Hour Cap vs solidtime
solidtime is a modern open-source time tracker with a clean UI and API-first design. Hour Cap is a managed SaaS built to push invoices to Xero. Here's how they compare for Xero users.
Side-by-side comparison
Both tools track time with modern interfaces. The difference is what happens when it's time to invoice.
| Feature | Hour Cap | solidtime |
|---|---|---|
| Xero integration | Native, full workflow | |
| Invoice to accounting software | Direct to Xero | |
| Retainer management | Dedicated retainers | |
| Timesheet approvals | Full workflow | |
| Activity log | ||
| Billable rate cascade | Project → Member → Org | Multi-level rates |
| Open source | ||
| Desktop & browser apps | Web app | Desktop, Chrome, Firefox |
| Data import | Toggl, Clockify, CSV |
No accounting integration at all
solidtime can generate PDF invoices on paid plans, but those invoices live entirely within solidtime. There is no connection to Xero, QuickBooks, or any other accounting software. To get invoiced time into Xero, you would need to manually recreate each invoice.
Hour Cap creates invoices directly in Xero. Contacts sync automatically, line items are grouped however you need, and tracking categories cascade from project to client to org. The invoice lands in Xero ready to send.
Billing features built for agencies
solidtime focuses on time tracking and basic invoicing. There are no retainers, no timesheet approval workflows, and no activity logging. These features are essential for agencies and teams that bill clients on recurring agreements.
Hour Cap includes dedicated retainer management with configurable billing periods, approval workflows with manager sign-off, and a full activity log so you can see who changed what and when.
- Retainers with real-time progress bars and alert thresholds
- Timesheet approvals that prevent unapproved time from being invoiced
- Activity log with full audit trail
When solidtime might be a better fit
We believe in being transparent. solidtime does things Hour Cap doesn't.
Open source and self-hosted
solidtime is open source (AGPL-3.0) and can be self-hosted via Docker. You get full control over your data and infrastructure with the ability to audit and modify the code.
Cross-platform apps
solidtime offers a desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and a command palette for keyboard-driven workflows.
Data import from other tools
solidtime can import existing data from Toggl, Clockify, and CSV files, making it easier to switch from another time tracker without losing historical data.
Pricing at a glance
Hour Cap
Built for XeroPrices in USD. Annual billing saves 17%.
solidtime
Prices in EUR (annual). Invoicing only on paid plans. No accounting integrations. Confirmed mid-2026, re-check current details.
solidtime's free and open-source tiers are great for solo developers who just need time tracking. But there is no path to Xero invoicing.
Hour Cap handles the complete workflow from time tracking to Xero invoice, with retainers and approvals included.
Ready to switch?
Start tracking time in minutes. Connect your Xero account and your contacts sync automatically. No migration needed.
Common questions
Does solidtime integrate with Xero?
No. solidtime does not push invoices to Xero. Invoicing is available on its paid plans but stays within solidtime, so a Xero shop re-keys the figures. Hour Cap pushes draft invoices directly into Xero.
Is solidtime free?
solidtime is open source (AGPL-3.0) and free to self-host, with a free Solo plan (one user, no invoicing) and a Professional plan around EUR 8 per user per month (confirmed mid-2026). Hour Cap is fully hosted, with a free plan and a $10 per month Team plan that includes Xero. Re-check current vendor pricing before relying on these figures.
solidtime or Hour Cap?
solidtime suits teams that want an open-source, self-hostable tracker. Hour Cap suits teams that want a managed tool which turns tracked time into Xero draft invoices, with retainers and approvals built in.
Does solidtime have retainer tracking?
solidtime focuses on time tracking and reporting and does not offer dedicated client retainer billing. Hour Cap has built-in retainer tracking with hours budgets and alert thresholds.
Comparison note: competitor features and pricing were researched on a best-effort basis in June 2026 and can change at any time. We aim to be accurate and fair, but details may be out of date, so always confirm the latest information on the vendor's own website before making a decision. Hour Cap capabilities described here reflect the product at the time of writing.