As businesses grow, tracking time becomes a crucial aspect of daily operations. Whether you are a freelancer, small business owner, or work in a large corporation, keeping track of time is essential for managing projects, meeting deadlines, and invoicing clients. Accurately tracking time also helps identify areas of inefficiency and enables businesses to streamline processes for better productivity. In this article, we will compare two popular time tracking tools – Clockify and Toggl – and help you make an informed decision for your business.
Clockify and Toggl Overview
Before we dive into the features and pricing of both tools, let’s get a brief overview of Clockify and Toggl.
Clockify and Toggl are cloud-based time tracking software that helps businesses track and manage their time. They both offer similar features, including time tracking, reporting, team management, integrations, and browser extensions. However, there are some differences between the two tools that we will explore in this article.
Purpose of the Article
The purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth comparison of Clockify and Toggl to help businesses choose the right tool for their needs. We will explore the history and background, features, pricing, user reviews, and pros and cons of each tool. We will also compare the two tools based on time tracking, reporting, team management, integrations, browser extensions, and pricing. At the end of this article, you should be able to make an informed decision about which tool to choose for your business.
Overview of Clockify
History and Background
Clockify was founded in 2017 by Nenad Milanovic, a software developer with over ten years of experience. The tool was initially created to help Milanovic track his time and improve his productivity. As the tool gained popularity, Milanovic decided to turn it into a full-fledged time tracking software.
Company History
Clockify is a part of COING, a software development company based in Serbia. COING has over 20 years of experience in software development and has worked with several Fortune 500 companies.
Founders and Team
Clockify’s founder, Nenad Milanovic, leads a team of over 20 developers, designers, and marketers. The team is spread across Europe and Asia.
Features
Clockify offers several features that help businesses track and manage their time effectively. Here are some of the notable features of Clockify:
Time Tracking
Clockify allows users to track time manually, using a timer, or by importing data from other tools. Users can also track time offline and edit time entries. The software has a user-friendly interface, and time tracking is easy to use. The tool offers a wide range of options for time tracking, including the ability to track billable hours, which is useful for businesses that bill clients by the hour.
Reporting
Clockify offers several pre-built reports, including timesheets, project summary, and team summary. Users can also customize their reports and export them in various formats, including CSV, PDF, and Excel. The software provides detailed insights into how team members spend their time, which is helpful for improving productivity.
Team Management
Clockify enables users to manage their team’s time effectively. Users can assign tasks, track progress, and approve time entries. Users can also set up role-based access control and time approval workflows. The software allows team members to collaborate effectively, and team members can view each other’s time entries.
Integrations
Clockify integrates with over 100 tools, including Trello, Asana, and Slack. Users can also create custom integrations using Clockify’s API. The integrations make it easy for businesses to integrate time tracking into their existing workflows.
Browser Extensions
Clockify offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The extensions allow users to track time directly from their browsers. The extensions also provide additional functionality, such as the ability to start a timer from a website.
Pricing
Clockify offers both a free version and paid plans. The free version includes basic features such as time tracking, reporting, and team management. The paid plans start at \$9.99 per user per month and include additional features such as time approval workflows, project and task management, and integrations. Clockify offers a 50% discount for nonprofit organizations.
Discounts and Offers
Clockify offers a 50% discount for nonprofit organizations. The discount is available for all paid plans, and organizations can apply by contacting Clockify’s support team.
Overview of Toggl
History and Background
Toggl was founded in 2006 by Alari Aho, a software developer from Estonia. The tool was initially created to help Aho track his own time and improve his productivity. As the tool gained popularity, Aho decided to turn it into a full-fledged time tracking software.
Company History
Toggl is a part of Toggl OU, a software development company based in Estonia. Toggl has over 15 years of experience in software development and has worked with several Fortune 500 companies.
Founders and Team
Toggl’s founder, Alari Aho, leads a team of over 100 developers, designers, and marketers. The team is spread across Europe and the United States.
Features
Toggl offers several features that help businesses track and manage their time effectively. Here are some of the notable features of Toggl:
Time Tracking
Toggl allows users to track time manually, using a timer, or by importing data from other tools. Users can also track time offline and edit time entries. The software has a clean and user-friendly interface, and time tracking is easy to use.
Reporting
Toggl offers several pre-built reports, including timesheets, project summary, and team summary. Users can also customize their reports and export them in various formats, including CSV, PDF, and Excel. The software provides detailed insights into how team members spend their time, which is helpful for improving productivity.
Team Management
Toggl enables users to manage their team’s time effectively. Users can assign tasks, track progress, and approve time entries. Users can also set up role-based access control and time approval workflows. The software allows team members to collaborate effectively, and team members can view each other’s time entries.
Integrations
Toggl integrates with over 100 tools, including Trello, Asana, and Slack. Users can also create custom integrations using Toggl’s API. The integrations make it easy for businesses to integrate time tracking into their existing workflows.
Browser Extensions
Toggl offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The extensions allow users to track time directly from their browsers. The extensions also provide additional functionality, such as the ability to start a timer from a website.
Pricing
Toggl offers both a free version and paid plans. The free version includes basic features such as time tracking, reporting, and team management. The paid plans start at $10 per user per month and include additional features such as time approval workflows, project and task management, and integrations.
Discounts and Offers
Toggl offers a 30-day free trial of its paid plans. The company also offers a 20% discount on its annual plans.
Comparing Clockify and Toggl
Now that we have explored the features, pricing, and discounts of both Clockify and Toggl, let’s dive deeper into the comparison between the two tools.
Time Tracking
Time Entry Methods
Both Clockify and Toggl offer multiple methods for tracking time, including manual time entry, a timer, and integration with other tools. Clockify, however, allows offline time tracking, which means users can track their time even when they are not connected to the internet. On the other hand, Toggl allows users to track time via text message, which can be useful for remote workers or those on the go.
Timer Modes
Both Clockify and Toggl offer multiple timer modes, including a manual timer, a Pomodoro timer, and a calendar timer. Clockify also offers a stopwatch timer, which allows users to track time for multiple tasks simultaneously.
Billable Hours Tracking
Both Clockify and Toggl offer the ability to track billable hours. However, Clockify provides more customization options for billable rates, including hourly rates, fixed rates, and project rates.
Offline Time Tracking
As mentioned earlier, Clockify allows users to track time offline. This feature can be useful for businesses that have remote workers or workers who frequently travel.
Reporting
Available Reports
Both Clockify and Toggl offer several pre-built reports, including timesheets, project summary, and team summary. However, Clockify offers more customization options for reports, including the ability to add filters and group data by different criteria.
Customization Options
Clockify provides more customization options for reports, allowing users to filter data by various criteria, group data by different criteria, and customize the layout of the reports. Toggl’s customization options are more limited but still provide enough options for most users.
Report Export Formats
Both Clockify and Toggl offer the ability to export reports in various formats, including CSV, PDF, and Excel. However, Clockify also allows users to export reports in HTML and XML formats.
Team Management
Team Collaboration
Both Clockify and Toggl allow team members to collaborate effectively, assign tasks, and track progress. However, Clockify provides more customization options for team management, including the ability to set up role-based access control and time approval workflows.
Role-Based Access Control
Clockify allows users to set up role-based access control, which means users can restrict access to certain features based on a team member’s role. This feature can be useful for businesses that have sensitive information or data that they want to protect.
Time Approval Workflows
Clockify allows users to set up time approval workflows, which means team members can submit their time entries for approval by their supervisors. This feature can be useful for businesses that have strict approval processes or need to bill clients based on approved time entries.
Project and Task Management
Both Clockify and Toggl offer project and task management features. However, Clockify provides more customization options for project and task management, including the ability to assign tasks, track progress, and add custom fields.
Integrations
Popular Integrations
Both Clockify and Toggl integrate with over 100 tools, including Trello, Asana, and Slack. However, Toggl also integrates with several accounting and invoicing tools, such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Integration Setup and Ease of Use
Both Clockify and Toggl offer easy-to-use integration setup processes. However, Toggl provides more detailed instructions for setting up integrations and troubleshooting issues.
Integration-Specific Features
Both Clockify and Toggl offer integration-specific features. For example, Clockify’s integration with Asana allows users to track time directly from Asana tasks. Toggl’s integration with QuickBooks allows users to export time entries to QuickBooks for billing and invoicing.
Browser Extensions
Supported Browsers
Clockify offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, while Toggl offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Toggl provides more options for users who use browsers other than Chrome or Firefox.
Extension Features
Both Clockify and Toggl offer similar features in their browser extensions, such as the ability to start and stop timers, add time entries manually, and track time directly from websites. However, Toggl’s extensions provide more customization options, such as the ability to specify which project or task a time entry belongs to.
User Reviews
Clockify User Reviews
Clockify has received positive reviews for its ease of use, customization options, and value for money. Users appreciate the tool’s user-friendly interface, comprehensive reports, and integrations with other tools. Some users have criticized the software for its occasional bugs and glitches.
Positives
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable reports
- Integrations with other tools
Negatives
- Occasional bugs and glitches
Common Use Cases
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Remote teams
Toggl User Reviews
Toggl has received positive reviews for its ease of use, customization options, and comprehensive reporting. Users appreciate the tool’s clean interface, reliable tracking, and integration with other tools. Some users have criticized the software for its limited customization options and high pricing.
Positives
- Clean interface
- Reliable tracking
- Integration with other tools
Negatives
- Limited customization options
- High pricing
Common Use Cases
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Remote teams
Data Representation
Feature Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Clockify and Toggl’s features:
Feature | Clockify | Toggl |
---|
Time tracking | Manual, timer, offline tracking, import data, stopwatch timer | Manual, timer, offline tracking, import data |
Reporting | Pre-built reports, customizable reports, export to CSV, PDF, Excel, HTML, and XML | Pre-built reports, customizable reports, export to CSV, PDF, and Excel |
Team management | Assign tasks, track progress, approve time entries, role-based access control, time approval workflows | Assign tasks, track progress, approve time entries, role-based access control, time approval workflows |
Integrations | 100+ integrations, custom integrations using API | 100+ integrations, custom integrations using API, accounting and invoicing integrations |
Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Opera | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge |
Billable hours tracking | Hourly rates, fixed rates, project rates | Hourly rates, fixed rates |
Offline time tracking | Yes | Yes |
Timer modes | Manual timer, Pomodoro timer, calendar timer, stopwatch timer | Manual timer, Pomodoro timer, calendar timer |
Customization options for reports | Filters, group data, customize layout, export to various formats | Customize layout, export to CSV, PDF, and Excel |
Project and task management | Assign tasks, track progress, add custom fields | Assign tasks, track progress |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Tool
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each tool:
Clockify
Advantages
- Free version available
- Customizable reports
- Role-based access control
- Time approval workflows
Disadvantages
- Occasional bugs and glitches
- Limited customization options for billable rates
Toggl
Advantages
- Clean interface
- Reliable tracking
- Integration with accounting and invoicing tools
Disadvantages
- Limited customization options
- High pricing
Pricing Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of Clockify and Toggl’s pricing plans:
Plan | Clockify | Toggl |
---|
Free version | Yes | Yes |
Basic paid plan | $9.99/user/month | $10/user/month |
Premium paid plan | $29.99/user/month | $20/user/month |
Enterprise paid plan | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Nonprofit discount | 50% off | None |
Free trial | None | 30 days |
Annual plan discount | None | 20% off |
Best value for money | Basic paid plan | Annual Premium paid plan |
User Experiences
Clockify User Reviews
Clockify’s user reviews suggest that the tool is popular among freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams. Users appreciate the tool’s ease of use, customization options, and value for money. Some users have criticized the software for its occasional bugs and glitches.
Toggl User Reviews
Toggl’s user reviews suggest that the tool is also popular among freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams. Users appreciate the tool’s clean interface, reliable tracking, and integration with accounting and invoicing tools. Some users have criticized the software for its limited customization options and high pricing.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
When choosing between Clockify and Toggl, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, team size and structure, integrations and workflow, and specific business needs. Both tools offer similar features, but there are some differences that may make one tool more suitable for your business than the other.
Clockify: Pros and Cons
Suitable for specific business types or sizes
Clockify is suitable for freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams. Its customizable reports and role-based access control make it a good choice for businesses that need to track time effectively and protect sensitive data.
Unique selling points
Clockify’s unique selling points include its free version, customizable reports, and time approval workflows.
Pros
- Free version available
- Customizable reports
- Role-based access control
- Time approval workflows
Cons
- Occasional bugs and glitches
- Limited customization options for billable rates
Toggl: Pros and Cons
Suitable for specific business types or sizes
Toggl is suitable for freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams. Its integration with accounting and invoicing tools makes it a good choice for businesses that need to bill clients based on time entries.
Unique selling points
Toggl’s unique selling points include its integration with accounting and invoicing tools, clean interface, and reliable tracking.
Pros
- Clean interface
- Reliable tracking
- Integration with accounting and invoicing tools
Cons
- Limited customization options
- High pricing
Factors to Consider
When choosing between Clockify and Toggl, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Budget
Clockify’s free version makes it a good choice for businesses that want to track time effectively without spending money. However, Toggl’s paid plans offer more features and may be a better choice for businesses that need more advanced time tracking and team management capabilities.
Team size and structure
Both Clockify and Toggl are suitable for freelancers, small businesses, and remote teams. However, Clockify’s role-based access control and time approval workflows make it a better choice for businesses that have a larger team or need to protect sensitive data.
Integrations and workflow
Both Clockify and Toggl offer integrations with over 100 tools, including popular project management and communication tools. However, Toggl’s integration with accounting and invoicing tools may make it a better choice for businesses that need to bill clients based on time entries.
Specific business needs
When choosing between Clockify and Toggl, it’s important to consider your specific business needs. For example, if you need to track time offline or customize billable rates, Clockify may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you need to export time entries to QuickBooks or customize time entries in more detail, Toggl may be a better choice.
Conclusion
Both Clockify and Toggl are powerful time tracking and team management tools that offer similar features. However, there are some differences between the two tools that may make one more suitable for your business than the other. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, team size and structure, integrations and workflow, and specific business needs. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and choose the tool that’s best for your business.
For more information about Clockify and Toggl, please visit their websites at https://clockify.me/ and https://toggl.com/.