TrackLode vs Toggl, Harvest and FreeAgent
Which time tracking and invoicing tool suits a UK or EU freelancer? An honest look at where TrackLode fits and where another tool may be the better choice.
Who each tool suits
We only describe each product in broad terms. Features and plans change, so check their current plans and pages before you decide.
TrackLode
Built for freelancers who track hours and bill them. You tick the tracked entries you want to bill and the invoice builds itself, with UK and EU VAT wording (not registered, EU reverse charge, zero-rated, exempt and more). It is not an accounting package: there is no bookkeeping, bank feeds or tax returns.
Toggl
Toggl is best known as a time tracker, and is a good fit if time tracking and reporting, perhaps for a team, matters more than invoicing. Check their current plans for what is included.
Harvest
Harvest combines time tracking with invoicing and is often used by small teams and agencies. Check their current plans for pricing and limits, and for how they handle VAT wording.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is full accounting software for UK small businesses and freelancers, covering bookkeeping and tax as well as time and invoices. If you want one tool for your whole accounts, it is a different kind of product from TrackLode. Check their current plans.
What TrackLode offers
The rows are TrackLode's own capabilities. We do not state what other tools include: "Varies" means it depends on the product and plan, so check their current plans.
| Capability | TrackLode | Toggl | Harvest | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timer and manual time entry | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Tick tracked entries to build an invoice | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| UK and EU VAT wording on invoices (reverse charge, not registered, exempt) | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Tracked hours lock to their invoice | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Focus timer (Pomodoro style) | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Send invoices from your own SMTP mail server (Pro) | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits (2 clients, 3 invoices a month) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Full bookkeeping and tax returns | No | Varies | Varies | Varies |
This page is not tax advice. TrackLode suggests a VAT treatment and prints the matching legend; your accountant has the final say.
Questions about switching
Is TrackLode really free?
Yes. The Free plan has no time limit and needs no credit card. Unlimited time tracking, timesheets and Focus, with the Spotify player, 2 clients and 3 invoices a month. Pro removes the client and invoice limits and adds the browser extension, sending from your own email and PDFs without the TrackLode line.
Can TrackLode replace my accounting software?
No. TrackLode tracks time and produces invoices. It does not do bookkeeping, bank feeds or tax returns, so many freelancers use it alongside an accountant or an accounting tool.
Can I export my data if I leave?
Yes. You can download invoices as PDF and timesheets as CSV whenever you like.
Try TrackLode free
The Free plan has no time limit and needs no credit card.