Last updated: January 2026
What Is Buddy Punch?
For businesses with hourly employees, accurate time tracking isn't optional—it's essential for payroll, compliance, and understanding where labor costs actually go. Buddy Punch provides cloud-based time tracking that replaces paper timesheets and punch clocks with a modern system accessible from any device.
The platform addresses the core challenges of workforce time tracking: employees forgetting to punch in, buddy punching (having coworkers clock in for absent employees), disputed time records, and the administrative burden of processing timesheets. With features like GPS tracking, facial recognition, and automatic overtime calculations, Buddy Punch brings accountability and automation to time management.
Whether your team works from a single location, multiple sites, or remote positions, Buddy Punch provides the flexibility to track time accurately without the overhead of traditional systems.
Try Buddy Punch Free for 14 DaysKey Features of Buddy Punch
Flexible Punch Options
Employees can punch in and out via web browser, mobile app, or dedicated tablet kiosk. The flexibility accommodates different work environments—office workers use the web app, field employees use mobile with GPS, retail staff use a shared tablet at the point of entry.
GPS and Location Tracking
For mobile workforces, GPS tracking verifies where employees are when they punch. Geofencing can restrict punching to designated work locations, preventing remote punches from unauthorized places. Location data provides verification without constant surveillance.
Facial Recognition
Eliminate buddy punching with facial recognition verification. When enabled, employees must verify their identity with a photo when punching, ensuring the person clocking in is actually present. This is particularly valuable for shift work environments.
Scheduling
Create employee schedules, publish them for visibility, and track adherence. Employees see their upcoming shifts, request time off, and swap shifts with manager approval. Scheduling and time tracking integration provides a complete view of planned vs. actual hours.
Overtime Management
Buddy Punch automatically calculates overtime based on your rules—daily, weekly, or California-style overtime calculations. Alerts notify managers when employees approach overtime thresholds, allowing proactive management of labor costs.
PTO Tracking
Manage paid time off accruals, requests, and balances within the same system. Employees can see their available PTO, request time off, and track approval status. Managers approve requests and maintain visibility into team availability.
Payroll Integration
Export time data to major payroll providers including QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and Gusto. Direct integrations eliminate double entry and ensure accurate payroll processing.
Buddy Punch Pricing in 2026
Standard — $4.49/user/month + $19 base fee. Includes core time tracking, mobile app, GPS, and basic reporting.
Pro — $5.99/user/month + $19 base fee. Adds advanced scheduling, PTO management, and additional features.
Premium — $7.99/user/month + $19 base fee. Includes all features plus priority support and advanced customization.
The base fee applies regardless of user count. Annual billing offers discounts over monthly payments.
Start Your Free Buddy Punch TrialPros and Cons of Buddy Punch
Pros
- Easy to use — Minimal training required for employees
- Multiple punch methods — Web, mobile, and kiosk options cover different scenarios
- Anti-fraud features — GPS and facial recognition prevent time theft
- Reasonable pricing — Affordable per-user costs even for small teams
- Strong payroll integration — Seamless export to major providers
- Responsive support — Good customer service reputation
Cons
- Base fee adds up for small teams — The $19 base fee hurts value at very small scale
- Mobile app limitations — Some features are web-only
- Reporting could be deeper — Advanced analytics require workarounds
- Limited project tracking — Job costing features are basic
Who Should Use Buddy Punch?
Small to Medium Businesses with Hourly Workers — The core use case: replacing paper timesheets with digital tracking.
Businesses with Multiple Locations — Track time across sites from one dashboard.
Mobile or Field Workforces — GPS tracking provides accountability for distributed teams.
Shift-Based Operations — Scheduling and time tracking integration streamlines workforce management.
Businesses Concerned About Time Theft — Verification features address buddy punching and fraud.
Buddy Punch vs Alternatives
TSheets (QuickBooks Time) is the market leader with more features but higher prices. Better for larger organizations with complex needs.
Homebase offers free scheduling and time tracking for basic needs. Good for very small teams on tight budgets.
When I Work emphasizes scheduling over time tracking. Better if schedule management is your primary need.
Clockify provides free time tracking without the workforce management features. Different use case—project tracking vs. employee timekeeping.
Buddy Punch occupies a middle ground: more capable than free tools, more affordable than enterprise solutions.
See How Buddy Punch ComparesGetting Started with Buddy Punch
- Start your free trial — 14 days, no credit card required
- Add your employees — Invite team members via email
- Configure settings — Set overtime rules, departments, and permissions
- Choose punch methods — Enable web, mobile, kiosk based on your needs
- Train your team — Brief orientation on how to punch and view schedules
- Connect payroll — Set up export to your payroll provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Can employees punch from their phones?
Yes, mobile apps for iOS and Android allow punching from anywhere. GPS tracking verifies location when enabled.
How does facial recognition work?
When punching, employees take a photo that's compared to their profile picture. This verifies identity without storing biometric data permanently.
Can managers edit time entries?
Yes, managers can approve, edit, and correct time entries. An audit trail tracks all changes for accountability.
What happens if an employee forgets to punch?
Employees can request time corrections, or managers can add missed punches. The system handles common scenarios gracefully.
Is there a minimum number of users?
No minimum—you can use Buddy Punch with just one user, though the base fee affects per-user economics at small scale.
Final Verdict
Buddy Punch delivers what small to medium businesses need from time tracking: accuracy, accountability, and automation without complexity. The combination of multiple punch methods, fraud prevention features, and payroll integration covers the core requirements effectively.
The platform doesn't try to be everything—project costing and advanced analytics are basic—but for straightforward employee time tracking, it's a solid choice. The pricing is fair, the interface is approachable, and the support is responsive.
If you're still using paper timesheets or a clunky time clock, Buddy Punch offers a clear upgrade path with minimal disruption.
Upgrade Your Time Tracking with Buddy Punch
