Harvest
Time Tracking
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Cheap Time Tracking Software

Struggling with expensive time tracking solutions? Harvest offers affordable, feature-rich time tracking ideal for freelancers and small teams.

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What should you charge per hour?

Most freelancers and consultants dramatically undercharge. This calculator accounts for what most people miss: non-billable time, taxes, and overhead.

$
Accounting for vacation, holidays, sick days
60%
Most freelancers can bill 50-70% of their time. The rest goes to admin, marketing, proposals, and learning.
$
Software, insurance, equipment, accounting, taxes beyond income tax, etc.
Your break-even rate $0
Recommended rate (+20% buffer) $0
Billable hours per week 0h
Equivalent daily rate $0

Start tracking your billable hours

Walk through the entire flow below. Start a timer, check your reports, and create a real invoice — all in three clicks.

Go ahead — start tracking!

One click and you're timing. Try it right here: start a timer, add an entry, edit the details. This is exactly how it feels in Harvest.

  • One-click timer from browser, desktop & mobile
  • Works inside Jira, Asana, Trello, GitHub & 50+ tools
  • Duration or start/end — your call
  • Day, week & calendar views to stay on top of it all
  • Friendly reminders so no hour gets left behind
Acme Corp
Website Redesign
Homepage layout revisions
1:24:09
Content Strategy
Blog calendar planning
1:30:00
SEO Audit
Technical audit report
0:45:00
Brand Guidelines
Color system documentation
2:15:00
Logo Concepts
Initial sketches round 1
1:00:00
Today's total 6:54:09

Understanding the True Cost of Time Tracking Software

When searching for cheap time tracking software, it's crucial to consider more than just the per-user price. The real cost often includes base fees, feature restrictions, and hidden charges for integrations or advanced functionalities. Basic solutions typically range from $3 to $10 per user per month, but many providers add a monthly base fee of $19-$20. Opting for annual billing might save you 15-25% compared to monthly plans, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Understanding these pricing models helps freelancers and small teams avoid unexpected costs and choose software that truly fits their budget.

Free and freemium models are also popular, yet they often come with limitations. While some platforms offer free basic time tracking for up to 5 users, advanced features like GPS tracking or payroll exports are usually behind paywalls. Evaluating the total cost of ownership, including potential savings from annual plans, is essential for making an informed decision.

Essential Features for Freelancers and Small Teams

Freelancers and small teams require specific features from time tracking software to manage their operations effectively. Core functionalities such as reliable time logging, detailed reporting, and export options are non-negotiable. Harvest, a comprehensive and affordable solution, excels in these areas by offering intuitive one-click start/stop timers and manual time entry, ensuring accurate logging of hours.

For freelancers, Harvest provides tools to track billable vs. non-billable hours, manage project budgets, and create professional invoices directly from tracked time. Small teams benefit from timesheet approval workflows, overtime management, and seamless integration with payroll systems. The software's mobile accessibility and user-friendly interface further enhance its appeal by ensuring high user adoption rates.

Best Practices for Selecting Time Tracking Software

Choosing the right time tracking software involves more than just finding the cheapest option. Begin by identifying your core needs, focusing on two or three essential features your business absolutely requires. Harvest stands out by offering a user-friendly interface and robust integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Slack, which are vital for seamless workflows.

Evaluate the total cost by considering not only the per-user fee but also any base fees and potential hidden costs. Use free trials or free plans to assess usability and ensure it matches your team’s workflow, whether remote, field-based, or project-oriented. By prioritizing these aspects, you can avoid common pitfalls such as poor user adoption or integration issues.

Affordable Time Tracking with Harvest

See how Harvest simplifies time tracking for freelancers and small teams with intuitive features and competitive pricing.

Harvest time tracking software interface showcasing key features.

Cheap Time Tracking Software FAQs

  • When evaluating affordable time tracking software, look for essential features like reliable time logging, detailed reporting, and export options. Software like Harvest provides these features along with mobile access and integration capabilities with other tools.

  • Harvest provides detailed reports that differentiate between billable and non-billable hours, helping freelancers accurately track and invoice for their time. This ensures clear project profitability analysis and efficient financial management.

  • Typical costs for time tracking software range from $3 to $10 per user per month. However, some models include a base fee, and opting for annual billing can save 15-25% compared to monthly plans.

  • Yes, Harvest allows for detailed task breakdowns within projects, which facilitates precise time tracking and project management. This feature is ideal for managing and reporting on project progress and budgets.

  • Harvest seamlessly integrates with a variety of tools including Asana, Trello, QuickBooks, and PayPal, enhancing workflow efficiency by connecting time tracking with project management and invoicing systems.

  • Many time tracking platforms offer free plans, typically with limitations on users or features. Harvest offers a free 30-day trial, allowing users to explore its comprehensive features without commitment.

  • Mobile access allows users to track time on-the-go, which is crucial for remote workers and field teams. Harvest's mobile apps for iOS and Android ensure that time tracking is flexible and convenient, no matter where you are.