Time Tracking Software for Developers: The Ultimate Guide

Want to go from scattered logs to clarity?

Software developers operate at a fast pace — shipping features, debugging in the wild, and juggling multiple projects. The right time tracking software for developers can transform time logs from chore to insight: track precisely, measure productivity, and get paid for every minute.

TL;DR: Below are the top tools built (or well-suited) for devs. Whether you're solo or part of a team, you’ll find tools to reduce guesswork, improve billing, and win back your focus.

What Makes an Ideal Time Tracker for Developers?

In our opinion, a developer-grade time tracker should be:

• Low friction — start/stop timers fast, auto-resume, keyboard shortcuts, etc.
• Accurate and flexible — support manual entries, idle detection, rounding rules, and multiple intervals.
• Deep integrations — e.g. connect with GitHub, Jira, VS Code, your issue tracker.
• Powerful reporting & analytics — show time by project, by ticket, by dev, highlight bottlenecks.
• Context-aware features — e.g. detect “coding mode,” track breaks, support context switching.
• Cross-platform & offline — desktop, web, mobile.
• Scalable pricing & licensing — from solo devs to teams.

With that in mind, let’s jump into the top tools.

TMetric

Why devs like it:

• Lightweight UI, fast timer + manual entry.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and alerts when a project is about to overrun.
• Integrations: Jira, GitHub, Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Slack, etc.
• Optional screenshot tracking, activity levels, and idle detection.
• Export to CSV, PDF, and send invoices.

Pros:

• Great balance of simplicity + features
• Strong third-party integrations
• Clear reporting dashboards and timesheets

Cons:

• Some advanced features (screenshots, time-off) on higher tiers
• Branded invoices are only available on paid plans

Best for devs or small teams who want a well-rounded tool without too much setup.

Clockify

Why devs like it:

• Unlimited projects, users, clients on free tier.
• Timer via web, desktop, or mobile (even offline).
• Billable rate, cost tracking, project profitability view.
• Integrates with many PM/issue tools (Trello, Jira, etc.).
• Idle detection, reminders, and keyboard shortcuts.

Pros:

• Very generous free tier
• Clean, developer-friendly UI
• Scales reasonably

Cons:

• Advanced team features cost more
• Mobile app is basic; occasional sync delay

Best for individual devs or small teams wanting a solid tool without initial cost.

Toggl Track

What devs get:

• One-click timers, manual entry, calendar drag & drop.
• Works across web, desktop, mobile, and even Apple Watch.
• Pomodoro-style deep-work mode.
• 100+ integrations (including many dev tools).
• Saved reports, dashboards, and export support.

Pros:

• Beautiful and intuitive UI
• Strong ecosystem integrations
• Reliable sync & offline support

Cons:

• No built-in shift scheduling or payroll
• Steeper price when you upgrade

Best for developers who want an interface that “just works” and are comfortable expanding if needed.

Harvest

Highlights for devs:

Minimalist UI with a good time entry experience.
Expense tracking, invoicing, and client billing are built in.
Integrations: Asana, Trello, Jira, etc.
Good for agencies with mixed dev + non-dev work.

Pros:

• Easy to get started
• Invoicing + time in one app
• Nice visual reports

Cons:

Fewer advanced team features
Less flexible in customization

Best for smaller dev teams or agencies mixing coding & client management.

TimeCamp

What devs get:

• Automatic tracking with idle detection.
• Pomodoro timer, reminders, and timesheet approvals.
• Billable rates, budgeting, project costing.
• More HR/attendance features for teams.

Pros:

• Rich automation & alerts
• Good for hybrid dev + support teams
• Solid reporting and audit trail

Cons:

• UI can feel dense
• Some integrations are not as deep

Best for development teams that also manage support, QA, or attendance.

Everhour

Why devs like it:

• Built-in into Asana, Trello, Jira, ClickUp — you can track time right in your usual issue board.
• Project estimates and time vs budget views.
• Visual dashboards, permission controls, and team timesheets.
• No separate app needed for some workflows.

Pros:

• Good for teams already in Asana/etc.
• Transparent team tracking
• Seamless in your project management tools

Cons:

• Standalone features are limited
• Less stand-alone appeal for solo devs

Best for dev teams deeply embedded in an issue-tracker / PM tool environment.

How to Choose the Right Tool (Developer Edition)

Before picking a tool, consider these dev-specific criteria:

If you live in Jira, GitHub, or VS Code, pick a tracker that slots directly into those tools.

Developers jump between tasks often. Tools that let you switch timers fast, pause/resume, and adjust logs easily are wins.

Tools that detect inactivity and prompt you to “keep or discard time” help avoid bloated logs.

You’ll want to see time by ticket, module, client, dev, and sprint. Drill-down reports are essential.

Some devs prefer running timers. Others prefer logging retrospectively in weekly batches. Pick a tool that supports both.

A solo tool may suffice when you're alone, but if you plan to scale to a team, consider team-friendly tools now to ease migration later.

For each promising tool, simulate your real workflow for a week: track several coding sessions, context switches, breaks, and generate reports. The tool that survives that test is the one you’ll stick with.

Good luck!