FocusUp

Clockify vs Timely

Reviewed July 2026

Clockify and Timely both track how your team works, but they are built for different jobs: Clockify is best for teams that just need free manual timesheets, while Timely suits billing-focused teams that want ai-drafted timesheets. Here is an honest side-by-side — plus a third option, FocusUp, if you want the tracking to turn into standups, decisions and focus instead of dashboards.

FeatureClockifyTimelyFocusUp
Price from (per seat/mo)$3.99$9$4.90
Free planYesNoYes (3 seats)
ScreenshotsOptional / blurrableNoOptional / blurrable
Daily AI coaching reportsNoNoYes
No stealth mode (transparent only)YesYesYes
Members see their own dataYesYesYes
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, Linux, mobile, WebmacOS, Windows, mobile, WebmacOS, Windows, Web

Pick Clockify if

  • Generous free plan
  • Unlimited users
  • Simple and familiar

Pick Timely if

  • AI-drafted timesheets
  • Anti-surveillance stance (no screenshots)
  • Strong PM-tool integrations

Consider FocusUp if

  • You want tracking data turned into each member's standup, drafted in Slack every morning
  • You want a manager inbox with drafted, approved check-ins instead of a dashboard to patrol
  • You value transparency over surveillance (no stealth mode, member data parity, screenshots off by default)
  • You want to start free (3 seats free, 6-day full trial, no card)
Try FocusUp free

Free for 3 seats · 6-day AI Coach free trial · No card needed

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Clockify or Timely?

On list prices, Clockify starts lower ($3.99/seat/mo) than Timely (from $9). For reference, FocusUp is free for up to 3 seats and starts at $4.90/seat/mo after that.

What is the main difference between Clockify and Timely?

Clockify is built for teams that just need free manual timesheets, while Timely targets billing-focused teams that want ai-drafted timesheets. Clockify is the best-known free timesheet: unlimited users, manual timers, projects and reports. It records what people type in — activity capture and analysis are minimal. Timely's AI observes apps and documents, then drafts timesheet entries you review — excellent for billable accuracy. It stays a timesheet: no daily coaching, no manager digest, and the Starter tier caps at 5 users.

Is there an alternative to Clockify and Timely that writes the standup for you?

Neither Clockify nor Timely drafts standups. FocusUp turns the same tracking data into each member's Yesterday / Today / Blockers every morning in Slack, plus a manager inbox with check-ins drafted in your voice and approved before they send — free for up to 3 seats.

Deeper dives