EARLY

What is EARLY?

EARLY is a time tracking app designed to make it easier to capture, review, and use work time data. It’s built for teams and individuals who need accurate records for decisions like billing, productivity tracking, and workload planning.

According to the website, EARLY can track time automatically (without requiring manual start/stop for every task) and also supports quick, manual capture via a keyboard shortcut. It also includes leave management and reporting so time and absence information are easier to handle in one place.

Key Features

Automatic time tracking for apps and documents: EARLY tracks activity automatically so you don’t have to start and stop a timer for every task.
Privacy-focused automatic tracking: The website states automatic tracking is “100% private,” aiming to keep tracked data private.
Seamless calendar integration: Calendar integration helps align tracked time with users’ calendars and supports consistent tracking.
Quicktrack keyboard shortcut: A global keyboard shortcut lets users start/stop tracking and add notes instantly while working in any application.
Optional physical time tracker: The Tracker can start/stop tracking by flipping it, offering a simple physical alternative to keyboard or software controls.
Shared dashboards: Dashboards provide a shared source of truth for progress and tracked hours to reduce confusion and help teams identify bottlenecks.
Work hours and overtime tracking: EARLY includes a way to monitor individual work hours and overtime in one place.
Leave management and PTO view: A single view helps users see who is off and when.
Billing and reporting for billable time: The site states it can track and report 100% of billable hours.
Productivity insights: Time breakdowns are used to support productivity metrics and visibility into where time goes.
Integrations with 3000+ tools: The website states EARLY can sync data with “3000+ tools” to streamline workflows.

How to Use EARLY

Get EARLY by downloading the desktop and mobile apps (the website states you can capture time on any device).
Start automatic tracking so time is captured as you work across apps and documents, supported by calendar integration.
Use Quicktrack when you need to start or stop tracking (or add notes) quickly from any application with one keystroke.
If you prefer physical controls, use the optional Tracker device to start/stop tracking by flipping it.
Review dashboards for insights, including work hours/overtime, leave/PTO status, and billable hour reporting as needed.

Use Cases

Billing and billable-hour reporting for freelancers: Capture work time accurately (including billable hours) and use the reporting to support invoicing and time-based billing.
Team time visibility and consistency: Use shared dashboards to keep teams aligned on hours logged, reducing missing hours and supporting clearer reporting.
Overtime monitoring for managers: Track individual work hours and overtime in one place to support compliance tracking and workload awareness.
Leave management for team coordination: View PTO/leave in a single view so it’s easier to see who’s off and when while planning ongoing work.
Productivity and workflow optimization: Use time breakdowns and dashboard insights to spot where time goes, identify bottlenecks, and optimize workflows.

FAQ

Is EARLY only manual time tracking?

No. The website describes both automatic tracking for apps and documents and manual capture via the Quicktrack keyboard shortcut.

Can I track time without using the keyboard?

Yes. The website mentions an optional physical Tracker that starts and stops tracking when you flip it.

Does EARLY include leave or PTO management?

Yes. EARLY includes leave management with a single view for who is off and when.

Does EARLY support billing and overtime reporting?

The site states EARLY can track and report billable hours and monitor work hours and overtime in one place.

What devices can I use to track time?

The website states you can download desktop and mobile apps to capture time “on any device.”

Alternatives

Manual time tracking apps (timer-based): Use when you prefer explicit start/stop logging rather than automatic app/document tracking. Typically relies more on user discipline.
Spreadsheet-based timesheets: Useful for lightweight setups where reporting is handled manually, but usually requires more effort to keep data consistent and consolidated.
Workforce management and scheduling tools with time tracking: A fit if you need time tracking combined with stronger operational scheduling; workflows may be more focused on planning than quick activity capture.
Project management tools with time tracking add-ons: Helpful if you already manage work in a project tool; time tracking may be integrated but can vary in how much is automated versus manual.