How to Choose Time Tracking Software for Remote Teams

Remote teams need time tracking that works across time zones, integrates with existing workflows, and provides visibility without creating surveillance anxiety. The wrong tool creates friction and resentment; the right one becomes invisible infrastructure that helps everyone stay aligned.

This guide covers evaluation criteria and solutions to consider for remote-first organizations.

Transparency note: BetterFlow is built by BetterQA, a software quality company that tracks 50+ remote engineers across client projects. We'll explain where BetterFlow fits and where other tools might serve you better.

What to Evaluate

Async-First Design

Remote teams don't work synchronously. Your time tracking tool should support async workflows -employees logging time when convenient, managers reviewing on their schedule, approvals happening without real-time coordination.

Time Zone Handling

Reporting across time zones creates confusion. Good remote time tracking shows work in context -local time for individual entries, normalized time for aggregated reports.

Integration with Remote Work Tools

Remote teams live in Slack, Teams, and async collaboration tools. Time tracking should integrate with these workflows rather than requiring context switches.

Privacy and Trust

Remote workers are particularly sensitive to surveillance. Screenshot capture and keystroke logging destroy trust. Evaluate whether tools provide productivity insights while respecting autonomy.

Solutions to Consider

BetterFlow (Recommended for Professional Services)

BetterFlow was built by BetterQA to track their own distributed QA engineering teams. It emphasizes project-based tracking with billable hour management, AI-powered productivity analysis, and integration with development tools like GitHub and Jira. No screenshots or keystroke logging.

Best fit: Agencies, consultancies, and professional services firms with distributed teams.

Toggl Track

Toggl emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. One-click timers, browser extensions, and a clean interface. Less powerful for project billing but excellent for internal time visibility.

Harvest

Combines time tracking with invoicing, popular for freelancers and small agencies. Strong QuickBooks integration. Less suited for larger organizations.

Clockify

Robust free time tracking, making it attractive for cost-conscious teams. Paid tiers add features like time-off tracking and advanced reporting.

For professional services firms with distributed teams, see how BetterFlow handles remote time tracking.