Head to head

Buddy Punch vs OnTheClock

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Buddy Punch

$4.99/user/mo 14 day free trial

Time clock software. Starter is $4.99/user/mo billed annually plus a $19/mo base. 14-day trial. MCP limits on Advanced.

Where Buddy Punch fits

  • Small US teams that want a printed time-clock rate
  • Shops starting on Starter at $4.99 annual plus $19
  • Teams that need API on Pro at $6.99 annual
  • Buyers who will run a 14-day trial with no card

OnTheClock

$4/user/mo 30 day free trial

OnTheClock is an SMB time clock with scheduling and PTO at $5 per month plus $4 per active user. Payroll is an add-on at $40 per month plus $6 per employee after a $250 enrollment fee. A 30-day trial needs no credit card.

Where OnTheClock fits

  • US small businesses that want a cheap time clock with scheduling and PTO in one bill
  • Hourly teams punching from phone, kiosk, or GPS
  • Owners who may add OnTheClock Payroll later without switching time clocks
  • Shops under 100 employees that will cancel anytime, no contract

At a glance

DetailBuddy PunchOnTheClock
Starting price$4.99/user/mo$4/user/mo
Free tier–No–No
Free trial14 day free trial30 day free trial
MCP server✓Yes–No
Public API✓Yes–No
Listed underTime & attendanceTime & attendance
CapterraNot enough reviews4.7 from 792 reviews

Where they pull apart

Buddy Punch

Stands out: Published per-user prices plus a $19 base, with API on Pro and higher MCP limits on Advanced.

Watch out: Every plan adds a $19 monthly base on top of per-user fees. Monthly Starter is $5.99/user, not $4.99.

Not the right fit for

  • Solo users who hate a $19 base on one person
  • Enterprises that need a full HCM

OnTheClock

Stands out: One all-in time, PTO, and scheduling plan instead of a feature-gated starter SKU. Active users are anyone on the employee list within 20 days of the bill.

Watch out: Payroll is a separate product with a $250 setup fee, a $40 monthly base, and industry exclusions (non-US workers, cannabis, firearms, gambling, government). Time tracking above 100 employees is enterprise quote.

Not the right fit for

  • Global or multi-country workforces. Payroll and many edge cases are US-only
  • Enterprises that need UKG-class labor law rules engines

Pros and cons

Buddy Punch

  • Starter $4.99/user/mo plus $19
  • 14-day trial, no card
  • API on Pro, MCP limits on Advanced
  • $19 base on every time plan
  • Payroll SKU is a separate $49 base
  • Not a full HRIS

OnTheClock

  • Simple $5 + $4/user math with no contract
  • 30-day trial without a credit card
  • Optional payroll that uses the same timecards and PTO balances
  • Payroll setup is $250 plus $40/$6 ongoing, so all-in cost jumps once you run pay
  • Payroll excludes several industries and non-US employees
  • No free-forever plan on the current pricing page

What each one costs

Buddy Punch

$4.99/user/mo

Starter is $4.99/user/mo billed annually plus a $19/mo base ($5.99/user monthly). Pro $6.99 annual / $7.99 monthly plus $19, includes API. Advanced $12.99 annual / $13.99 monthly plus $19, higher API and MCP limits. Payroll $8/user/mo + $49 base. 14-day trial, no card. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

OnTheClock

$4/user/mo

Time tracking, scheduling, and PTO are $5 per month plus $4 per active user. An active user is anyone on the employee list within 20 days of the bill. Payroll is an add-on at $40 per month plus $6 per paid employee, with a $250 one-time enrollment fee. Accounts over 100 employees are quoted. A 30-day trial requires no credit card. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is Buddy Punch cheaper than OnTheClock?
OnTheClock starts lower, at $4/user/mo against $4.99/user/mo for Buddy Punch. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Buddy Punch or OnTheClock for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. Buddy Punch offers a 14 day free trial. OnTheClock offers a 30 day free trial.
Does Buddy Punch or OnTheClock have an MCP server?
Buddy Punch ships a first party MCP server, so an AI assistant can work the product directly.

Not the pair you wanted?

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Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?