Timebanking and Time Tracking

photo by Mishaal Zahed

Many residential intentional communities favor egalitarian labor structures. By leveraging established platforms, these groups can more easily transition to timebanking. Prioritize searching for local communities, as they offer the most practical value. When looking for “time exchange” apps, it’s important to distinguish between social timebanking (swapping favors and skills for time credits) and business time tracking (recording hours for payroll), which could also be useful to ICs that operate as a work team.

The following apps are currently the top-rated platforms for community-based time exchange:

hOurworld (Time and Talents – TNTv2)

This is widely considered the “gold standard” for community-led timebanking. It supports over 400 communities globally.

  • Best For: Joining or starting a local, neighborhood-based time bank.
  • Key Features: It uses the TNTv2 (Time and Talents) mobile-friendly software. It’s strictly “1 hour = 1 credit,” regardless of the service.
  • Availability: Web-based (mobile optimized) and some integrated local apps.
  • Vibe: Very community-focused, grassroots, and non-profit.

Simbi

Simbi is a more modern, “marketplace” style talent exchange. It has a high rating for its sleek UI and ease of finding specific skills.

  • Best For: Individuals looking to trade skills (like graphic design, tutoring, or yoga) with people outside their immediate physical neighborhood.
  • Key Features: Uses “Simbi” credits (based on time but slightly more flexible). It’s great for remote services.
  • Availability: iOS, Android, and Web.
  • Vibe: Entrepreneurial, creative, and “skill-sharing” oriented.

TimeBanks.org (Community Weaver / Time Bene)

As one of the oldest and most established networks, TimeBanks.org provides the infrastructure for many institutional time banks.

  • Best For: Accessing a massive global network of resources and established organizations.
  • Key Features: Often uses Community Weaver 4 software. In 2025/2026, they have focused heavily on the Time Bene app, which integrates social benefits and health-related volunteering into the timebanking model.
  • Availability: Web and specific mobile integrations.

Echo (Economy of Hours)

Primarily active in the UK but expanding, Echo is a high-quality platform that treats time as a formal currency.

  • Best For: Professional and creative exchanges (e.g., a business owner trading marketing advice for office cleaning).
  • Key Features: A very robust matching system and a professional interface that appeals to freelancers and small businesses.
  • Availability: iOS, Android, and Web.