Harvest vs Hubstaff: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Harvest and Hubstaff comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Harvest
Time tracking and invoicing for teams
Best for you if:
- • Time tracking tool
- • Invoicing from time
Hubstaff
Time tracking and workforce management
Best for you if:
- • You need time tracking and workforce management
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance |  Harvest | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Time Tracking | Time Tracking |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Harvest | Hubstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 113 |
| Categories | Time TrackingInvoicing | Time TrackingProject Tracking |
Understanding the Differences
Both Harvest and Hubstaff solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Harvest positions itself as "time tracking and invoicing for teams" while Hubstafffocuses on "time tracking and workforce management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Harvest
Harvest makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Hubstaff
Hubstaff is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Harvest lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Harvest
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hubstaff is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Hubstaff
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Harvest
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Harvest, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Harvest higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Hubstaff more (113 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Harvest Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hubstaff If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Harvest. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Harvest scores higher in our analysis, but Hubstaff might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvest or Hubstaff better?
Based on our analysis, Harvest scores higher with high/100. Harvest isfreemium while Hubstaff is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Harvest to Hubstaff easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Harvest and Hubstaff offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Harvest is freemium with a free tier.Hubstaff is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.