In consulting, where every billable hour matters, accurate time management directly impacts profitability. Whether you’re an independent consultant managing multiple clients or part of a growing firm, time tracking software is essential for streamlining billing, measuring productivity, and ensuring no time goes unaccounted for. For that reason, time tracking software for consultants is an essential part of every consulting business.
In this article, we’ll review the best time tracking software for consultants in 2025, exploring how each platform improves efficiency, strengthens client transparency, and integrates with project management and invoicing systems.
What Is Time Tracking Software for Consultants?
Time tracking software for consultants helps professionals log hours, monitor productivity, and turn time into accurate client invoices. It automates what was once a manual process — eliminating spreadsheets and sticky notes — to ensure every billable task is captured precisely.
In essence, consulting time tracking software allows users to:
- Record time spent on projects, clients, or tasks with accuracy.
- Track billable hours to monitor expenses and optimize project costs.
- Automate invoicing and billing based on hourly rates or project milestones.
- Gain insights into productivity trends and project profitability.
- Integrate seamlessly with project management, accounting, and CRM systems.
By providing transparency into how time is spent and billed, these tools let consultants focus on delivering value, not managing spreadsheets. As a result, they reduce revenue leakage, improve accuracy, and build trust with clients through clear, data-driven reporting.
Time tracking and billing software is particularly useful for independent consultants who need simple yet precise tools for billing clients, as well as for consulting firms managing multiple projects and teams with varied billing rates. Agencies and professional service providers also rely on these platforms for detailed analytics that reveal true project costs and overall profitability with zero detailed reports in Excel spreadsheets.
What Features Should the Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants Have?
Choosing the right time tracking software for consultants means focusing on the features that truly impact daily operations, from project planning to expense tracking. Still, the best platforms go beyond basic time logging, combining project tracking, automated billing, reporting, and collaboration into one cohesive system.
The best time tracking software for consulting firms should have the following key features:
Effortless Time Tracking
The best consulting time tracking software offers simple, flexible time entry options that let users log hours easily from any device — desktop, mobile, or browser. Real-time tracking ensures every minute is captured automatically, reducing manual effort and missed billable and non-billable time.
Equally important is automated billing and invoicing, which turns logged hours into accurate invoices, applies custom billing rates, and supports multiple currencies for international clients. With such an extensive use of time tracking data, all the other project management processes also become much simpler, leaving managers more time for proactive decisionmaking.
Project and Task Management
Project planning is the key to success of all types of services – and consulting is not an exception. Therefore, the best time tracking software should let consultants organize work by client, project, or deliverable, making it easy to track progress and measure profitability. They should also be able to handle multiple projects along with project dependencies, eliminating errors and streamlining team management.
Expense Management and Invoicing
In time tracking apps, time logs should be just the first steps towards expense tracking. The best tools in this category not only offer automated time tracking, but also help managers translate the elusive time logs into reports and, later on, use it for accurate billing process. Some tools even include integrated payments in their offer!
Analytics and Reporting Features
Detailed analytics and reporting tools are just as essential. Leading platforms offer visual executive dashboards and customizable reports that track key metrics such as utilization, revenue by project, and team performance. These project management tools help consulting firms spot inefficiencies early and plan resources more strategically.
Integration Capabilities
Finally, seamless integration is key. The best time tracing software for consultants should connect effortlessly with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero, project management tools such as Asana and Trello, and CRM systems including HubSpot and Salesforce. These integrations eliminate duplicate data entry, streamline workflows, and ensure information flows smoothly across every part of the business.
2026 Time Tracking Software Ranking for Consultants
The consulting industry is evolving quickly — and so is the technology that powers it. In 2026, demand for time tracking and billing software has surged as firms seek greater efficiency, accuracy, and profitability in an increasingly hybrid and remote work environment.
In our 2026 ranking of the best time tracking software for consultants, we evaluated leading platforms based on usability, features, integrations, scalability, and customer feedback. Each tool was assessed for how effectively it helps consultants track time, manage projects, automate invoicing, and turn data into actionable business insights.
Consultant Time Tracking Software – Comparison
| Tool | Description | Strengths | Limitations |
| BigTime | A comprehensive time tracking and billing software for consultants built specifically for professional services. | Highly customizable billing, real-time reporting, advanced project management, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and more. | Can be more feature-rich than freelancers need; best suited for small to large consulting teams. |
| Harvest | A simple, intuitive time tracking tool with built-in invoicing and expense management. | Easy to use, integrates with major accounting tools. | Limited project management depth and less suited for large teams. |
| Hubstaff | Time tracking and employee productivity monitoring system with GPS and activity tracking. | Offers automatic tracking. | Monitoring features may feel intrusive; less focus on billing and consulting-specific workflows. |
| Toggl Track | Lightweight tracking software ideal for freelancers and small consulting firms. | Very user-friendly interface, excellent browser and mobile apps. | Lacks advanced invoicing and project profitability features. |
| Clockify | A free time tracker with collaboration and reporting features for small teams. | Free plan with generous limits, integrates with project tools. | Reports can be basic; lacks advanced automation and client billing customization. |
| Everhour | Integrates time tracking directly into tools like Asana, Trello, and ClickUp. | Simple and visual. | Limited standalone functionality; requires integration for full use. |
| Mavenlink (Kantata) | A powerful PSA system combining time tracking, resource planning, and financial management. | Offers deep analytics and project forecasting. | Complex setup and higher cost; may be overkill for small firms. |
| Tempo Timesheets | Time tracking system built for Jira users managing software or consulting projects. | Native Jira integration, easy for agile teams, detailed reporting. | Limited to Jira environment; not ideal for non-technical consultants. |
| ClickTime | A reporting-focused time tracking tool with budget and resource management capabilities. | Detailed analytics, good visibility into labor costs. | Dated interface and less automation compared to newer tools. |
| Hub Planner | Combines resource scheduling, capacity planning, and time tracking for consulting teams. | Great for visual project planning and forecasting. | Somewhat steep learning curve; reporting tools could be more robust. |
BigTime
Reviews: G2: 4.7, Capterra: 4.6
Pros:
- Designed specifically for professional service firms and consultants, offering a comprehensive PSA (Professional Services Automation) platform.
- Advanced time tracking solution with budgeting, and expense management tools that integrate seamlessly with project workflows.
- Automated billing and invoicing with flexible rate structures and multi-currency support.
- Deep integrations with accounting and CRM systems, including QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, and HubSpot.
- Robust analytics and real-time profitability dashboards.
Cons:
- Initial setup can require customization to align with firm-specific billing processes.
BigTime is recognized as the leading time tracking software for consultants because it goes far beyond basic timekeeping. It delivers a complete suite of project, billing, and financial management tools that help firms manage every aspect of client work from one platform. Consultants can log hours, monitor project budgets, and convert time data directly into accurate, client-ready invoices. Every detail — from custom billing rates to real-time utilization reports — can be tailored to match the firm’s needs, ensuring precision and control over financial outcomes.
Beyond time tracking, BigTime functions as a central hub for consulting operations. It supports resource management, forecasting, and expense tracking, all within an intuitive interface. Visual dashboards give leaders a real-time view of firm performance, while integrations with major accounting systems eliminate duplicate entry and maintain data consistency across financial processes. All of these features combined make BigTime one of the best time tracking software for consulting – and all the other types of professional services.
Key Features:
- Smart Time Tracking: Log hours in real-time or retrospectively with automatic reminders and mobile access. Streamline manual time tracking with notifications and automations.
- Billing and Invoicing Automation: Create, review, and send invoices directly from tracked hours with built-in rate management. Strenghten client relationships with branded documents and integrated payments.
- Project Management: Manage project phases, budgets, and timelines in one intuitive dashboard. Monitor projects and their KPIs, from utilization to profitability, to make the most of every operation.
- Resource Allocation: Assign the best people to high-value tasks and maximize their utilization while monitoring both billable and non-billable hours. Use artificial intelligence to get real-time insights and optimize plans for key projects.
- Expense Management: Track reimbursable expenses and attach them directly to client projects for transparent billing. Use the information on wages to calculate costs of work and boost project profitability.
- Profitability Insights: Access real-time reports on utilization, costs, and profit margins, as well as other project management KPIs. Use AI insights to make decisions even faster.
- Integrations: Connects effortlessly with QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, Slack, and other popular business tools.
Pricing: BigTime offers several pricing tiers starting at $20 per user/month, with advanced features available in higher plans. A free trial and weekly demo are available to explore its full capabilities.
Harvest
Reviews: G2: 4.3, Capterra: 4.6
Pros:
- Very easy to use, with a clean interface ideal for freelancers and small consulting teams.
- Offers built-in invoicing and expense tracking.
- Integrates with popular tools like QuickBooks, Asana, and Trello.
Cons:
- Lacks depth in project management and profitability tracking.
- Limited scalability — not ideal for larger consulting firms.
- Reporting tools are basic compared to competitors like BigTime.
Harvest is a popular choice for small consulting teams that need simple, intuitive time tracking and billing. The platform covers the essentials — tracking hours, managing expenses, and converting them into invoices — all within a clean, easy-to-use interface. Its lightweight design makes it quick to adopt, with minimal setup or training required.
That simplicity, however, is also its main limitation. While Harvest works well for straightforward billing workflows, it lacks advanced features like resource planning, in-depth reporting, and forecasting — tools that growing consulting firms often depend on. For consultants managing multiple clients or complex rate structures, its limited functionality can become a constraint as the business scales.
Key Features:
- Time Tracking: Start, stop, and log hours via desktop, browser, or mobile app.
- Expense Tracking: Record and categorize project-related expenses easily.
- Basic Reporting: Generate simple time and cost summaries by project or client.
- Invoicing: Convert tracked time into invoices with built-in templates.
Pricing: Harvest offers a free plan for single users and a Pro plan at $12 per seat/month, which includes unlimited projects and invoicing.
Hubstaff
Reviews: G2: 4.4, Capterra: 4.6
Pros:
- Excellent for remote and field-based consulting teams with GPS and activity tracking.
- Offers detailed productivity insights, screenshots, and idle time detection.
- Integrates with more than 30 popular tools, including QuickBooks, Trello, and Asana.
Cons:
- Monitoring features (like screenshots and activity tracking) can feel intrusive for consultants.
- Limited billing and invoicing customization.
- Interface can be cluttered for users who only need simple time tracking.
Hubstaff is a consulting time tracking platform built for managing distributed or remote teams. It automatically logs time to specific projects, tracks activity levels, and captures optional screenshots, giving firms greater visibility into remote team productivity. Its GPS tracking feature is especially useful for consultants who travel frequently or work on-site with clients and do not have access to desktop apps, ensuring accountability and accurate billing.
However, Hubstaff’s focus on monitoring can feel intrusive for consulting professionals who prioritize flexibility and client service over employee oversight. While it offers basic invoicing and time tracking, its billing customization and reporting capabilities are limited compared to more comprehensive solutions. For that reasons, many consulting companies seek Hubstaff alternatives.
Key Features:
- Automated Time Tracking: Records time and activity levels in the background with optional screenshots.
- GPS and Location Tracking: Ideal for consultants who work across multiple sites.
- Productivity Reports: Provides insights into employee engagement and output.
- Integrations: Connects with accounting, project management, and consulting CRM systems.
Pricing: Hubstaff’s paid plans start at $7 per user/month for basic time tracking, with advanced monitoring and reporting features available in higher tiers.
Toggl Track
Reviews: G2: 4.6, Capterra: 4.7
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly interface that makes time tracking effortless.
- Excellent browser extensions and mobile apps for quick access.
- Provides visually appealing reports and summaries.
Cons:
- Limited billing and invoicing functionality.
- Lacks advanced reporting, project budgeting and profitability tools.
- Not ideal for larger consulting teams with complex operations.
Toggl Track is a lightweight, intuitive time tracking tool designed for freelancers and small consulting firms. Its simplicity is its biggest advantage; users can start tracking time with a single click and categorize hours by project or client later. The platform’s clean design and minimal setup make it a favorite among independent consultants who want quick, hassle-free time tracking without unnecessary complexity.
That simplicity, however, limits its scalability. Toggl Track lacks robust billing and invoicing tools, as well as the project and financial visibility growing firms often need. Its reports are visually clear but don’t provide deep insights into profitability or resource allocation. As a result, Toggl Track works well as an entry-level solution but may need to be paired with other systems as a consulting business expands.
Key Features:
- One-Click Time Tracking: Start and stop timers instantly across desktop and mobile apps.
- Project Organization: Categorize time entries by project, client, or task for easy review.
- Visual Reports: Generate quick summaries of time spent by client or activity.
- Integrations: Works with tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack.
Pricing: Toggl Track offers a free plan for individuals, with paid plans starting at $9 per user/month for advanced features such as billable rates and project estimates.
Clockify
Reviews: G2: 4.5, Capterra: 4.7
Pros:
- Generous free plan supporting unlimited users and projects.
- Simple setup and easy-to-use interface ideal for small consulting teams.
- Offers time tracking, reporting, and basic billing features at no cost.
Cons:
- Reporting tools are limited in customization and depth.
- Lacks advanced automation and detailed profitability analysis.
- Interface can feel basic compared to more sophisticated tools like BigTime.
Clockify is a popular free time tracking tool for consultants, favored by startups, freelancers, and small firms looking for a budget-friendly solution. It lets users track time manually or with timers, categorize entries by project, and generate simple reports. For teams just starting out, Clockify offers an easy way to see where billable hours are going, without the cost or complexity of premium platforms.
As consulting operations grow, however, Clockify’s limitations become more apparent. Its reporting provides only high-level insights, and the lack of advanced billing, resource forecasting, and project management tools makes it less effective for mid-sized or expanding firms. Clockify works best as a lightweight, introductory option rather than a long-term solution for organizations that need deeper financial visibility and automation.
Key Features:
- Unlimited Users and Projects: Even in the free version, teams can collaborate without restrictions.
- Manual or Timer-Based Tracking: Record hours in real time or add them later.
- Basic Reports: Generate summaries by project, client, or team member.
- Integrations: Works with Asana, Trello, Jira, and over 80 other tools.
Pricing: Clockify’s free plan includes unlimited tracking and reporting. Paid plans start at $4.99 per user/month, unlocking additional features such as billable rates, invoicing, and time approval.
Everhour
Reviews: G2: 4.7, Capterra: 4.7
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with popular project management tools like Asana, ClickUp, and Trello.
- Offers clean, real-time reporting that aligns with ongoing projects.
- Simple interface and fast implementation make it easy for teams to adopt.
Cons:
- Limited standalone functionality — relies heavily on third-party integrations.
- Lacks advanced billing automation and profitability analytics.
- Not ideal for consultants who need a fully independent system.
Everhour is a modern time tracking and billing platform for consultants that integrates directly with popular project management tools. Rather than requiring users to switch systems, it embeds time tracking within platforms many consultants already rely on. This seamless approach makes it a convenient choice for teams that value efficiency and prefer to keep their workflows consolidated.
However, Everhour’s strength in integration is also its main limitation. When used without a connected project management tool, its functionality is fairly basic. While it handles time tracking and reporting well, it lacks advanced billing, expense tracking, and forecasting features that growing consulting firms often need.
Key Features:
- Embedded Time Tracking: Track time directly from project management tools like Asana and Trello.
- Visual Reporting: Create clean, real-time reports linked to specific projects and clients.
- Budget and Estimate Tracking: Monitor project budgets against actual hours spent.
- Integrations: Connects with major business platforms for streamlined workflows.
Pricing: Everhour starts at $8.50 per user/month, with advanced reporting and billing features available in higher tiers.
Mavenlink (Kantata)
Reviews: G2: 4.2, Capterra: 4.4
Pros:
- PSA platform with deep project management and financial planning tools.
- Excellent for large consulting firms needing detailed forecasting and capacity planning.
- Strong reporting and analytics capabilities for strategic decision-making.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other tools on the market.
- Complex implementation and steep learning curve.
- Can feel overwhelming for smaller consulting practices.
Mavenlink, now part of Kantata, is a premium consulting time tracking platform built for large firms that need advanced control over projects, resources, and financial performance. It combines time tracking with robust project management, budgeting, and forecasting tools, making it ideal for enterprise-level consultancies managing complex engagements and large, distributed teams. Its reporting dashboards deliver detailed insights into utilization, revenue forecasting, and margin performance, helping firms make data-driven decisions.
That sophistication, however, comes with trade-offs. Mavenlink can feel overly complex for smaller consulting firms or independent professionals. The setup process requires significant configuration, and the learning curve can slow adoption. Its higher price point also puts it beyond the reach of many small and mid-sized firms seeking similar functionality at a lower cost.
Key Features:
- Integrated Time and Resource Management: Track billable hours while managing team capacity and workloads.
- Advanced Forecasting: Predict resource needs, revenue, and profitability based on real-time project data.
- Project Accounting: Manage budgets, margins, and expenses across multiple projects.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Access deep insights into performance, profitability, and utilization.
Pricing: Mavenlink (Kantata) provides custom pricing based on organization size and feature requirements.
Tempo Timesheets
Reviews: G2: 4.3, Capterra: 4.5
Pros:
- Perfectly integrated with Jira, making it ideal for agile or software-focused consulting teams.
- Strong reporting features for tracking time across sprints and projects.
- Offers automation and approval workflows for time entries.
Cons:
- Limited functionality outside of Jira — not suited for firms using other project management tools.
- Interface can feel cluttered for non-technical users.
- Lacks advanced billing and invoicing capabilities.
Tempo Timesheets is a popular time tracking solution for consultants who use Jira as their primary project management platform. It provides a native experience within Jira, allowing teams to log hours, approve timesheets, and monitor project progress without leaving the system. This makes it a strong choice for technology and agile consulting firms that operate in sprint-based environments.
However, Tempo’s strength within the Jira ecosystem also limits its flexibility. Firms that don’t use Jira will find its integration options narrow, and its billing functionality is minimal compared to full-scale PSA platforms. The software is better suited for internal project tracking than for client billing or profitability management.
Key Features:
- Native Jira Integration: Track time and generate reports directly within Jira projects.
- Approval Workflows: Manage time entry submissions and approvals easily.
- Project Reporting: Visualize hours logged, costs, and capacity across teams.
- Tempo Accounts: Group projects for higher-level financial oversight.
Pricing: Tempo Timesheets starts at $10 per user/month for cloud deployments, with volume discounts for larger teams.
ClickTime
Reviews: G2: 4.3, Capterra: 4.6
Pros:
- Strong focus on budgeting and financial visibility.
- Detailed reporting capabilities ideal for monitoring project costs and profitability.
- Customizable timesheets and approval workflows for teams.
Cons:
- Outdated interface compared to newer competitors.
- Limited automation and integration options.
- Setup can be time-consuming for larger consulting teams.
ClickTime is a long-established time tracking and billing platform for consultants, built with a strong focus on budgeting, reporting, and project cost control. Its main advantage lies in providing consulting firms with clear visibility into how time spent translates into financial performance. Users can track billable hours, manage budgets, and generate detailed reports on profitability, resource utilization, and client costs — making it a solid choice for finance-driven firms that value precision and control.
That said, ClickTime’s interface feels dated compared to other leading time tracking tools, and its automation capabilities are relatively limited. While it offers impressive reporting depth, the system requires more manual input than newer, more streamlined platforms. Consulting teams seeking advanced integrations and real-time analytics may find ClickTime less efficient than today’s leading solutions.
Key Features:
- Detailed Budget Tracking: Monitor project budgets and financial performance in real time.
- Flexible Timesheets: Customize fields and workflows to match your firm’s processes.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Access dozens of pre-built reports on utilization and cost analysis.
- Approvals and Notifications: Manage timesheet submissions with automated alerts.
Pricing: ClickTime pricing starts at $12 per user/month, with higher tiers offering additional reporting and resource management features.
Hub Planner
Reviews: G2: 4.4, Capterra: 4.5
Pros:
- Excellent for visual resource scheduling and capacity planning.
- Provides a clear overview of team workloads and availability.
- Integrates time tracking directly with project planning and forecasting.
Cons:
- Interface can feel complex for smaller teams or individual consultants.
- Reporting tools are less advanced than those in platforms like BigTime.
- Limited billing automation and expense tracking capabilities.
Hub Planner is a consulting time tracking platform built to help firms plan, schedule, and monitor team capacity across multiple projects. Its visual dashboard provides a clear view of who’s available, overbooked, or underutilized — an invaluable feature for firms managing several client engagements at once. By combining scheduling with time tracking, Hub Planner enables managers to balance workloads and keep projects on track efficiently.
While its scheduling tools are robust, its financial and billing features are relatively limited. The platform lacks automated invoicing, detailed cost tracking, and profitability reporting — features essential for consultants focused on revenue management. For larger firms that already have accounting systems in place, Hub Planner works well as a powerful scheduling companion, but it’s not a full PSA solution like BigTime.
Key Features:
- Resource Scheduling: Plan and visualize workloads across teams and projects.
- Integrated Time Tracking: Log hours directly from the project calendar.
- Capacity Planning: Monitor utilization and adjust assignments in real time.
- Forecasting Tools: Predict future staffing needs and project timelines.
Pricing: Hub Planner offers a Starter plan at $7 per user/month, with more advanced resource management features in the Premium plan starting at $18 per user/month.
Which Time Tracking Software for Consultants Is the Best?
Choosing the right time tracking software for consultants depends on the scale of your operations, the complexity of your projects, and the level of financial visibility your firm requires. While there are many capable tools on the market, one platform consistently outperforms the rest in terms of flexibility, functionality, and value — BigTime.
Unlike basic time trackers, BigTime is more than a clocking system; it’s a complete professional services automation (PSA) platform built specifically for consulting and project-based businesses. It combines powerful time tracking and billing software for consultants with project budgeting, expense management, forecasting, and profitability analytics. This integration eliminates manual work and ensures that every billable hour is accurately tracked, invoiced, and analyzed for maximum profitability.
For consultants seeking to streamline their operations, enhance billing transparency, and improve project outcomes, BigTime stands as the clear choice for 2026. Experience its capabilities first-hand through a free trial or a live demo.
FAQ
What Is Time Tracking Software for Consultants?
Time tracking software for consultants is a digital tool that helps professionals record and manage the hours they spend on client projects. It automates timesheets, tracks billable and non-billable work, and generates accurate invoices based on logged time. Beyond simple time tracking, these platforms often include expense management, productivity analytics, and project profitability insights, giving consultants a clear view of how their time drives revenue.
What Is The Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants?
The best time tracking software for consultants in 2025 is BigTime. Designed specifically for consulting and professional services firms, BigTime combines time tracking, billing, project management, and financial insights in one comprehensive platform. Unlike basic time trackers, BigTime enables consultants to manage both time and finances seamlessly from a single system.
What Are Some Popular, Rich Feature Time Tracking Tools for Consultants?
The most robust and full-featured platform for consultants is BigTime. It offers far more than time entry, with advanced tools for project budgeting, expense management, utilization tracking, and profitability analysis. These capabilities make BigTime a complete business management solution, helping consulting teams track time accurately, bill clients efficiently, and optimize operations for long-term growth.
Which Time Tracking Tool for Consultants Integrates Best with Other Systems?
BigTime integrates effortlessly with leading financial, CRM, and project management platforms, making it one of the most connected tools available. Its integrations eliminate manual data entry and ensure information flows smoothly across business systems. Supported integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, giving consulting firms a unified, efficient workflow across every stage of their operations.
What Are Some Free Time Tracking Tools for Consultants?
Free tools offer basic functionality for tracking hours and generating simple reports. However, they lack advanced capabilities such as project budgeting, profitability analysis, and automated billing — features essential for growing consulting firms.
For consultants seeking a scalable, long-term solution, BigTime strikes the ideal balance between affordability and power. It delivers enterprise-level features — including advanced reporting, expense tracking, and real-time analytics — without the limitations of free tools. In short, BigTime gives consultants everything they need to manage time, projects, and profitability in one integrated platform.
