Which time tracker fits you?
Choosing the wrong software can lead to wasted money and complex workflows. Use this picker to find your ideal fit.
Which time tracker actually fits you?
Four questions. Honest answer at the end — including when it isn't us.
How many people clock time?
Do you need crew scheduling, dispatch, or job costing?
How much do you care that location data never hits a server?
Monthly budget for it?
The Solo vs. Crew Divide
Solo tradespeople need speed and automation. You don't need a system that requires pre-configuring job sites or managing employees. You need a tool that simply records what you've already done.
Larger crews, however, require centralized payroll, scheduling, and task assignment. This tool helps you decide if you are ready for that complexity or if you should stick to a streamlined, background-driven approach.
Automation vs. Manual Input
The biggest drain on a tradesperson's time is manual data entry. Manual timers and odometer readings are prone to human error and are often forgotten by the end of a long day.
If your goal is to eliminate 'admin time' entirely, you should look for tools that use background GPS to reconstruct your day automatically, rather than tools that rely on you hitting 'start' and 'stop' on every single task.
FAQ
Does TradesTimer handle my invoicing and billing?
No. TradesTimer provides the accurate billable hours and mileage logs you need to create invoices, but it is not an invoicing or accounting tool.
Is my location data stored in the cloud?
No. All location data stays on your device. There is no account creation and no external storage of your movement history.
Do I need to set up my job sites in advance?
No. TradesTimer automatically detects 'stops' and 'trips' based on your GPS movement, requiring zero pre-configuration.
Related
Last updated 2026-06-08. Estimates only — not tax or accounting advice.
Free. The whole app.
The whole time-tracking app is free — no trial, no feature gate, no ads, no per-user fees. (Encrypted cloud backup is on the roadmap.)
- Automatic day reconstruction from background GPS
- Unlimited stops, drives, and days
- Review and edit any block
- Rounded billable-hours summary, shareable as plain text
- Automatic mileage log, exportable for taxes
- 7-day summary view
- All location data stays on your device