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WorkDesk vs Hubstaff
Hubstaff is known for timer-based tracking with screenshots and activity levels for remote teams and contractors, with built-in payments and payroll. Here is how it compares with WorkDesk.
| Feature | WorkDesk | Hubstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Per active employee, monthly or yearly, in your currency | From $4.99 per user / month billed annually ($7 monthly), two seats minimum |
| Free plan | No | Unclear: their FAQ says no, their help center describes one seat |
| Free trial | Free trial, no card needed | 14 days |
| Automatic tracking, no timer to start | Yes Starts when the employee signs in | Partly Timer by default; automatic tracking on Team and up |
| Live view of who is working now | Yes Status and current app for each person | Yes |
| Apps and websites rated productive or not | Yes Your own categories | Partly Productivity ratings need the Insights add-on |
| Screenshots | Yes Optional, blurring and retention you set | Yes Limited per seat below the Team plan |
| Tracks offline, syncs later | Yes Kept on the PC, synced when back online | Yes |
| Shift schedules and attendance | Yes | Partly Team plan and up |
| Leave requests and approvals | Yes With public holiday calendars | Partly Team plan and up |
| Payroll from tracked hours | Yes With your own overtime rules | Yes Full on Team and up |
| Kiosk check-in on a shared tablet | Yes | Not stated on their site |
| Employees see their own data | Yes Privacy center for every employee | Yes Own screenshots and activity |
| API and webhooks | Yes | Partly Team plan and up |
| Desktop apps | Partly Windows; macOS and Linux not yet | Yes Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile |
Competitor details are from each company’s own website, checked on October 24, 2026. Plans and prices change: check theirs before you decide. Hubstaff is a trademark of its owner; WorkDesk is not affiliated with it.
Where WorkDesk is different
- WorkDesk records the workday without a timer; on Hubstaff that needs the Team plan.
- Shifts, attendance and leave are built into WorkDesk; Hubstaff starts them at the Team plan.
- Rating apps and websites as productive is included in WorkDesk, not an add-on.
- WorkDesk has no two-seat minimum.
Where Hubstaff is strong
- Apps for every desktop and phone
- Payments to contractors built in
- Suited to freelancers billed by the hour
Frequently asked questions
Is WorkDesk a good Hubstaff alternative?
If you want automatic tracking with attendance, shifts, leave and payroll in one product, yes. Hubstaff is timer-based tracking with screenshots and activity levels for remote teams and contractors, with built-in payments and payroll.
How much does Hubstaff cost compared with WorkDesk?
Hubstaff: from $4.99 per user / month billed annually ($7 monthly), two seats minimum, as listed on its site. WorkDesk is priced per active employee, monthly or yearly, in your currency: see the pricing page.
Can I move from Hubstaff to WorkDesk?
Yes. Start the free trial, invite your team by e-mail and install the desktop app on each PC; tracking starts as soon as people sign in.