Short answer: pick by what you need proof of. Timer only: Toggl Track or Clockify. Screenshots and payroll: Hubstaff, Time Doctor or TrustHours. Workforce analytics: Insightful. Prices are per user per month on annual billing, from official pages in October 2026.
| Tool | From | Screenshots | Payroll | Chat / video | MCP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrustHours | Free / $4.80 | Yes, all plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hubstaff | $4.99 | Optional | Yes, with payouts | No | Yes |
| Time Doctor | $6.67 | Yes | From Standard | No | Not stated |
| Insightful | $8 | Add-on | Coming soon | No | Yes |
| DeskTime | $6.42 | Premium only | No | No | No |
| Clockify | Free | No | No | No | Not stated |
| Toggl Track | Free | No | No | No | Yes |
Who each is best for
- TrustHours: small remote teams that want screenshots, paid breaks, payroll and chat in one app, plus an AI connector.
- Hubstaff: teams that need payouts built in and apps on every platform.
- Time Doctor: larger teams that want AI detection of fake activity.
- Insightful: companies buying workforce analytics at scale.
- DeskTime: productivity insights without payroll.
- Clockify: a free timer with timesheets.
- Toggl Track: trust-based tracking with no monitoring.
How to choose in three questions
- Do you need proof of work? If yes, skip Clockify and Toggl Track.
- Do you pay by the hour? If yes, payroll from tracked hours saves a monthly spreadsheet.
- Does your team use five other tools already? Built-in chat and meetings can replace some.
Plans and prices change. Check each vendor's pricing page before you buy.