Efficient time management is essential for any corporate worker, software engineer, or highly-paid programmer. Professionals pay their employees based on hourly work, making proper project management and a sense of responsibility towards work imperative. Time tracking software can be an effective solution to enhance productivity and control time expenses.
Leo Tolstoy said, “the two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”
Time-tracking software is becoming increasingly popular due to its easy installation and reliable features. This computer software eliminates the hassle of billing and invoicing clients and allows for efficient supervision of multiple projects and tasks. Software of this kind must be speedy and reliable, as the success of any project depends on it.
We have curated a list of the top time-tracking software available for those who want to optimize their productivity and manage their time more effectively on a Linux system. In this article, we will delve into each software’s key features and benefits and provide recommendations for different types of users.
Best Time Tracking Software for Linux
To improve productivity, we recommend reviewing and evaluating the 12 best time-tracking software options based on feedback from various sources. It’s important to note that this list is not in any particular order or rating, and ultimately, the choice of software will depend on the specific needs of each user.
This article provides insights into each software option and can be helpful for anyone looking to track better the time spent on tasks.
1. actiTIME
ActiTIME is an intuitive cloud-based time tracking and work management system on a company’s internal service. You can easily connect to the cloud solution once your device is connected to the Internet or any WiFi network.
ActiTIME is compatible with both Windows and Linux platforms, and it’s perfect for individuals and teams. It’s free and lets you start a timer in a mobile app without using Excel or other paper timesheets.
Features of actiTIME
- Track time with full enthusiasm.
- Handy for managing user accounts.
- Swift in sorting reports in one click.
- Accurate Client Billing and statement maintenance.
- Useful for email reminders and tracking of absent employees.Beneficial for accountants and Human Resources.
2. Project Hamster
Project Hamster is a time-tracking software suitable for individuals and available as a Gnome application. It is supported by a community of over 100 contributors and is known for its simplicity and functionality.
It can track all data and generate an HTML report, making it easy to sort and edit activities. However, it is important to note that it is designed only for Linux and may need to be updated.
The application operates from a simple Activity window, and once an activity is changed, Hamster will stop tracking it, and the new activity must be added manually.
Features of Project Hamster
- It is all about three things: tracking time while doing tasks, calculating in total, and then converting data into an HTML report.
- The results will be split and depicted in the Statistics slot by tagging.
- Has an intuitive graphical interface.
- Configures idle/off detection.
3. Kimai
Kimai is an open-source time-tracking software that can manage a manifold of working folders and classify time. Experts highly recommend it due to its cross-platform and cross-network capabilities.
The software supports 15 languages and records time even when the device is closed. It lets users print timesheets according to daily projects, customers, and actions. Kimai also provides customization options for invoices, entries, and expenses.
Features of Kimai
- It is web-based software.
- We can install it as a web service and operate it where the internet connection is available.
- Multiple consumers: Customers, Workers, Admins. It has many extensions, which make it more equipped.
- Kimai underpins the entry of project budgets, expenses, and invoice experts.
4. KTimeTracker
KTimeTracker is a software that works well with Linux distros and is a part of Kontact, a personal information manager for the KDE desktop environment. If you’re having trouble billing your customers, KTimeTracker can help you.
It’s a convenient tool that tracks your time on each task. Double-click on your task whenever you switch to a new one, and it will start tracking the time. You can get a sheet with your task schedule at the end of the day or month.
This software is lightweight and suitable for individuals. It’s especially useful for people who tend to switch tasks frequently.
Features of KTimeTracker
- Its unique characteristic is “pause detection,” a set of configurable settings. When the user is away from the desktop, KTimeTracker will stop tracking until the user comes.
- It has a CSV exporting feature for sharing timesheets via email or cloud storage.
- If necessary, this application allows editing recorded time or history. It also adds a comment to every finished work.
- The more configuration features are- time-saving frequency and displayed details.
- Divides your task into subtasks, organizes your job as a to-do list, and serves as a makeshift project manager.
5. GnoTime ( Not Actively Maintained)
GnoTime (GTT) is an open-source time-tracking application that supports both Linux and Mac OS X. It allows users to keep track of their time and generate reports based on their time logs.
To start the timer, click on the task, which will alert you if it remains inactive for an extended period. GnoTime has a user-friendly interface and billing functionality, making it an ideal tool for freelancers and small businesses.
Features of GnoTime
- The specific feature that makes it stand out is “auto-merging “ of the short time intervals recorded for one task, and users fix the length of the time intervals.
- There is a “billing status” indicator. This software can point out billable or non-billable entries.
- Shows various data, amounts, and statements in HTML reports.
- A pre-compiled package in Debian, Ubuntu, RedHat, Suse, and Gentoo distros.
6. Fanurio
Fanurio is a versatile time-tracking tool that both individuals and teams can use. You can manually track time or use the timer feature to help you start, resume, or stop the timer automatically.
Fanurio supports both Windows and Unix systems, and it can be operated from a USB drive, making it convenient for people who work from different locations.
There are paid Fanurio plans available for customers, and with detailed invoices, Fanurio can keep you updated on your company’s productivity.
Features of Fanurio
- Helps to make critical decisions about projects.
- Fanurio differentiates external projects and internal projects.
- It helps to organize expenses and products while providing the necessary tools for billing.
- It has the functionality of idle time detection and reminders as well. Get multiple currencies with this time tracking software.
7. arbtt
Arbtt is a software that automatically tracks time and reduces our manual workload. The abbreviation “arbtt” stands for “Automatic rule-based time tracker.” The software is designed to detect the active time of windows and how long they remain open.
The main component of this software is a desktop daemon that captures the data and stores it in a log file. To ensure data accuracy, a tool called “arbtt-stats” verifies it using simple text-based rules.
Features of arbtt
- Suitable for individuals, it supports both Windows and Linux and operates under GPL license.
- As the program implements rules when evaluating your data, this keeps your original data unchanged.
- Customizations of rules, patterns, and information are available.
- The most straightforward way to download it is with the terminal command (sudo apt-get install arbtt). You can download it from the source via cabal-install or the source repository.
8. GTimeLog
There is a time-tracking application called GTimeLog that is designed for GNOME. It allows you to keep track of the time spent on tasks without interfering with your work. To use it, simply type “arrived” when you begin the task and then enter the task’s name when you finish.
It is important to name the task accurately, as the software differentiates between billable and non-billable work. The software automatically tracks the time spent on each task and generates a report.
Features of GTimeLog
- Stuffed with high-end features.
- Capable of editing by pressing Ctrl-E.
- Uses simple configurations- commands to detect the task unrelated to work can omit unnecessary details.
- Includes three fundamental views- consecutive views of all tasks, with starting and ending times.
9. TimeSlot Tracker
TimeSlot Tracker is a Java-based tool that has a unique architectural design. It organizes all your tasks chronologically in a hierarchical tree, making it easy to keep track of your work.
It is an all-in-one software that combines time tracking and task management features. However, mastering the app might require effort since it combines two significant tasks. The app has an intuitive keyboard shortcut, allowing you to navigate it easily.
Features of TimeSlot Tracker
- It is an efficient app, but the installation might be tough depending on the distro’s repository.
- Includes customized reports like HTML summary, HTML timesheet report, CSV report, and timesheet.
- Incorporates with Jira and iCalender.
- Availability in this software -Seven localizations, Native Windows installer, Native Debian package.
10. Task Coach
Task Coach might be the perfect choice if you are searching for a simple and open source personal time tracking and management software.
This software can easily handle compound tasks and provides a well-organized structure, including subject, description, priority, start date, due date, finishing time, and reminder.
You can keep track of your daily, weekly, or monthly tasks and add notes and comments to each task to help you stay on top of your work.
Features of Task Coach
- Has a multi-platform design.
- Can distinguish various tasks depending on subjects, budgets, and due dates.
- Sorts out the finished job and completed job with filters.
- Underpins HTML attributes and can add budget and advertisements to the task.
11. TimeCamp
TimeCamp is a proprietary time-tracking app designed for Linux and other platforms. It is an efficient timesheet software that offers automatic time recording and drag-and-drop options.
One of its excellent features is the ability to analyze the absence between two tasks. TimeCamp doesn’t require a click to assign time to a project and can work as a project manager and time manager.
Features of TimeCamp
- With intuitive controls, customers can easily manage tasks on both the mobile and desktop apps.
- Tracks time of all backend activities synchronizes across devices and underpins different OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux Ubuntu)
- The paid version has features like productivity, team organizing, and more. It can easily monitor attendance, vacations, or any work left.
- There is a built-in billing/invoice system to minimize the budget.
12. Hubstaff
Hubstaff works by taking random screenshots, detecting mouse and keyboard movements, and providing insight into all work activities. This time-tracking software also tracks idle time and reminds you to stop the timer.
The app can synchronize with the cloud and generate reports about the activities monitored by the desktop app. With Hubstaff, managers can easily see who is working on which project.
Features of Hubstaff
- The main benefit of using this software is its simplicity and the cluster of various themes.
- Underpins Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.
- Supports automatic payroll and payments so that you can operate your business process yourself.
- Works for not only time management but also project management.
Final Words
It is a well-known fact that time lost can never be regained. Time management is crucial as it impacts the productivity of our work. We must be mindful of time to ensure we do not run out of it. Time is money, whether you’re a small freelancer or a high-ranking corporate official. We can use time-tracking software on our Linux system to manage our time effectively.
In the words of Anthony Doerr,
“Time is a slippery thing: lose hold of it once, and its string might sail out of your hands forever.”
