Compumatic XLS 21 is $245. This includes a PIN/RFID badge time clock, Compumatic software (PC only) for up to 25 employees, 25 RFID proximity badges. If you want ongoing technical support, it will cost you an additional $150/year. For 25 extra employees, you will pay an additional $50, $150 for an additional 100 employees, and $300 for an additional 200 employees. You can upgrade to the professional software for an extra $99, which includes more sophisticated shift management, rounding rules, overtime overrides, and more. For and additional user license, it is $150.

The Time-Logix EC 200 is easy to use from start to finish. It’s wifi equipped time clock means you do not have to run any cables or connect any USB devices. You just mount it, plug it in, connect it to your wifi, and you are good to go. Also, the Time-Logix cloud-based back end management system is very intuitive and simple to use. You will be generating reports, editing time cards, and exporting to payroll in no-time.

Icon actually has all its software inside of it. You then connect it either via ethernet or a network cable to your router or desktop computer. When accessing the backend management system, things are a little more complicated than they are for Time-Logix. Instead of just going to Icon’s site and logging in, you actually have to put in the IP address for the time clock and manage your employee hours from there. Although the system is a little basic, it is not the most intuitive to use. But, with a little learning curve, you should have no problem figuring out how to use it.

Compumatic’s Computime101 software seems old-school PC, pretty clunky and not very intuitive. Although I did not actually get a chance to test it out, I did check out some screen shots and even those were confusing. Once you actually get into the system, I think you could figure it out after some practice. But, it definitely seemed more complicated than the other two providers.

Time-Logix EC 200 has all the standard features your small business needs, as detailed above. It also has some additional features, such as a fingerprint scanner to eliminate buddy clocking. It’s time clock also has built-in wifi, so all your data and reports are synced real-time without needing any cables or setup. Another big plus, is that the back end of the Time-Logix system is laid out really nicely and is simple to use (definitely easier than Icon’s back-end). Tracking employees, generating reports, editing timecards, etc is all intuitive and can be learned very quickly. Another plus, is Time-Logix has a solid reporting system, having over 30 report options when you count the different filters available (employee, department, etc).

If you want to upgrade and get accrual tracking (paid time off), and other more advanced features, all you have to do is upgrade to the Easy Clocking system and you have got all you need at your fingertips.

Icon’s RTC 100 2.5 has many of the same standard features of both the Time-Logix EC 200 and Compumatic’s XLS 21. The main thing it has standard that the other do not, is the ability to handle up to 50 employees without any up-charge. The other two clocks can only handle up to 25. The other main advantage the RTC has over Compumatic’s XLS 21, is that you can have as many admins/systems as you want accessing your back-end (same is true of Time-Logix). This is not the case with Compumatic, which charges an additional fee for each PC license. The main con about Icon’s system, is that its reporting is pretty basic, with only 4 standard kinds of reports available.

The Compumatic XLS 21 has the most features for the base-price. In addition to the standard features listed above, the Compumatic XLS 21 does have several other handy features. For one, it can accommodate unlimited departments (vs. Icon’s 32), which may be handy for larger small businesses that have lots of segmentation. Also, it has 90 days of free software support, which is 60 days more than Icon’s RTC 1000 2.5. Additionally, it has a good reporting system (similar to Time-Logix’ reporting).  However, the price can actually start adding up really quick if you want ongoing support ($150/extra), pro software ($99 extra), multi-pc/user licenses ($150/license extra), and more. Also, Compumatic’s software, Computime 101, is definitely more complicated to use than either of the other systems’ back ends.

Time-Logix has great customer support. For one, it does not charge for ongoing support, like many other providers in the industry do. Second, it has multiple channels, providing both phone and live chat support M-F 9-7 EST. I talked directly with sales (Juan) and tech support (Elsa), via phone, live chat, and email. Everyone was responsive and helpful and seemed excited about their company, which is always a cool thing to see.

Icon: For those in the free trial or ongoing support plan, phone support is offered M-F 7:30-4:30 PST and they also have an online ticket-based support system. I talked with Icon’s customer support briefly on the phone, and Luke was very helpful and courteous. Icon’s tech support only lasts 30 days after purchase and then it is an additional $149 for ongoing support ($190 if you also want time clock insurance).

Compumatic is actually a company that is based out of a single retail location in North Bellmore, NY. You can call during store hours for help, which are M-F 9:30-6:30 EST. They also have a 24/7 call answering service that can help with basic issues during off-hours. After the initial 90 days of free support, ongoing support plans cost $149/year.