Between debugging, meetings, and chasing the perfect solution, do you ever feel like the hours slip away when you’re deep in code? That’s where time tracking tools for software developers come in. 

With time tracking, it’s not just about punching a virtual clock to simplify payroll. It’s also about understanding your workflow, optimizing productivity, and preventing burnout. In this post, we’re diving into the best time tracking software tailored for developers.

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Why time tracking matters for developers 

In software development, where precision and efficiency are key, time tracking isn’t just about logging hours — it’s about maximizing impact.

Key benefits of time tracking for developers 

  • Optimize workflow. Identify patterns, track how much time tasks take, and find opportunities to streamline your process.
  • Track billable hours. Time tracking is perfect for freelancers because it ensures every second of your work is accounted for.
  • Enhance focus. Set clear goals and reduce distractions by gauging activity, identifying productive tools, cutting down on meetings, and limiting idle time.
  • Improve team collaboration. Share progress transparently and ensure everyone stays aligned, especially in remote or distributed teams.
  • Prevent burnout. Spot areas where you’re overworking and manage your workload to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Overcoming time management challenges in development 

  • Breaking down large tasks. Divide complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum and prevent overwork.
  • Minimizing context switching. Batch similar tasks together to reduce the mental load of switching between coding, meetings, and documentation.
  • Using time blocking techniques. Use time blocking to allocate specific time slots for coding, meetings, and breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
  • Leveraging automation for repetitive tasks. Automate common tasks like testing or deployment to free up more time for creative problem-solving.
  • Tracking progress with Agile methodologies. Use Sprints and daily Stand-ups to align with team goals and avoid scope creep.

With the right tools, time tracking becomes more than just a log — it’s a roadmap to smarter, more efficient development.  

What to look for in a time tracking tool for developers

The best time tracking apps fit naturally into your existing workflow and offer features that complement your coding process.  

Here’s what to look for when selecting a time tracking software tailored for developers:

Integration with developer tools and IDEs 

A time tracker that syncs with Visual Studio Code, JetBrains, or other IDEs you already use helps keep your workflow uninterrupted. Seamless integration allows developers to track time directly within their coding environment to stay focused and organized.

Real-time tracking and reporting capabilities 

Accurate, real time tracking gives developers and managers immediate insights into how they spend their time. This time tracking data helps teams monitor project progress, track billable hours, and quickly adjust if a sprint falls behind schedule.  

Simple and developer-friendly interface 

An intuitive interface ensures quick adoption for developers. Look for tools with easy-to-navigate dashboards and features that prioritize usability. Developers shouldn’t waste time figuring out how to log time or generate reports.

A well-chosen time tracking tool enhances efficiency, provides critical project insights, and fits seamlessly into a developer’s workflow. Prioritize tools that integrate with your existing platforms, offer real-time data, and are easy for teams to adopt. 

Now, let’s take a look at your options. 

Best time tracking software for developers in 2025 

Whether you’re juggling freelance gigs or leading a team sprint, these tools can give you the visibility you need to code smarter, not harder.  

Hubstaff

Hubstaff is an excellent choice for software developers looking to streamline their time management and productivity. With features like automatic time tracking, developers can track hours without disrupting their workflow.  

Hubstaff also offers activity monitoring to provide insight into how time is spent across projects, tasks, and applications. It helps remote team managers better identify bottlenecks or distractions from afar. 

Key features  

  • Automated time tracking. Hubstaff tracks time automatically, so developers can focus on coding without worrying about manual time entry. The best part? You can seamlessly convert tracked time to automated timesheets, make manual adjustments, and approve them in one click. 
  • Project and task management integration. Hubstaff syncs with tools like GitHub, Jira, and Trello to connect time entries with specific tasks and projects with the development tools you use on a daily basis.
  • Automated payroll. Manage payroll and streamline payments for software developers by automating payouts based on tracked hours, integrating with popular payment platforms, and supporting multiple currencies for global teams.  
  • Activity monitoring and productivity reports. Hubstaff Insights gives managers transparency into app and URL usage to help developers identify productivity trends and stay on track.
  • Team scheduling and budget tracking. Managers can set up employee scheduling and monitor project budgets to ensure teams stay aligned and within the project scope.

Pricing 

  • Starter: $7 per user/month
  • Grow: $9 per user/month 
  • Team: $12 per user/month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing is available upon request 

Plus, check out the additional add-ons.

  • Insights: $2 per user/month 
  • Tasks: $3 per user/month 
  • Data retention: $2 per user/month 
  • More screenshots: $3 per user/month 

You can also use a free 14-day trial to evaluate the software and determine whether it meets your needs. 

Clockify

Clockify home page

Clockify offers a straightforward time tracking solution that fits well into the busy routines of software developers. 

With basic time tracking features like project-based tracking, detailed reporting, and time estimates, developers can easily monitor their progress and stay on top of deadlines. Its simple interface ensures smooth adoption without disrupting workflows. This makes it a reliable option for both individual developers and teams.  

Key features 

  • Project and task tracking. Developers can log time against specific projects and tasks to help them monitor progress and meet deadlines efficiently.
  • Detailed reporting and insights. Generate reports to analyze how time is spent across different projects to provide valuable insights to optimize workflows.
  • Time estimates and alerts. Set time estimates for tasks and receive alerts when approaching limits to ensure projects stay on track.
  • Integrations with popular tools. Seamlessly connect Clockify with platforms like Jira, Trello, and Asana to help developers manage projects without switching tools.

Pricing

  • Standard: $6.99 per user/month 
  • Pro: $9.99 per user/month 
  • Enterprise: $14.99 per user/month

Toggl Track 

Toggl homepage

Toggl Track is a flexible and intuitive time tracking tool that adapts seamlessly to the needs of software developers. A clean interface and simple workflow allow developers to track time effortlessly, whether working solo or on a team. 

Toggl’s focus on ease of use and vibrant reporting makes it a great option for developers looking to improve productivity and manage projects more effectively.  

Key features 

  • One-click time tracking. Start and stop timers with a single click to simplify time tracking without interrupting your workflow.
  • Project and task management. Organize tracked hours by project or task to help developers keep an eye on progress and workload distribution.
  • Customizable reports and insights. Create tailored reports to analyze time use, uncover bottlenecks, and optimize development processes.
  • Offline time tracking. Track time even when you’re without an internet connection. Toggl can automatically sync data when you’re back online. It’s perfect for remote or on-the-go work.

Pricing 

  • Free plan: Free for up to 5 users
  • Starter: $10 per user/month
  • Premium: $20 per user/month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Everhour 

Everhour homepage

Everhour offers a blend of time tracking and project management tools, making it a great fit for software developers. If you already have a preferred project management tool, Everhour seamlessly integrates with tools like Asana and ClickUp to help developers track time directly within their existing workflows.

With detailed reporting, budgeting tools, and team insights, Everhour supports efficient project delivery and accountability for development teams of all sizes. 

Key features 

  • Time tracking. Everhour’s time tracking feature allows developers to log hours seamlessly right from their project management tools. This helps ensure accurate developer time tracking without disrupting anyone’s workflow.
  • Custom reports and dashboards. Customizable reports and live dashboards help Everhour users analyze productivity, track progress, and manage project timelines.
  • Team performance tracking. Everhour offers insights into individual and team performance to support better workload distribution and transparency.
  • Browser extension for quick access. With Everhour’s browser extension, developers can start and stop timers or track time from anywhere. 

Pricing 

  • Free plan: free for up to 5 seats 
  • Team: $10 per user/month 

My Hours 

My hours home page

My Hours is a flexible time tracking app designed to help developers efficiently manage their tasks and projects. Whether working solo or as part of a development team, it provides an easy way to track time, allocate hours, and stay organized. 

With reporting and project budgeting features, My Hours offers valuable insights that keep development projects on track. Its user-friendly design ensures quick adoption and makes it a practical tool for developers balancing multiple tasks or working on tight deadlines. 

Key features 

  • Task-based time tracking. Developers can log time for specific tasks and projects to help them stay organized and monitor progress with precision.
  • Project budgeting and tracking. Track budgets in real-time and compare them with logged hours to ensure projects stay within scope and on schedule.
  • Detailed reporting and analytics. Generate custom reports to analyze time spent on tasks and projects, gain insights, and optimize workflows.
  • Team collaboration tools. Manage team schedules and assignments efficiently with transparent time tracking for the entire team.

Pricing 

  • Free plan: free for up to 5 users 
  • Team: $9 per user/month  

How to choose the right time tracking software for developers

Finding the right time tracking software for developers comes down to identifying your specific needs and matching them with the tool’s features. 

1. Evaluate features 

First, you need to consider features. Above all else, it’s important to look for real-time tracking and reporting capabilities — especially if you need detailed insights into project progress or billable hours. 

If you often switch between devices, prioritize tools with cross-platform accessibility to log time from anywhere. For those working in teams, collaborative features like shared dashboards and performance tracking are essential for keeping everyone aligned.

2. Check for necessary integrations

Next, evaluate how well the software integrates with your existing development environment.  Check for compatibility with your IDEs, coding platforms, and project management tools to ensure streamlined workflows. 

3. Consider usability

Choose a tool with a clean, intuitive interface that makes tracking time simple and doesn’t disrupt your workflow. 

4. Try before you buy 

Finally, take advantage of free trials or demos. Test the software to see how well it fits into your workflow and whether automation features like idle time detection meet your expectations. 

5. Select your tool

Finally, it’s time to select your top tool. By carefully assessing your needs and testing your top choices, you’ll find a tool that enhances productivity and keeps your development projects running smoothly.

Final words: tips for effective time management

Choosing the right time tracking software is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to effective time management. We’d be remiss if we didn’t take a minute to instill in you the importance of effective time management. 

Remember, the goal isn’t just to log hours — it’s to make those hours count. Here are our top tips: 

  • Look for a tool that integrates smoothly into your workflow, offers meaningful insights, and helps you stay on top of tasks without adding unnecessary complexity. 
  • Break down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps. Use time blocking to dedicate uninterrupted periods for deep work. Keep distractions in check by batching non-coding tasks like meetings or emails. 
  • Review your tracked data regularly. Those insights can reveal patterns and bottlenecks you might not have noticed.

Ultimately, the right time tracking software paired with thoughtful time management strategies will not only keep you organized but also help you work smarter, meet deadlines, and avoid burnout. With the right balance, you’ll find yourself coding more efficiently (and with less stress) so you can focus on what really matters: building great software.

Category: Product, Time Tracking