# DeskTime vs Hubstaff Time Tracker

The clearest difference is rating: Hubstaff Time Tracker at 4.5 against DeskTime's 2.3. Hubstaff Time Tracker also leads on review sentiment (66% vs 33%) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 6 months). DeskTime's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Hubstaff Time Tracker holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hubstaff Time Tracker has 1.5K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of DeskTime's written reviews are positive against 66% of Hubstaff Time Tracker's.

DeskTime ships an update every 6 months, Hubstaff Time Tracker every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DeskTime | Hubstaff Time Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktime/id452994124/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hubstaff-time-tracker/id971894122/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **66.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 41 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DeskTime](https://appshunter.io/developer/1480595856) | [NETSOFT HOLDINGS LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971894121) |

## What reviewers say

### DeskTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktime/id452994124)

This app automatically tracks how employees spend their time online and offline, boosting productivity. It allows for project-based time tracking, cost calculation, custom reporting, and managing employee time off. The mobile version includes a timer and remote team performance viewing.

**Highlights:** Automatic time tracking, Project-based time tracking, Cost calculation, Customizable reports, Vacation and time-off planning, Mobile timer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hubstaff Time Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hubstaff-time-tracker/id971894122)

Easily track work hours with a simple timer and log time to specific tasks or projects. Utilize GPS tracking and geofencing to automatically log time based on job site arrival and departure. Add context with notes and photos, and gain insights through reports and team location monitoring.

**Highlights:** Simple time tracking with timers, GPS tracking and geofencing, Add notes and photos to entries, Team location monitoring, Generate timesheets and reports, Automate team payments, Syncs with web dashboard

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Flexible cross-platform use
- 💡 Helpful for remote teams
- 🔍 Useful time tracking and reporting features
- 📊 Integrates well with other tools

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable
- 🕰️ Inconsistent time tracking
- 🔒 Invasive location tracking requirements
- 📱 Lacks support for landscape mode on iPad
- 🤔 Confusing pricing and setup

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes
- Time tracking issues and delays
- Login problems and frequent logouts
- Compatibility problems with newer OS versions
- Inability to create mandatory fields

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved iPad support
- Better manual time editing capabilities
- Customizable mandatory fields for contractors
- Enhanced reporting and analytics


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DeskTime free?

DeskTime is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hubstaff Time Tracker free?

Hubstaff Time Tracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DeskTime or Hubstaff Time Tracker?

Hubstaff Time Tracker is rated higher. DeskTime averages 2.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Hubstaff Time Tracker averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do DeskTime or Hubstaff Time Tracker have ads?

Neither DeskTime nor Hubstaff Time Tracker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DeskTime or Hubstaff Time Tracker?

DeskTime ships an update every 6 months, and Hubstaff Time Tracker every 6 days. Most recently, DeskTime was updated on September 7, 2026 and Hubstaff Time Tracker on September 28, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*