Let’s admit it—tracking hours and chasing invoices is a tedious task, whether you’re running a business or freelancing. With automation, you can get paid on time, reduce disputes, and even boost your payments.
After testing over a dozen tools, I’ve identified effective software for time tracking and invoicing that saves money, minimizes errors, and improves cash flow.
Reasons for Time Tracking Plus Invoicing
Before discussing why standalone solutions fall short, let’s explore the challenges:
- Switching between apps leads to lost data
- Manual errors when transferring tracked time to invoices
- Payment delays due to disconnected workstreams
Painful Lesson: I once underbilled a client by $1,850 due to inconsistencies between handwritten logs and invoices. Never again!
Best All-in-One Solutions
1. Best for simple time tracking — Controlio App
Best Used for:
- Activity monitoring for remote teams
- Analytics on productivity metrics
- Automatic time mapping
Client Story: A digital agency reduced billing disputes by 90% after using Controlio, which provided clients with real-time report transparency.
2. Harvest—Number One for Freelancers and Agencies
Why It Stands Out:
- Hassle-free time tracking
- Automatic invoice generation
- Company expense supervision
Pro Tip: Harvest’s ‘time reminders’ helped me track 20+ billable hours last quarter.
3. QuickBooks Time (Formerly TSheets)—Ideal for Teams with GPS Features
Distinct Features:
- GPS tracking for field teams
- Robust reporting
- Deep integration with QuickBooks
4. FreshBooks—Best for Service Businesses
Why I Love It:
- Client payment portals
- Project deadline visibility
- Mileage tracking
5. TimeCamp—Best for Budget-Conscious Teams
Key Perks:
- Free plan available
- Profitability analysis
- 100+ integrations
Key Features That Matter
Avoid software lacking these essentials:
- One-click time-to-invoice conversion
- Online payment options (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Mobile access
- Client portal for self-service
Red Flag: Tools charging extra for basic invoicing—look elsewhere!
Implementation Tips for Maximum ROI
- Address your biggest pain point first (tracking accuracy? late payments?)
- Import existing client data to avoid re-entry
- Set up automatic payment reminders (my #1 cash flow booster)
Pro Move: I created a 2-minute Loom video showing clients how to view invoices and pay, reducing payment delays by 40%.
Upgrading to Paid Plans: When to Consider Investing
Consider upgrading if:
- Your active client base exceeds 5 clients
- You need frequent invoicing
- You require advanced business activity insights
Bootstrapping? These Free Alternatives Might Work
- Time tracking via Clockify paired with Wave for invoicing
- Controlio offers robust tracking with a free trial
Most Recommended
Harvest is ideal for solopreneurs, blending functionality and ease of use. For managing remote teams with deeper data analysis, Controlio’s automated activity monitoring is unmatched.
Which challenge hurts you the most right now?
- Disputed billable hours with clients
- Payments received after agreed timelines
- Errors due to manual time entry
Comment below—I’m here to help with tailored advice!