Best Time Clocks of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Time clocks are a reliable and efficient way to track employee hours and ensure accurate payroll processing. With a variety of options available, including traditional punch-in systems and digital time clocks, businesses can choose the best option to meet their specific needs. Time clocks can also help prevent time theft and provide valuable data for workforce management. These products are suitable for businesses of all sizes and offer an affordable solution to time tracking and payroll management.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle (HN1500) Cover #TOP 1
uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle (HN1500)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lathem 2100HD Cover #TOP 2
Lathem 2100HD
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Acroprint 150QR4 Time Recorder Cover #TOP 3
Acroprint 150QR4 Time Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Time Clocks

uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle (HN1500)

HN1500
White/Green
Pack of 1
uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle (HN1500) Cover
uPunch HN1500 Starter Time Clock Bundle for Small Business: Employee Punch Clock System with 100 Time Cards, Card Rack, and Ribbon

The uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle (HN1500) includes an auto-align time clock, 100 cards, a rack, a ribbon, and keys. This bundle simplifies employee attendance tracking by recording start, break, lunch, and finish times. The automatic card feed aligns punches precisely to track weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly pay periods.

What We Like
Includes everything needed to start tracking employee attendance
Automatic card feed aligns punches precisely
Multiple pay period tracking options
#TOP 2

Lathem 2100HD

2100HD
Black
9.8" x 6" x 8"
Lathem 2100HD Cover
Lathem Heavy Duty Maintenance-Free Thermal Print Time Clock (2100HD), Black, 9.8" x 6" x 8"

The Lathem 2100HD, also known as the Lathem Time Clock, is a heavy-duty maintenance-free thermal print time clock that offers a range of useful features. The large LCD display ensures easy readability, even from a distance, allowing you to quickly check the time and date. With its patented direct thermal Whisper Print technology, this time clock eliminates the need for ribbons, ensuring hassle-free operation. The new EZSet rotary knob makes it fast and easy to configure settings, while the Tru-Align printing system with LED indicator guarantees perfect alignment on time cards with every punch. This time clock also offers six different print formats, allowing you to choose the format that suits your needs. The Lathem 2100HD comes with a power adapter, 2 keys, and 25 Lathem E8 time cards, making it a comprehensive package for all your timekeeping needs.

What We Like
Large, high-contrast LCD display
Patented direct thermal Whisper Print technology
Intuitive EZSet rotary knob for easy configuration
#TOP 3

Acroprint 150QR4 Time Recorder

150QR4
Green
Acroprint 150QR4 Time Recorder Cover
Acroprint 150QR4 Heavy Duty Automatic Time Recorder, Prints Month, Date, Hour (0-23) and Minutes Time Clock

The Acroprint Time Recorder is an automatic, heavy-duty clock that simplifies time tracking for your business. It conveniently prints the month, date, hour (in a 24-hour format), and minutes, making it easy for you to keep accurate records. You can customize it with various typewheel configurations to fit your specific needs, whether you require left-hand printing or a Spanish month wheel. This device accepts standard time cards, streamlining your attendance tracking and job costing processes, which can enhance your overall efficiency.

What We Like
Durable automatic time recording
Customizable typewheel options
Accepts standard time cards
Supports attendance and job costing
Lifetime warranty on typewheel

uPunch Digital Time Clock and Date Stamp (CR1000)

CR1000
Black
uPunch Digital Time Clock and Date Stamp (CR1000) Cover
uPunch CR1000 Digital Time Clock and Date Stamp for Small Business: Complete Employee Time Tracking System with 50 Time Cards, Ribbon & Keys

The uPunch CR1000 Digital Time Clock and Date Stamp is a complete package with 50 time cards, a ribbon, and 2 keys. It eliminates manual errors in employee time tracking by simplifying the organization and providing proof of document receipt with a digital date stamp. You can easily track employee arrival, break, lunch and departure times. The strategically placed window in the cover lets you easily load time cards and documents.

What We Like
Eliminates manual errors in employee time tracking
Simplifies organization and provides proof of document receipt with a digital date stamp
Easily tracks employee arrival, break, lunch and departure times
#TOP 5

Pyramid Time Systems 2500K1 Bundle

Pyramid Time Systems 2500K1 Bundle Cover
Pyramid Time Systems - Model 2500 Auto Aligning and Top Loading Time Clock [2500K1] Bundle Includes: Time Clock, 100 Time Cards, 2 Ink Ribbon cartridges, one 10 slot time card rack and 2 Security Keys

The Pyramid Time Systems 2500K1 Bundle is a complete package that includes a 2500 Auto Aligning and Top Load Time Clock, 100 time cards, two ink ribbon cartridges, one 10 slot time card rack, and two security keys. This time clock can track employee start times, break times, lunch times, and finish times for up to 31 days. It features "active column" indicator lights, auto aligning time card feed, and prints time and AM/PM. The Tamper Proof security lock helps prevent time theft, and it automatically resets for short months, leap year, and Daylight Savings Time. Ideal for small business operators.

What We Like
Complete package with all necessary components included
Tracks employee start times, break times, lunch times, and finish times for up to 31 days
Tamper Proof security lock to prevent time theft

AMANO TCX-35 Time Clock and Date Stamp

AMANO
TCX-35
Gray
AMANO TCX-35 Time Clock and Date Stamp Cover
AMANO TCX-35 Electronic Time Clock, Document, Time and Date Stamp

The AMANO TCX-35 Time Clock and Date Stamp tracks employee work hours, and can also be used as a document and date stamp. It prints custom messages in multiple languages, has a ribbon ink capacity indicator, and automatically adjusts year, month, date, time, leap year, and daylight savings. Additionally, it has a large digital display that is easy to read and can be mounted on a table or wall.

What We Like
Tracks employee work hours
Custom message printing in multiple languages
Ribbon ink capacity indicator
Automatic date and time adjustment
Large, easy-to-read digital display
#TOP 7

Lathem 1600E Time Clock Machine

1600E
Charcoal Gray
5.7" x 6.3" x 7.2"
Lathem 1600E Time Clock Machine Cover
Lathem 1600E Time Clock Machine and Document Stamp, Employee Clock in and Out System for Small Business, Tru-Align Time Cards, Charcoal Gray

The Lathem Time Clock is an efficient tool for managing employee attendance and project hours. It allows you to accurately record when employees clock in and out, which simplifies payroll processing. With its document stamping feature, you can easily print essential information like dates and status messages on business documents. The Tru-Align card system ensures that your time cards are perfectly aligned for quick and easy printing. Plus, the clock never needs resetting, thanks to its internal perpetual calendar that adjusts automatically for daylight savings and power outages, ensuring your timekeeping is always accurate.

What We Like
Accurate payroll tracking
Document stamping capability
Easy card alignment
No resetting needed
Reliable tech support
#TOP 8

Pyramid Time Systems, 3500ss

3500SS
Light Gray
Standard
Pyramid Time Systems, 3500ss Cover
Pyramid Time Systems - Employment Time Clock & Document Stamp [3500ss] with Smart site Alignment, Kit Includes: Punch Time Clock, 25 Time Cards, 1 Ribbon & 2 Security Keys, 3500 Replacement

The Pyramid 3500ss is an all-in-one business machine that combines a time clock and document stamp. With its easy, no hassle setup, you can have the 3500ss ready to use in less than 2 minutes. This time clock automatically adjusts for short months, leap year, and daylight savings time, ensuring accurate tracking of payroll hours. Additionally, the 3500ss allows you to manage job costing or conveniently stamp time-sensitive documents. With its pre-programmed messages and multi-language support, this clock offers versatility for various business needs. Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty, the Pyramid 3500ss is a reliable and efficient solution for your time tracking and document stamping needs.

What We Like
All-in-one business machine
Easy and quick setup
Automatic adjustment for accurate tracking

Tymelix Time Clock with App

Tymelix
KYT101-1
No Internet No Usb
Tymelix Time Clock with App Cover
Tymelix Time Clock, Free Software, App-Based Face, Card &Fingerprint Attendance Machine for Employees Small Business,Time Clocks with 10 IC Card, iOS/Android App No Monthly Fee

The Tymelix Time Clock offers customizable attendance options, allowing you to set specific punch time rules to enhance accuracy. You can easily manage breaks and overtime settings to suit your business needs. The app provides a user-friendly interface for correcting attendance records and generating reports, making payroll processing seamless. Additionally, it supports multiple departments, enabling you to apply different attendance rules for each one, which simplifies management across your organization. These features ensure that you can efficiently track employee attendance while maintaining flexibility.

What We Like
Customizable attendance rules
Multi-department support
User-friendly app
Comprehensive reporting

HapAttend Fingerprint Time Clock

HapAttend
H1-Ultra
Black
Small
HapAttend Fingerprint Time Clock Cover
HapAttend Time Clock - Fingerprint Time Clocks for Employees Small Business Automatic Calculate Hours, H1 Standalone Biometric Clock in Machine for Employees with 5 RFID Cards (0 Monthly Fees)

The HapAttend Time Clock provides a user-friendly experience that lets you set it up in just minutes, thanks to its helpful YouTube guide. It operates independently without an internet connection, ensuring your data remains secure, and allows for easy data transfer via USB. You can also say goodbye to tedious manual calculations, as it automatically totals work hours for you, eliminating the need for paper time cards. Plus, there are no monthly fees, making it a simple and cost-effective solution for managing employee hours.

What We Like
Easy setup with video guide
Data privacy with no internet
Automatic hour calculations
No monthly fees
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Time Clocks

Introduction

As an employer, it is important to have a reliable time clock system in place to track employee hours and ensure accurate payroll. There are many different time clock options available on the market, making it crucial to choose the right one for your business needs.

Considerations

Before choosing a time clock, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the size of your business and the number of employees that will be using the time clock. This will determine the type of time clock system you need, as well as the features and capabilities it should have.

Next, consider the type of time clock that will best suit your business. There are several options to choose from, including traditional punch clocks, biometric time clocks, and mobile time clocks. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, so it is important to choose the one that will work best for your business.

It is also important to consider the user experience when choosing a time clock. Your employees will be using the time clock on a daily basis, so it should be easy to use and intuitive. Look for a time clock that has a simple, straightforward interface and offers clear instructions on how to use it.

Features

When choosing a time clock, there are several key features to look for. These include:

  • Accurate time tracking: The time clock should accurately track employee hours, including start and end times, breaks, and overtime.
  • Payroll integration: Look for a time clock that can integrate with your payroll system, making it easy to transfer employee hours and pay rates.
  • Employee access: Some time clocks allow employees to access their own time and attendance records, making it easy for them to track their hours and ensure accuracy.
  • Reporting and analysis: A good time clock should offer comprehensive reporting and analysis capabilities, allowing you to track employee hours and identify trends or issues.

Conclusion

Choosing the right time clock is crucial for any business. By considering the size of your business, the type of time clock, the user experience, and key features, you can select a time clock that will meet your needs and help ensure accurate payroll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do employee time clocks work?

Employee time clocks typically require employees to manually insert their time card into a machine or press a button. The time clock then records the date and time when employees punch in and out. It is necessary for employees to be physically present to use the time clock and accurately track their working hours.

2. Are time clocks still used?

Yes, time clocks are still used in some businesses. The traditional punch card time clock is one example. Employees insert their timecard into the punch clock, which stamps the time onto it. A manager then manually records the timestamps into the payroll system. While more advanced time tracking systems are available, some businesses still prefer to use time clocks for their simplicity and reliability.

Editor's Notes

During our time clock research, we found 24 time clock products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 17,508 customer reviews through our big data system to write the time clocks list. We found that most customers choose time clocks with an average price of $182.34.

The time clocks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of time clocks, including uPunch, Lathem, Acroprint, Pyramid Time Systems, AMANO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 103 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.