Leading mobile GPS time clocks for US contractors include Workyard ($6/user + $50 base) for comprehensive real-time location tracking, Timeero ($4/user) for automated mileage documentation, ClockShark ($9/user + $40 base) for photo-verified clock-ins, and QuickBooks Time ($10/user + $8 base) for native QuickBooks integration.
Selection criteria should focus on location precision requirements, daily site transitions, and accounting platform compatibility.
Construction operations spanning multiple locations demand GPS time clocks that document actual work locations beyond simple clock-in timestamps. This analysis examines 4 mobile GPS time tracking solutions for US contractors, evaluating location precision, route documentation, connectivity-independent operation, and accounting system compatibility.
Quick comparison overview
|
Solution |
Continuous GPS |
Route history |
Project costing |
Best suited for |
Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Workyard |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Multi-site construction operations |
$6/user + $50 base |
|
Timeero |
Limited |
Limited |
Limited |
Mileage-intensive field operations |
$4/user |
|
ClockShark |
Limited |
No |
Limited |
Trade contractors with simple needs |
$9/user + $40 base |
|
QuickBooks Time |
Limited |
❎ |
Limited |
QuickBooks-dependent contractors |
$10/user + $8 base |
1. Workyard – Premier solution for multi-site construction
Workyard represents a GPS-authenticated time tracking platform engineered for construction enterprises managing crews across diverse locations. The system documents precise arrival and departure times, complete transit paths, and automated project transitions through continuous location monitoring.
Field personnel utilize an intuitive mobile application functioning independently of network connectivity, while administrative staff receive precise data for payroll execution and project cost analysis.
Optimal for: Construction enterprises managing dispersed crews requiring authenticated location documentation
Primary capabilities
- Continuous location monitoring: Documents crew positions throughout entire shifts, extending beyond clock-in moments
- Complete route documentation: Provides comprehensive travel paths, stops, and inter-site transitions with timestamped position records
- Project phase allocation: Enables crews to assign hours to specific projects and phases with minimal interaction while location-triggered transitions occur automatically
- Transit time separation: Captures actual inter-site travel using GPS data, distinguishing transit from productive hours
- Network-independent operation: Records time and location data without cellular connectivity, automatically synchronizing upon connection restoration
- Supervisor verification with location evidence: Enables foremen to review and modify timecards using location documentation before payroll processing
- Direct accounting connections: Transmits clean time data with project classifications to QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Sage, and Foundation
Cost structure
- Starter: $6/user monthly + $50 base (Time documentation, continuous GPS, supervisor controls, fundamental analytics, payroll connections, expense documentation, offline capability)
- Pro: $13/user monthly + $50 base (All Starter capabilities plus project costing, boundary alerts, scheduling tools, absence tracking, photo authentication, enhanced accounting connections)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (All Pro capabilities plus automated project tracking, break compliance, timecard authentication, ERP connections, API access)
Trial period: 14-day evaluation requiring no payment method, complete access to GPS tracking, project costing, offline mode, and payroll integrations
Advantages and constraints
Advantages:
- Continuous GPS monitoring engineered for construction operations
- Documents every location visited during workdays
- Reliable offline capability for weak-signal environments
- Clear transit time and route documentation
Constraints:
- Demands initial project code configuration
- Serves as time tracking solution, not comprehensive project management
- Optimized for field operations versus office environments
User evaluations: App Store 4.2/5 | Google Play 3.9/5 | Capterra 4.7/5
2. Timeero – Specialized for mileage documentation
Timeero functions as a GPS time tracking application documenting work hours, site visits, and daily transit through boundary monitoring and mileage documentation tools.
Organizations utilize it for managing travel-intensive workflows and maintaining organized mileage records for reimbursements and client billing.
Engineered for: Travel-intensive service operations requiring automated mileage documentation
Primary capabilities
- Automated mileage documentation: Records routes, distances, and transit times for travel-heavy operations
- Boundary notifications: Transmits clock-in prompts upon entering or exiting designated work zones
- Movement documentation: Captures breadcrumb-style position updates displaying general transit patterns between stops
- Simple project lists: Permits crews to select projects or tasks for accurate time allocation
Cost structure
- Basic: $4/user monthly (Time documentation, GPS tracking, mileage documentation, break tracking – Maximum 10 users)
- Pro: $8/user monthly (All Basic capabilities plus project tracking, accounting integrations, scheduling, boundary monitoring, message distribution, photo attachments)
- Premium: $11/user monthly (All Pro capabilities plus absence management, facial authentication, commute mileage, suggested mileage, EVV, public API, signatures, custom fields)
Trial period: 14-day evaluation with complete Pro feature access
Advantages and constraints
Advantages:
- Superior mileage documentation for reimbursements
- Clear, straightforward mobile interface
- Effective for delivery and service operations
Constraints:
- Less frequent GPS updates than continuous systems
- Concentrated on simple project lists versus detailed phase codes
- Suboptimal for complex construction workflows with multiple phases
User evaluations: App Store 5.0/5 | Google Play 3.2/5 | Capterra 4.5/5
3. ClockShark – Streamlined for trade contractors
ClockShark serves as a time documentation application engineered for trades and compact service enterprises. It assists crews in documenting hours and confirming on-site presence through straightforward mobile tools.
Contractors utilize it for managing projects, monitoring field activity, and maintaining organized daily records without complex configuration or detailed route history.
Designed for: Trade contractors requiring simple GPS verification with photo clock-ins
Primary capabilities
- Boundary notifications: Transmits reminders to clock in or out when crews cross site boundaries
- Photo authentication: Confirms on-site presence with required photos at punch times
- Basic GPS snapshots: Captures position points throughout the day displaying general crew movement
- Project tracking: Enables crews to select active projects for organized daily activity
Cost structure
- Standard: $9/user monthly + $40 base (GPS tracking, boundary monitoring, photo verification, project tracking, scheduling, mobile applications)
- Pro: $11/user monthly + $60 base (All Standard capabilities plus QuickBooks/ADP integration, advanced analytics, PTO tracking)
Trial period: 14-day evaluation with complete feature access, no payment method required
Advantages and constraints
Advantages:
- Photo verification reduces time theft
- Single-tap clock-in with photo capture
- Minimizes crew time spent on administrative tasks
Constraints:
- No GPS breadcrumb trails displaying complete routes
- Concentrated on project tracking versus detailed cost coding
- Optimal for crews at one or two sites daily
User evaluations: App Store 2.9/5 | Google Play 3.8/5 | Capterra 4.7/5
4. QuickBooks Time – Integrated for QuickBooks users
QuickBooks Time captures position snapshots at regular intervals versus continuous monitoring, making it suitable for contractors requiring basic location confirmation. The system synchronizes approved hours directly to QuickBooks for payroll, eliminating manual timesheet exports for teams already utilizing QuickBooks for accounting.
Engineered for: Contractors using QuickBooks requiring basic GPS verification
Primary capabilities
- Boundary notifications: Notifies workers to punch in or out when crossing designated work area boundaries
- Interval-based GPS points: Records position at set intervals versus continuous monitoring throughout shifts
- Simple project selection: Permits workers to allocate hours to straightforward project lists without detailed phase breakdowns
- Native QuickBooks integration: Synchronizes approved hours directly to QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online
Cost structure
- Premium: $10/user monthly + $8 base (GPS tracking, time clock, scheduling, QuickBooks synchronization, mobile applications)
- Elite: $20/user monthly + $10 base (All Premium capabilities plus project tracking, boundary monitoring, advanced analytics, dedicated support)
Trial period: 30-day evaluation with complete feature access
Advantages and constraints
Advantages:
- Seamless QuickBooks integration
- Straightforward, user-friendly interface
- Effective for basic location verification
Constraints:
- No continuous GPS monitoring capability
- Better suited for crews at fewer locations
- Limited offline functionality in weak-signal environments
User evaluations: App Store 4.6/5 | Google Play 4.7/5 | Capterra 4.7/5
Selection framework
Critical evaluation factors
1. Continuous GPS versus boundary monitoring Operations spanning multiple locations demand continuous position tracking displaying complete workdays including transit, stops, and duration at each site. Seek GPS precision within 10-30 feet and position updates every few minutes.
2. Complete route documentation Comprehensive route history with timestamps displays transit time between projects and provides evidence of actual crew locations. This supports time-and-materials invoicing and resolves client inquiries.
3. Project phase tracking Accurate project costing demands hours assigned to correct projects and phases in real time. Seek rapid project selection and automated transitions triggered by position.
4. Network-independent reliability Jobsites frequently experience weak or absent cellular connectivity. Complete offline tracking for at least 3-7 days with automatic synchronization