Time tracking isn't just about billing clients accurately—it's about understanding your productivity, optimizing your workflow, and ensuring every billable hour is accounted for. The right time tracking tool can transform how you work.
Why Freelancers Need Time Tracking Tools
Whether you bill by the hour or charge fixed project fees, tracking your time provides invaluable insights. You'll discover which projects are profitable, how long tasks actually take, and where you can improve efficiency.
Studies show that freelancers who track time accurately earn 25-40% more than those who estimate hours. Why? Because they have data to back up their pricing, can spot underpriced services, and provide transparent billing that clients trust.
Accurate Billing
Never lose billable hours or undercharge clients again
Data Insights
Understand which projects and tasks are most profitable
Productivity Boost
Identify time wasters and optimize your workflow
Key Features to Look For
- One-click timers: Start and stop tracking instantly without disrupting workflow
- Project categorization: Organize time by client, project, or task type
- Manual entry: Add time retroactively when you forget to start the timer
- Detailed reporting: Generate professional reports for clients and yourself
- Mobile apps: Track time on the go from phone or tablet
- Integrations: Connect with invoicing and project management tools
- Team features: Track time for assistants or collaborators (if applicable)
Top Time Tracking Tools Compared
1. SkillLinkup Time Tracker (Free)
Our free time tracker offers everything freelancers need: live timers, project categorization, manual entry, and professional reporting. No signup required, all data stored locally for privacy.
Best for: Freelancers who want a simple, effective solution without monthly fees or account creation.
Start Tracking Time Free →2. Toggl Track (Freemium)
Popular time tracking tool with robust features, excellent mobile apps, and strong integrations. Free plan available for solo freelancers.
✅ Pros
- • Intuitive interface
- • Excellent mobile apps
- • Strong integrations
- • Idle detection
❌ Cons
- • Limited free plan
- • Requires account
- • Can be pricey for teams
Best for: Freelancers who need advanced reporting and integrations with other business tools.
3. Harvest (Paid)
All-in-one time tracking and invoicing solution designed specifically for freelancers and small agencies. Seamlessly converts tracked time to invoices.
Best for: Established freelancers who want time tracking and invoicing in one platform.
4. Clockify (Free)
Generous free plan with unlimited users and projects. Great for freelancers who work with assistants or small teams.
Best for: Freelancers who need team features on a budget.
Free vs. Paid: Which Should You Choose?
For most solo freelancers just starting out, free tools like SkillLinkup Time Tracker or Clockify provide everything you need. Consider upgrading to paid tools when:
- You need advanced integrations with accounting or project management software
- You want automated invoicing directly from tracked time
- You need team features for collaborators or virtual assistants
- You require priority support and training
- Your client base expects reports from professional tools
Time Tracking Best Practices
🎯 Track Everything
Even if you charge fixed fees, track your time. You'll discover if projects are profitable and can adjust pricing accordingly.
🏷️ Use Consistent Categories
Create clear project and task categories so you can analyze your data effectively. Be specific but not overly complicated.
📊 Review Weekly
Spend 15 minutes each week reviewing your time data. Look for patterns, inefficiencies, and opportunities to optimize.
💰 Calculate True Hourly Rate
Divide project earnings by total hours spent (including admin time). This reveals your actual hourly rate and helps with future pricing.
Common Time Tracking Mistakes
❌ Forgetting to Start the Timer: Set reminders or integrate with project management tools that auto-start timers.
❌ Not Tracking Non-Billable Time: Track everything, even admin work. It helps you understand true project profitability.
❌ Rounding Excessively: Track actual time, then round when invoicing if needed. Accurate data is valuable for your business.
Integration with Other Tools
Time tracking becomes even more powerful when integrated with your workflow:
- Invoicing tools: Automatically create invoices from tracked time
- Project management: Start timers directly from task boards
- Calendar apps: Sync scheduled work with time entries
- Accounting software: Track billable vs non-billable time for taxes
Making the Switch: Migration Tips
If you're switching from one time tracker to another, here's how to do it smoothly:
- Export all data from your current tool before canceling
- Set up projects and categories in the new tool first
- Run both tools in parallel for a week to ensure consistency
- Import historical data if the new tool supports it
- Update any integrations or workflows that reference the old tool
Start Tracking Your Time Today
Try our free time tracker with unlimited projects, live timers, and professional reporting. No signup required.