Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive employee scheduling software that optimizes shift planning, time tracking, and communication for crews across industries.
- 2#2: When I Work - User-friendly scheduling app that enables shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting for efficient crew management.
- 3#3: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile platform for scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignment tailored to field and deskless crews.
- 4#4: Workforce - Robust workforce management tool with advanced rostering, compliance features, and integrations for large-scale crew operations.
- 5#5: Homebase - Free scheduling and time clock app designed for small businesses to manage hourly crew shifts and availability.
- 6#6: Sling - Intuitive shift scheduling software with labor cost control and team messaging for streamlined crew coordination.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based solution for creating schedules, tracking time off, and generating reports for shift-based crews.
- 8#8: CrewTracks - Construction-specific software for crew scheduling, job site time tracking, and daily reporting.
- 9#9: 7shifts - Restaurant-focused scheduling platform with forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization for service crews.
- 10#10: Humanity - Visual drag-and-drop scheduler for managing employee availability, overtime, and shifts in crew environments.
We ranked tools based on functionality (including scheduling, tracking, and forecasting), user experience, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring each entry delivers practical, actionable benefits for crew operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular crew scheduling software options, such as Deputy, When I Work, Connecteam, Workforce, Homebase, and more, to guide businesses in selecting the right tool for their operations. It highlights key features, usability, and practical insights, helping readers understand each solution's strengths and suitability for their team needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive employee scheduling software that optimizes shift planning, time tracking, and communication for crews across industries. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | When I Work User-friendly scheduling app that enables shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting for efficient crew management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile platform for scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignment tailored to field and deskless crews. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Workforce Robust workforce management tool with advanced rostering, compliance features, and integrations for large-scale crew operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Homebase Free scheduling and time clock app designed for small businesses to manage hourly crew shifts and availability. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Sling Intuitive shift scheduling software with labor cost control and team messaging for streamlined crew coordination. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based solution for creating schedules, tracking time off, and generating reports for shift-based crews. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | CrewTracks Construction-specific software for crew scheduling, job site time tracking, and daily reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | 7shifts Restaurant-focused scheduling platform with forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization for service crews. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Humanity Visual drag-and-drop scheduler for managing employee availability, overtime, and shifts in crew environments. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive employee scheduling software that optimizes shift planning, time tracking, and communication for crews across industries.
User-friendly scheduling app that enables shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting for efficient crew management.
All-in-one mobile platform for scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignment tailored to field and deskless crews.
Robust workforce management tool with advanced rostering, compliance features, and integrations for large-scale crew operations.
Free scheduling and time clock app designed for small businesses to manage hourly crew shifts and availability.
Intuitive shift scheduling software with labor cost control and team messaging for streamlined crew coordination.
Cloud-based solution for creating schedules, tracking time off, and generating reports for shift-based crews.
Construction-specific software for crew scheduling, job site time tracking, and daily reporting.
Restaurant-focused scheduling platform with forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization for service crews.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduler for managing employee availability, overtime, and shifts in crew environments.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive employee scheduling software that optimizes shift planning, time tracking, and communication for crews across industries.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts demand and optimizes schedules to minimize overstaffing.
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform specializing in crew scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time tracking, and real-time notifications to optimize labor costs and compliance. The mobile-first app empowers employees with self-service features like shift swaps and availability updates, while managers gain insights from forecasting and reporting tools.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Powerful mobile app for employee self-service and real-time communication
- Advanced labor forecasting and compliance tools to control costs
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex custom rules
- Limited offline functionality in the mobile app
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses seeking scalable, mobile-optimized crew scheduling with forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essentials), with Plus ($5.25/user/month) and Enterprise plans; free trial available.
When I Work
enterpriseUser-friendly scheduling app that enables shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting for efficient crew management.
OpenShift shift trading marketplace, allowing employees to swap shifts peer-to-peer without manager approval.
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based teams, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage schedules with drag-and-drop simplicity. It supports shift trades, availability management, time-off requests, and team communication through a robust mobile app. The software also includes time tracking, labor forecasting, and integrations with payroll providers to streamline workforce operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Powerful mobile app for employees to view shifts and trade
- Automated notifications and shift reminders reduce no-shows
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher plans
- Limited customization for complex crew hierarchies
- Customer support primarily email-based for lower tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and field services managing hourly shift crews.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use (up to 75 users); Essentials at $2/user/month, Professional at $4/user/month (billed annually).
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one mobile platform for scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignment tailored to field and deskless crews.
Smart Scheduling AI that automatically generates optimized schedules based on employee availability, skills, and labor laws
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform designed for deskless and frontline workers, with robust crew scheduling tools including drag-and-drop calendars, shift templates, and availability management. It enables real-time shift assignments, automated notifications, and employee self-service for requests and swaps, integrating seamlessly with time tracking and communication features. This makes it particularly effective for coordinating field crews, hospitality staff, or service teams where mobility is key.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go crew management
- Employee self-service for shift swaps and availability
Cons
- Limited advanced optimization algorithms for complex large-scale scheduling
- Some premium features locked behind higher tiers
- More communication-focused than pure scheduling depth
Best For
Small to medium businesses managing deskless crews in industries like construction, hospitality, or field services that need simple, mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Basic plan at $29/month for 30 users, Advanced at $49/month, Expert at $99/month (billed annually, scales per user).
Workforce
enterpriseRobust workforce management tool with advanced rostering, compliance features, and integrations for large-scale crew operations.
Automated global labor law compliance engine that proactively flags violations and suggests fixes
Workforce.com is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces, offering robust crew scheduling tools including drag-and-drop shift planning, demand forecasting, and automated overtime alerts. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, task assignment, and compliance monitoring to ensure labor law adherence across multiple locations. The software supports employee self-service via mobile apps for shift swaps, time-off requests, and notifications, making it suitable for dynamic industries like retail, hospitality, and field services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Strong automated compliance for labor laws and overtime
- Comprehensive mobile apps for employees and managers
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and add-ons
- Limited customization for complex crew rotations
- Reporting and analytics could be more advanced
Best For
Medium-sized businesses in hourly worker industries like hospitality, retail, or healthcare that need reliable scheduling combined with compliance and mobile access.
Pricing
Starts at $2.80 per active user/month for core scheduling; full suite with time tracking and compliance from $3.50/user/month, billed annually.
Homebase
enterpriseFree scheduling and time clock app designed for small businesses to manage hourly crew shifts and availability.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to claim available shifts directly from the app
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses managing hourly crews in industries like retail, restaurants, and services. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, time tracking with geofencing, team messaging, and hiring tools to streamline operations. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility, allowing managers and employees to handle schedules on the go.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with up to 20 employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for quick shift management
- Integrated time tracking with geofencing to prevent buddy punching
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Some premium features like payroll integrations require higher-tier plans
- Customization options for complex crew rotations are basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly crews in hospitality or retail seeking affordable, easy-to-use scheduling without advanced enterprise needs.
Pricing
Free forever for one location (up to 20 employees); paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $59.99 (Premium), and $99.99 (Elite), billed annually.
Sling
specializedIntuitive shift scheduling software with labor cost control and team messaging for streamlined crew coordination.
Unlimited free scheduling for any number of employees and locations
Sling (getsling.com) is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based teams in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, facilitate shift trades and notifications, track time, and monitor labor costs. The platform emphasizes mobile accessibility and real-time communication to streamline crew coordination.
Pros
- Free core scheduling for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile app support
- Integrated shift trading, messaging, and labor cost tracking
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting require premium upgrades
- Limited integrations with payroll or HR systems
- Customization options are basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking affordable, straightforward crew scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan for essentials; Premium starts at $1.70/user/month (billed annually) for advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based solution for creating schedules, tracking time off, and generating reports for shift-based crews.
OpenShift™ allowing employees to view, bid on, and claim open shifts independently
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly and shift-based businesses, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades via OpenShift, and monitor labor costs in real-time through its mobile app. The software integrates basic forecasting and PTO management to streamline operations and reduce overtime expenses.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for clock-ins and shift management
- Affordable pricing with strong ROI for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and AI optimization
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
- Basic reporting lacks deep customization
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services needing simple, mobile-friendly crew scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $1.25/user/month (Basic, annual billing); Pro at $2.25/user/month; Elite at $3.25/user/month; 14-day free trial.
CrewTracks
specializedConstruction-specific software for crew scheduling, job site time tracking, and daily reporting.
Integrated fatigue management system that automatically tracks hours and sends safety alerts to prevent overwork.
CrewTracks is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for construction, utilities, and field services, focusing on crew scheduling, dispatching, and real-time tracking. It allows supervisors to create schedules, assign workers to jobsites with GPS directions, and monitor progress via live updates and geofenced time tracking. Additional tools include fatigue management, safety compliance, and job costing to optimize operations and reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking and turn-by-turn directions for crews
- Strong safety features like fatigue alerts and compliance checklists
- Seamless mobile app for field workers with offline capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams without volume discounts
- Limited native integrations outside construction-specific tools
- Initial setup requires configuration for custom workflows
Best For
Mid-sized construction and field service companies managing mobile crews that prioritize safety compliance and real-time visibility.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $10-15 per user per month, with tiers based on features and user count.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-focused scheduling platform with forecasting, tip pooling, and labor optimization for service crews.
Smart Schedules with sales-driven labor forecasting to automatically optimize staffing levels
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization. It enables managers to create schedules based on forecasted sales, handle shift trades, and communicate via in-app messaging. The software integrates with popular POS systems to streamline operations and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile app for employees to view shifts and request time off
- AI-powered labor forecasting tied to POS sales data for precise staffing
- Robust integrations with over 100 POS, payroll, and tip systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with locations and advanced features, less ideal for single-site small businesses
- Primarily tailored for restaurants, limiting flexibility for other industries
- Some users report occasional mobile app glitches during peak hours
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking to minimize labor costs through intelligent scheduling and forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually); Pro at $59.99 and Complete at $99.99, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Humanity
enterpriseVisual drag-and-drop scheduler for managing employee availability, overtime, and shifts in crew environments.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduler with real-time availability views
Humanity (humanity.com) is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform focused on shift planning, time tracking, and employee attendance management for shift-based teams. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated notifications, shift trading, and mobile time clock features to streamline crew operations. Primarily used in retail, hospitality, and services, it helps managers forecast labor needs and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and time tracking
- Automated alerts and shift exchange capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics tools
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex crews
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services needing straightforward shift scheduling without heavy customization.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; Advanced and Enterprise tiers up to $5/user/month with more features.
Conclusion
The top 10 crew scheduling tools demonstrate innovation and practicality, with Deputy leading as the standout choice, excelling in comprehensive shift planning and cross-industry efficiency. When I Work and Connecteam follow closely, offering user-friendly interfaces and tailored features that suit different crew management needs, from shift trading to mobile tracking.
Elevate your crew operations—start with Deputy today to unlock streamlined scheduling, better communication, and a more efficient workflow for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison