Yes, there is a free way to track the contractor's time, Arielle. Let me share some insights about time tracking in Quickbooks Online.
Your contractor has two options for managing time. The first option is to invite them as a time-tracking user, which allows them to input their own time entries. The second option is to add the time entry in Quickbooks on their behalf manually.
To invite your contractor here's how:
Sign in to your QuickBooks Online account.
Click the Gear icon, then select Manage users.
Tap the Add user button, then put your contractor's personal information.
Select a role and choose Track time only.
Once done, hit on Send invitation.
To manually add their time entry here's how:
Go to + New, then select Time entry.
Select a Contractor.
When you are in Add time for the contractor's field, please fill in the required information.