Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Cloud-based employee scheduling software with time tracking, communication, and hiring tools for small businesses.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling platform that enables shift management, availability tracking, and team messaging via mobile app.
- 3#3: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, task management, and communication to streamline operations.
- 4#4: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-focused scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and performance insights.
- 6#6: Sling - Simple employee scheduling app for creating shifts, managing availability, and reducing no-shows.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and payroll integration for hourly workers.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Employee scheduling tool with time off requests, messaging, and mobile notifications for teams.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Online rostering software for shift planning, notifications, and timesheets across industries.
- 10#10: ScheduleAnywhere - Web-based scheduling system for 24/7 operations with auto-scheduling and real-time updates.
Tools were evaluated based on key factors including feature breadth (e.g., shift management, time tracking, compliance), usability (intuitive design, mobile accessibility), and overall value (scalability, pricing models, and integration potential), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of both practicality and performance.
Comparison Table
Cloud-based employee scheduling software streamlines team shift management, enhancing efficiency and adaptability. This comparison table explores popular tools like Homebase, When I Work, Connecteam, Deputy, and 7shifts, examining features, pricing models, and integrations to help users identify the right fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Cloud-based employee scheduling software with time tracking, communication, and hiring tools for small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling platform that enables shift management, availability tracking, and team messaging via mobile app. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, task management, and communication to streamline operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-focused scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and performance insights. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling Simple employee scheduling app for creating shifts, managing availability, and reducing no-shows. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and payroll integration for hourly workers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Employee scheduling tool with time off requests, messaging, and mobile notifications for teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Online rostering software for shift planning, notifications, and timesheets across industries. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | ScheduleAnywhere Web-based scheduling system for 24/7 operations with auto-scheduling and real-time updates. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based employee scheduling software with time tracking, communication, and hiring tools for small businesses.
Employee scheduling platform that enables shift management, availability tracking, and team messaging via mobile app.
All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, task management, and communication to streamline operations.
Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
Restaurant-focused scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and performance insights.
Simple employee scheduling app for creating shifts, managing availability, and reducing no-shows.
Cloud scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and payroll integration for hourly workers.
Employee scheduling tool with time off requests, messaging, and mobile notifications for teams.
Online rostering software for shift planning, notifications, and timesheets across industries.
Web-based scheduling system for 24/7 operations with auto-scheduling and real-time updates.
Homebase
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling software with time tracking, communication, and hiring tools for small businesses.
AI-powered smart scheduling that automatically creates optimized shifts based on employee availability, labor costs, and historical data.
Homebase is a comprehensive cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in hourly industries like retail, restaurants, and services. It enables effortless schedule creation with drag-and-drop interfaces, auto-scheduling powered by AI, shift trading, and availability predictions. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, team messaging, payroll, and hiring tools into a single mobile-first platform for streamlined workforce management.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location with unlimited employees
- Intuitive mobile app for scheduling, clock-ins, and communication
- AI-driven auto-scheduling and shift trade features that save time
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrades
- Some users report occasional mobile app glitches
- Customer support response times can vary on free plan
Best For
Small business owners and managers in hourly service industries needing an affordable, all-in-one tool for scheduling and team coordination.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials) up to $99.99 (Elite), billed annually.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling platform that enables shift management, availability tracking, and team messaging via mobile app.
Open Shifts, where employees can view and claim available shifts in real-time, reducing manager workload.
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage schedules via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It offers robust employee self-service tools, including shift swapping, time-off requests, and mobile clock-ins with GPS verification. The software also includes team messaging, labor cost tracking, and integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Employee self-service for shift trades and open shift claiming
- Strong communication tools with push notifications and in-app messaging
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher tiers
- Customer support can have delays for free/basic users
- Integrations are solid but not as extensive as enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare managing hourly shift workers who value mobile accessibility and employee empowerment.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; Essential starts at $2/user/month (billed annually), Advanced at $4/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, task management, and communication to streamline operations.
AI-powered Smart Scheduler that automatically generates optimized schedules based on employee availability, skills, and labor costs
Connecteam is a cloud-based all-in-one employee management platform designed primarily for frontline and deskless workers, with robust scheduling tools at its core. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift swaps, time-off requests, and availability in real-time via a mobile-first interface. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, task assignment, communication, and compliance features to streamline workforce operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates and notifications
- Strong mobile app for employees to view schedules, swap shifts, and clock in/out with GPS
- Comprehensive integrations with payroll and other HR tools
Cons
- Advanced AI scheduling and analytics locked behind higher-tier plans
- Can feel feature-heavy for businesses needing only basic scheduling
- Pricing scales quickly with user count, less ideal for very large teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly, frontline, or mobile workforces seeking an all-in-one scheduling and management solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user scaling and Enterprise custom pricing.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
AI-powered labor forecasting and auto-scheduling to predict demand and minimize overstaffing.
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time notifications, and employee self-service tools via a mobile app for shift swaps, time-off requests, and clocking in/out. The software integrates time tracking, labor forecasting, payroll syncing, and compliance features to optimize operations and reduce costs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher plans
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking mobile-first scheduling and labor optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essential), $5.25 (Plus), custom Enterprise pricing; billed monthly or annually.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-focused scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and performance insights.
Sales forecasting and Prime Costs dashboard that uses historical data to predict optimal staffing and track labor/food costs in real-time
7shifts is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored specifically for the restaurant industry, enabling managers to create, share, and manage shift schedules efficiently. It includes features like time tracking, labor forecasting based on sales data, team communication tools, and integrations with POS systems and payroll providers. The platform helps optimize staffing levels, control labor costs, and improve operational efficiency in fast-paced restaurant environments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like sales-driven labor forecasting and Prime Costs tracking
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile app for employees
- Strong integrations with popular POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Pricing scales per location, which can add up for multi-site operations
- Some advanced analytics locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking industry-specific scheduling and labor cost management.
Pricing
Free for single-location restaurants (up to 50 team members); paid plans start at $29.99 per location/month for Essentials, up to $109.99 for Enterprise.
Sling
specializedSimple employee scheduling app for creating shifts, managing availability, and reducing no-shows.
Completely free scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
Sling is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform that enables managers to create, share, and manage shift schedules for teams of any size via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It includes features like shift reminders, employee availability tracking, time clock integration, and team messaging to streamline operations. Primarily aimed at shift-based industries, Sling offers a robust free plan alongside premium upgrades for advanced tools like labor costing and reporting.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and locations
- Highly intuitive mobile and web apps for quick scheduling
- Integrated communication and time tracking tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to paid plans
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems compared to competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, or hospitality needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; Premium plans start at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced tools.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and payroll integration for hourly workers.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coded shifts for quick, intuitive planning
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those with hourly workers in retail, restaurants, and services. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track time and attendance via mobile clock-in, facilitate shift trades and PTO requests, and monitor labor costs. The platform emphasizes simplicity with a mobile app for employees and basic communication tools to streamline operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing scalable for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Effective shift trading and time-off management
Cons
- Limited integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses seeking simple, budget-friendly scheduling for hourly staff.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 20 users (Starter plan), $59/month for 50 users (Pro), plus $1.50-$2 per additional user; free trial available.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling tool with time off requests, messaging, and mobile notifications for teams.
Shift Switchboard for seamless employee-to-employee shift trades with manager approval
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare facilities. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, time tracking via mobile kiosk or GPS, and employee self-service for availability and requests. The platform also includes communication tools such as announcements and messaging to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
- Affordable pricing with solid core features
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations compared to competitors
- Reporting capabilities are basic for larger enterprises
- Some features like payroll sync require higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $1.49/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $2.25/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rostering software for shift planning, notifications, and timesheets across industries.
Employee shift swapping with manager approval and real-time availability requests
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform that enables businesses to create rotas, manage shifts, and track employee time across multiple locations. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile apps for staff to view schedules, clock in/out, and request shift swaps, along with real-time notifications and basic payroll integrations. Ideal for shift-based industries, it simplifies workforce management while ensuring compliance with overtime and holiday rules.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- Reporting capabilities are somewhat basic
- Limited third-party integrations
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users (1 location); Essentials from $18/month (10 users), Professional $29/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
ScheduleAnywhere
specializedWeb-based scheduling system for 24/7 operations with auto-scheduling and real-time updates.
Employee self-service portal for shift trades, availability updates, and time-off requests in real-time
ScheduleAnywhere is a cloud-based employee scheduling software that enables managers to create, view, and edit schedules online with drag-and-drop functionality. It supports shift trading, time-off requests, mobile clock-ins, and automated notifications for a streamlined workforce management experience. Primarily targeted at service-oriented industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, it emphasizes simplicity and accessibility from any device.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited integrations with payroll and HR systems
- Basic reporting and analytics capabilities
- User interface feels somewhat dated
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-based industries needing simple, reliable online scheduling without advanced complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 75 employees (Basic plan), with Pro ($59/month) and Enterprise tiers; scales per employee.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 cloud-based employee scheduling software reveals Homebase as the clear leader, offering essential tools like time tracking, communication, and hiring tailored for small businesses. When I Work and Connecteam stand out as strong alternatives, with When I Work providing mobile shift management and Connecteam offering an all-in-one mobile solution for task coordination. Each tool streamlines operations, but Homebase’s versatility and focus on small business needs make it a top choice.
Don’t miss out on simplified scheduling—try Homebase today to experience efficient shift management, real-time communication, and tools that grow with your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison