ManagePH vs. Hubstaff for Filipino VA Time Tracking

Let's be honest — finding the right time tracking software for your Filipino virtual assistants is about as fun as trying to nail jelly to a wall. One misstep and suddenly you're stuck with a platform that promises the world but delivers nothing but headaches.

If you've spent any time in the Philippine outsourcing space, whether as an employer or VA, you've probably encountered Hubstaff. It's practically the default choice for many employers. But is it actually the best option in 2025? Or is ManagePH about to flip the script on how we manage Filipino virtual teams?

I've put both platforms through their paces and trust me — what separates them goes way beyond surface-level features. This isn't about fancy interfaces or marketing promises. It's about which platform actually solves real problems for real people.

What Are ManagePH and Hubstaff?

Hubstaff has been the number one time tracking choice for years. It's a comprehensive workforce management solution that offers time tracking, screenshots, activity monitoring, and payroll features. It's built for remote teams across the globe, not just Filipino VAs.

ManagePH, on the other hand, was born from the trenches of Philippine outsourcing. It's not just another time tracking tool. It's a completely decked out management solution specifically designed for Filipino virtual teams. More than a platform, it's a bridge between international employers and Filipino talent.

ManagePH and Hubstaff for Time Tracking

Let's talk about what matters most: how they actually track time.

Hubstaff's time tracking is like an overbearing supervisor — thorough, but sometimes a bit much. You get screenshots, activity levels, app usage, and even keystroke monitoring if you're into that kind of thing (though I'm not sure why you would be, you’re just asking to be lied to). 

It's powerful, sure, but can sometimes feel like digital micromanagement. As someone who has been asked to install Hubstaff in the past, it did feel a lot like Big Brother.

ManagePH takes a different approach. Their Time Log (for employers) and Time Clock (for employees) create transparency without the creepy surveillance vibe. It’s just a simple time-in and time-out system, which is what it should be. 

ManagePH also handles time tracking errors. We've all been there — you forgot to clock in, or maybe you accidentally left the timer running during lunch. With ManagePH, employees can request changes to their records, turning what could be an awkward conversation into a simple process.

If there’s one way I could put it all together, it’s this: as a Filipino virtual worker myself, Hubstaff makes me feel watched. ManagePH makes me feel trusted.

How Does Payment Work with ManagePH and Hubstaff?

Hubstaff's payment system is robust, supporting multiple payment methods including PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, and direct bank transfers. You can set up automatic payments based on hours worked or fixed salaries, which is genuinely useful.

For employees, ManagePH offers a straightforward payment request system. No more awkward email chains or hoping your invoice doesn't get lost in someone's inbox. Submit an invoice, track, get paid — simple as that.

The only downside? ManagePH currently only supports PayPal, which might be limiting for some users.

Other Time Tracking and Project Management Features

Here's where things get really interesting — because both platforms offer so much more than just time tracking.

Hubstaff provides simple project management tools, scheduling, GPS tracking for field teams, and detailed reporting. Anything under the sun, as long as it’s for time tracking.

But ManagePH? They've thought about the specific challenges of managing Filipino virtual teams and built solutions accordingly:

• PTO Request and Approval: Employees can submit time-off requests with context, while employers can approve with full visibility into team schedules. ManagePH even has an automated system that lets employees know if they have sufficient PTO balance before requesting.
• Recaps: This feature eliminates those painful daily standups that could've been an email. Employees log their achievements, blockers, and next steps in a clean format, while employers get a bird's-eye view of progress without scheduling another meeting.
• Calendar: For employers, this isn't just a calendar — it's a strategic planning tool that tracks Philippine holidays, team events, approved PTOs, and deadlines. No more accidentally scheduling a meeting during a Philippine national holiday.

How Much Do ManagePH and Hubstaff Cost

Hubstaff's pricing starts at $7 per user per month for their Basic plan, going up to $25 per user per month for their Enterprise plan. Each tier unlocks more features, which means you might end up paying for capabilities you don't need.

ManagePH keeps it simpler with just two plans:

• Premium at $14.99 per month
• Enterprise with custom pricing

For small to medium teams, ManagePH's Premium plan is a reasonable (but definitely more expensive) price considering what you're getting. Where most platforms give you basic features, ManagePH includes a compliance toolkit, time-tracking, and invoice fulfillment all in one place.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

The Bottom Line

Here's the thing about remote work tools — they're not just nice-to-haves anymore. They're the backbone of successful virtual teams. The right platform doesn't just track time. It builds bridges between cultures, fosters trust, and turns potential chaos into manageable systems.

Hubstaff and ManagePH represent two different philosophies. One built for the masses, one crafted for a specific ecosystem. One designed to work anywhere, one engineered to work perfectly in a particular context.

The question isn't which one has more features or which one costs less. The real question is: Which one truly understands your unique challenges working with Filipino virtual talent?

For employers serious about building sustainable relationships with Philippine teams, ManagePH feels less like another SaaS subscription and more like gaining a strategic partner. After all, when it comes to Filipino virtual teams, success isn't measured in tracked hours — it's measured in the quality of work those hours produce. And quality work happens when everyone feels valued, understood, and equipped with the right tools.

Choose wisely. Your sanity (and your team's productivity) depends on it.