How do you make sure the developers who work for you are actually doing their job?

Sure, you could use key performance indexes (KPI), and metrics to check for this, but these are not really accurate methods of time tracking for software developers.

What happens when they miss deadlines and fail to present updates as the job proceeds? Then you start to wonder what’s going on.

The concept of time tracking for software developers has been around for a while, but no one really thought much of it, since everyone simply had to sign in and out of the office during work hours.

However, after the pandemic, as the world started to drift away from the traditional in-office work style to a more remote work environment, the question of time tracking tools for developers became a topic.

Time tracking for software developers lets you know what’s being done at what time during work hours. This way you’re sure no one is playing games or sleeping when they’re supposed to be working on payment integrations for your product.

Now, let’s check out some of the top time tracking tools for developers.

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The Best Time Tracking Tools for Developers

Here’s a short list of tools used in time tracking for software developers:

Time Doctor
Toggl Track
Memtime
TrackingTime
Timeular

What Makes These Software the Best in Time Tracking for Software Developers?

Good tools for time tracking for software developers stand out because of a few key features. Which include:

1. Real-time Tracking

These apps let you start, pause, and stop the timer as you work. Real-time tracking for software developers is essential to capture every moment of work accurately.

2. Editing and Manual Entry

The ability to adjust time entries or add blocks later ensures no work goes unrecorded. This flexibility is key when unexpected tasks occur or you forget to start the timer.

3. Clear Reporting

Detailed daily, weekly, and monthly reports help you understand your work trends and simplify billing or invoicing. This is a must-have for effective time tracking for software developers.

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4. Multiple Device Access

Whether on your desktop, browser, or mobile, these tools let you track time from anywhere. This convenience means you can stay productive no matter where you are.

5. AI-Driven Automation

Some apps use AI to automatically track time and assign tasks, reducing the need for manual entry. If you’re looking for quality time tracking tools for developers, this smart feature can be a game changer.

The Best Time Tracking Tools for Developers at a Glance

Tool	Best for	Key Feature	Pricing Details
Time Doctor	Comprehensive tracking with productivity insights	Robust analytics and activity monitoring	Basic plan at $6.70 per user/month
Toggl Track	A versatile free option	Seamless access across devices	Free for up to 5 users; then starting at $9 per user/month
Memtime	Automated tracking with simplicity	Sleek, minimalist interface	From $12 per user/month on a 24-month plan
TrackingTime	Visual time tracking with strong task management	Detailed task management features	Free for up to 3 users; then starting at $5.75 per user/month (min. 3 users)
Timeular	Automated tracking with a physical device option	Offline tracking with a dedicated physical timer	Starting at $7.50 per user/month

Reviewing the Best Time Tracking Software for Developers

Time tracking for software developers is crucial to managing work hours, improving productivity, and simplifying billing.

Here are some top time tracking tools for developers that stand out for their unique features:

1. Time Doctor

time tracking for software developers

Time Doctor is a robust time tracking tool for software developers that goes beyond basic tracking to offer detailed insights into your productivity. Here are some of the features that make it stand out.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Activity Tracking:
Time Doctor records the time you spend on specific tasks, the applications you use, and the websites you visit. This helps you understand where your time goes, making it one of the top time tracking options for software developers.
Productivity Insights:
It provides detailed analytics that highlight your work habits, such as idle time, distractions, and overall productivity levels. These insights enable you to identify productivity gaps and adjust your workflow accordingly.
Robust Reporting:
Generate in-depth reports that break down your work by project, client, or task. This feature is particularly useful for freelancers and teams who need to track billable hours or measure efficiency over time.
Integrations and Flexibility:
Time Doctor seamlessly integrates with popular project management and productivity platforms like Trello, Asana, and Slack. This integration makes it a versatile option among time tracking tools for developers.
Optional Screenshots:
For those who need extra accountability, Time Doctor can capture screenshots at set intervals. This feature helps monitor work activity and ensures focus during work hours.
User-Friendly Interface and Accessibility:
Available on multiple platforms including desktop and mobile, Time Doctor is designed for ease of use while providing advanced tracking functionalities.
Cost-Effective Pricing:
With its basic plan starting at just $6.70 per user per month, Time Doctor offers a highly cost-effective solution for professionals looking to leverage detailed time tracking for software developers without breaking the bank.

Time Doctor is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a powerful yet affordable tool that delivers deep insights into your work habits, making it easier to optimize your workflow and improve productivity.

How RocketDevs Uses Time Tracking Tools for Developers To Boost Performance and Increase Productivity

RocketDevs

At RocketDevs, our favored tool for time tracking is Time Doctor.
We know that effective time tracking for software developers is essential to maximize performance and streamline workflow.

We rely on Time Doctor to provide our team with detailed insights into how every minute is spent.

This tool not only offers robust reporting and productivity analytics but also helps us spot distractions and fine-tune our work habits.

By using Time Doctor, RocketDevs ensures that our approach to time tracking for software developers is both precise and efficient.

The platform’s automatic tracking and screenshot features keep our team accountable and make it easier to monitor progress on every project.

As a client, getting access to our developers does not just give you access to fresh talent. It also gives you access to accountable talent.

You get to manage the productivity of your team using a time tracking tool like Time Doctor. The result is a more focused team, improved project management, and ultimately, higher productivity across the board.

So you have absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to performance and getting the job done on time.

2. Toggl Track

best time tracking software for developers

Toggl is best for developers who need a free, easy-to-use option.

Key Features:

Generous free plan with support for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, and browser extensions.
Effortless real-time tracking without the need to set up projects or tasks in advance.
Convenient access points, including desktop reminders and browser extensions for popular apps.

Note: The free plan lacks task management and planning features.

3. Memtime

time tracking software for developers

Memtime is a quite simple tool to use and allows for automated time tracking.

Key Features:

Automatically records computer activity, so you don’t have to remember to start or stop a timer.
Minimalist, easy-to-use interface ideal for personal tracking.

Note: It’s desktop-only and may raise some privacy concerns with AI tracking.

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4. TrackingTime

best time tracking software for software developers

TrackingTime is best for developers who prefer visual time tracking.

Key Features:

Displays your work in customizable blocks or windows, making it easier to plan your day.
Combines time tracking with basic project management features for a clear overview of your tasks.

Note: Its free plan is limited in features and might be too simple for some needs.

5. Timeular

time tracking for software developers

Timeular adds a unique twist to automated time tracking by including a physical tracker device, a compact, eight-sided tool you can flip to mark different activities.

This tangible element makes it easy to start or stop timers without reaching for your phone or computer, even when you’re offline.

The device works seamlessly with the Timeular app, ensuring your work is accurately logged while keeping your data secure on your local device.

Key Features:

Offers seamless auto-tracking and even includes a physical tracker for offline work.
Consistent feature set across various devices, with local data storage for privacy.

Note: There is no free plan available.

Effective time tracking for software developers goes beyond clocking hours; it’s about gaining clarity, accountability, and the insights needed to boost productivity.

The best time tracking tools for developers offer features like real-time tracking, easy manual adjustments, detailed reporting, and even innovative options like AI-driven automation or physical tracking devices.

These tools not only help you understand how your time is spent but also empower you to make smarter decisions and meet your project goals.

At RocketDevs, we rely on tools like Time Doctor to fine-tune our workflows and keep our team focused and efficient.

Whether you’re working remotely or in a team environment, investing in the right time tracking solution can be a game-changer for your productivity and overall success.

Remember, when you choose the right tool for time tracking for software developers, you’re not just managing time; you’re building a foundation for improved performance and sustainable growth.

RocketDevs, Your Sure Bet for Productive Developers

Besides time-tracking, hiring developers that are committed to bringing your vision to life is no child’s play.

With RocketDevs, get access to pre-vetted developers who have been screened to Silicon Valley coding standards, at $8/hr, with a 14-day money-back guarantee

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