
Keeping construction crews on schedule and accurately tracking hours across multiple sites can be challenging. GPS time tracking apps simplify this process, giving contractors real-time visibility into team locations, streamlining payroll, and helping manage labor costs more effectively.
This guide explores the top GPS time tracking apps for construction, highlighting features, pricing, pros and cons, and ideal use cases.
- Workyard
- Timeero
- ExakTime
- Jibble
App Comparison at a Glance
| App | GPS Accuracy | Geofencing | Job Costing | Scheduling | Payroll Sync | Offline | Pricing |
| Workyard | High ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $6/user + $50 base |
| Timeero | High ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $4/user |
| ExakTime | High ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $9/user |
| Jibble | High ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Free–$6.99/user |
How We Chose These Apps
We assessed each app based on:
- GPS accuracy & background tracking: Ensures all hours match the correct jobsite.
- Job costing & reporting: Tracks labor by task or project for accurate expenses.
- Scheduling & supervision: Maps and schedules reduce downtime.
- Payroll sync: Transfers hours to accounting systems without errors.
- Offline use: Works at sites with poor connectivity.
- Compliance & audit readiness: Maintains verifiable logs for disputes or audits.
Top Apps Overview
1. Workyard
Workyard is built specifically for construction crews, making it ideal for teams that move across multiple job sites. Its GPS time tracking captures exact clock-in and clock-out times, and it supports task-level job costing for precise labor tracking.
Key Features:
- Real-time GPS timestamps for accurate entry/exit at each jobsite
- Task-level cost tracking and automatic job switch prompts
- Automatic overtime and state-specific pay rule calculations
- Offline tracking for low-signal locations
- Payroll integrations with QuickBooks, ADP, Gusto, Sage
Pricing: $6/user + $50 base, 14-day free trial
Best For: Multi-site contractors, subcontractors, and projects with prevailing wage or time & materials (T&M) billing
2. Timeero
Timeero is a versatile GPS tracking app suitable for smaller crews and mixed field teams. It combines location tracking with mileage logging and compliance features, making it popular for field service and healthcare work as well.
Key Features:
- GPS and mileage tracking to log hours and travel automatically
- EVV compliance tools and facial recognition clock-ins
- Real-time scheduling with interactive maps
- Offline time tracking capability
Pricing: $4–$11/user, 14-day trial
Best For: Small field teams or companies that need simple, reliable GPS tracking without construction-specific cost coding
3. ExakTime
ExakTime is designed for larger crews and integrates with Arcoro’s HR platform. It provides robust workforce management features and portable clocks for on-site use, making it suitable for companies with centralized oversight of multiple teams.
Key Features:
- Mobile GPS tracking and portable time clocks
- Biometric verification to prevent time theft
- Advanced reporting and analytics for labor and attendance
- Integration with Arcoro HR software
Pricing: $9/user + base fee
Best For: Large construction crews managing multiple job sites through centralized HR systems
4. Jibble
Jibble is a lightweight, general-purpose GPS time tracker that works well for smaller construction teams or contractors looking for a free or low-cost solution. It offers geofencing, offline tracking, and automated timesheets.
Key Features:
- GPS-based clock-in/out with geofencing
- Facial recognition and offline-capable tracking
- Automated timesheets, PTO, and overtime tracking
- Easy setup with Google, Apple, and Xero logins
Pricing: Free–$6.99/user
Best For: Small crews or contractors needing basic GPS time tracking without high costs
Why GPS Tracking Matters
- Accurate hours tied to actual location
- Reduces offsite clock-ins, missed switches, and rounded hours
- Supports real-time job costing
- Helps meet labor law requirements and audits
- Gives managers a clear view of crew locations without visiting each site
Tips for Choosing a GPS App
- Ensure continuous GPS tracking with background updates
- Use geofencing for accurate clock-ins/outs
- Look for scheduling tools and payroll export options
- Test the app on one site before rolling out widely
- Enable photo verification to prevent time fraud
Conclusion
GPS time tracking has become a must-have tool for construction teams in the US as projects grow more complex and labor costs face closer scrutiny. The right app does more than record hours—it connects time to location, tasks, and payroll, giving contractors clear visibility across every job site. Whether you need advanced job costing, simple GPS-based clock-ins, or a budget-friendly option for small crews, tools like Workyard, Timeero, ExakTime, and Jibble each serve distinct needs. By focusing on accuracy, compliance, and ease of use, construction teams can reduce disputes, control costs, and keep projects running on schedule well into 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
It’s a mobile or web-based tool that records employee work hours along with their physical jobsite location using GPS data.
Yes, they are legal when used for work purposes, as long as employees are informed and tracking is limited to working hours.
Most construction-focused apps offer offline tracking and sync data once the device reconnects to the internet.
Yes, features like geofencing, facial recognition, and GPS timestamps help stop offsite clock-ins and buddy punching.
Workyard and ExakTime are best suited for multi-site projects due to their strong GPS accuracy and job costing tools.
Yes, Jibble offers a free plan with basic GPS tracking and timesheets for small teams.
Most apps support payroll exports or direct integrations with systems like QuickBooks, ADP, or Gusto.
Modern apps are optimized for background tracking, but some additional battery usage is normal during work hours.
Yes, especially apps with detailed job costing and audit-ready reports, which help support compliance.
Setup usually takes a few hours to a day, depending on crew size, jobsite configuration, and payroll integrations.
