Hour Cap vs Timely
Timely uses AI to automatically track your time across apps and websites. Hour Cap is built to turn tracked time into Xero invoices. If you bill clients through Xero, that distinction matters.
Side-by-side comparison
Timely automates time capture. Hour Cap automates Xero invoicing. Here's where they differ.
| Feature | Hour Cap | Timely |
|---|---|---|
| Xero integration | Native, full workflow | |
| Invoice creation in Xero | ||
| Xero contact sync | ||
| Retainer management | Dedicated retainers | Project budgets only |
| Free plan | 1 user, full features | |
| Automatic time tracking | AI Memory app | |
| Billable rate cascade | Project → Member → Org | Per-project or per-user |
| Timesheet approvals | Full workflow | Custom entry states |
| Activity log |
Timely has no Xero integration
Timely's only accounting integration is QuickBooks Online, available on their Premium plan ($16/user/month) and above. There is no native Xero connection. If you use Xero, you would need to export CSV reports and manually create invoices.
Hour Cap connects to Xero with a single OAuth flow. Your contacts sync automatically, and you can push invoices with full control over line item grouping, tracking categories, and account codes.
More Xero features at a fraction of the cost
Timely starts at $9/user/month with no free plan and no Xero integration on any tier. A 5-person team on their Premium plan pays $80/month and still cannot create Xero invoices.
Hour Cap's Business plan covers 6 users for $30/month with full Xero invoicing, retainers, approvals, and activity logging included.
When Timely might be a better fit
We believe in being transparent. Timely does things Hour Cap doesn't.
AI automatic time tracking
Timely's Memory app runs in the background and records every app, website, and file you work on. It generates timesheets from that activity data, eliminating manual entry.
Privacy-first design
Activity memories are 100% private to the individual. Managers never see raw activity data unless the employee chooses to share it. No screenshots, no mouse tracking.
Capacity management
Timely's Unlimited plan includes capacity planning with overtime and undertime tracking, workload visualization, and resource allocation across the team.
Pricing at a glance
Hour Cap
Built for XeroPrices in USD. Annual billing saves 17%.
Timely
Prices in USD (annual). No free plan. Tasks add-on is $5/user extra.
A 5-person team on Timely Premium pays $80/mo with no Xero integration and no free plan.
The same team on Hour Cap Business pays $30/mo with full Xero invoicing, retainers, and approvals.
Ready to switch?
Start tracking time in minutes. Connect your Xero account and your contacts sync automatically. No migration needed.