May 8, 2025
ProjectTimeTracker vs. Toggl vs. Clockify vs. Harvest – Which Tool Is Right for You?
You want to track your working hours but aren't sure which tool fits best? Toggl, Clockify and Harvest are well-known names – but are they really the best choice when you just want to get started as a freelancer or solo operator? This article compares all four tools honestly and helps you make the right decision.
Quick Overview: What Does Each Tool Do?
Toggl Track
Toggl is one of the most widely used time tracking tools worldwide. The free tier works well for individuals: web app, mobile app (iOS & Android), browser extension. Toggl is especially popular with freelancers who track time by project and need simple reports. More advanced features and team functionality require a paid plan.
Clockify
Clockify markets itself as "free forever" – which is essentially true for the basic version. It runs in the browser, as a desktop app and on mobile. It's particularly popular with teams because it packs in timesheets, project budgets, reports and integrations. For a solo user, most of those features go unused – and the interface reflects that complexity.
Harvest
Harvest clearly targets teams and agencies. It offers built-in invoicing, budget management and project cost tracking. The free tier allows only one user and two projects – after that, pricing climbs significantly. If you want to generate invoices directly from your time entries and work with a small team, Harvest is a solid choice.
ProjectTimeTracker
ProjectTimeTracker is a native Apple app for iPhone and iPad – no web interface, no registration required. It was built to make time tracking as simple as possible: pick a project, start the timer, done. Data is stored anonymously, enabling cross-device sync and recovery after a device change. You can export via AirDrop, email or to the cloud whenever you want. Perfect for anyone who wants to get started immediately – with zero setup friction.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| ProjectTimeTracker | Toggl | Clockify | Harvest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | iPhone & iPad (iOS) | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Account required | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes (basic) | Yes (basic) | 1 user, 2 projects only |
| Data storage | Anonymized in cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud |
| Invoicing | No | No (basic) | No (basic) | Yes |
| Team features | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline use | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Setup effort | Very low | Medium | Medium to high | Medium |
Where ProjectTimeTracker Wins Clearly
No account, no setup
Toggl, Clockify and Harvest all require an email address and an account. Before you can log your first hour, you've signed up, confirmed an email and clicked through an onboarding flow. ProjectTimeTracker starts immediately – download the app, open it, go. More on tracking project time without registration.
Privacy through anonymization
ProjectTimeTracker stores data anonymously – no account, no personal information required. No name, no email address, no link to an identity.
You might wonder: how can sync work without an account? The app uses your existing Apple account behind the scenes. You don't sign up anywhere extra – Apple simply provides ProjectTimeTracker with an anonymous ID that links your data to your devices. It all happens invisibly; there's nothing to set up.
For anyone who cares about privacy, this is a clear advantage over tools that require a separate account tied to personal data.
Simplicity without compromise
Clockify offers dozens of features – timesheets, approvals, budgets, reports, integrations. Great for a team of 20. If you work alone, most of it is noise. ProjectTimeTracker does exactly what you need: track time, manage projects, view statistics and export data.
Native iOS performance
Web apps running in a mobile browser or web view feel different from native apps. ProjectTimeTracker is built with Swift and SwiftUI for iPhone and iPad – fast, reliable, no loading screens.
Where the Other Tools Come Out Ahead
Teams and collaboration
If you work with a team and need to share hours, assign tasks or monitor project budgets together, Toggl, Clockify or Harvest are the better fit. ProjectTimeTracker is intentionally built for individuals.
Invoicing directly from the tool
Harvest lets you create and send invoices directly from your time entries. Freelancers who want everything in one place will find a better fit there. ProjectTimeTracker exports the data – you create the actual invoice in your preferred tool.
Android
ProjectTimeTracker is an Apple app. If you use Android, you need a different solution.
Which Tool Is Right for Whom?
- ProjectTimeTracker: You use an iPhone or iPad, want to start immediately, care about privacy and don't need team features.
- Toggl: You want a well-established solution for yourself or a small team that also runs on Android and in the browser – with a solid free tier.
- Clockify: You need many features (timesheets, reports, budgets) and want to stay on a free plan long-term.
- Harvest: You have a small team, want invoicing built into your time tracker and are willing to pay for it.
Conclusion
Toggl, Clockify and Harvest are powerful tools – but they're primarily built for teams and cloud-based workflows. For individuals and freelancers who want to track time on iPhone or iPad simply and quickly – without an account, without cloud lock-in and without unnecessary complexity – ProjectTimeTracker is the better choice. It does exactly what it promises. Nothing more, nothing less.
Download now on the App Store and start for free.
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