Best Mobile Apps for Tracking Shift Work

Finding the Right Shift Tracking App

With dozens of time tracking apps available, how do you choose? Many are built for managers and teams, not individual workers. Others are overcomplicated or expensive.

Let's compare the best options for shift workers who need simple, reliable tracking.

What Shift Workers Actually Need

Before comparing apps, let's define what matters:

Essential Features

• Simple clock in/out – One tap, no complexity
• Break tracking – Paid and unpaid options
• Automatic calculations – Hours and earnings
• Offline support – Works without wifi
• Reliable data – Won't lose your records

Nice to Have

• Overtime calculations
• Multiple jobs support
• Weekly/monthly reports
• Export options
• Dark mode

Red Flags

• GPS tracking (privacy concern)
• Employer monitoring features
• Complex team features you don't need
• Subscription required for basic features

Top Apps Compared

1. ShiftWorth

Built for: Individual hourly workers

Key features:

• One-tap clock in/out
• Flexible break handling (paid/unpaid)
• Automatic overtime calculation
• Real-time earnings display
• Weekly and monthly summaries
• Offline mode
• No GPS tracking

Pricing: Free with optional premium

Best for: Warehouse workers, shift workers who want simplicity and earnings focus

Pros:

• Designed specifically for hourly workers
• Clean, simple interface
• Earnings-first approach
• Privacy-respecting

Cons:

• Newer app (smaller user base)
• Limited integrations

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2. Clockify

Built for: Freelancers and teams

Key features:

• Time tracking with projects
• Detailed reporting
• Team features
• Browser extension
• Unlimited users (free)

Pricing: Free, paid plans from $4.99/month

Best for: Freelancers with multiple clients, project-based work

Pros:

• Very full-featured
• Good reporting
• Free tier is generous

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for simple shift work
• Not earnings-focused
• Designed for projects, not shifts

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3. Hours Time Tracker

Built for: Individual time tracking

Key features:

• Visual timeline
• Apple Watch support
• Widget for quick access
• Reporting

Pricing: Free with IAP, premium $7.99

Best for: iOS users who want visual tracking

Pros:

• Beautiful interface
• Great Apple integration
• Timeline view

Cons:

• iOS only (no Android)
• Not specifically for shift work
• Limited break handling

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4. Toggl Track

Built for: Freelancers and knowledge workers

Key features:

• One-click timers
• Project organization
• Cross-platform sync
• Detailed reports
• Integrations

Pricing: Free, paid from $9/month

Best for: Freelancers tracking billable hours

Pros:

• Very polished
• Great cross-platform support
• Powerful reporting

Cons:

• Overkill for simple shift tracking
• No native overtime/earnings
• Designed for project work

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5. When I Work

Built for: Shift scheduling (employer-provided)

Key features:

• Shift scheduling
• Team communication
• Time clock
• Manager approvals

Pricing: Employer pays

Best for: Workers whose employer uses it

Pros:

• Integrated with scheduling
• Automatic records
• No cost to workers

Cons:

• Only works if employer uses it
• No personal records
• Employer controls data

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Comparison Table

How to Choose

Choose ShiftWorth if:

• You're an hourly/shift worker
• You want to see earnings, not just time
• Breaks are important to track
• You want something simple
• Privacy matters to you

Choose Clockify if:

• You do project-based work
• You need detailed reporting
• You want team features
• You track for multiple clients

Choose Hours if:

• You use iOS exclusively
• You want Apple Watch support
• Visual timeline appeals to you
• You do basic time tracking

Choose Toggl if:

• You're a freelancer
• You need integrations
• You work across many platforms
• Detailed analytics matter

Why We Built ShiftWorth

We built ShiftWorth because existing apps didn't fit shift workers:

Problem 1: Too complex

Most apps are built for freelancers or teams. Shift workers don't need project codes, client billing, or team features.

Problem 2: Not earnings-focused

Shift workers care about money. Apps that only show time miss the point.

Problem 3: Poor break handling

Warehouse workers take breaks when they can. Apps should handle paid and unpaid breaks flexibly.

Problem 4: Privacy concerns

Many apps track GPS. Hourly workers don't need or want location tracking.

ShiftWorth addresses all of these. Simple, earnings-focused, break-friendly, and private.

Making the Switch

If you're currently using another method, switching to an app is easy:

Download and set up – 2 minutes

Enter your hourly rate – 30 seconds

Start tracking – Next shift

Your historical data stays where it is. Start fresh with better tracking going forward.

Summary

The best shift tracking app depends on your needs:

• Simple shift work: ShiftWorth
• Freelance/project work: Clockify or Toggl
• iOS with visual focus: Hours
• Employer-provided: When I Work

For most warehouse, retail, and hourly shift workers, a dedicated tool like ShiftWorth provides the best balance of simplicity and useful features.

Try a few options. Use what you'll actually stick with. Consistent tracking beats perfect features.