Free time tracking tools have improved significantly over the past year. Several now offer features that used to sit behind paywalls: detailed reporting, project-level breakdowns, and integrations with invoicing tools. But "free" means different things depending on the app, and the limitations matter more than the feature lists suggest.
What Actually Matters in a Free Time Tracker
Before comparing tools, it helps to know what separates a usable free tier from a crippled demo. Three things matter most for freelancers: unlimited time entries (some tools cap entries on the free plan), per-project reporting (so you can pull hours by client at invoice time), and low friction to start and stop timers (because any extra step means you will eventually stop tracking).
Secondary features like team collaboration, invoicing, and integrations are nice to have but rarely make or break a solo freelancer workflow. If you work alone and bill a handful of clients, the core timer experience matters far more than a long feature list.
One more thing worth noting: some tools are free forever with limits, while others offer a generous trial that eventually expires. This list only includes tools with a permanent free tier or a fully open-source option.
Toggl Track
Toggl is the most widely used time tracker among freelancers, and its free tier is genuinely capable. You get unlimited time tracking, projects, clients, and tags. The browser extension adds timer buttons to dozens of web apps, and the desktop app runs quietly in the background. The timer itself is fast and reliable.
The main limitation on the free plan is reporting. You get basic summaries but not saved reports, scheduled exports, or billable rate calculations. If you need to generate detailed client reports, you will hit the paywall. The Starter plan runs $9 per user per month.
- Pros: Fast timer, excellent browser extension, wide integration ecosystem, reliable sync across devices
- Cons: Free reporting is basic, no billable rates on free plan, no project time estimates, mobile app can be sluggish
Clockify
Clockify markets itself as "100% free" and delivers on it more than most. The free tier includes unlimited users, unlimited projects, and unlimited tracking. You also get a timesheet view, basic reporting, and data export. For teams on a budget, the unlimited-users policy is a genuine differentiator.
The interface is functional but dated compared to Toggl. Timer start is slightly slower, and the reporting UI requires more clicks to get to the same information. Clockify also shows ads on the free plan, which some users find distracting during focused work.
- Pros: Truly unlimited on free tier, supports teams at no cost, timesheet view, CSV/PDF export included
- Cons: Interface feels cluttered, ads on free plan, reporting requires more manual filtering, slower timer UX than Toggl
Harvest
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool aimed at consultants and agencies. The free plan is limited to one seat and two projects, which makes it viable only for freelancers with a very small client roster. If you regularly juggle more than two active projects, you will outgrow the free tier quickly.
Where Harvest shines is the invoicing integration. Time entries convert directly into invoice line items, which eliminates the reconciliation step that plagues most time-tracker-plus-invoicing setups. If you are choosing between Harvest and a separate invoicing tool, the combined workflow can save real time.
- Pros: Built-in invoicing, clean interface, good expense tracking, solid reporting even on free tier
- Cons: Free plan limited to 2 projects, $10.80/month per seat for Pro, less flexible than dedicated trackers for complex project structures
Flowly
Flowly is a task manager with time tracking built in, rather than a standalone time tracker. The free plan includes unlimited tasks, per-task timers, basic analytics, and a Chrome extension for quick-adding tasks and starting timers from the browser. Time logs automatically against the task you are working on.
The main advantage is that you do not need a separate task manager. If you currently use Todoist plus Toggl (or a similar combination), Flowly replaces both. The trade-off is a smaller integration ecosystem and no mobile app yet. Pro features like AI task suggestions, calendar sync, and advanced analytics run $8/month after a 14-day trial.
- Pros: Tasks and time tracking in one tool, one-click timer on every task card, Chrome extension, break reminders, clean analytics
- Cons: No mobile app, smaller integration ecosystem, advanced analytics require Pro, newer product with a smaller user base
Timely and Super Productivity
Timely takes a different approach: automatic time tracking. It runs in the background and logs which apps, documents, and websites you use throughout the day. You then review and categorize the entries. The free plan is limited to a 14-day trial, after which it costs $9/month for solo users. It is worth trying if manual timers feel too disruptive to your workflow, but it is not truly free long-term.
Super Productivity is an open-source task manager and time tracker that runs locally. It is completely free with no account required. It supports Jira and GitHub integration, Pomodoro timers, and time logging per task. The downside is that it stores data locally by default, so syncing across devices requires manual setup or self-hosting. The UI is powerful but has a steeper learning curve than the other tools on this list.
- Timely pros: Automatic tracking, minimal manual input, AI-powered categorization. Cons: Not truly free (14-day trial only), requires background access, privacy concerns for some users.
- Super Productivity pros: Fully open source, no account needed, Jira/GitHub sync, offline-first. Cons: Local-only by default, complex UI, no cloud sync without self-hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best completely free time tracking app?
Clockify offers the most generous free tier with unlimited tracking, users, and projects. For solo freelancers who also need task management, Flowly combines both on its free plan. Toggl has the best timer experience but limits reporting on the free tier.
Is Toggl still free in 2026?
Yes. Toggl Track has a free plan for up to 5 users with unlimited time tracking. The main limitations are basic reporting (no saved reports or billable rates) and no project time estimates. The Starter plan at $9/user/month unlocks full reporting.
Do I need a separate time tracker if my task manager has a timer?
Not necessarily. If your task manager logs time per task and can generate project-level reports, a separate tracker adds complexity without clear benefit. The main reason to keep a dedicated tracker is if you need advanced reporting, team features, or integrations that your task manager does not support.
Can I track billable hours for free?
Yes. Clockify, Flowly, and Toggl all let you track hours on the free plan. Clockify and Flowly allow project-level reporting for free, which is sufficient for most freelance invoicing. Harvest also tracks billable hours but limits the free plan to two projects.
This article was originally published on the Flowly blog. Flowly puts a timer on every task card, so tasks and time tracking live in one place with no reconciliation step. Free plan available, 14-day Pro trial with no card required.
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