The verdict
On the data we hold, Assembly comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Only Assembly has a free plan to start on.
- Time Doctor starts lower, at $6.67/mo against $29/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Team ranking, Assembly places 1 and Time Doctor 11 of 14.
Side by side
| At a glance | ASAssembly | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $29/mo | $6.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
AS
Assembly
- FreeSolopreneurs testing client portalsFree
- StarterSolo consultants needing API access$49/mo
- ProfessionalSmall teams wanting automation and custom domains$99/mo
TD
Time Doctor
- BasicSmall teams needing basic visibility and project tracking$8/mo
- StandardManagers requiring attendance, scheduling, and workflow automation$14/mo
- PremiumAgencies needing deep analytics, benchmarks, and payroll integration$20/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Other options worth a look
- SETool·PeopleManages jobs, scheduling, and invoicing in one platform with a mobile app for field staff and online bookings.
Team
From $29/moFree plan - SUTool·PeopleRuns the Entrepreneurial Operating System with V/TO, Rocks, Level 10 meetings, scorecards, issues tracking, and accountability charts for aligned teams.
Team
From $11/mo yearlyFree plan - USTool·PeopleManages inventory, production, purchasing and sales orders across multiple locations and channels from a unified cloud system.
Team
From $90.75/mo yearlyFree plan - ZETool·PeopleRuns secure professional team chats and built-in tasks for operational staff, featuring AI agents and integrated file storage.
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From $50/moFree plan - PITool·PeopleCompare discounted rates across major carriers to print labels, schedule pickups, and track shipments from a single dashboard.
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From $34.99/moFree plan - EVTool·PeopleUnifies incorporation, business banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes into a single automated back-office platform for startups.
Team
From $25/moFree plan