Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants
Capture every billable hour with the right time tracking tool
Time is literally money for consultants. Studies show that the average consultant loses 10-15% of potential revenue to unbilled time—often because their time tracking tool makes capturing hours too difficult.
We've tested and reviewed the top time tracking solutions specifically for consulting use cases: billable vs. non-billable tracking, project-based entries, client billing integrations, and mobile capture.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
1.CommandOS | Consulting firms wanting AI-assisted time capture | Starting at $29/user/month (includes full PSA) |
2.Harvest | Small teams wanting simple, reliable tracking | Free for 1 user, $12/user/month Pro |
3.Toggl Track | Solo consultants and productivity-focused teams | Free for basic, $10/user/month Starter |
4.Clockify | Budget-conscious teams needing basic tracking | Free (unlimited users), paid from $4.99/user |
5.BigTime | Firms needing tight accounting integration | Starting at $20/user/month |
How We Evaluated
We evaluated each tool based on these criteria:
Detailed Reviews
CommandOS
Consulting firms wanting AI-assisted time capture
AI-powered time tracking that suggests entries based on your calendar, emails, and work patterns. Designed specifically for consulting firms with built-in billing and profitability analytics.
Pros
- AI catches missed billable time
- Integrated with proposals and projects
- Real-time margin visibility
- Modern, fast interface
Cons
- Overkill if you only need time tracking
- Requires full platform adoption
Key Features
Harvest
Small teams wanting simple, reliable tracking
Simple, focused time tracking tool beloved for its ease of use and clean interface. Strong integrations ecosystem.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Excellent mobile apps
- Affordable pricing
- Great integrations
Cons
- Limited project management
- Basic reporting
- No resource planning
Key Features
Toggl Track
Solo consultants and productivity-focused teams
Popular time tracking tool with browser extensions, desktop apps, and a strong focus on individual productivity tracking.
Pros
- Generous free tier
- Great browser extension
- Idle detection is helpful
Cons
- Invoicing is separate product
- Less suited for client billing
- Limited team features on lower tiers
Key Features
Clockify
Budget-conscious teams needing basic tracking
Free time tracking tool with unlimited users. Good for teams on a budget who need basic time tracking.
Pros
- Completely free tier
- Unlimited users on free
- Simple interface
Cons
- Limited features on free
- Basic invoicing
- Less polished than paid alternatives
Key Features
BigTime
Firms needing tight accounting integration
Time tracking focused on professional services with strong invoicing and project accounting integration.
Pros
- Strong financial features
- DCAA compliant
- Established vendor
Cons
- Dated interface
- Complex setup
- Higher price point
Key Features
Choosing Time Tracking Software
Prioritize Ease of Entry
The best time tracking software is the one your team actually uses. If it takes more than 10 seconds to start a timer or log time, adoption will suffer. Test how entries feel before committing.
Consider Your Billing Workflow
If you invoice clients regularly, choose a tool that either has built-in invoicing (Harvest, CommandOS) or integrates cleanly with your accounting software.
Mobile Matters for Consultants
Consultants often work on-site or travel. Ensure your chosen tool has a quality mobile app for capturing time on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
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