Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive cloud-based workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift planning, availability management, and team messaging.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring software for small businesses.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, and team management platform.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline teams.
- 6#6: Sling - Simple employee scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and availability tools.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for managing hourly workers.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Integrated workforce management with scheduling, attendance, and compliance features.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Employee scheduling software with time off requests, messaging, and mobile access.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online employee rostering and scheduling tool for rotas, swaps, and notifications.
Tools were chosen based on a focus on key attributes: comprehensive feature sets, user experience, performance, and value, ensuring they effectively address the challenges of modern workforce management.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading cloud employee scheduling tools—including Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more—to guide readers in understanding their key features, usability, and practical benefits. It helps identify the best fit for diverse team needs, from small businesses to larger operations, ensuring informed decisions for efficient scheduling.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive cloud-based workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift planning, availability management, and team messaging. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring software for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, and team management platform. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Sling Simple employee scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and availability tools. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for managing hourly workers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Integrated workforce management with scheduling, attendance, and compliance features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Employee scheduling software with time off requests, messaging, and mobile access. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online employee rostering and scheduling tool for rotas, swaps, and notifications. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
Employee scheduling app that simplifies shift planning, availability management, and team messaging.
Free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring software for small businesses.
Restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, and team management platform.
All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline teams.
Simple employee scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and availability tools.
Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for managing hourly workers.
Integrated workforce management with scheduling, attendance, and compliance features.
Employee scheduling software with time off requests, messaging, and mobile access.
Online employee rostering and scheduling tool for rotas, swaps, and notifications.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
Demand forecasting powered by AI to predict optimal staffing based on sales data, weather, and historical trends
Deputy is a leading cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time tracking with GPS verification, and labor forecasting to optimize staffing and reduce costs. The software also includes mobile apps for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate, ensuring seamless operations across locations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill based on availability and skills
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and real-time communication
- Advanced labor forecasting and compliance tools like award interpretation
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Initial setup and customization may require a learning curve
- Some users report occasional glitches in integrations with third-party systems
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries needing scalable scheduling, forecasting, and compliance management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essentials; Pro at $5.25/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing with minimums and annual contracts.
When I Work
enterpriseEmployee scheduling app that simplifies shift planning, availability management, and team messaging.
ShiftSwap, allowing employees to trade shifts directly with each other via app approval workflows
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for businesses managing hourly or shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create, publish, and adjust schedules efficiently. It offers robust employee self-service features like shift trading, time-off requests, and availability submissions through a mobile app. Additional tools include time tracking, attendance monitoring, and team communication to reduce no-shows and overtime costs.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for both managers and employees
- Seamless shift trading and peer-to-peer swaps
- Real-time notifications and messaging to improve communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher tiers
- Integrations with payroll systems can require setup effort
- Customization options somewhat restricted in basic plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling for hourly workers.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to Enterprise custom pricing; free trial available.
Homebase
enterpriseFree employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring software for small businesses.
OpenShifts, which lets employees claim available shifts directly from the app to fill gaps without manager intervention
Homebase is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for small businesses managing hourly employees, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring tools. It enables managers to build schedules based on availability, sales forecasts, and labor costs while allowing employees to swap shifts or pick up open ones via mobile app. The software integrates with payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks, streamlining operations for industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Strong time tracking with geofencing to prevent buddy punching
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization for complex multi-location setups
- Customer support primarily email-based with no phone option on lower tiers
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with hourly workers seeking an affordable, all-in-one scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials $24.95/location/month, Premium $49.95/location/month, plus optional add-ons like hiring ($49.95/mo).
7shifts
specializedRestaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, and team management platform.
AI-powered labor forecasting that automatically predicts staffing needs based on historical sales and traffic data from integrated POS systems
7shifts is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for the restaurant and hospitality industry, allowing managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, and track employee availability. It includes time clock functionality with geofencing, labor forecasting based on sales data, and communication tools to streamline operations. The platform integrates with major POS systems like Toast and Square, providing real-time insights into labor costs and performance metrics.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like labor forecasting and tip management
- Seamless POS integrations for accurate sales-driven scheduling
- Robust mobile app for employees to clock in/out and request shifts
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations
- Less ideal for non-hospitality industries
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking to optimize labor costs and scheduling in fast-paced hospitality environments.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan for small teams; Pro at $29.99/location/month (billed annually), Complete at $49.99/location/month, and custom Enterprise pricing.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline teams.
Auto-Scheduler that intelligently assigns shifts based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, and overtime rules
Connecteam is a mobile-first, all-in-one workforce management platform designed primarily for deskless and frontline teams, offering robust cloud-based employee scheduling capabilities. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, automate shift assignments based on availability and skills, and manage time-off requests with real-time notifications. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, task management, and communication tools to streamline operations for hourly workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-scheduler and shift templates
- Seamless mobile app for real-time updates, availability checks, and employee self-service
- Integrated time clock and communication tools reduce need for multiple apps
Cons
- Pricing can add up for larger teams beyond 30 users
- Advanced reporting and custom fields locked behind higher plans
- Limited native integrations with payroll systems compared to dedicated schedulers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with deskless or hourly frontline workers needing an all-in-one app for scheduling, communication, and operations.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Operations plan at $29/month for first 30 users ($0.50/additional, billed annually); Premium at $49/month and Enterprise custom.
Sling
enterpriseSimple employee scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and availability tools.
Free forever plan supporting unlimited employees and locations with no feature time limits
Sling is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform that enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track time, manage shift trades, and communicate with teams via built-in messaging. It supports unlimited users on its free plan, making it accessible for small businesses, with features like availability collection, labor costing, and task assignments. Additional tools include overtime alerts and mobile apps for iOS and Android, streamlining workforce management.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated messaging and shift exchange features reduce communication silos
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations limited to paid plans
- Customer support primarily email-based with no phone option
- Labor costing lacks depth compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and non-profits seeking a free or low-cost scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Standard at $2/user/month (annual) and Premium at $4/user/month (annual) for advanced features.
ZoomShift
enterpriseCloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for managing hourly workers.
OpenShifts, where employees can browse and claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for businesses with hourly workers, enabling managers to create, assign, and manage shifts via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It includes time tracking, shift trading, time-off requests, and employee messaging to streamline operations. The platform also offers labor costing and basic integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in/out
- Simple shift trading and open shift claiming features
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Scalability issues for very large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and hospitality managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; Pro plan at $1.25/active user/month (min. $29.95); Enterprise custom pricing.
Workforce.com
enterpriseIntegrated workforce management with scheduling, attendance, and compliance features.
Intelligent AutoFill scheduling that optimizes shifts based on forecasted demand, skills, and compliance rules
Workforce.com is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for employee scheduling, time tracking, and compliance, particularly tailored for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, labor forecasting, auto-scheduling algorithms, and real-time adjustments via mobile apps for managers and employees. The software excels in handling complex labor laws, especially Australian awards and fatigue management, while integrating with POS and payroll systems.
Pros
- Advanced auto-scheduling and labor forecasting optimize shifts efficiently
- Robust compliance tools for award interpretation and fatigue management
- Strong mobile accessibility and real-time notifications for all users
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced compliance features
- Limited customization outside ANZ-specific regulations
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare in Australia/New Zealand needing compliant, scalable scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at AU$3-6 per active user/month, with tiers for Basic, Growth, and Enterprise plans.
Agendrix
enterpriseEmployee scheduling software with time off requests, messaging, and mobile access.
Shift Pool for employee self-scheduling and trading, allowing staff to claim open shifts directly from the app
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare, enabling managers to create, manage, and share schedules efficiently. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, employee availability tracking, shift trading, time clock with geofencing, and built-in communication tools. The mobile-first design ensures accessibility for both managers and employees, with automated notifications to reduce no-shows and improve compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability updates
- Robust mobile app supporting shift swaps, time punches, and messaging
- Automated SMS/email reminders and confirmations to boost attendance
Cons
- Basic reporting and analytics lacking advanced forecasting
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Some advanced features like multi-location support require higher plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses needing a simple, affordable scheduling tool with strong mobile and communication features.
Pricing
Starts at $2.25/user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan, up to $4.25/user/month for Advanced; free trial available.
Findmyshift
enterpriseOnline employee rostering and scheduling tool for rotas, swaps, and notifications.
Real-time shift trading and approval system via mobile app, allowing employees to swap shifts seamlessly with manager oversight
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software that enables businesses to create, manage, and share shift schedules efficiently across multiple locations. It includes features like drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, overtime alerts, and employee self-service via a mobile app. The platform supports industries such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare, focusing on simplifying workforce management without unnecessary complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee shift swaps and notifications
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and hospitality seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective scheduling tool.
Pricing
Starts at $18/month for 1 location (up to 10 employees), scales to $35+/month for multiple locations; 14-day free trial, no setup fees.
Conclusion
The review of top cloud employee scheduling tools highlights standout options, with Deputy leading as the comprehensive choice, When I Work simplifying shift planning, and Homebase offering budget-friendly solutions for small businesses. Each tool delivers unique value—from robust workforce management to seamless availability tracking—ensuring there’s a fit for diverse organizational needs. Ultimately, the best tool depends on specific requirements, but these top three set the standard for efficiency.
Explore Deputy to unlock its full potential, or consider When I Work or Homebase to find the perfect match for your team’s scheduling needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison