The best tools combine ease of use, automation, and meaningful insights, allowing your team to spend less time managing tasks and more time getting work done.

Final thoughts

If you’re still juggling spreadsheets, manual time entries, or switching between disconnected apps, it’s worth asking, what is that costing your team in lost time, missed insights, or delayed decisions?

The right web-based time tracking software can transform how your team works. From logging billable hours and managing tasks to generating detailed reports and keeping your workflow on track, these tools offer more than convenience. They give you clarity, structure, and control.

Because everything runs in the cloud, there’s no need to download or install a thing. You can track time from anywhere, whether you’re on a desktop, mobile app, iOS, or Android. And with real-time syncing, your employee timesheets, project time, and time data are always up to date.

Most importantly, the best tools support more innovative team management, accurate employee time tracking, and gain measurable insights to make meaningful decisions.

So, what are you missing by not having all of this in one place?

Get a demo of Time Doctor’s web-based time tracking software and see how it helps you stay focused, organized, and one step ahead, no matter how your team works.