The 15 Best Time and Attendance Software for US Businesses

The 15 best time and attendance software options for US businesses

For many businesses, time tracking is already part of their day-to-day routine, especially for those managing teams paid by the hour or working shifts. However, it can get tricky to keep records accurate when shifts change, overtime comes up unexpectedly, or payroll doesn’t quite match the hours worked.

Time tracking software helps US employers bring consistency to their processes, making it easier to manage time tracking complexity and meet local compliance rules. It can also mean upgrading from disconnected spreadsheets and the risks associated with guesswork.

To help you identify the best time and attendance software for US businesses, we reviewed and scored 15 leading platforms. Each platform was assessed based on its ability to support:

• Time Tracking

• Scheduling

• Compliance

• Integrations

• Reporting

• Usability

A note on transparency: Our product Rippling is included in this list. The same scoring criteria were applied across all platforms using publicly available information. The full research methodology and scores are available to view inthe supporting spreadsheet.

The top 15 time and attendance software options compared

A closer look at the top time and attendance software options

Now that we’ve covered a snapshot of the top options, let’s take a deeper look at the best 9 platforms. Based on our research and public reviews, we’ll share where each platform shines and any issues users have flagged on Capterra.

1. Rippling

2. Dayforce

3. UKG

4. Infor

5. ADP

6. Workforce

7. Paylocity

8. Paycom

9. Deputy

1. Rippling

Rippling is best suited for ambitious growing teams that want their time and attendance to flow cleanly through to their payroll, HR, and a wide range of other workforce systems. This software ranks first in the US time and attendance category because it treats time tracking as an operational layer, rather than a simple clock-in and out tool.

In Rippling, hours worked, attendance data, overtime, and approvals all sit inside a shared employee data model that connects directly to payroll and compliance workflows. Since approved time data feeds straight into payroll and reporting, managers can spot discrepancies, cost spikes, or potential compliance risks before payroll is finalized. 

This reduces non-compliance risk and gives managers the confidence to manage their team’s time, knowing the system is handling calculations accurately.

Source: Rippling

Why do companies choose Rippling?

• Overtime calculations are policy-aware and handled automatically

• Real-time visibility into hours worked and attendance trends

• Structured approvals and audit trails reduce payroll errors

• Highly rated with a 4.9-star rating from more than 4,000 verified reviews

“Overall, Rippling has been a great solution for our team. It’s reliable, intuitive, and has reduced the amount of manual work we used to do across HR and payroll. The time savings and ease of use alone make it worth it, and it’s clear that the platform keeps evolving with new features.” - Rippling Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Pricing can increase quickly as more modules are added

• Certain workflows and views feel limited and require workarounds

• The initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming

Is Rippling right for your business?

Rippling suits US businesses that want a highly rated modern system to manage time and attendance alongside payroll and HR. It’s a great option for teams planning to grow and needing built-in support for US labor and overtime rules. Users often highlight the time savings that come from seeing labor costs and employee data in one place.

2. UKG

UKG is an enterprise-level time and attendance platform built for large organizations that need advanced scheduling and compliance, with strong reporting. It’s designed for teams managing multiple sites and thousands of employees across departments.

What makes UKG stand out is its configurability and depth. Managers can forecast labor needs, build the most optimized schedules, and track attendance across locations in real time.

Source: UKG

Why do companies choose UKG?

• Advanced forecasting and analytics

• Handles large, multi-site scheduling and complex compliance

• Reliable uptime and strong data security that enterprise businesses can rely on

“The interface with timecards and scheduling is really easy to learn and teach. We changed the software, and not much training was required to learn the new platform.” - UKG Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Pricing and implementation can be high for smaller teams

• Support responsiveness can vary depending on your account tier

Is UKG right for your business?

UKG is best suited to large organizations that need functions that support scheduling, like forecasting and detailed reporting. It’s ideal if you manage strict compliance and want data safe reliability with plenty of options for customization.

3. Dayforce

Dayforce is another option for an all-in-one HR, payroll, and workforce management platform. However, it’s specifically built for big businesses. 

What sets Dayforce apart is how deeply you can customize it. Teams can adjust workflows, forms, and reports to fit their day-to-day processes instead of relying on fixed templates or trying to adapt their work to set rules.

Users also highlight that the payroll function is a strength of the platform, especially for organizations that need detailed controls and visibility.

Source: Dayforce

Why do companies choose Dayforce?

• Highly customizable scheduling and approvals for complex operations

• Scheduling, time tracking, and payroll data are managed in one platform

• Built to support large, multi-location organizations

“Easy to use interface, the wide range of customization that is available is a great feature. Super easy to use for employee timesheets.” - Dayforce Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• If you want customization, it can take a long time to set up

• Reporting and schedule logic can feel complex and take time to learn

Is Dayforce right for your business?

Dayforce suits large organizations that need very fine control over their scheduling and connected payroll. It works best for teams that already have complex rostering requirements and are willing to put in the time to configure the platform to suit them.

4. Workday

Workday is built for large, data-driven enterprises that need detailed visibility into attendance and labor patterns. Its time tracking capabilities sit tightly within its broader ecosystem, which allows organizations to analyze hours worked, absenteeism, and trends alongside HR and financial data.

Workday approaches time and attendance as an input into executive-level decision-making, not as a means to payroll processing. All the time tracking data feeds directly into workforce analytics and financial planning, giving leadership a clearer view of the return on investment they get from their workforce.

Source: Workday

Why do companies choose Workday?

• Advanced workforce analytics and reporting

• Deep integration across HR, finance, and planning

• Built for large and data-driven organizations

“Workday HCM is a powerful HR platform used at scale. It’s reliable and clearly built for large organizations with complex HR needs.” - Workday Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• High implementation and licensing costs 

• Requires experienced administrators to maintain

5. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now combines workforce management with one of the most widely used payroll platforms in the US. It appeals to organizations that value stability, coverage, and established payroll expertise. In addition, scheduling and time tracking integrate directly with payroll, cutting discrepancies.

ADP’s approach is more standardized than modern, modular platforms, which appeals to businesses that value proven processes. However, it might not be suitable for businesses wanting a modern, user-friendly platform.

Source: ADP Workforce Now

Why do companies choose ADP?

• Proven time tracking and workforce management built for US compliance

• Broad support coverage across different industries and business sizes

• Strong self-service tools with an employee app 

“ADP Workforce Now delivers on all fronts that are promised. For the 4 years I used it, I have never once needed to call for support.” - ADP Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Compared to newer SaaS products, the interface can feel dated

• Add-on modules can increase the total cost

6.  SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is another legacy platform (like ADP) that is built for enterprises that need rigorously structured and rule-based time tracking. It supports different time recording methods (for example, positive and negative time) and policy-driven validation. 

What makes it genuinely different is how well it plugs into the wider SAP ecosystem. For teams already managing employees on SAP, this makes it easier to keep time, payroll, and financial data matching.

Source: SAP

Why do companies choose SAP SuccessFactors?

• Structured, rule-based time and attendance

• Deep configuration and integration options for enterprise businesses

• Designed for large teams using multiple HR features in one

“Worked efficiently for time tracking, project management updates, logistics chain management, submitting time off requests, and time cards.” - SAP Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Slow and inconsistent performance with lagging and freezing reported

• Interface can feel dated and harder to navigate compared to newer options

7. Paylocity

Paylocity is a payroll-led platform where time and attendance tracking is designed to feed directly into payroll. As a result, the platform uses structured time capture and approval workflows to ensure accurate calculations (including overtime) and reduce any gaps between hours worked and pay outcomes.

One of Paylocity’s key strengths is usability. Managers can handle approvals and scheduling without needing specialist admin skills, and employees can record time, request leave, and review their hours through a modern self-service platform.

Source: Paylocity

Why do companies choose Paylocity?

• Time and labor data flow cleanly into payroll

• It has a modern employee self-service

• Strong fit for mid-market teams that want a single main HR and payroll system

“Paylocity is straightforward and easy to use and implement. It provides a secure way to track time worked, tasks due, and onboarding needs.” - Paylocity Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Advanced scheduling and forecasting needs may require add-ons

• Complex organizations may outgrow the standard configuration settings

8. Paycom

Paycom is a strong option for payroll-led workforce management, much like Paylocity. It approaches workforce management as an extension of the payroll functions. 

Its time and labor management tools are designed to keep hours, approvals, and pay calculations consistent, particularly in environments where small mistakes can create friction with teams.

Source: Paycom

Why do companies choose Paycom?

• Tight link between time and payroll outcomes

• Strong controls around time capture and approvals

• Single-vendor approach for HR and payroll functions

“I enjoy being able to clock in and out through the app. Communication between managers and staff about punches has become very easy to do on the app.” - Paycom Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• Occasional glitches or login friction can interrupt clock-ins and timecard edits

• Reporting for time and attendance can feel limited for more complex teams

9. Deputy

Deputy is built for fast-growing teams that need reliable time tracking and shift management. It works particularly well for growing retail and hospitality businesses where schedules change often.

Employees can clock in and out from their phones, view updated rosters, and swap shifts without manager intervention. For managers, this creates clearer visibility into hours worked and coverage gaps, helping keep time records accurate as teams scale.

Source: Deputy

Why do companies choose Deputy?

• Quick scheduling for shift-based teams

• Strong mobile tools for time tracking and shift swaps

• Broad integrations with payroll and HR systems

“Definitely would recommend this for companies that have shift work. The fee is not that expensive, especially if it replaces an admin or HR person toiling over complicated rosters for days on end.” - Deputy Capterra review

User-flagged challenges

• More advanced time and attendance controls sit behind higher-tier plans

• Reporting is fairly high-level, which may limit deeper analysis of trends and costs

Time tracking software benefits 

Now that we’ve covered the most popular options, here’s a closer look at why good time tracking software can be a game-changer for your business. 

These are the benefits US businesses can expect from implementing time and attendance software:

• Improved accuracy: Manual timesheets are a recipe for mistakes. Time tracking software logs hours automatically, so there’s less chance of errors messing up payroll or compliance.

• Better productivity: Time tracking software speeds up admin tasks that can seem to take forever. Things like calculating overtime or tracking leave become quick and painless.

• Data insights: Want to know who’s making a habit of clocking overtime or how many hours your team spends on certain projects? Time tracking software can give you the answers you need to make smarter decisions.

• Compliance: Federal and state labor laws can be tedious to navigate, but good time tracking apps can end the guessing game. They can help you track overtime properly, maintain audit-ready records, and reduce the risk of costly wage disputes.

What to look for when choosing a time tracking app

Picking the right timesheet software for your business can feel like a bit of a chore, but it doesn't have to be. You just need to know what matters to your business so you can look for tools that will actually make your life easier. 

Here are some features to keep an eye out for that can help you find the right time tracking software for your team:

1. User-friendly interface

If the app feels like it's going to require a 1000-page manual to be able to use it, skip it. The best time tracking software should feel simple and easy to figure out, even for someone who doesn't get along with tech. A good starting point is for it to have clear layouts, obvious buttons, and no need to call IT every five minutes. 

A comprehensive, but simple time tracking app is key!

2. Integration with existing systems

Bouncing between apps all day can be irritating and time-consuming. Be on the lookout for employee time tracking software that syncs with what you’re already using. This may include payroll or accounting software, or project management tools. Even better, look for time tracking apps that are part of a suite of HR tools. 

This can provide you with everything you need to manage your business in one place.

3. Cloud-based and mobile accessibility

These days, not everyone works from a desk. Good time tracking software will have an app to work on mobile, so employees can clock in from wherever they may be. Cloud-based time tracking apps also mean you can access everything in real-time. This can give you up-to-date info on who’s working, where they are, and what they’re doing. 

4. Overtime and wage compliance for US regulations

This one’s a big deal for US businesses, especially if your time tracking software connects to payroll. You need a system that can handle federal and state labor laws and calculate overtime correctly. 

When your time tracking tool does this and syncs cleanly to payroll, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders. You can stop second-guessing your numbers and feel confident you’re paying people correctly and staying compliant.

5. Customer support and training resources

When things go wrong (and they probably will at some point), you need help fast. Employee time tracking apps with excellent customer support can save you from banging your head against the wall.

Training resources are also a big plus. They can help your team learn the platform quickly and keep things ticking over smoothly.

Tips for choosing the best timesheet software

Choosing the best time tracking software can be relatively easy if you know what to focus on. Here are a few tips to help you sort through the options:

• Define your needs: Do you just want to track time, or do you need something that can sync with payroll? Knowing this from the get-go can save you from paying for stuff you don't need.

• Look at your team size and structure: A tool that works for a team of 10 might not cut it for a team of 100. If you’ve got remote workers or shift-based teams, make sure the software can cater to their needs, like geofencing or mobile accessibility.

• Think about scalability: If your business is growing, choose employee time tracking apps that can grow with you. Look for software that can handle more users, locations, or advanced features without falling apart.

• Check for industry-specific features: Not every time tracking app is built for every business. If your industry has specific needs, like billable time tracking for professional services, make sure the app ticks those boxes.

• Set a budget: Think about the return on investment as well as the price tag here. A time tracking app that saves you hours of admin work or avoids payroll mistakes pays for itself pretty quickly.

Manage time tracking the stress-free way with Rippling

If keeping track of hours, shifts, and payroll makes your head spin, Rippling might just be the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s an all-in-one platform that can revolutionize the way you manage HR, Payroll, IT, and finance needs. Plus, you can do it all in one place! 

Here are just some of the reasons why Rippling deserves a place on your 'best time tracking software' shortlist:

Everything in one platform

Rippling doesn’t stop at time tracking. It’s an all-in-one workforce management platform that connects every workforce system to a single source of truth. That means your HR, Payroll, IT, and finance tools all talk to each other. It can keep everything running smoothly and save you hours, if not days, of admin work.

Stress-free time tracking

Rippling’s time tracking software takes the mundane out of hours management. It lets you easily track time worked for employees, contractors, and hourly workers across every shift, location, and job site. The system handles automatic time tracking effortlessly, and you can review and approve timesheets in seconds.

Payroll integration

Rippling time tracking ties directly into payroll. So, you don’t have to worry about transferring data manually. That's right. You can pay employees and contractors accurately and on time, every time.

Expense tracking made easy

Rippling also helps with expense tracking. It keeps everything from hours worked to costs incurred in one unified system. You can manage expenses alongside your other workforce needs. This makes it beyond simple to stay on top of your business’s finances.

Grows with your business

Rippling works whether you’ve got five employees or 50,000 employees. It’s scalable and made to adapt as your business grows. This means you won’t have to switch platforms just because you’re adding more people to the team or expanding into new markets. Even if they're overseas!

Built for US businesses

Rather than a one-size-fits-all system, Rippling is built with US employers in mind. It helps take the pressure off tracking overtime rules, managing payroll, and staying on top of federal and state labor laws. Plus, if (or when) you expand internationally, Rippling can support global employment.

Choosing the right time tracking software in the US

Choosing the right time and attendance software comes down to how much complexity your business needs to manage today and how much you expect it to handle tomorrow. Some teams need simple clock-ins and schedules, while others require tight payroll integration, multi-state compliance support, and deeper reporting. 

While many platforms can manage schedules and track time, Rippling shines by connecting time tracking to payroll, HR, benefits, and IT systems in one place. This becomes especially important for ambitious organizations that want to scale across states, roles, and employee types.

If you want to see why more than 4,000 businesses rate Rippling 4.9 stars, you can explore the platform with a free demo.

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