Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Automates shift scheduling with AI-driven forecasting, labor costing, and compliance for hourly workforces.
- 2#2: When I Work - Provides automatic shift creation based on availability, skills, and demand predictions for teams of any size.
- 3#3: Homebase - Offers free automated scheduling with time-off requests, open shift filling, and labor forecasting for small businesses.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Specializes in restaurant shift automation with sales forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization.
- 5#5: Connecteam - Delivers AI-powered shift scheduling integrated with communication and task management for frontline teams.
- 6#6: Sling - Streamlines automatic shift planning with drag-and-drop, availability matching, and overtime alerts.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Automates employee scheduling with rule-based optimization, swap approvals, and time tracking.
- 8#8: Shiftboard - Enterprise-grade tool for complex shift scheduling across multiple locations with bidding and fatigue management.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Cloud-based automatic rostering with template scheduling, notifications, and compliance checks.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Simplifies shift scheduling automation with availability polling, recurring shifts, and mobile access.
These tools were selected based on a blend of key features (including AI-driven forecasting, compliance tools, and integration capabilities), user-friendliness, reliability, and value for both small businesses and enterprise-level operations, ensuring breadth and depth across varied needs.
Comparison Table
Effective shift scheduling is key to operational success, and selecting the right automatic shift scheduling software can simplify this process. This comparison table explores tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, outlining their core features, strengths, and ideal use cases. Readers will gain clarity to choose software that aligns with their staffing needs, budget, and operational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Automates shift scheduling with AI-driven forecasting, labor costing, and compliance for hourly workforces. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Provides automatic shift creation based on availability, skills, and demand predictions for teams of any size. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Offers free automated scheduling with time-off requests, open shift filling, and labor forecasting for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Specializes in restaurant shift automation with sales forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam Delivers AI-powered shift scheduling integrated with communication and task management for frontline teams. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Sling Streamlines automatic shift planning with drag-and-drop, availability matching, and overtime alerts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Automates employee scheduling with rule-based optimization, swap approvals, and time tracking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Shiftboard Enterprise-grade tool for complex shift scheduling across multiple locations with bidding and fatigue management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Cloud-based automatic rostering with template scheduling, notifications, and compliance checks. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Simplifies shift scheduling automation with availability polling, recurring shifts, and mobile access. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Automates shift scheduling with AI-driven forecasting, labor costing, and compliance for hourly workforces.
Provides automatic shift creation based on availability, skills, and demand predictions for teams of any size.
Offers free automated scheduling with time-off requests, open shift filling, and labor forecasting for small businesses.
Specializes in restaurant shift automation with sales forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization.
Delivers AI-powered shift scheduling integrated with communication and task management for frontline teams.
Streamlines automatic shift planning with drag-and-drop, availability matching, and overtime alerts.
Automates employee scheduling with rule-based optimization, swap approvals, and time tracking.
Enterprise-grade tool for complex shift scheduling across multiple locations with bidding and fatigue management.
Cloud-based automatic rostering with template scheduling, notifications, and compliance checks.
Simplifies shift scheduling automation with availability polling, recurring shifts, and mobile access.
Deputy
specializedAutomates shift scheduling with AI-driven forecasting, labor costing, and compliance for hourly workforces.
AI-Powered Auto-Schedule that instantly generates fair, cost-optimized rosters considering forecasts, overtime rules, and employee preferences
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform focused on automatic shift scheduling, using AI-driven algorithms to generate optimized rosters based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, sales forecasts, and compliance rules. It streamlines operations for shift-based industries with features like drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time notifications, and mobile accessibility for both managers and staff. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, task assignment, and communication tools to reduce administrative overhead and improve efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful AI auto-scheduling that optimizes for cost, fairness, and compliance
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with strong mobile app support
- Extensive integrations with POS, payroll, and 100+ apps for seamless workflows
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Initial setup requires configuration time for complex rules
- Customer support response times vary during peak periods
Best For
Shift-heavy industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services needing automated, scalable scheduling to handle variable demand.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for core scheduling (Essentials plan), scaling to $5+ for Plus/Enterprise with advanced forecasting and compliance tools; custom quotes for large teams.
When I Work
specializedProvides automatic shift creation based on availability, skills, and demand predictions for teams of any size.
AI Auto Schedule that intelligently builds compliant, cost-effective schedules in minutes
When I Work is a mobile-first workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for hourly teams in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Its automatic shift scheduling uses AI to generate optimized schedules based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, overtime rules, and business forecasts. The software also supports shift trades, time-off requests, team messaging, and time tracking, making it a full-suite solution for shift-based operations.
Pros
- AI-driven auto-scheduling optimizes shifts with rules for availability, skills, and costs
- Intuitive mobile app for easy employee self-scheduling and communication
- Strong open shift and swap features reduce admin time
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for multiple locations and large teams
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked in higher tiers
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workforces in retail, restaurants, or healthcare seeking automated scheduling and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Free for basic use (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans from $2/location + $2/active user/month (Essentials) to custom Enterprise pricing.
Homebase
specializedOffers free automated scheduling with time-off requests, open shift filling, and labor forecasting for small businesses.
Smart Scheduling automatically generates shift plans using sales predictions, availability, and budget constraints to minimize overstaffing.
Homebase is a user-friendly workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in hourly industries like retail, restaurants, and services. It provides automatic shift scheduling through Smart Scheduling, which generates optimized schedules based on sales forecasts, employee availability, labor costs, and preferences. Beyond scheduling, it includes time tracking, team communication, hiring tools, and performance reports to streamline operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with automatic suggestions based on forecasts and availability
- Generous free plan for small teams up to 20 employees
- Seamless integration with payroll providers and mobile time clock
Cons
- Automatic scheduling lacks advanced AI customization for complex rules or multi-location chains
- Reporting features are basic compared to enterprise tools
- Occasional mobile app sync issues during peak usage
Best For
Small hourly businesses like retail shops and cafes seeking affordable, straightforward automatic scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free Basic plan (1 location, up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.99/location/month (first 20 employees free); Premium $59.99/location/month with advanced forecasting.
7shifts
specializedSpecializes in restaurant shift automation with sales forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization.
Auto-scheduling engine that uses historical sales data and AI to build compliant, cost-optimized shifts automatically
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in automatic shift scheduling, using sales forecasts, labor targets, employee availability, and skills to generate optimized schedules. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems for real-time data and offers tools for shift trades, communication, time tracking, and payroll processing. Designed primarily for the hospitality industry, it helps reduce labor costs while improving team efficiency and compliance.
Pros
- Intelligent auto-scheduling powered by sales forecasting and labor optimization
- Robust integrations with 100+ POS, payroll, and restaurant tech systems
- Mobile app for easy shift management, trades, and clock-ins by employees
Cons
- Limited customization outside restaurant-specific use cases
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and multi-locations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced forecasting features
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of multi-location operations seeking to minimize labor costs through data-driven automatic scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month for core scheduling; Essentials at $49.99 and Complete at $89.99+ with add-ons for forecasting and insights.
Connecteam
enterpriseDelivers AI-powered shift scheduling integrated with communication and task management for frontline teams.
Smart Scheduler that automatically assigns and optimizes shifts using employee preferences, availability, and compliance rules in one mobile app
Connecteam is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for deskless teams, with robust automatic shift scheduling capabilities that allow managers to create optimized schedules based on employee availability, skills, labor rules, and overtime preferences. Its Smart Scheduler automates shift assignments, filling gaps intelligently while sending instant notifications via the mobile app. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, GPS check-ins, and team communication, making it a comprehensive solution for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile-first design for easy access
- Automated shift filling based on availability, skills, and custom rules
- Seamless integration with time tracking and employee communication tools
Cons
- Limited advanced AI optimization compared to specialized scheduling tools
- Pricing becomes expensive for larger teams with per-user scaling
- Some auto-scheduling features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services seeking an integrated app for shift scheduling and daily operations.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Starter for up to 30 users), $49/month (Growth), with additional users at $0.90-$1.80/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Sling
specializedStreamlines automatic shift planning with drag-and-drop, availability matching, and overtime alerts.
Intelligent auto-scheduler that optimizes shifts based on projected sales data, availability, and labor budgets to proactively control costs
Sling (getsling.com) is an employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants and retail, offering automated shift scheduling that factors in availability, labor costs, overtime rules, and sales forecasts. It simplifies workforce management with drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time communication, time clock features, and mobile accessibility for employees. The tool emphasizes cost optimization and compliance, making it suitable for small to medium teams seeking efficiency without complexity.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with robust auto-scheduling
- Labor cost forecasting and optimization to minimize overtime and expenses
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-scheduling and shift swaps
Cons
- Advanced automation features like AI-driven predictions are limited in the free tier
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise competitors
- Occasional sync issues with integrations like POS systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses like restaurants or retail stores looking for an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free for single locations (unlimited users); Premium at $1.70/user/month (billed annually); Business at $2.24/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
ZoomShift
specializedAutomates employee scheduling with rule-based optimization, swap approvals, and time tracking.
Smart Auto-Scheduling that automatically fills shifts based on availability, preferences, skills, and labor cost rules.
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time-tracking software designed for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It automates shift creation and assignment based on employee availability, skills, and business rules, while enabling shift swapping, overtime alerts, and mobile clock-ins. The platform also includes messaging tools and basic reporting to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Automated scheduling reduces manual effort
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
- Customer support response times can be slow
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly service industries needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at $1.89/user/month (Pro) up to $2.89/user/month (Enterprise).
Shiftboard
enterpriseEnterprise-grade tool for complex shift scheduling across multiple locations with bidding and fatigue management.
OpenShift Marketplace for peer-to-peer shift bidding and trading
Shiftboard is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in automated shift scheduling for hourly employees in industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality. It automates shift creation and assignment using customizable rules for availability, skills, labor costs, and overtime, while enabling employee self-scheduling through a shift marketplace. The software also includes time tracking, messaging, and multi-location support to streamline operations.
Pros
- Powerful rule-based auto-scheduling engine
- Employee shift trading marketplace
- Strong mobile app for self-service
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup
- Pricing requires custom quotes
- Occasional glitches in mobile notifications
Best For
Medium to large businesses with hourly shift workers needing advanced automation and employee flexibility.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2.50-$5 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Findmyshift
specializedCloud-based automatic rostering with template scheduling, notifications, and compliance checks.
Intelligent auto-scheduler that optimizes shifts by balancing costs, skills, and preferences automatically
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail. It features an automatic shift scheduler that generates optimized rotas based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, and business rules. The software also includes time tracking, mobile apps for clocking in/out, task assignment, and team messaging to streamline operations.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling engine that saves hours on manual planning
- Comprehensive mobile app for employees to view shifts and swap
- Multi-location support with real-time updates and notifications
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Reporting tools lack advanced customization options
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking affordable automation without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Standard ($18/user/month), Advanced ($25/user/month), Enterprise (custom quote).
Agendrix
specializedSimplifies shift scheduling automation with availability polling, recurring shifts, and mobile access.
Schedule Optimizer that auto-generates compliant schedules while minimizing overtime and respecting employee preferences
Agendrix is an employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, offering tools to create, manage, and optimize schedules efficiently. Its automatic shift scheduling feature generates optimized rosters based on employee availability, skills, labor rules, and business needs, reducing manual planning time. The software also includes time tracking, shift trading, messaging, and mobile accessibility for seamless workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with strong mobile app support
- Automatic scheduler handles availability and rules effectively for mid-sized teams
- Built-in time clock and shift swap features streamline operations
Cons
- Auto-scheduling lacks advanced AI predictions compared to top competitors
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
- Fewer third-party integrations than some rivals
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy sectors seeking affordable, user-friendly scheduling without overwhelming complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Essential plan) up to $4/user/month (Premium), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools present a range of robust options for automating shift scheduling, with Deputy emerging as the top choice, leveraging AI-driven forecasting, labor costing, and compliance to suit diverse hourly workforces. When I Work stands out for its adaptive shift creation based on availability, skills, and demand, while Homebase offers a free, user-friendly solution tailored for small businesses with time-off and open shift management. Together, these tools showcase how automation can simplify complex scheduling needs across different operational scenarios.
To experience the future of efficient scheduling, give Deputy a try—its comprehensive features are designed to save time and keep your team aligned.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison