Best time tracking software for macOS 2026

Time monitoring software is becoming a necessary tool for remote employees, freelancers, and companies trying to increase efficiency. Finding the best time tracking tool that offers robust functionality and blends in perfectly with macOS may be difficult for Mac users. Whether you're a business with several workers or a solopreneur searching for an affordable way to log work hours, the correct solution may help increase productivity, enhance accountability, and optimize processes.

We'll examine the top time-tracking apps for Mac users in 2026 in this post, highlighting both their advantages and disadvantages to assist you in making an informed decision. 

What Qualities Should Mac Time Tracking Software Have?

When choosing Employee Monitoring software for Mac, take into account the following important factors:

1. Simplicity and compatibility with macOS

The UI of a decent time tracking software should be easy to use, and it should be thoroughly optimised for macOS. Convenience is increased by features including native app compatibility, macOS shortcuts, and menu bar integration.

2. Automated Time Tracking & Idle Detection

Automatic time tracking is a feature of many contemporary time trackers that does away with the requirement for manual entries. Idle detection helps in locating idle time to guarantee correct reporting.

3. Integration of Initiative and Task Management

Selecting a solution with integrated project tracking and task classification can help you efficiently manage your work hours if you are involved in several projects.

4. Analytics and Reporting

Look for comprehensive reports that include details on time spent on various jobs, billable hours, and productivity. For improved data visualisation, sophisticated systems provide visual analytics dashboards.

5. Security & Privacy Features

Select a time tracker that offers safe cloud backups, user access limits, and data encryption as ways to protect privacy.

The 5 Best Time Tracking Apps for Mac

1. MaxelTracker

MaxelTracker is an advanced time tracking app for Mac that does more than just record hours—it gives you complete visibility into how your team works. Whether employees are remote or in the office, MaxelTracker automatically tracks application and website usage, takes smart screenshots (with blur options to protect sensitive data), and logs detailed activity throughout the day.

Managers get access to department-wise insights, attendance records, idle time alerts, and overtime tracking, while employees can monitor their own productivity and hours. With real-time geo-location tracking and role-based access, MaxelTracker ensures transparency and accountability without being intrusive.

It’s designed for businesses that want not only accurate time tracking but also deep insights into productivity trends—all in one Mac-friendly platform.

Key Features

• Time tracking with detailed activity logs
• App & website usage monitoring
• Automated and blurred screenshots
• Idle time and overtime tracking
• Attendance management
• Geo-location tracking
• Department-wise insights

Pros

• Powerful monitoring and productivity features
• Intuitive reports for both managers and employees

Cons

• Doesn’t include built-in project/task management
• Idle time tracking only alerts managers, doesn’t auto-pause

Pricing

• $1.99 per user/month (No limit)
• Free Trial: 14 days
• Free Plan: Available for 10 users

2. Clockify

Clockify is a free time-tracking app that is compatible with macOS and other platforms. It's a fantastic option for both individuals and groups searching for a feature-rich yet reasonably priced time tracker. Clockify allows users to track time automatically, manually log time, and create comprehensive reports for productivity analysis.

Key Features:

• Unlimited time monitoring for both individuals and teams is available with the Free Forever Plan.
• Both manual entry and automated tracking are available with this system.
• Team management enables administrators to monitor team members' work hours and output.
• Organize tracked time under certain projects with ease using Project & Task Categorization.
• Comprehensive Reports: Export CSV, PDF, or Excel reports for use in payroll and invoicing.

Limitations: 

• Some premium functions require a paid upgrade; limited advanced features are available in the free plan.
• Basic Interface: Does not have the same contemporary style as some of its rivals.
• Internet access is necessary for synchronization. Although there is an offline option, data syncs only when online. 

Price: 

• Basic: $3.99 per user each month, with an annual billing cycle
• Standard: $5.49 per user each month, with an annual billing cycle
• Pro: $7.99 per user each month, with an annual billing cycle
• Enterprise: $11.99 per user per month, with yearly billing
• For enterprises, small teams, and freelance contractors seeking a free, adaptable, and potent time tracking tool for Mac, Clockify is the best option.

3. Hubstaff 

Hubstaff is a feature-rich time-tracking and employee-monitoring application made for enterprises and remote teams. Because it offers GPS monitoring, screenshots, and comprehensive reporting, it's a great option for companies that oversee remote workers.

Best Features:

• Employee Monitoring: Takes regular screenshots and keeps an eye on activities.
• GPS tracking is perfect for monitoring field workers and distant workers.
• Billable hours are automatically calculated through the integration of payroll and invoices.
• Project and Task Management: Utilize the platform to assign and monitor tasks.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Cons:

• Privacy Issues: Monitoring features may be intrusive to certain employees.
• Expensive for Small Teams: For freelancers or small teams, prices may be exorbitant.
• Requires Internet Connection: Cloud syncing is necessary for some functionalities.

Pricing:

• Desk Free: One user is free.
• Desk Starter: minimum of two users, $5.83 per user per month
• Desk Pro: minimum of two users, $8.83 per user per month
• Enterprise: Request a personalized quotation by calling
• Businesses that oversee remote personnel and require strong tracking and monitoring tools are the ideal clients for Hubstaff.

4. Time Doctor

Time Doctor is a feature-rich productivity management and time monitoring tool that helps people and groups increase productivity. Businesses looking to improve employee performance will find it perfect since it provides comprehensive reporting, distraction alarms, and interfaces with project management applications.

Key Features:

• Time tracking may be done manually or automatically, providing a variety of choices to suit various work styles.
• Users who spend excessive amounts of time on useless pursuits are alerted via Distraction Alerts.
• Insights into work habits and productivity are provided via comprehensive reports and analytics.
• Project & Task Management: Assists teams in planning and monitoring project duration.
• Third-Party App Integration: Linked to Slack, Asana, Trello, and more.

Limitations:

• Include intrusive monitoring features, such as the ability to follow webcams and screenshots.
• Does not support offline tracking; requires an active internet connection.
• Monthly fees might not be the best option for freelance workers due to their high cost.

Price:

• Basic: $5.90 per month for each user
• Standard: $8.40 per month for each user
• Premium: $16.70 a month per user

Businesses and teams searching for a comprehensive productivity tracking tool may find Time Doctor to be an excellent option.

5. Timely

Timely is an additional automated task tracker that operates in the background on your device of choice. It provides an accurate daily report of your activities after tracking how much time you spend on applications or webpages. You may then assign your time to various tasks and track your daily activities.

Because of its incredibly intuitive drag-and-drop interface, utilizing it just takes a few seconds of your day. In exchange, you receive insights on your team's or your own productivity and use.

Best Features

• It's simple to include other apps in your tech stack.
• Schedules and timesheets are automatically created.
• Provide precise budget and project rate information.

Limitations

Fewer alternatives for customer service

Pricing

• Starter: $9 per month 
• Premium: Starts at $16 per month
• Unlimited: Starts at $22 per month

Conclusion

The aforementioned Mac time tracking applications are suitable for both big teams and freelance workers, enabling you to increase efficiency and achieve better project management outcomes.

Every tool has a distinct feature set that meets different requirements and preferences. But if you're searching for a flexible, adaptable, and user-friendly solution that can be readily integrated into your workflows, MaxelTracker is a solid pick.