Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with advanced scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce scheduling platform with shift management, time tracking, and labor costing features.
- 3#3: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that handles shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication for teams.
- 4#4: Homebase - Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
- 5#5: Sling - User-friendly employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and availability management.
- 6#6: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software with forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution for small to medium businesses.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling tool integrated with messaging, timesheets, and availability requests.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Online rotas and staff scheduling software with automated notifications and reporting.
- 10#10: Shiftboard - Flexible shift scheduling platform for industries like healthcare and logistics with bidding features.
We evaluated tools based on feature robustness, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring the ranked solutions deliver consistent performance across varied team sizes and industries.
Comparison Table
Navigating company scheduling software is easier with tools like Connecteam, Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Sling, and more; this comparison table simplifies decision-making by outlining key features, pricing, and usability. Readers will gain clarity on which solution aligns with their team’s unique scheduling needs, from shift management to communication tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with advanced scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce scheduling platform with shift management, time tracking, and labor costing features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that handles shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication for teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small businesses and hourly workers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Sling User-friendly employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and availability management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software with forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling tool integrated with messaging, timesheets, and availability requests. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Online rotas and staff scheduling software with automated notifications and reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Shiftboard Flexible shift scheduling platform for industries like healthcare and logistics with bidding features. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one employee management app with advanced scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
Comprehensive workforce scheduling platform with shift management, time tracking, and labor costing features.
Employee scheduling software that handles shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication for teams.
Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
User-friendly employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and availability management.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software with forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution for small to medium businesses.
Simple employee scheduling tool integrated with messaging, timesheets, and availability requests.
Online rotas and staff scheduling software with automated notifications and reporting.
Flexible shift scheduling platform for industries like healthcare and logistics with bidding features.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app with advanced scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
AI-powered Smart Scheduling that automatically assigns shifts based on availability, skills, labor costs, and predicts no-shows for optimal coverage.
Connecteam is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for deskless teams, with robust scheduling tools at its core that enable drag-and-drop shift creation, employee availability matching, and automated assignments. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, GPS clock-ins, task management, and team communication via a mobile-first app. Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and field services, it helps managers reduce scheduling conflicts and overtime while keeping employees informed in real-time.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability and shift swap capabilities
- AI-driven auto-scheduling and no-show predictions to optimize workforce planning
- Seamless mobile app for employees to view schedules, request time off, and clock in with GPS verification
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced AI and compliance features
- Can feel feature-heavy for teams needing only basic scheduling
- Customization options limited compared to enterprise-only competitors
Best For
Medium to large deskless teams in retail, hospitality, or field services seeking an integrated scheduling and management solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user scaling and custom enterprise pricing.
Deputy
specializedComprehensive workforce scheduling platform with shift management, time tracking, and labor costing features.
Real-time labor costing and AI-powered demand forecasting
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling drag-and-drop scheduling, shift notifications, and employee self-roster via a mobile app. It includes time clock functionality, labor costing, demand forecasting, and compliance tools to optimize workforce efficiency. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll, POS, and HR systems, making it ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Advanced labor forecasting and costing for cost control
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full feature access
- Steeper learning curve for advanced analytics
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller accounts
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing scalable scheduling with forecasting and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month for Essentials (billed annually); Plus at $5.25/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that handles shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication for teams.
OpenShifts, where employees can automatically claim available shifts via a self-service marketplace
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create schedules, handle shift trades, and manage time-off requests efficiently. It features mobile apps for employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and communicate via chat, with real-time notifications to reduce no-shows. The software also includes auto-scheduling tools and labor forecasting to optimize staffing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees and managers
- Effective shift trading and OpenShifts feature
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Customization options can feel restrictive for large enterprises
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses like retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 users; Essential plan at $2/user/month; Pro plan at $3.50/user/month (billed annually).
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time via mobile app
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades and availability requests, and integrate time clocks with geofencing for accurate tracking. Additional tools include hiring, onboarding, and performance management, making it a one-stop solution for hourly workforce operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan for unlimited employees and basic scheduling
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Seamless shift trading and availability management
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind premium plans
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow for free users
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses seeking affordable, straightforward scheduling and time tracking for hourly teams.
Pricing
Free for basic features (1 location); Essentials $24.95/location/month, Premium $39.95/location/month (billed annually).
Sling
specializedUser-friendly employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and availability management.
Unlimited free scheduling for single locations with core features like labor costing and time tracking
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track shift trades, and communicate with teams via built-in messaging. It includes time tracking, labor cost forecasting, and availability management to minimize conflicts and optimize staffing. With mobile apps for iOS and Android, it supports real-time updates and clock-ins, making it efficient for hourly workforce industries like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with unlimited employees and shifts
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile accessibility
- Integrated team messaging and shift reminder notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in the free tier
- No native payroll integration without premium upgrades
- Multi-location management requires paid plans
Best For
Small to medium businesses with single locations and hourly workers seeking a free, straightforward scheduling tool.
Pricing
Free for basic single-location use; Premium at $1.70-$2/user/month (billed annually) for multi-location, advanced reports, and integrations.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software with forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features.
Sales-integrated labor forecasting that automatically suggests staffing based on historical and projected sales data
7shifts is a robust employee scheduling platform tailored for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs based on sales data, and handle shift trades seamlessly. It includes time tracking, team messaging, tip pooling, and compliance tools to reduce labor costs and overtime. The software integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square for real-time data syncing.
Pros
- Powerful labor forecasting tied to POS sales data
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for employees
- Comprehensive communication and shift management tools
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, less flexible for other industries
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Can get pricey for multi-location businesses
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking sales-driven scheduling and labor cost optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Elite), with custom Ultimate pricing.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution for small to medium businesses.
Employee shift marketplace allowing self-service trading, bidding, and auto-filling of open shifts
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, restaurants, and field services. It enables managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades and time-off requests, and monitor attendance via mobile time clocks with GPS verification. The software also includes team messaging, labor cost forecasting, and basic payroll integrations for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app with GPS time tracking and photo verification
- Employee shift trading and bidding marketplace
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly employees in retail, hospitality, or field services needing affordable, mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $1.89/user/month (Basic, billed annually); Pro at $2.89/user/month; Elite at $3.89/user/month.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling tool integrated with messaging, timesheets, and availability requests.
Smart overtime and labor cost alerts that prevent scheduling conflicts and budget overruns in real-time
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based businesses like restaurants, healthcare, and retail. It enables managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, track time and attendance via mobile clock-ins, and handle shift trades or requests efficiently. The software also offers communication tools, overtime alerts, and integrations with payroll systems to optimize labor costs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees and managers
- Affordable per-user pricing with strong value for SMBs
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Customization options are somewhat basic
- Integrations are functional but not extensive
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like hospitality and healthcare seeking simple, mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Lite plan, billed annually) up to $4.50/user/month (Advanced), with a 21-day free trial; minimum 10 users.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rotas and staff scheduling software with automated notifications and reporting.
Free forever plan for small teams, making it accessible for startups and tiny operations
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform designed for businesses to plan employee shifts, track time, and manage rotas efficiently. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, availability matching, overtime alerts, and integrates with payroll systems. The software also includes mobile apps for employees to swap shifts, clock in/out, and communicate via in-app messaging.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 5 employees
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Comprehensive shift planning with auto-fill and conflict detection
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- User interface feels somewhat dated
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare seeking affordable scheduling without high costs.
Pricing
Free for 1-5 employees; Standard plan at £18/user/month (billed annually); Premium at £25/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Shiftboard
specializedFlexible shift scheduling platform for industries like healthcare and logistics with bidding features.
OpenShift Marketplace allowing employees to post, bid on, and trade shifts peer-to-peer
Shiftboard is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for hourly, shift-based industries like healthcare, hospitality, and security. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs, and handle shift trades through an employee self-service portal and mobile app. Additional features include time tracking, compliance tools, and real-time communication to improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Robust shift bidding and OpenShift Marketplace for easy trading
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Labor forecasting and analytics for better planning
Cons
- Dated user interface with occasional glitches
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries needing advanced employee scheduling and self-service capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $2-4 per employee/month for basic plans, with enterprise tiers higher based on features and volume.
Conclusion
The top scheduling tools offer a range of strengths, with Connecteam leading as the best choice for its all-in-one features tailored to frontline teams. Deputy stands out for comprehensive workforce management, while When I Work excels in shift flexibility and real-time communication—each providing strong alternatives to suit diverse needs. Ultimately, the right tool depends on a company’s specific requirements, but these top options deliver measurable value.
Ready to transform your scheduling? Start with Connecteam today to experience seamless coordination, better team communication, and streamlined operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
