Best Time Clocks for Small Businesses

The 8 Best Time Clocks for Small Businesses

Time clocks are a necessary piece of office equipment for many small businesses. The office clock-in system keeps track of employee hours and helps with payroll processes. But with so many different types of time clocks on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best fingerprint time clock for your business. In this article, we will review eight of the best time clocks for small businesses and explain the pros and cons of each one. We will also suggest things to consider when purchasing a time clock and answer some frequently asked questions about these devices.

Usages of Office Clock-in System

Time clocks are most commonly used in office environments to track employee hours. This information is then used for payroll purposes. Office clock-in systems can also be used to control access to certain areas of a building. For example, an employee may need to clock in before they can enter the office.

Types of Time Clocks

There are several different types of time clocks available on the market.

1. Mechanical time clock

The most common type is the mechanical time clock. These devices use a paper chart to record employee hours. The chart is then used to calculate payroll.

2. Electronic clock-in system

Electronic time clocks are also popular in office environments. These devices typically connect to a computer, allowing employees to clock in and out using their fingerprint or proximity cards.

3. Web-based Time Tracking

Another type of time clock is the web-based time clock. These devices allow employees to clock in and out using a web browser. The information is then stored in a cloud-based database.

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Time Clock

When purchasing the best small business time clock, there are several things you should keep in mind.

First, you need to decide what type of time clock you want. For example, do you want a mechanical device or an electronic one?

Second, you need to think about how many employees will be using the time clock. If you have a large staff, you may need a device to accommodate multiple users.

Third, you should consider the features you need. For example, sometimes clocks come with built-in printers, while others can connect to a computer.

Finally, you need to think about your budget. Time clocks can range in price from around $50 to several thousand dollars. One best-quality fingerprint time clock system may cost higher.

You might need more features such as temperature, humidity level, or cloud capabilities for many reasons.

The 8 Best Time Clock Systems for Small Business

Your definition of the best small business time clock may differ from others. For that reason, we have picked the eight best time clocks for eight different preferences.

1. Best RFID Time Clock

TotalPass B600 Biometric Fingerprint Employee Time Clock

The TotalPass B600 Biometric Fingerprint Employee Time Clock is our top pick for the best RFID reader because it is highly accurate with its RFID proximity reader. In addition, it has a large variety of additional features which are just sufficient for small businesses.

TotalPass B600 Biometric Fingerprint Employee Time Clock

Features and Benefit

The TotalPass B600 Biometric Fingerprint Employee Time Clock is the best RFID Time Clock because of the following reasons:

  • Multiple entry options via RFID, fingerprint, and punch.
  • Exports to Payroll.
  • Prompt Email Alerts.
  • Image usage in case of failure of both RFID and fingerprint entry options.

The above features are helpful for your business in improving ease in payroll management and reducing friction in times of failure.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 1.7-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $549.00

Rating: 4.1/5

Summary of Customer Reviews

“Set up wasn’t too hard…”

“Easy for employees to use.”

“The fingerprint scanner is surprisingly reliable.”

“it’s drastically simple to use”

Pros

  • Simple to Use
  • It is easy to set up via all networks and IP addresses.
  • You can receive up-to-date data via the Wi-Fi feature
  • No extra software is needed.
  • Easy import for required data.

Cons

  • When using a web server, you might experience crashing server software and would often require constant physical reboots.
  • Hard to Print the timesheets

Alternative

Another RFID Time Clock that can be an alternative to the TotalPass Time Clock is Svantto Time Clock which sells for $119.99

2. Best Punch-in Clock

uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle with 100-Cards

We consider the uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle with 100-Cards the best Punch-in because of its build quality, ease of use, and tech support. Also, the uPunch time card clock is a quick and efficient system that can track up to 6 punches per day for a long list of employees. In addition, it comes in three bundles, the HN 1500, HN 3500, and HN 3540, all with an electrical power source.

uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle with 100-Cards

Features and Benefit

The uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle with 100-Cards is the best Punch-in Time Clock for the following reasons:

  • It prevents double punching,
  • Efficient customer support,
  • It has automatic card feed alignment for the punches, and
  • The option of cloud support.

The above-listed features provide room for flexibility for both employers and employees.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 5.54-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: Between $99.26 to $148.85.

Rating: 4.3/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“This clock is full of features…”

“This is such an easy time clock to use.”

“This is a great no-nonsense time clock with no bells and whistles.”

“…Perfect for our small business!”

Pros

  • It has free app features and comes with 1 Time Card Rack, 1 Ribbon, and 2 Keys.
  • Effective Punch-in and out process.
  • Video-aided setup.
  • You can download for payroll for easy integration.
  • It comes with a backup feature which is helpful during power outages.

Cons

  • Clock settings seem hard to switch and manage
  • The learning curve can be a little hard.

Alternative

An alternative to the uPunch time card clock is the Nile Products 4500PP Calculating Time Clock which sells at $149.99

Learn all about the punch-in clock here:

The punch clock

3. Best Fingerprint Time Clock System

Fingertec TA300 Desktop Time Clock and Attendance Fingerprint Terminal

We consider the Fingertec TA300 Desktop Time Clock and Attendance Fingerprint Terminal the best fingerprint scanner office clock because of its standalone features, simplicity, and tech support. In addition, the employee checks in and out can be done for extended periods because of the in-built battery, which keeps charging when plugging.

Fingertec TA300 Desktop Time Clock and Attendance Fingerprint Terminal

Features and Benefit

The Fingertec TA300 Desktop Time Clock & Attendance Fingerprint Terminal is the best fingerprint scanner office clock because of the following reasons:

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 2.09-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $379.00.

Rating: 4.1/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“Decent time clock. Can’t cheat the clock!”

“… purchased in 2012. It still works and has worked flawlessly.”

“Very complete schedule/time tracker.”

“The software has a lot of options….”

Pros

  • Great functionality and portability
  • Powerful and rich feature software
  • Has battery backup.
  • Free Customer Support.

Cons

  • No update supports
  • Little challenging to set up.

Alternative

A cheaper office time clock alternative is NGTeco Time Card Machine which sells at $1499.99.

4. Best Multipurpose Time Clock

Biometric Employee Time Clock with Online Reporting

The Biometric Employee Time Clock with Online Reporting is our top pick for the best multipurpose time clock because of its multiple main features. The time clock has the RFID proximity badge reader, Face, Fingerprint, and Palm Scanner, and Wi-Fi support for better and improved backup. In addition, it requires no software installation, and we consider it one of the best time clocks for small businesses.

Biometric Employee Time Clock with Online Reporting

Features and Benefit

The Biometric Employee Time Clock with Online Reporting is the best multipurpose time clock because of the following reasons:

The above-listed features allow for multiple clocks in entry possibilities to prevent frustration and time loss in the event of a feature failure.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 1.3-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $219.00.

Rating: 4.0/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“It has made payroll much easier.”

“Very easy setup”

“Super simple, accurate, solid system.”

“…does a great job of facial or hand recognition.”

Pros

  • High accuracy and precision with fingerprint and face recognition
  • Easy to Install and Use
  • Cloud-based reporting and easy data management
  • It can be used via a free mobile app for remote workers

Cons

  • Monthly subscription fee
  • Palm scanners can be slow

Alternative

Lathem Heavy Duty Time Clock is a multipurpose time clock alternative that sells for $201.19

5. Most User-Friendly Office Clock

Touch Free Small Business Time Clock AT-2700

The Touch Free Small Business Time Clock AT-2700 is our top pick for the best user-friendly clock because of its accessible and valuable features. The time clock uses the punch-in method to keep track of time and attendance. It requires no software installation, and we consider this the best time clock for small businesses.

Touch Free Small Business Time Clock AT-2700

Features and Benefit

The Biometric Employee Time Clock with Online Reporting is the best user-friendly time clock because of the following reasons:

The above-listed features use essential features to maximize usability for both employers and employees.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 1.3-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $125.00.

Rating: 4.2/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“This punch clock does what I need it to do.”

“Works as advertised.”

“Highly recommend”

“… it programmed itself out of the box.”

Pros

  • High accuracy and precision with fingerprint and face recognition
  • Great Customer support
  • Relatively cheap
  • Easy Data management system

Cons

  • Limited features and no more than 50 employees at a time.

6. Best Time Clock for Durability

Pyramid Time Systems 3700 Heavy Duty Steel Time Clock and Document Stamp

The Pyramid Time Systems 3700 Heavy Duty Steel Time Clock and Document Stamp is our top pick for the best time Clock for durability. We selected this time clock because of its functionality, build quality, and the material used – steel. This feature allows you to use it within heavy-duty areas. The time clock uses the time card method to keep track of time and attendance. We consider the Pyramid Time Clock one of the big-time clocks that can be very useful in rugged office areas.

Pyramid Time Systems 3700 Heavy Duty Steel Time Clock and Document Stamp

Features and Benefit

The Pyramid Time Systems 3700 Heavy Duty Steel Time Clock and Document Stamp is the best time clock for durability because of the following reasons:

The above-listed features use essential features to maximize durability and wide usability.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 9-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $205.54.

Rating: 4.3/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“This time clock withstands the heavy-duty use and the dust in the plant with no issues.”

“Very satisfied”

“They work great and are very reliable.”

“…It performs flawlessly.”

Pros

  • Highly reliable
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Top-notch accuracy

Cons

  • Alignment issues can be present.

Alternative

Pyramid Time Systems 3500K is a user-friendly time clock alternative that sells for $107.98

7. Best Time Card Machine

AT-4500 Time Clock

The AT-4500 Time Clock is our top pick for the best time card machine because of its functionality.

AT-4500 Time Clock

Features and Benefit

The AT-4500 Time Clock is the best time card machine because of the following reasons:

The above-listed features use essential elements to business try to ensure efficient payroll management.

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 7.09-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $219.00

Rating: 4.4/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“It’s easy to set up and use.”

“It’s easy to set up and use.”

“The instructions made it simple to set up.”

“This machine works great on aligning the cards.”

Pros

  • Highly accurate and easy to use
  • Automatic calculation of time worked
  • Unlimited daily punch times

Cons

  • Often requires extra buttons for better usage

Alternative

Pyramid Time Systems Model 4000 is a time card machine alternative that sells for $107.98

8. Best Vintage Time Clock

AT-3000R Allied Time USA

The AT-3000R Allied Time USA is our top pick for the best vintage time clock for its vintage form factor and its retention of the old style of punching time cards. As antique timeclocks are hard to find partly due to technological changes and reduced efficiency, you can pick up the AT-3000R to get the antique and vintage impression.

AT-3000R Allied Time USA

Features and Benefit

The Pyramid Time Systems 3700 Heavy Duty Steel Time Clock and Document Stamp is the best vintage time clock because of the following reasons:

Where to Buy it?

You can get this 4.94-pound time clock on Amazon. Check out the latest price here.

Price: $155.00

Rating: 4.3/5.

Summary of Customer Reviews

“This is very simple and does what it’s supposed to do.”

“It works like a charm.”

“It works like a charm.”

Pros

  • Adjustable Print Margins
  • Replaceable ink cartridges
  • Secure lock to prevent tampering
  • Great Price

Cons

  • In certain situations, the refills do not fit well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a time clock for my small business?

That depends on your business. If you have employees, you will likely need a time clock to track their hours. If you don’t have any employees, a time clock may not be necessary.

What is the best time clock for small businesses?

We categorize any business that’s less than or equal to 50 employees as a small business. With that in mind, we recommend the Touch Free Small Business Time Clock AT-2700 for your small business. This choice is due to its ease of use and price. Also, its design to cater to small businesses by reducing complexities.

How much does a time clock cost?

Time clocks can range in price from around $50 to several thousand dollars.

What is the average price of a best-quality fingerprint time clock system?

The average price of a best fingerprint time clock system is around $500. However, prices can vary depending on the features and functions of the clock.

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Conclusion

The office clock-in system is a necessary piece of office equipment for many small businesses. We have explained the pros and cons of each of the eight best time clocks for small businesses. The article also listed the things to consider when you make your purchasing decision. We will go for the best fingerprint time clock if you want to know our preferred one.