Best Free Time Management Software For Employees

If you are looking for free time management software to manage your employee time better, here’s what you should keep in mind 👇

• Task Assignment and Tracking
• Collaboration Features
• Cross-Platform Accessibility

2. Microsoft To Do 

Microsoft To Do is a free time management tool that excels in helping remote employees track their time effectively. It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, making it easily accessible for businesses already using Microsoft products. 

With its clean, user-friendly interface, employees can manage tasks, set priorities, and track deadlines effortlessly.

Key Features:

1. Task Lists
2. Due Date Reminders
3. Task Prioritization
4. Recurring Tasks
5. Task Sharing
6. Subtasks
7. Notes Section
8. Cross-Device Syncing
9. Integration with Outlook
10. My Day Feature

Limitation: Microsoft To Do lacks advanced time-tracking features like detailed analytics or billable hours tracking, which might be essential for some businesses.

Here’s the link to Microsoft To Do’s pricing page

As of now, Microsoft To Do has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Austin M. found Microsoft To Do to be a helpful app, noting that it definitely feels like he saves time and gets more work done when using it. While he acknowledges that it could be better, he still considers it an advantage compared to not using any tool at all.

3. Toggl Track 

Toggl Track is a standout tool for employee time tracking, offering solid features even in its free version. It’s a great choice for businesses looking to manage time efficiently and handle payroll tasks. 

The software provides real-time tracking and detailed reporting and integrates well with other systems.

Key Features:

1. Real-time time tracking
2. Detailed time reports
3. Billable hours tracking
4. Project tracking
5. Integration with other tools
6. Mobile and desktop apps
7. Time tracking reminders
8. User-friendly interface
9. Exportable reports
10. Basic team management

Limitation: Toggl Track’s free version has limitations. It lacks advanced features like in-depth analytics, client invoicing, and extensive integrations found in paid plans. For more complex needs, businesses might need to consider upgrading.

Here’s the link to Toggl Track’s pricing page

Currently, Toggl Track has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Yugo M. found Toggl Track to be a fantastic tool for managing time and projects. He loves how easy it is to use and how its features have made tracking and organizing work much simpler. The detailed insights help him and his team understand their productivity and make better decisions.

Best Free Time Management Software For Work

When choosing a time management app to help manage your workload, keep the following three things in mind:

• Task Prioritization and Organization
• Integration with Other Tools
• User-Friendly Interface
  
  

4. Todoist

Todoist stands out as a top choice for free time management software, especially when it comes to managing work tasks efficiently. It’s celebrated for its simplicity and effectiveness in organizing both personal and team tasks.

Key Features:

1. Natural language task entry
2. Task prioritization
3. Automatic task sorting
4. Customizable views
5. Team collaboration spaces
6. Shared projects
7. Integration with other tools
8. Cross-platform availability
9. Project templates
10. Progress tracking

Limitations: While Todoist excels in simplicity and functionality, its free version has limitations, such as restricted access to advanced features like detailed reporting and team management tools. Businesses looking for extensive collaboration features or advanced project tracking might find these restrictions challenging.

Here’s the link to Todoists’s pricing page

As of the writing date, Todoist has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Shiv S. found Todoist to be a solid and affordable app for taking notes and setting reminders. He liked how it combines multiple features in one place and thinks it’s a must-have. However, he also mentioned that the app hasn’t kept up with the times and could use some more advanced features, like a calendar blocker and a timer.

5. actiTime

actiTIME is an excellent choice for work tracking and data analytics among free time management tools. It helps businesses streamline their time tracking, manage projects, and make data-driven decisions.

Key Features:

1. Time Tracking
2. Task Management
3. Overtime Management
4. Project Management
5. Cost Monitoring
6. Invoicing
7. Employee Absence Tracking
8. Mobile App Access
9. Integration Options
10. Customizable Reports

Limitation: While actiTIME is strong in tracking and analytics, its free version has a few downsides. It offers fewer features than paid plans, which might limit what you can do. The interface can also be a bit tricky to get used to, so it might take some time to learn how to use all its tools effectively.

Here’s the link to actiTIME’s pricing page

As of now, actiTIME has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Jason B. found that actiTIME made a big difference in how they handle project billing. Before, they had to manually collect and enter time-tracking data, which was a hassle, especially with multiple people working on a project and just one person managing the invoices. actiTIME streamlined this process by automating data collection, saving time, and making invoice generation much easier. It helped Jason B.’s team stay organized and cut down on the manual work.

Free Time Management App For Freelancers

When choosing a time management app for freelance projects, it’s important to focus on key features that will help you stay organized and efficient. Here are the top three things to look for:

• Ease of Use
• Project and Task Tracking
• Reporting and Invoicing
  
  

6. Clockify

Clockify is a fantastic free tool for freelancers who want to easily manage their time across different projects. It helps you keep track of hours, stay on top of budgets, and even handle invoices—all at no cost. 

Key Features:

1. Real-time time tracking
2. Weekly timesheets
3. Calendar management
4. Auto-tracking apps and websites
5. Project budget tracking
6. Detailed reporting
7. Time off management
8. Invoicing for billable hours
9. Expense recording
10. Team management

Limitation: Although Clockify is free and useful, it may not offer all the advanced features and integrations that some freelancers might need. For highly customized reports or deeper analytics, the free version might fall short.

Here’s the link to Clockify’s pricing page

Currently, it has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Jamie P. found Clockify to be a fantastic tool for setting up detailed time tracking procedures. Jamie appreciated how easy it was to implement and manage their time tracking with Clockify and found it a great solution.

7. My Hours

My Hours is a great choice for freelancers looking for a free and straightforward time management tool. It’s designed to be easy to use, with a clean, user-friendly interface that makes tracking your time a breeze. 

Key Features:

1. Easy-to-navigate timesheets
2. Stopwatch timer for accurate tracking
3. Daily or weekly time entries
4. Tools to reduce errors
5. Export options to XLS or PDF
6. Manage projects and tasks
7. Automated reminders
8. Simple approval process
9. No employee monitoring
10. GDPR compliant

Limitation: My Hours is great for basic tracking but doesn’t offer advanced features like invoicing or in-depth project analytics, which might be needed for more detailed freelancing work.

Here’s the link to My Hours’s pricing page

As of the writing date, My Hours has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Sabrina G. uses My Hours every day, whether she’s at home or working on the go. She loves how it helps her keep track of her time for clients and figure out what to invoice them at the end of the month. She can’t recommend it enough to manage time efficiently.

Best Free Time Management Tools For Students

When choosing a time management app as a student, here are the top three things to look for:

• Organization and Structuring
• Accessibility and Syncing
• User-Friendly Interface
  
  

8. Workflowy

Workflowy is a great free tool for students to keep their ideas organized and manage their assignments. It’s perfect for jotting down notes, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and staying on top of school work.

Key Features:

1. Hierarchical lists
2. Tagging system
3. Search functionality
4. Collaboration options
5. Real-time sync
6. Simple interface
7. Templates
8. Customization
9. Keyboard shortcuts
10. Mobile access

Limitation: One downside is that Workflowy doesn’t offer advanced features like time tracking or calendar integration, which might be needed for more detailed planning.

Here’s the link to Workflowy’s pricing page

Currently, it has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Dan T. found Workflowy to be a valuable tool during his weekly grading of student assignments for online classes. He also appreciates its utility so much that he has showcased Workflowy in faculty training sessions at his school, helping to spread the word about its benefits.

9. Notion

Notion helps students looking for a free time management tool. Its Education Plan provides unlimited pages and blocks, file uploads, and keeps track of changes for 30 days. 

Key Features:

1. Task management
2. Custom templates
3. Collaborative workspace
4. Note-taking
5. Calendar integration
6. Kanban boards
7. Reminders
8. Custom views
9. File storage
10. Version history

Limitation: Notion has a few downsides. It doesn’t have advanced time-tracking features and might not sync with every app you use. Also, the 30-day version history might not be enough if you need longer-term tracking.

Here’s the link to Notion’s pricing page

As of now, Notion has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Weronika K. found Notion a fantastic tool for boosting productivity and staying organized. She loves how its flexible workspace adjusts to her needs, making it easier to manage tasks. Additionally, the collaborative features have improved teamwork and project management with her team.

Best Free Time Management Software For Windows

When choosing a time management app for Windows, consider these top three features:

• Integration with Existing Tools
• User-Friendly Interface
• Task Management Features
  
  

10. Clockwise

Clockwise is a handy tool for Windows users looking to streamline their scheduling. It makes organizing your calendar a breeze and helps you stay on top of your tasks.

Key Features:

1. Smart scheduling with AI
2. Auto-rescheduling of meetings
3. Easy sharing of your availability
4. Team-wide time management
5. Works with Google Calendar and Outlook
6. Finds and sets up meeting times
7. Adapts to changing priorities
8. Manages multiple events at once
9. Turns tasks into calendar entries
10. Adjusts schedules in real time

Limitation: While Clockwise offers a lot in its free version, it may lack some advanced features and premium support that could be important for users with more complex needs.

Here’s the link to Clockwise’s pricing page

As of now, it has 4.7 out of 5 stars and 50 reviews on Capterra.

Kimberly S. found Clockwise and loved how it helps her set aside focus time. She didn’t realize just how much fragmented time was affecting her day until she started using it.

Best Free Time Management Software For Android

If you’re searching for free time management software to help you stay organized on Android, here’s what you should keep in mind 👇

• User-Friendly Interface
• Integration and Syncing
• Customizable Features
  
  

11. TickTick

TickTick is a versatile time management app available for free on Android. It’s designed to help you streamline your tasks and increase productivity with a range of practical features.

Key Features:

1. Task Lists
2. Calendar Integration
3. Reminders
4. Habit Tracking
5. Pomodoro Timer
6. Subtasks
7. Collaborative Lists
8. Recurring Tasks
9. Widget Support
10. Sync Across Devices

Limitations: Although TickTick is great, the free version has a few downsides. Some advanced features are only available if you upgrade to the premium version. You might also see ads, which can be a bit distracting. But overall, TickTick is a solid choice for staying organized and managing your time effectively.

Here’s the link to TickTick’s pricing page

As of the writing date, TickTick has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Amjad M. found TickTick to be a fantastic tool for time management. As a paying customer, he’s extremely satisfied and thinks it’s especially great for Android users.

12. RescueTime

RescueTime is a handy free tool for Android that helps you manage your time better. It automatically tracks how you use your apps and websites, giving you a clear picture of your productivity. 

Key Features:

1. Automatic time tracking
2. Detailed activity reports
3. Offline time logging
4. Focus session features
5. Goal setting
6. Real-time alerts
7. App integrations
8. Project timesheets
9. Distraction blocking
10. Productivity trends

Limitations: The free version of RescueTime has some downsides. It lacks advanced features like detailed focus sessions and extensive offline tracking, which are only available in the paid version. It also might not integrate with every app or provide in-depth project tracking.

Here’s the link to RescueTime’s pricing page

Currently, it has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Nicolet G. found RescueTime to be a go-to choice. After she started using it, she noticed she was spending much less time on social media. RescueTime gave her a clear picture of how her time was spent, making it easier to focus on what matters. She’s been so impressed with it that she highly recommends it.

13. Routine

Routine is a sleek tool designed to boost productivity and help you stay organized. 

Key Features:

1. Seamless integration with popular services.
2. Centralized project management.
3. Time blocking to stay focused.
4. Planner-based calendar.
5. Quick data capture.
6. Team collaboration features.
7. Customizable task views.
8. Mobile access for on-the-go use.
9. AI-driven schedule optimization.
10. Combines task and calendar management.

Limitations: While Routine is a solid choice, it does have some drawbacks. The free version may not include all the advanced features available in the premium version. Also, some integrations and customization options could be limited compared to other tools.

Here’s the link to Routine’s pricing page

Best Free Time Management Software For iPhone/iPad

When choosing a time management app for your iPhone or iPad, consider these key features:

• Sync Across Devices
• Integration Capabilities
• Customization Options
  
  

14. Trello

Trello is a popular choice for managing tasks on your iPhone or iPad. It’s user-friendly and packed with features that make it easier to stay organized.

Key Features:

1. Customizable boards
2. Drag-and-drop task management
3. Checklists within cards
4. Due date reminders
5. Team collaboration
6. Integration with other apps
7. Easy-to-use labels
8. Attachments for files and links
9. Calendar view for deadlines
10. Mobile-friendly design

Limitations: Trello doesn’t have built-in time-tracking, which can be a hassle if you need to monitor how long tasks take. Also, the free version limits automation and app integrations, so if you’re looking for advanced features, you might need to consider upgrading or looking at other tools.

Here’s the link to Trello’s pricing page

As of now, It has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Louisa C. found Trello to be an excellent tool that really lives up to its reputation. She found it easy to manage multiple workstreams, especially when dealing with recurring tasks like daily or weekly ones. The platform has a lot of features, which are great once you get the hang of them, though it does take a bit of time to learn how to use everything effectively.

Best Free Time Management Software For Mac

When choosing a time management app for macOS, it’s essential to consider features that enhance organization and efficiency. Here are the top three aspects to focus on:

• Compatibility
• Flexibility
• Efficiency in Time Tracking
  
  

15. TimeCamp

If you’re looking for the best free time management software for Mac, TimeCamp is a go to choice. It’s a strong tool designed to streamline time tracking and improve productivity without costing a dime.

Key Features:

1. Timesheets
2. Unlimited users
3. Unlimited projects
4. Web, desktop & mobile apps
5. Time Clock Kiosk
6. Geofencing
7. Basic reporting tools
8. Task tracking
9. Project management
10. Attendance management

Limitations: While TimeCamp is great for basic time tracking, it lacks advanced features like budgeting, invoicing, and detailed productivity reports, which are only available in paid plans. If your business requires more tools, you might need to upgrade.

Here’s the link to TimeCamp’s pricing page

As of now, It has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra.

Jennifer R. found integrating TimeCamp with her business took only a few minutes initially. She spent a few days updating keywords to create a perfect custom fit. Now, whenever she gets a new client, she adds new keywords in less than a minute.

What Should You Consider When Choosing The Right Time Management App For Your Needs? Buying Guide

Choosing the right time management app can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can help you find the perfect fit for your workflow.

1. Consider your team size

When choosing a time management app, start by thinking about your team size. If you’re a freelancer or managing a small team, you might only need a straightforward tool that tracks time and organizes tasks. 

But as your team grows, your needs will too. Larger teams often require more advanced features like project management and collaboration tools that can handle multiple projects at once. 

Look for a solution that scales with you, so you’re not stuck switching tools as your team expands. The right app should help everyone stay connected and productive, no matter how big your team gets.

2. Consider your budget

Budget matters when picking a time management app. Some apps offer free versions that might cover your basic needs, but you may need to pay for more strong features. 

It’s important to balance cost with what you actually need. Think about which features are necessary for your work and see if they’re available in a free version, or if you’ll need to upgrade. 

Also, check if the app has flexible pricing plans that can grow with you. The goal is to find a tool that improves your productivity without stretching your budget too thin.

3. What ‘must-have’ features your ideal time management app should posses

Identify the key features your time management app absolutely needs. 

For many, this includes:

• time tracking, 
• task management, 
• and tools that make team collaboration easier. 

If you work with a team, shared calendars and real-time updates can be game-changers, keeping everyone aligned. Integration with your other tools, like email or CRM systems, is also important to maintain a smooth workflow. 

Features like reminders, deadlines, and productivity tracking help keep you on top of your tasks. 

Make sure the app you choose has these essentials to support your work without adding extra complexity.

4. The ‘time tracking’ feature should be easy to use 

Your time tracking feature needs to be simple and effective. Real-time tracking allows you to log hours as you work, making it easier to stay accurate without much effort. 

Online timesheets, especially those with an approval feature, can streamline this process even more, ensuring that everything is recorded and approved quickly. 

This feature is important if you’re managing a team or multiple projects. The easier it is to use, the more likely everyone will actually use it, which helps you keep everything on track with minimal hassle.

5. The invoicing & billing feature is a must

If you bill clients for your time, an invoicing and billing feature is non-negotiable. This feature should seamlessly connect with your time tracking, so you can turn logged hours into invoices without extra work. 

Look for apps that let you customize invoices with your branding, adjust rates, and include any necessary details like taxes or discounts. 

Quick and accurate invoicing not only saves you time but also helps ensure you get paid promptly. 

Whether you’re freelancing or managing a team, having a reliable invoicing feature makes the financial side of your work much smoother.

How Do You Use Free Time Management Software To Manage Your Workload? Time Management Techniques

FAQs

Is there a free tool to track work hours?

Yes, Avaza offers a free plan that’s perfect for tracking work hours. With this plan, you can log your time manually or with a timer, submit and manage timesheets, and access basic reports on your time entries. 

It’s a great option for individuals or small teams looking to efficiently track work hours without any cost. For more advanced features, you can explore Avaza’s paid plans.

Does Excel have a timesheet?

Yes, Excel can be used for timesheets. You can start by downloading a timesheet template, then fill in the employee details and hours worked. Excel helps you calculate different types of hours and verify the information. You can also use formulas to figure out daily, weekly, and monthly work hours.

Does Google have a free time tracker?

Yes, Google has a few free options for tracking time. You can use:

• Google Sheets: It has a built-in timer to track your time, project deadlines, and milestones, and you can generate reports and timesheets.
• TrackingTime: This app is free for small teams (up to three people) and helps with time analytics and performance reports.
• Team Time Tracker: This free app protects your calendar data with strong security, though some features are paid.
  
  

Conclusion

Always evaluate your business needs first before choosing time management software. Start by identifying the key features and functionalities that align with your workflow. 

Whether you opt for free tools like Avaza for tracking work hours, Excel for timesheets, or Google’s various options for time tracking, make sure they cater to your specific requirements. 

Implement effective time management techniques—such as:

• task prioritization, 
• goal setting, 
• and time blocking—to streamline your workload. 

Regularly review and adjust your strategies to ensure ongoing efficiency and productivity. 

By choosing the right tool and applying these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to managing your time effectively and achieving your goals.