TimoDesk is a Hubstaff alternative with screenshot monitoring included on its only plan, for $1 per user per month. You get time tracking, screenshots, activity levels, app and website usage and reports without moving up a tier. Hubstaff Team, the plan that matches what TimoDesk includes, costs $10 per user per month on annual billing.
Remote and hybrid teams need a reliable way to see work and bill hours correctly. Hubstaff has long been a popular choice for time tracking and employee monitoring. Many teams now look for a cheaper option that still gives them screenshot monitoring. This post compares the two tools so you can choose with clear facts.
Why does screenshot monitoring matter in a Hubstaff alternative?
Screenshots give visual proof of work. They help managers check billable hours, settle client disputes and keep remote work transparent.
When you compare Hubstaff alternatives, look at these points:
- Screenshot options: Can you set the interval, and switch screenshots on or off for each person?
- Pricing: Are screenshots on the base plan, or on a higher tier?
- Ease of use: Does the app run lightly in the background?
- Platforms: Does it work on Windows, macOS and Linux, and offline?
- Privacy: Can members get an alert when a screenshot is taken?
What is Hubstaff?
Hubstaff is a mature time tracking and workforce management tool. It combines time tracking, screenshots, activity levels, app and URL tracking, payroll and invoicing. It is popular with agencies, remote teams and field teams that need GPS and attendance features.
Key highlights of Hubstaff
- Who it suits: Remote and field teams, agencies and larger companies that need payroll and scheduling.
- Platforms: Desktop, web and mobile apps, with GPS for field work.
- Strengths: GPS tracking and geofencing, built-in payroll, shift scheduling and attendance, and a large list of integrations.
What is TimoDesk?
TimoDesk is a time tracking and productivity tool for staffing agencies and remote teams. It focuses on simple, clear pricing and core tracking: time on tasks, screenshots, activity levels, app and website usage, projects and reports.
Key highlights of TimoDesk
- Who it suits: Staffing agencies, remote and hybrid teams, agencies and small to mid-size businesses.
- Platforms: Light desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus a web dashboard. The app keeps tracking offline and syncs when it reconnects.
- Strengths: Every feature on one plan for $1 per user per month, with no seat minimum and no higher tier.
The dashboard shows a Team Day timeline, Live Now, project breakdowns, activity reports and screenshots in one workspace.
How do TimoDesk and Hubstaff compare on features?
| Feature | TimoDesk | Hubstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Time tracking | Desktop timer on tasks, idle time removed, offline sync | Desktop, web and mobile timers |
| Screenshots | Included on the only plan, every 3 to 60 minutes | Yes |
| Activity levels | Yes, from keyboard and mouse input | Yes |
| App and website usage | Yes | Yes |
| Projects and kanban boards | Yes | Kanban on Grow and above |
| Manual time with approval | Yes | Team plan |
| GPS and geofencing | No | Yes |
| Payroll and invoicing | No | Yes |
| Shift scheduling | No | Yes |
| Integrations | Not yet | Extensive |
| Every feature on one plan | Yes | No |
How does screenshot monitoring work in each tool?
Screenshots are the main reason many teams look at Hubstaff alternatives.
TimoDesk: Screenshots are included on the only plan. The desktop app takes them at an interval you choose: 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 60 minutes. You set it for the whole organization or for each member. Screenshots start on for new members and are switched on or off per member. You can alert members when one is taken. Screenshots taken while a member is idle are thrown away. You can also store them in your own Amazon S3 bucket or FTP server. See the screenshots guide for setup.
Hubstaff: Screenshots are available and can be configured. Hubstaff spreads its features across Starter, Grow, Team and Enterprise plans, so check which plan includes the options you need.
Result: TimoDesk gives you screenshots at $1 per user per month, and no higher tier to pay for.
How do reports and team management compare?
TimoDesk offers clear reports: time and activity, app usage, websites, project timing, a Performance Map, top and low performer lists and a monthly leaderboard. The Live Team Monitor browser extension shows managers who is online.
Hubstaff adds wider workforce management, such as payroll, scheduling and attendance.
Result: Hubstaff suits teams that need workforce management in one system. TimoDesk suits teams that want clear reports without extra cost.
What about integrations?
Hubstaff has a large list of integrations with project and payroll tools. TimoDesk has no integrations yet. Its reports download as PDF or CSV, so you can use the data in other tools. If your work depends on an integration, check Hubstaff first.
Which one is easier to use?
Both run in the background. TimoDesk is quick to set up when tracking is all you need. Hubstaff offers more features, which can mean more setup and more plan choices.
How much do TimoDesk and Hubstaff cost?
Hubstaff prices below were checked in August 2026.
| Plan | TimoDesk | Hubstaff (annual / monthly billing) |
|---|---|---|
| Trial | 15-day free trial, no card | 14-day free trial, no card |
| Entry | $1 per user per month, every feature | Starter: $4.99 / $7 per seat |
| Middle | Single plan | Grow: $7.50 per seat (monthly price not published) |
| Team | Single plan | Team: $10 / $12 per seat |
| Enterprise | Single plan | Enterprise: $25 per seat |
| Seat minimum | None | 2 seats on paid plans |
- TimoDesk: $1 per user per month, billed after each month only for members who tracked time. A 50-person team that all tracked time pays $50 for the month.
- Hubstaff: The same 50-person team on Team pays $500 per month on annual billing.
What are the pros and cons of each tool?
TimoDesk pros
- $1 per user per month with every feature on one plan.
- Screenshots, activity levels and reports at the base price.
- No seat minimum.
- Light desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, with offline tracking.
- Live Team Monitor extension and simple reports.
TimoDesk cons
- No integrations yet.
- No payroll, GPS, mobile app or shift scheduling.
Hubstaff pros
- GPS tracking and geofencing for field teams.
- Built-in payroll and shift scheduling with attendance.
- A large list of integrations.
- A longer history and a larger support team.
Hubstaff cons
- Costs five to ten times more per user for the same core tracking.
- Features are spread across several plans.
Who should choose TimoDesk as a Hubstaff alternative?
TimoDesk is a strong Hubstaff alternative with screenshot monitoring if you want:
- Screenshots and activity levels without paying for a higher tier.
- Simple pricing that is easy to predict as the team grows.
- Remote tracking that works offline and on Linux.
It fits staffing agencies, remote teams and startups that mainly need to see where the hours went.
Who should stick with Hubstaff?
Stay with Hubstaff if you need:
- Integrations with your existing tools and payroll systems.
- GPS tracking for field teams.
- Shift scheduling and attendance in the same system.
It is still a solid choice for teams already invested in it.
Final verdict
For most teams that mainly need time tracking, screenshots and reports, TimoDesk is the better-value Hubstaff alternative. It costs $1 per user per month, with screenshots and every other feature on one plan. Hubstaff remains a good fit for teams that need GPS, payroll or scheduling. Read the full TimoDesk vs Hubstaff comparison or our guide for teams looking for Hubstaff alternatives, or start a 15-day free trial with no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is TimoDesk cheaper than Hubstaff?
Yes. TimoDesk is $1 per user per month with every feature. Hubstaff Team, the matching plan, is $10 per user per month on annual billing.
Does TimoDesk take screenshots like Hubstaff?
Yes. Screenshots are included on the only plan, at an interval from 3 to 60 minutes. You switch them on or off for each member.
Does TimoDesk have GPS or a mobile app?
No. TimoDesk runs on Windows, macOS and Linux desktops, with a web dashboard. If you need GPS for field teams, Hubstaff is the better fit.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. TimoDesk has a 15-day free trial, and no card is needed. Usage during the trial is never billed.
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