Last updated: January 2026
What Is Time Doctor?
Remote work has created a fundamental challenge for managers: how do you ensure productivity without micromanaging or eroding trust? Time Doctor addresses this by providing transparent time tracking and productivity monitoring that balances accountability with respect for employee autonomy.
Unlike surveillance tools that operate covertly, Time Doctor is designed for consensual, transparent monitoring. Employees know exactly what's being tracked, can see their own data, and benefit from insights into their own work patterns. This approach aims to improve productivity through awareness rather than fear.
For remote teams, distributed companies, and organizations with hourly workers, Time Doctor provides the visibility needed to manage effectively while maintaining healthy working relationships.
Start Your Free Time Doctor TrialKey Features of Time Doctor
Automatic Time Tracking
Time Doctor tracks time automatically as employees work, eliminating the need for manual timesheets or clock-in procedures. The desktop app runs in the background, logging time spent on applications and websites. Employees can easily categorize time to projects and tasks.
Productivity Analytics
Beyond raw time data, Time Doctor analyzes how time is spent. Which applications are used most? How much time goes to productive vs. potentially unproductive activities? Where are the patterns of deep focus vs. frequent task-switching? These insights help both managers and employees optimize work habits.
Screenshots and Activity Monitoring
Optional screenshot capture provides proof of work for clients or verification for employers. Screenshots are taken at random intervals (configurable frequency), and employees can delete screenshots containing sensitive information before they're uploaded—maintaining some privacy control.
Website and App Monitoring
Time Doctor tracks which websites and applications are used during work hours, categorizing them as productive, unproductive, or neutral based on your settings. This data feeds into productivity scores and reports without blocking access to any sites.
Payroll and Invoicing
For teams with hourly workers or client billing, Time Doctor integrates time data with payroll. Calculate payments based on tracked time, generate client invoices, and integrate with payroll providers like Gusto and ADP.
Project and Task Management
Organize work by projects and tasks, assign team members, and track time against specific work items. Integration with project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira means you don't need to duplicate your task structure.
Time Doctor Pricing in 2026
Basic — $7/user/month. Time tracking, screenshots, and basic reporting. Good for simple tracking needs.
Standard — $10/user/month. Adds payroll integration, project budgets, and more detailed analytics. The most popular tier.
Premium — $20/user/month. Includes VIP support, executive dashboard, client login access, and advanced features for larger organizations.
All plans include a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Try Time Doctor Free for 14 DaysPros and Cons of Time Doctor
Pros
- Transparent approach — Employees see exactly what's tracked, building trust
- Comprehensive tracking — Time, apps, websites, and screenshots in one tool
- Productivity insights — Data that helps improve work habits, not just monitor them
- Fair pricing — Affordable per-user pricing even for small teams
- Strong integrations — Works with popular project management and payroll tools
- Detailed reporting — Reports that satisfy clients and management requirements
Cons
- Privacy concerns — Even transparent monitoring can feel intrusive to some
- Desktop app required — Tracking requires software installation
- Can affect morale — Some employees dislike any form of monitoring
- Learning curve — Full feature utilization takes time to master
Who Should Use Time Doctor?
Remote Teams — Distributed teams needing accountability without constant check-ins benefit from transparent tracking.
Agencies and Consultants — Client billing based on tracked time provides clear proof of work delivered.
Hourly Workforces — Organizations with hourly employees get accurate time records for payroll.
Freelancers — Independent workers can track their own productivity and provide clients with detailed reports.
Time Doctor vs Alternatives
Hubstaff is Time Doctor's closest competitor with similar features. Hubstaff has stronger GPS tracking; Time Doctor has better analytics.
Toggl Track is a simpler, less invasive time tracker without screenshots or app monitoring. Better for trust-based environments.
Clockify offers free time tracking with basic features. Less comprehensive but costs nothing for small teams.
DeskTime provides automatic time tracking with productivity analysis. Similar approach to Time Doctor.
Start Tracking with Time DoctorGetting Started with Time Doctor
- Sign up for free trial — 14 days, no credit card
- Download the desktop app — Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Set up projects — Create the structure for tracking time
- Configure settings — Decide on screenshot frequency and tracking options
- Invite your team — Have employees install the app
- Review reports — Analyze productivity data and identify improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can employees pause tracking?
Yes, employees can pause tracking when taking breaks or doing personal tasks. This time is logged as unproductive but not secretly monitored.
Can employees delete screenshots?
Employees can delete screenshots containing sensitive information before they sync. Managers see that a screenshot was deleted but not its contents.
Does Time Doctor work offline?
Yes, time tracking continues offline and syncs when connection is restored.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes, mobile apps for iOS and Android allow tracking on the go, useful for field workers or those who work across devices.
Final Verdict
Time Doctor succeeds by treating time tracking as a tool for productivity improvement rather than surveillance. The transparent approach—where employees see their own data and maintain some control—makes it more acceptable than covert monitoring solutions.
For remote teams, agencies, and organizations needing visibility into how time is spent, Time Doctor provides comprehensive tracking with reasonable privacy trade-offs. The key is implementing it as a mutual productivity tool rather than a punitive monitoring system.
Get Started with Time Doctor Today
