10 greatest geofencing time clocks in 2023

Geofencing time clocks are time clocks — however higher — and may prevent money and time.

Geofencing makes use of GPS (or related) in order that staff can solely examine in and take a look at after they’re bodily in the proper location on the proper time.

Because of this they allow you to maintain monitor of workers even in case you’re distant, or have a big workforce in a number of places. You may see how many individuals are on-site, forestall time theft (the place staff examine in even when they haven’t arrived), and precisely calculate pay primarily based on hours.

However selecting the best device is usually a mission. There are a ton of choices on the market, every have completely different options, and a few include different instruments that you could be or might not want. Evaluating and contrasting them can really feel like a full-time job in itself.

We all know you simply wish to discover the proper device that does what you want and get again to work.

In order that’s why on this submit, we’re masking:

  • The important thing options to search for in geofencing time clocks
  • Our high 10 shift geofencing time clocks** (and our decide for one of the best all-in-one possibility)
  • What to contemplate when shopping for a geofencing time clock
  • And customary pitfalls to keep away from when utilizing the device, to get optimum outcomes.

Table of Contents

Key options to search for in geofencing time clocks

We suggest searching for the next options when selecting a geofencing time clock device for what you are promoting.

  • Geofencing know-how In fact, geofencing time clocks should have dependable geofencing know-how in-built, so you’ll be able to precisely monitor worker location and time. Staff can solely clock in when they’re bodily in the proper place, making certain exact pay and hour calculation.
  • Integration with payroll software program Now you’ve tracked employee hours precisely, you’ll be able to translate these hours to pay. A device that integrates seamlessly with payroll software program streamlines your payroll processing and helps you guarantee correct pay.
  • Cellular accessibility A core a part of any geofencing device, you want your time clock to work on cellular units in order that staff can clock out and in from any location, with minimal trouble.
  • Actual-time monitoring A part of utilizing geofencing to trace time is about seeing the place staff are at any time. You’ll wish to search for a device that allows this, to permit supervisors to watch worker hours, and monitor attendance in actual time.
  • Reporting and analytics This allows you to monitor and analyze worker time and attendance information, so you’ll be able to acquire better insights into your staff’ work and conduct, and precisely perceive their patterns, hours, and pay necessities.

Our high decide for geofencing time clocks in 2023 (+ the remaining ranked)

With its complete set of options designed for small companies and hourly workers, we imagine that Homebase is likely one of the greatest geofencing time clock instruments on the market. It presents geofencing and has an all-in-one dashboard to handle different duties like payroll, PTO, scheduling, HR and compliance, onboarding and hiring, and staff happiness.

However no device is ideal, and there are others out there that would work higher for what you are promoting, relying on what you want. Let’s have a look.

  1. Greatest all-in-one resolution: Homebase
  2. Greatest for eating places: 7shifts
  3. Greatest for simplicity: Once I Work
  4. Greatest for ease of use: Deputy
  5. Greatest for payroll integration: Quickbooks Time (Tsheets)
  6. Greatest for multiple-location companies: Sling
  7. Greatest for building companies: ExakTime
  8. Greatest for cellular groups: Timesheet Cellular
  9. Greatest for time-saving automation: Buddy Punch
  10. Greatest for bigger firms: Hubstaff

Comparability chart: Prime 10 geofencing time clock apps in 2023

A breakdown of the ten greatest geofencing time clocks

1. Greatest all-in-one resolution: Homebase

Supply: JoinHomebase.com
Caption: Homebase’s geofencing monitoring device works on nearly all cellular units

Homebase is an all-in-one staff administration and communication system that features a geofencing time clock as simply considered one of its instruments to make time clocking, monitoring, and payroll simpler. Suitable with nearly any cellular gadget, the time clock makes use of GPS.

It additionally sends automated alerts and messages to assist verify that workers are the place they must be, ensure nobody forgets to clock out, and assist managers keep away from expensive or unlawful time beyond regulation. It additionally integrates with payroll for super-streamlined funds and extra correct hourly time monitoring.

Prime options

  • Geofencing monitoring with GPS and pictures, to trace hours, breaks, time beyond regulation, and PTO.
  • Cellular app suitable with iOS and Android.
  • Distinctive worker PINs to make sure correct monitoring for everybody.
  • Alerts for late clock-ins or forgotten clock-outs.
  • Constructed-in messaging and reminders.
  • Labor value monitoring, and good monitoring of labor vs gross sales.
  • Correct timesheets and payroll integration for straightforward hours-worked-to-pay calculations.
  • Instantaneous conversion of timesheets into payroll wages and correct tax funds.

Professionals and cons

The geofencing time clock device integrates seamlessly right into a wider suite of helpful instruments. Customers say that it’s straightforward for workers to make use of “every single day”, with a “clean design” and capabilities that are “akin to rather more costly software program.”

Nonetheless, it might supply extra instruments that you simply want in case you are searching for a easy time clock solely.

Pricing

  • Free. Time clock and timesheets for one location and limitless staff.
  • Necessities. $20 per thirty days per location. Every part included within the Free plan, plus staff communication, efficiency monitoring, and distant instruments.
  • Plus. $48 per thirty days per location. Every part in Necessities, plus labor budgeting and PTO instruments.
  • All-in-one. $80 per thirty days per location. Every part in Plus, in addition to new rent onboarding, and HR & compliance.

2. Greatest for eating places: 7shifts

Supply: 7shifts.com
Caption: 7Shifts makes use of a variety of instruments to make sure correct geofencing

7shifts presents a spread of highly effective instruments, and is designed for hourly staff within the restaurant trade. Its cellular time-clocking functionality is included within the “schedule” a part of its platform and goals to make labor compliance and scheduling simpler, all whereas decreasing the chance of time theft and pay errors.

Prime options

  • Geofencing and photograph choices to make sure your staff is current.
  • Cellular time clock app for on-the-go monitoring.
  • Time clocking works even with out Wi-Fi.
  • Editable punches and timesheets to make sure correct funds.
  • Set guidelines like solely enabling scheduled workers to clock in, which saves on unbudgeted hours.
  • Observe breaks and PTO.
  • Automated alerts for no-shows, break reminders, and time beyond regulation — to guard staff and keep away from further bills.
  • Hyperlink to payroll and timesheets for correct and simple pay.
  • Audits and reviews for an at-a-glance overview of workers exercise.

Professionals and cons

It presents a variety of highly effective instruments for staff administration, and customers reward the “ease of use” and “streamlined reporting”, and significantly like its communication instruments.

Nonetheless, it was created for the restaurant sector, so will not be your best option for different industries.

Pricing

  • Comp: Free, for one location and as much as 30 staff. Consists of time clock, and scheduling.
  • Entrée: $29.99 per thirty days per location, for as much as 30 staff, Every part from the Comp plan plus templates, budgeting, and break day monitoring.
  • The Works: $69.99 per thirty days per location, for limitless staff. Every part from the Entrée plan, plus payroll integration and state-based compliance instruments.
  • Connoisseur: $135 per thirty days per location. Every part in The Works, plus onboarding, labor forecasting, and nearer help.

7shifts additionally presents a free 14-day trial.

3. Greatest for simplicity: When I Work

Supply: WhenIwork.com
Caption: Once I Work has easy staff communication instruments to assist handle hours and PTO

Once I Work lets staff monitor time with any gadget, and manages when staff can or can’t tackle new shifts. It lets them request PTO, tracks shift information, and automates alerts.

For managers, it lets you use timesheets to run payroll, through integrations with standard payroll suppliers.

Prime options

  • Works on nearly any cellular or desktop gadget.
  • Connects time clocking with pay guidelines and scheduling, to make sure correct hours.
  • Sends automated alerts to keep away from time beyond regulation or labor compliance regulation breaches.
  • Lets staff talk and handle their very own shifts.
  • Tracks and coordinates PTO, breaks, and total attendance.
  • Integrates with payroll instruments.

Professionals and cons

Once I Work is easy, with a number of easy options that work effectively. Reviewers say that it’s “straightforward to navigate” with a “easy and chic” design, “agility”, and the power to present workers entry to their work schedule and guidelines within the “palm of their hand.”

In distinction, it doesn’t supply as many options as some all-in-one instruments — for instance, payroll can solely be finished through an built-in, separate device.

Pricing

  • Customary: $4 per consumer per thirty days. Consists of time and attendance instruments, and scheduling.
  • Superior: $8 per consumer per thirty days. Consists of superior scheduling with extra dynamic and customizable options, plus time and attendance instruments.

4. Greatest for ease of use: Deputy

Supply: Deputy.com
Caption: Deputy has a color-coded, vibrant interface that helps make it straightforward to make use of

Deputy’s time clock app goals to make payroll as correct as doable, and likewise helps employers guarantee that solely workers who’re scheduled to work accomplish that. Its color-coded interface makes monitoring time straightforward, and it makes use of each GPS and facial verification to make sure location-accurate punching in.

Prime options

  • Hours and breaks recorded through the identical app.
  • Works on a cellphone, pill, or laptop.
  • Makes use of GPS for location stamps or touch-free face verification.
  • Robotically creates correct timesheets that managers can export simply.
  • Permits labor regulation compliance and retains correct data.
  • Touchless choices (voice instructions and facial recognition) for cleaner workplaces and sooner monitoring.
  • Alerts workers and managers when breaks are due.

Professionals and cons

It features a vary of progressive options like touchless clock-ins, and is intuitive to make use of. Prospects especially like “the straightforwardness of the applying” and “how easy it is to navigate”, plus its ease in dealing with “multiple location options.”

Nonetheless, to entry all instruments together with time clocking you have to be on the costlier plans.

Pricing

  • Starter: Free, for 100 shifts per thirty days.
  • Time & Attendance: $3.50 per consumer per thirty days. Scheduling with attendance monitoring, and timesheet administration, however no automation, reporting, SMS alerts; and fewer staff communication instruments.
  • Premium: $4.90 per consumer per thirty days. All scheduling, time, attendance, and reporting instruments.
  • Enterprise: Worth on request. For companies with 250+ staff. Every part in Premium, plus customized options.

Deputy additionally presents a free 31-day trial.

5. Greatest for payroll integration: Quickbooks Time (Tsheets)

Supply: Quickbooks.intuit.com/
Caption: Quickbooks Time makes use of GPS as a part of its geofencing time clock instruments

From the payroll and invoicing firm of the identical identify, Quickbooks Time (previously often called Tsheets) lets managers monitor time precisely. It goals to make payroll painless and contains dashboards designed to indicate who’s working and when at a look. It additionally prioritizes correct reporting.

Prime options

  • Works instantly inside Quickbooks, a serious plus in case you already use that software program.
  • Cellular app for straightforward on-the-go use.
  • Generates separate job and worker codes to assist make extra exact reviews.
  • Makes use of GPS for geofencing monitoring.
  • Displays time beyond regulation and sends customizable alerts.
  • Syncs with Quickbooks and creates correct timesheets to run environment friendly payroll and invoicing.
  • Provides limitless help through chat or cellphone.

Professionals and cons

A serious professional is that it syncs with Quickbooks’ present highly effective software program and contains many must-have options. Customers say that it’s “handy and simple to make use of”, with extra useful features like “the power so as to add notes if you clock in to simply monitor tasks,” and retains “all of our timekeeping wants in a single app.”

Nonetheless, it’s not superb in case you don’t use or want the remainder of Quickbooks’ software program.

Pricing

  • Premium. $8 per consumer per thirty days + $20 base price per thirty days. Limitless customers.
  • Elite. $10 per consumer per thirty days +$40 base price per thirty days. Limitless customers.

6. Greatest for multiple-location companies: Sling

Supply: Getsling.com
Caption: Sling’s time clock device works on practically any smartphone

Sling’s time clock device is a part of a wider suite of options that additionally contains activity administration, labor value monitoring, labor compliance, and staff communication. It additionally helps you handle a number of work places with ease and allows you to monitor and optimize labor prices.

Prime options

  • Works on any cellphone.
  • Lets employers export timesheets for straightforward payroll working.
  • Schedule monitoring for a number of places from a single dashboard.
  • Retains monitor of worker breaks and screens time beyond regulation.
  • Workforce communication instruments to make sure everybody is aware of the place they must be, and when.
  • Allows you to optimize labor prices and hyperlink schedules for one of the best use of worker hours.
  • Process administration to allow workers to work successfully.

Professionals and cons

Sling is designed for every type of industries that depend on hourly groups. Many customers stated that they like how it syncs immediately between units, and “increases efficiency.”

On the draw back, you have to improve to Premium for cellular time monitoring. Plus, some customers say the app has “glitches”, and others say that they’ve discovered the platform to be sluggish.

Pricing

  • Fundamental: Free. Consists of shift scheduling and time-off requests, however no cellular time monitoring.
  • Premium: $1.70 per consumer per thirty days. Every part in Fundamental, plus instruments for cellular time monitoring, and optimizing labor prices.
  • Enterprise: $3.40 per consumer per thirty days. Every part in Premium, plus information and reviews.

7. Greatest for building companies: ExakTime

Supply: Exaktime.com
Caption: ExakTime lets staff use their cellphone to check-in, or an on-site gadget designed for building environments

ExakTime is a cloud-based time clock that’s designed particularly for building companies and busy staff who’re consistently on the transfer. It really works whether or not you may have one website or many extra, and is meant primarily to assist firms handle labor prices and monitor attendance whereas in a busy setting.

Prime options

  • Simple clock-in and clock-out interface that makes use of “Go” and “Cease” for super-simple monitoring.
  • Makes use of GPS and pictures for clocking in.
  • Ensures worker id with ID pictures.
  • Syncs to the cloud and worker units for safe backups.
  • Works on nearly any smartphone gadget.
  • Staff can use an app or an on-site gadget designed particularly for building websites.
  • Integrates with payroll processors.

Professionals and cons

ExakTime has a super-simple interface designed for use in busy, fast-paced environments. Customers say that the “GPS is useful” and that the payroll characteristic is dependable, “user-friendly, and environment friendly.”

In distinction, it’s designed primarily for the development trade, so will not be superb for different workplaces.

Pricing

  • $8 per thirty days per consumer (paid yearly), plus $50/month base price. Consists of GPS, photograph ID, wage monitoring, reviews, time beyond regulation alerts, and limitless US help.

8. Greatest for cellular groups: Timesheet Mobile

Supply: Timesheetmobile.com/
Caption: Timesheet Cellular sends alerts to workers after they’re leaving a piece location

As its identify suggests, Timesheet Cellular is designed particularly for the cellular workforce, and presents geofencing time monitoring together with scheduling, timesheets and reviews, staff messaging, and alerts. It additionally lets staff handle PTO and sick days, and presents activity administration checklists to make shifts extra environment friendly.

Prime options

  • Geofencing throughout scheduled hours.
  • Timesheet reporting for fast payroll processing and labor costing.
  • Drag and drop scheduling for jobs and staff, with prompt notifications
  • EU working time compliance legal guidelines included in its authorized part.
  • Challenge checklists for activity administration throughout every shift.
  • Automated alerts for time beyond regulation reminders, working time violations, or late arrivals.
  • Workforce messaging to let workers talk, and make clear directions between websites. Assist for 4 languages.
  • Break day and trip schedule administration.
  • Integrations with invoicing and payroll platforms.

Professionals and cons

Timesheet Cellular contains EU working time compliance legal guidelines, so a very good possibility for Europe-based companies. Prospects additionally praise how it lets staff “monitor working hours remotely, which implies anytime and anyplace”, extra effectively than different timesheet instruments, whereas others significantly just like the dwell chat help.

Nonetheless, it’s primarily designed for cellular workforces, so it might not work if what you are promoting is extra ‘on-site’.

Pricing

Timesheet Cellular calculates its pricing relying on the variety of staff that use it, and whether or not they clock out and in a number of occasions a day.

For instance, for 10 staff:

  • Fundamentals: From $16.25 per thirty days for 3 months. Consists of cellular app and geofencing.
  • Per Punch Plan: $48 per thirty days for 3 months. Consists of Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and time beyond regulation warnings. Not beneficial for employees who punch out and in a number of occasions per day.
  • Small Enterprise: $64.80 per thirty days for 3 months. Consists of Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and time beyond regulation warnings.
  • Medium Enterprise: $87 per thirty days for 3 months. Consists of Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and time beyond regulation warnings. Really useful for firms with 15 or extra staff.

After three months, Fundamentals rises to $3.49 per worker for limitless punches + $14.99 firm subscription. Per Punch rises to fifteen cents per punch + $29.99 firm subscription.

Small Enterprise rises to $9.95 per worker for limitless punches + $29.99 firm subscription. Medium Enterprise rises to $2.49 per worker for limitless punches + $149 firm subscription.

9. Greatest for time-saving automation: Buddy Punch

Supply: Buddypunch.com
Caption: Buddy Punch makes it straightforward to create correct time playing cards for every worker

Buddy Punch goals to simplify monitoring, regardless of the place workers are working. Its automation saves hours of labor in reviewing, checking, and verifying worker timesheets earlier than processing payroll. It additionally goals to create correct reviews and sheets through digital punching out and in.

Prime options

  • Makes use of GPS and picture monitoring.
  • Works on cellular and laptop.
  • Robotically tracks paid and unpaid break day and sick depart.
  • Creates customizable reviews to make payroll working simpler.
  • Displays distant staff through IP addresses to make sure they’re working.
  • Integrates with payroll suppliers, and presents its personal payroll processor, Buddy Punch Payroll.
  • Sends notifications to customers robotically.
  • On-line chat help.

Professionals and cons

Buddy Punch is easy and simple to make use of, with pictures and color-coded dashboards. Prospects like “how fast it’s to punch in and punch out”, its skill to “allow remote check-ins”, and the way straightforward to navigate it’s.

On the draw back, it requires further software program Buddy Punch Payroll if you wish to run payroll on the identical platform.

Pricing

  • Customary: $2.99 per consumer per thirty days billed yearly (or $3.49 if billed month-to-month) +$19 base price per thirty days, together with cellular apps, GPS, payroll integrations, reporting, and break planning.
  • Professional: $3.99 per consumer/month billed yearly (or $4.49 if billed month-to-month) +$19 base price per thirty days. Every part in Customary, plus worker scheduling, templates, and early or late reporting.
  • Enterprise: Worth on request. All Professional options, plus API entry.

Buddy Punch additionally presents a free trial.

10. Greatest for bigger firms: Hubstaff

Supply: Hubstaff.com
Caption: Hubstaff has a variety of instruments and supplies detailed information reporting

Hubstaff is a strong worker and workforce administration platform, which incorporates time monitoring as a part of its toolset. It makes use of GPS for cellular geofencing, in addition to worker monitoring capabilities like screenshots and pictures. It additionally has payroll, invoicing, and scheduling instruments.

Prime options

  • GPS geofencing and customizable job websites.
  • Time monitoring and reporting for correct timesheets throughout units.
  • Time clock app for particular purchasers and tasks.
  • Process administration instruments for further productiveness.
  • Payroll monitoring and invoicing throughout the similar dashboard.
  • Productiveness and hourly information monitoring.
  • Assist for agile workplaces together with dash planning and digital standups.

Professionals and cons

Hubstaff is a fully-fledged, highly effective platform for bigger firms. Customers say they like the way it saves time in comparison with guide time monitoring, and the way it improves the “efficiency of the work staff”.

Nonetheless, it might supply extra instruments than you want, relying in your firm dimension and necessities.

Pricing

  • Desk Free: Free for one consumer. Embrace time monitoring and timesheets.
  • Desk Starter: $5.83 per consumer per thirty days. Begins at $140. Consists of two customers. Every part from the Free plan, plus reviews, 24-hour help, and one integration.
  • Desk Professional: $8.33 per consumer per thirty days. Begins at $200. Consists of two customers. Every part in Starter, plus break day instruments, mission budgets, restricted API, and expense monitoring.
  • Enterprise: Worth on request. Every part in Professional, plus extra insights, increased limits on API, concierge set-up and VIP help, compliance instruments, and limitless job websites.

Hubstaff additionally presents a 14-day free trial.

What to contemplate when shopping for geofencing time clock software program

There’s no such factor as a single “greatest” platform: all of it is dependent upon what you want. Right here’s what to consider when shopping for geofencing time clock software program, to ensure it’s proper to your staff.

  • Decide what you are promoting’s time and attendance monitoring wants Think about precisely what you’re searching for in the case of monitoring time. Do you may have a number of places? Numerous workers? What time monitoring and payroll duties are you at the moment spending essentially the most money and time on?
  • Analysis and examine out there choices Examine and distinction choices, and make a shortlist. Any of the choices we’ve listed might work, however solely you realize which works greatest for what you are promoting. Examine options, take into account how a lot help you want, and have a look at your funds.
  • Think about the associated fee and pricing choices We don’t suggest selecting a platform primarily based on value alone; a low-priced device should still be a waste of time or cash if it doesn’t do what you want. As an alternative, take into account worth. Have a look at how a lot money and time you might save in the long term.
  • Consider the software program’s buyer help and safety measures — Buyer help is essential when shopping for a brand new device, particularly in case you’re not fairly certain precisely the best way to use it, or have a bigger staff to coach. Examine the assistance pages and help choices before you purchase, for greatest outcomes.
  • Decide and arrange the software program — When you’ve made a shortlist, decide one of the best device and join. Many instruments supply a free possibility or trial, so you’ll be able to check if it delivers. The most effective platforms will even supply vital onboarding assist, so that you’ll by no means be left confused or caught.

Widespread pitfalls to keep away from when utilizing geofencing time clock software program

Even one of the best software program may fall brief if it’s not getting used accurately. Listed here are some pitfalls to keep away from, so you may get your platform working optimally.

  • Not correctly establishing worker data — Not filling in your entire staff’ data accurately can result in errors in the case of monitoring time, and calculating pay. For greatest outcomes, ensure worker data is correctly arrange.
  • Not commonly reviewing and updating geofencing boundaries — Preserving your boundaries updated implies that geofencing will work correctly, and also you’ll have up-to-date data of worker places and correct check-ins and outs.
  • Not correctly coaching staff on the software program — If workers don’t know the best way to use the time clock correctly, this may seemingly trigger main points with appropriate monitoring. There’s a studying curve with any software program, however serving to workers use it effectively will guarantee essentially the most correct outcomes.
  • Not commonly backing up information — Having common backups of information and digital data helps to guard what you are promoting in case of technical difficulties or hacking. It additionally permits you to get again in your toes simply within the uncommon occasion that your time clock know-how fails you.

Geofencing time clocks: Location is simply the beginning

Geofencing time clocks are a should for any enterprise proprietor who must maintain monitor of workers remotely, or needs to guarantee that the hourly-paid wages staff obtain are as correct as doable.

Geofencing ensures that workers are the place they are saying they’re, avoids expensive and unlawful time beyond regulation, and saves you main time and stress translating hours on the bottom into correct wages (together with suggestions, PTO, and breaks).

With so many shifting components, it is sensible to make use of a digital, geofencing time clock to streamline the method — reasonably than making an attempt to do every thing manually, or utilizing a sophisticated stack of separate instruments.

When searching for a geofencing time clock, you seemingly wish to take into account key options together with dependable geofencing know-how, integration with payroll instruments, real-time monitoring, a cellular app, and insightful reporting capabilities.

Homebase focuses on providing a geofencing time clock that not solely tracks precisely and integrates with payroll (and without cost too!), but additionally connects simply with a set of different capabilities that small companies have to thrive. These embrace staff communication, scheduling, hiring, HR, and staff happiness.

So you’ll be able to time clock with ease, calculate pay precisely, and save money and time on time beyond regulation and guide scheduling too — all throughout the similar platform.

References

**The knowledge above is predicated on our analysis on geofencing time clock instruments. All consumer suggestions referenced within the textual content has been sourced from impartial software program overview platforms, akin to G2 and Capterra, in February 2023.