Buddy Punch vs OnTheClock
Choose OnTheClock if you want scheduling and geofencing included with a lower monthly base fee; choose Buddy Punch if you want tiered plans with options such as offline punching, API access and advanced reporting. Both are currently available employee time clocks with mobile apps, time-off management, payroll integrations and optional built-in payroll.
Last updated October 26, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | Buddy Punch | OnTheClock |
|---|---|---|
| Time-tracking price | Starter: $5.99/user/month plus $19/month, billed monthly | $4/employee/month plus $5/month, billed monthly |
| Scheduling | $1/user/month Starter add-on; included with Pro and Advanced | Included in the standard time-tracking plan |
| Geofencing | Pro and Advanced; GPS on punches included with Starter | Included in the standard time-tracking plan |
| Kiosk clock-ins | Included with Pro and Advanced | Included in the standard time-tracking plan |
| Built-in payroll | Add-on: $8/user/month plus $49/month | Add-on: $6/employee/month plus $40/month; $250 onboarding fee |
| Plans for larger teams | Starter, Pro and Advanced tiers | Standard plan; Enterprise for more than 100 employees |
| Free trial | 14 days; no credit card required | 30 days; no credit card required |
| Platforms | Web; iOS and Android apps | Web; iOS and Android apps; kiosk mode |
| Payroll integrations | Includes QuickBooks, ADP, Gusto and Paychex Flex | Includes QuickBooks, ADP, Gusto and Paychex |
| Job and project tracking | Job and location tracking included with Starter | Job and project costing included |
| Support | Chat and email; dedicated support with Advanced | Phone, email, chat and text included |
| Offline punching | Included with Pro and Advanced | Not published |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose Buddy Punch if
- Teams that want a time-tracking plan without bundled scheduling
- Businesses that need offline punching on the Pro plan
- Teams that need published API access on the Pro plan
- Organizations seeking advanced reporting and dedicated support on the Advanced plan
Choose OnTheClock if
- Teams that want scheduling included in the standard plan
- Businesses that need geofencing without moving to a higher tier
- Employers that want kiosk clock-ins in the standard plan
- Buyers who want a 30-day trial and phone, chat, email and text support
The verdict
OnTheClock is the better fit when your deciding factor is getting scheduling, geofencing and kiosk clock-ins in one standard time-tracking plan. Buddy Punch is the better fit when you want to start with core time tracking and select higher-tier workforce controls as needed. Compare the full monthly cost for your employee count: both charge per employee and a base fee, and payroll costs extra with either product.
Buddy Punch vs OnTheClock: common questions
- Which costs less for time tracking, Buddy Punch or OnTheClock?
- At published monthly rates, Buddy Punch Starter costs $5.99 per user plus a $19 monthly base fee; OnTheClock costs $4 per employee plus a $5 monthly base fee. Buddy Punch also publishes discounted per-user rates for annual billing.
- Do Buddy Punch and OnTheClock include scheduling?
- OnTheClock includes scheduling in its standard time-tracking plan. Buddy Punch offers scheduling for $1 per user per month on Starter and includes it with Pro and Advanced.
- Which offers geofencing without an upgrade?
- OnTheClock includes geofencing in its standard time-tracking plan. Buddy Punch includes GPS on punches with Starter, while geofencing is available on Pro and Advanced.
- Can either product run payroll?
- Yes. Buddy Punch offers payroll for $8 per user per month plus a $49 monthly base fee. OnTheClock offers payroll for $6 per employee per month plus a $40 monthly base fee and a one-time $250 onboarding fee.
- Can employees clock in from a shared kiosk?
- Yes. OnTheClock includes kiosk clock-ins in its standard time-tracking plan; Buddy Punch includes PIN and kiosk punching with Pro and Advanced.
- Do both integrate with existing payroll providers?
- Yes. Both publish payroll integrations that include QuickBooks, ADP and Gusto. Buddy Punch also lists Paychex Flex, while OnTheClock lists Paychex and Paychex Flex.
- How long can I try Buddy Punch or OnTheClock?
- Buddy Punch publishes a 14-day free trial, while OnTheClock publishes a 30-day free trial. Neither requires a credit card to start.
- Which is a better fit for a team that sometimes works without internet?
- Buddy Punch publishes offline punching with its Pro and Advanced plans, with punches syncing after connectivity returns. OnTheClock does not state offline punching availability on its pricing page.