Jira’s built-in time tracking is often not enough for teams that need accurate reporting, billing, or deeper insights into how time is spent on Jira issues. As a result, many teams integrate Jira with third-party time tracking tools.
In this article, we compare time tracking integrations of Jira with TMetric and actiTIME, focusing specifically on how each tool performs in real Jira-based workflows.
Why Jira Teams Use Time Tracking Integrations
Jira allows users to log time on issues, but its native functionality is limited:
- Manual work logs only
- No automatic timers
- Basic reporting
- No billing or invoicing
- Limited visibility across projects
Dedicated time tracking integrations help Jira teams track time faster, reduce errors, and turn time data into meaningful insights.
How TMetric Works with Jira
TMetric provides a direct Jira time tracking integration that lets users start and stop timers directly from Jira issues. Tracked time is linked to Jira issue keys and can be synced back to Jira work logs.
Key Jira-Focused Capabilities
- Start tracking time directly from Jira tickets
- No need to switch tools or tabs
- Timer-based tracking
- Manual time edits if needed
- Assign hourly rates per user or project
- Mark time as billable or non-billable
- Reports by Jira project, issue, user, client
- Filters for dates, tags, and billable status
- Generate invoices from Jira-based time entries
- Time entries sync back to Jira work logs
How actiTIME Works with Jira
actiTIME integrates with Jira by syncing Jira issues into actiTIME, where users log time manually or via timers. Time entries can then be pushed back to Jira.
Key Jira-Focused Capabilities
- Users log time against Jira issues in actiTIME
- Timer available, but primarily timesheet-driven
- Jira projects and issues appear in actiTIME
- Two-way sync for work logs (configurable)
- Time reports by project and user
- Limited customization compared to TMetric
- Supports cost rates and budget monitoring
- No native invoicing workflow
- Billable vs non-billable time supported
- Invoices require external tools or exports
Jira Integration Feature Comparison
Real-Life Use Cases
Client-Facing Jira Teams
A software agency uses Jira to manage client tasks and needs accurate, billable time per issue.
TMetric keeps time tracking close to Jira, reducing friction for developers and simplifying billing.
Teams Focused on Budget Control
An internal team wants to track time against Jira issues and monitor project budgets.
actiTIME emphasizes budget and cost visibility rather than billing workflows.
Jira-Centric Agile Teams
A Scrum team wants lightweight tracking without disrupting sprint workflows.
TMetric - Jira Integration Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Timer directly in Jira
✅ Strong reporting and billing
✅ Developer-friendly, non-intrusive
✅ Scales well for agencies
Cons
⚠️ No advanced budget planning
⚠️ Requires external tool access
Choose TMetric if:
✔ You want time tracking directly inside Jira
✔ You bill clients based on Jira issues
✔ You need invoicing and detailed reports
✔ You value ease of use for developers
actiTIME - Jira Integration Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Budget and cost tracking
✅ Structured timesheets
✅ Stable Jira issue sync
Cons
⚠️ No Jira UI timer
⚠️ Heavier timesheet workflow
⚠️ No built-in invoicing
⚠️ Less intuitive for developers
Choose actiTIME if:
✔ Budget control is your priority
✔ You prefer structured timesheets
✔ Billing and invoicing are not required
Final Verdict
Both TMetric and actiTIME integrate with Jira, but they focus on different outcomes.
TMetric is best suited for Jira-centric, client-facing teams that need fast time tracking, detailed reporting, and invoicing tied directly to Jira issues.
actiTIME works better for teams focused on budget monitoring and internal cost control, rather than billing.
For most Jira teams that rely on accurate time data for client work or revenue tracking, TMetric’s Jira integration provides a more flexible and modern experience.
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