Quick comparison
Shortlist first, details second. Always double-check current pricing and plan limits on the vendor site.
| Tool | Best for | Setup time | Pricing | Why it’s here | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubstaff Top pick | Remote agencies with accountability needs | 1–2 hours | Paid | Useful proof-of-work without extreme creepiness | Still a monitoring tool—use carefully |
| Toggl | Trust-based tracking | 30–60 min | Paid | Low friction billable reporting | No monitoring features |
| Time Doctor | Stricter oversight | Half day | Paid | More monitoring features for stricter environments | High culture risk; heavier admin |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized low-friction setup and sane permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked reporting and “share with clients” realism (not just feature checkboxes).
- Included a clear watch-out for each option to avoid bad fits.
Pricing checked: 7 Jan 2026. Evaluated on: setup friction, permissions, reporting, and handoff realism.
Hubstaff
Best for: remote agencies that need proof-of-work
Hubstaff is the most pragmatic choice when you need something beyond a timesheet.
- Best when clients ask for ‘proof’ and you need standardization.
- Combines time tracking with basic productivity insights.
- Operationally manageable compared to heavier tools.
Toggl
Best for: agencies that want tracking without surveillance
If monitoring will hurt trust, avoid it. Use a lightweight tracker and focus on deliverables.
- Great for billable hours and reporting.
- Less risk to culture.
- Often enough when you have clear outputs.
Time Doctor
Best for: teams that truly need strict oversight
Time Doctor can be appropriate in rare cases—but only if you have clear policies and strong reasons.
- More monitoring and enforcement features.
- Useful for very strict compliance needs.
- Expect higher overhead and pushback.
Bottom line
Only add monitoring if you truly need it. Hubstaff is the balanced starting point. If culture matters more than oversight, stick with Toggl and manage by outputs.
FAQ
Do agencies really need monitoring?
Most don’t. If you have clear deliverables and weekly reporting, monitoring usually isn’t necessary.
How do I avoid culture backlash?
Be transparent: explain why, what is measured, and what isn’t. Prefer lightweight tools and focus on outputs.
What’s the alternative?
Use time tracking plus clear deliverables, SLAs, and client-facing reporting instead of surveillance.