7 Best RFID Time Clocks
Table of Contents
Disclosure: Cloud-in-Hand publishes this site, and Stratus-io is our own product, so we rank it first. Every competitor description is factual and sourced from each vendor’s own site, and we say plainly when another tool is the better fit.
An RFID time clock makes it easy for employees to clock in and out with a simple badge tap. Instead of entering a PIN or manually recording their hours, employees can use the credential they already carry. The result is a faster way to capture accurate time records and simplify payroll.
In this guide, we compare seven RFID time clocks to help you find the right fit for your organization. Cloud-In-Hand publishes this site, and stratus-io is our own time and attendance solution. We’ve included it in our comparison, but we’ll also point out where another option may be a better fit for your needs.
- Badge compatibility matters. Not every RFID reader can read every type of badge. For example, a 125 kHz proximity reader cannot read a 13.56 MHz MIFARE card. Replacing hundreds of employee badges can quickly cost more than the time clock itself.
- Consider where employees need to clock in. Wall-mounted terminals work well at fixed locations, while mobile readers are a better option for gates, bus doors, remote worksites and crews that move throughout the day.
- Offline functionality keeps time tracking moving. A clock that can store punches without an internet connection can help prevent gaps in your payroll records when connectivity goes down.
- Look beyond the hardware price. Published hardware prices in this comparison range from $99.99 to $650.00, while most systems also charge a monthly software fee.
- stratus-io supports a range of badge types. Cloud-In-Hand stratus-io can read PROX, Corp 1000, MIFARE, iClass and Elite badges using iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows devices.
What Does an RFID Time Clock Do?
An RFID time clock gives employees a quick and simple way to clock in and out. When an employee taps their badge, the reader detects the badge’s unique ID and sends that information to the time and attendance system. The system then records the time of the punch, creating a digital record that can be used for timesheets and payroll.
But not every RFID time clock will work with every badge. One of the most important things to consider when choosing a system is whether the reader is compatible with the credentials your employees already use. A clock may have all the features you need, but if it cannot read your existing badges, you may end up replacing hundreds or even thousands of credentials.
What to Look for in an RFID Time Clock
There are several factors to consider when comparing RFID time clocks, but five stand out: badge compatibility, reader placement, offline functionality, payroll integration and total cost.
How We Chose These 7 RFID Time Clocks
Our Methodology
Choosing the right RFID time clock starts with more than comparing features and prices. We looked at each product’s capabilities, badge compatibility, pricing and limitations to help you understand how each option performs in a real-world setting.
For each product, we reviewed the vendor’s own product and pricing pages. When a vendor publishes a price, we include it. When pricing isn’t publicly available, we list it as custom pricing rather than making an estimate.
We only included time clocks that use RFID or NFC technology to clock employees in and out. Products that only provide RFID reader hardware or track time without supporting badge-based clocking were not included.
We also looked at where each time clock works best and where it may fall short. Every product in this list has strengths and limitations, including our own Cloud-in-Hand stratus-io. In addition to reviewing publicly available product information, we draw on what we’ve learned from real-world deployments with organizations including Gilbane, Drewlo Holdings, Toshiba and Nyrstar.
The goal is simple: give you enough information to compare your options and find an RFID time clock that fits the way your organization actually works.
Cloud-in-Hand stratus-io is mobile check-in and attendance software that uses RFID and NFC badge reading. It runs on iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows devices, allowing employees to clock in wherever the work takes them.
Stratus-io supports the badges organizations already use, including PROX, Corp 1000, MIFARE, iClass and Elite, as well as barcode and QR code credentials.
Built-In Reader Options
Cloud-in-Hand manufactures the idChamp and Scanfob RFID readers. The idChamp NF4 connects over Bluetooth and supports both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz badge frequencies.
A phone or tablet can read 13.56 MHz NFC badges on its own. For 125 kHz proximity badges, such as many PROX credentials, a paired reader is required.
Offline Clocking and Payroll Export
Stratus-io stores check-ins on the device when there’s no internet connection and syncs them once connectivity returns. This makes it possible for crews in remote yards, tunnels and other low-connectivity areas to keep clocking in and out.
The platform exports time records to Excel and CSV and can connect with SQL, Active Directory, Genetec, Lenel S2 and Hartman. Scheduled reports can also be delivered through Google Drive, Dropbox, FTP or email.
Where stratus-io Fits
Stratus-io is designed for larger, distributed organizations, particularly in construction, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, data centers and distribution. Because the same badge check-in can support attendance and emergency headcounts, organizations can also use stratus-io to help meet emergency accounting requirements under OSHA 1910.38(c)(4). There are some limitations. Organizations using 125 kHz proximity badges need a paired idChamp reader, and a small business with 10 employees looking for a single wall-mounted clock may find stratus-io more robust than necessary. Pricing is custom.
uAttend offers cloud-connected time clocks with RFID, fingerprint and facial recognition options. The variety makes it possible to use different clock types within the same system.
uAttend publishes its hardware pricing, with RFID time clocks starting at $139.99. The JR2000, which combines an RFID reader, fingerprint scanner and PIN entry, is listed at $179.99.
uAttend Pricing
uAttend’s monthly cloud plans include two time clocks, one administrator and unlimited CSV exports. Additional clocks cost $12 per month, while additional administrators cost $8 per month. Plan pricing varies based on employee count, and uAttend includes lifetime support with its plans.
Where uAttend Works Well
The variety of clock options is one of uAttend’s biggest advantages. An organization can use an RFID clock in a warehouse and a facial recognition clock in an office while managing both through the same system.
uAttend also offers optional payroll processing, which can reduce the steps between time tracking and payroll. Published hardware pricing makes it easier to estimate equipment costs before talking with a sales representative.
Where uAttend Falls Short
uAttend’s clocks are fixed terminals, so they work best when employees can consistently clock in at designated locations. That can be limiting for crews working across large yards, campuses or remote sites.
uAttend also does not clearly publish the specific proximity card formats supported by its RFID readers. If you already have badges in circulation, confirm the reader’s frequency and compatibility before purchasing.
Choose uAttend if you need a fixed time clock, want several biometric and RFID options, and prefer published hardware pricing.
Choose uAttend
if you need a fixed time clock, want several biometric and RFID options, and prefer published hardware pricing.
Lathem PayClock offers proximity badge time clocks through its PayClock Online system. The PCPROX is the higher-end option, while the PCEXPRESS provides a more affordable alternative.
The PCPROX uses a 125 kHz proximity reader and includes a 7-inch touchscreen, PIN entry and an optional camera for facial recognition.
Offline Functionality
One of Lathem’s biggest strengths is its offline support. The company states that the PCPROX automatically detects internet disruptions and switches to offline mode, storing transactions until the connection returns. An optional UPS battery can also keep the clock running during a power outage.
That makes Lathem a strong option for workplaces where unreliable internet or power could otherwise interrupt time tracking.
Published Pricing
Lathem’s online store lists the PCEXPRESS at $400.00 and the PCPROX at $650.00. A PCEXPRESS upgrade is listed at $300.00.
PayClock Online subscription pricing is not published on the pages we reviewed, so you’ll need to contact Lathem for the software cost.
Where Lathem Falls Short
The PCPROX supports 125 kHz proximity badges, so organizations using 13.56 MHz credentials such as MIFARE or iClass would need compatible badges. For a large workforce, replacing existing credentials can quickly add to the total cost.
The PCPROX is also the most expensive hardware option in this comparison. Two PCPROX clocks would cost $1,300 before software and installation.
Choose Lathem if...
if your employees use 125 kHz proximity badges, you need fixed clock locations, and reliable offline operation is a priority.
TimeMoto TM-616 is an RFID badge terminal designed for teams of up to 200 employees. Employees can clock in and out using a TimeMoto RFID badge or key fob, with PIN entry available as an alternative.
Capacity and Connectivity
The TM-616 supports up to 200 users and can store up to 10,000 time logs. It connects through Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB.
TimeMoto also includes automatic data backup, allowing the clock to retain time records if the network connection drops.
Published Pricing
TimeMoto lists the TM-616 at £299.00 excluding VAT, or £358.80 including VAT. The company also offers cloud software plans through its pricing page.
Where TimeMoto Falls Short
The biggest limitation is badge compatibility. The TM-616 is designed to work with TimeMoto’s own RFID badges and key fobs, which may mean issuing new credentials if your employees already use another badge system.
The 200-user limit also makes the TM-616 a better fit for smaller organizations. Pricing on the pages we reviewed is listed in GBP, so North American buyers should confirm local pricing, availability and support.
Choose TimeMoto if
you have fewer than 200 employees, need a fixed RFID clock and don’t already have a badge system you need to integrate with.
Wasp Barcode Technologies offers the RF250 RFID Time Clock for employees to clock in and out with an RFID badge. The clock has a 2.8-inch color screen and connects with Wasp’s time and attendance software.
Where the RF250 Falls Short
The RF250 uses Ethernet only, so each clock location needs a wired network connection. That can make installation more difficult in older buildings, outdoor areas or locations without existing data drops.
Badge compatibility is another consideration. Wasp’s support documentation notes compatibility issues between newer RF250 clocks and badges used with older RF200 clocks, which were addressed through a firmware update. If you already have Wasp RFID badges, confirm compatibility before purchasing.
At $599.00, the RF250 is also one of the more expensive hardware options in this comparison.
Features and Pricing
Wasp lists the RF250 at $599.00 MSRP, including mounting hardware and an AC power adapter. The clock connects through Ethernet and works with PreciseTime and other Wasp time and attendance software.
Wasp also offers barcode, HID and biometric clocks, making it possible to use different clock types while keeping them within the same software ecosystem. This makes the RF250 a natural fit for organizations already using Wasp products.
Choose the RF250 if
you already use Wasp’s time and attendance products and want to expand an existing deployment. If you’re starting from scratch, other options offer more flexibility.
Acroprint’s CloudPunch CP200 combines RFID, fingerprint scanning and PIN entry on one time clock, giving employees multiple ways to clock in and out.
Acroprint lists the CP200 at $199.99. The company also offers other time clock hardware, including the ProPunch network clock at $199.99 and the BioTouch fingerprint clock at $99.99.
Pricing and Subscription Options
Acroprint’s CloudPunch CP200 combines RFID, fingerprint scanning and PIN entry on one time clock, giving employees multiple ways to clock in and out.
Acroprint lists the CP200 at $199.99. The company also offers other time clock hardware, including the ProPunch network clock at $199.99 and the BioTouch fingerprint clock at $99.99.
Connectivity and Offline Clocking
The CP200 connects through Wi-Fi or LAN and can continue recording punches when the connection is unavailable. The system syncs those records once connectivity returns, helping prevent gaps in time records.
Where Acroprint Falls Short
Acroprint does not clearly publish which RFID card formats the CP200 supports. If your organization already has badges in use, confirm compatibility before purchasing.
The CloudPunch plans are also geared toward smaller teams, with the starting tier supporting up to five employees. Larger organizations may need Acroprint’s other products, such as Pendulum.
The biggest advantage is flexibility. Employees can use a badge, fingerprint or PIN depending on what works best for them.
Choose Acroprint if
you’re a small business looking for an affordable time clock with multiple punch options and simple cloud pricing.
Jibble takes a different approach from the other time clocks on this list. Instead of selling a dedicated terminal, Jibble turns an existing tablet or other device into a shared kiosk.
Employees can clock in using NFC or a PIN, making it possible to set up badge-based time tracking without purchasing dedicated clock hardware.
Pricing and Features
Jibble offers a free plan with unlimited users that includes time tracking, timesheets, offline mode, kiosk access and integrations with tools such as Slack, Teams and QuickBooks.
Paid plans add additional features, but pricing varies by plan. The free option makes Jibble particularly useful for organizations that want to test NFC clocking without committing to hardware or a subscription.
Where Jibble Works Well
The biggest advantage is the low cost of entry. Organizations can use tablets they already own instead of purchasing a separate time clock for every location.
Offline mode also allows the kiosk to continue recording time when connectivity is unavailable, with records syncing once the connection returns.
For small teams using compatible NFC credentials, Jibble can be a quick way to get badge-based time tracking running without a hardware installation.
Where Jibble Falls Short
Jibble supports NFC, but not 125 kHz proximity badges. Organizations using common industrial PROX credentials would therefore need different badges or another reader solution.
Jibble also does not provide dedicated RFID reader hardware or built-in emergency mustering. Organizations that need emergency headcounts may need a separate system for that purpose.
Choose Jibble if
you have a small, cost-conscious team, compatible NFC credentials and existing tablets you can use as kiosks. If you already have a large 125 kHz badge system, look for a reader that supports your existing credentials.
Cloud-in-Hand® Solutions Team
This blog reflects the expertise of the Cloud-in-Hand® Solutions Team, with over 100 years of combined experience in hardware, software, and firmware development. Since founding Solutions Consulting in 1992 — now known as Serialio LTD — the Solutions Team has designed and developed many innovative solutions. Cloud-in-Hand® Stratus-io Time and Attendance helps organizations like Apple, Google, Toshiba, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and many more.
Cloud-In-Hand® Solution Team
This blog reflects the expertise of the Cloud-in-Hand® Solutions Team, with over 100 years of combined experience in hardware, software, and firmware development. Since founding Solutions Consulting in 1992 — now known as Serialio LTD — the Solutions Team has designed and developed many innovative solutions. Cloud-in-Hand® Stratus-io Time and Attendance helps organizations like Apple, Google, Toshiba, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RFID time clock and how does it work?
It records work hours when an employee taps a badge at a reader, which powers the card’s chip over radio and matches its ID to an employee record. Two frequencies dominate: 125 kHz proximity covers HID PROX and Corp 1000, and 13.56 MHz smart cards cover MIFARE and iClass.
Will an RFID time clock read the badges my employees already carry?
Only if the reader matches your badge frequency and format; a 125 kHz proximity reader cannot read a 13.56 MHz MIFARE card. Several clocks ship with their own branded cards and read nothing else, so ask any vendor to name the exact formats before you buy.
Can a phone or tablet work as an RFID time clock instead of a wall terminal?
Yes. Phones read 13.56 MHz NFC natively; for 125 kHz proximity badges you pair a Bluetooth reader like the idChamp NF4, which reads both frequency families. Mobile clocks suit gates, bus doors, and remote crews where mounting a terminal is impractical.
Can an RFID time clock export hours to payroll?
Every product here produces timesheets for payroll, though the export path differs. Small business clocks typically write a CSV or push to a named payroll partner; stratus-io exports to Excel/CSV and writes to SQL and Active Directory, with scheduled reports available. Check whether the export runs on a schedule without anyone logging in, since manual weekly exports are where payroll accuracy slips.
7 Best RFID Time Clocks
A badge tap only works if the reader matches your credential format. Compare 7 top RFID time clocks on badge support, offline capture, wall-vs-mobile fit, and hardware pricing here.
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