Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy offers comprehensive employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools for managing shift-based workforces.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work provides intuitive scheduling software with shift trading, availability management, and mobile notifications for teams.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools optimized for small businesses and hourly workers.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, task management, and communication for frontline teams.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features for food service.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling offers simple, free scheduling software with reminders, labor cost tracking, and shift exchange capabilities.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift provides affordable employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS verification and PTO management.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Workforce.com automates scheduling, timesheets, and payroll for hourly workforces with demand forecasting.
- 9#9: HotSchedules - HotSchedules delivers scheduling and communication solutions tailored for restaurants and hospitality industries.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Findmyshift enables online rostering, shift planning, and staff management with real-time updates and analytics.
We ranked these tools by assessing feature depth, usability, reliability, and value proposition, ensuring they align with diverse workforce needs and deliver tangible operational benefits.
Comparison Table
Effective employee rostering is critical for operational efficiency, and this comparison table breaks down top tools—including Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, and 7shifts— to help businesses find the best fit. Readers will explore each software’s key features, pricing models, and unique strengths, enabling informed decisions tailored to their team size, industry, and scheduling needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy offers comprehensive employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools for managing shift-based workforces. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work provides intuitive scheduling software with shift trading, availability management, and mobile notifications for teams. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools optimized for small businesses and hourly workers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, task management, and communication for frontline teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features for food service. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling offers simple, free scheduling software with reminders, labor cost tracking, and shift exchange capabilities. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift provides affordable employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS verification and PTO management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Workforce.com automates scheduling, timesheets, and payroll for hourly workforces with demand forecasting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | HotSchedules HotSchedules delivers scheduling and communication solutions tailored for restaurants and hospitality industries. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Findmyshift enables online rostering, shift planning, and staff management with real-time updates and analytics. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
Deputy offers comprehensive employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools for managing shift-based workforces.
When I Work provides intuitive scheduling software with shift trading, availability management, and mobile notifications for teams.
Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools optimized for small businesses and hourly workers.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, task management, and communication for frontline teams.
7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features for food service.
Sling offers simple, free scheduling software with reminders, labor cost tracking, and shift exchange capabilities.
ZoomShift provides affordable employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS verification and PTO management.
Workforce.com automates scheduling, timesheets, and payroll for hourly workforces with demand forecasting.
HotSchedules delivers scheduling and communication solutions tailored for restaurants and hospitality industries.
Findmyshift enables online rostering, shift planning, and staff management with real-time updates and analytics.
Deputy
enterpriseDeputy offers comprehensive employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools for managing shift-based workforces.
AI-driven Auto Schedule that generates optimal rosters using sales forecasts, employee preferences, and labor cost rules
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering and scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated roster generation, real-time shift swapping, and availability management to optimize workforce allocation. Additional features include time tracking, task assignment, compliance tools, and seamless mobile access for employees and managers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with AI-powered auto-rostering
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and shift management
- Extensive integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like forecasting
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-location setups
- Limited free trial duration and basic plan restrictions
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking scalable, automated rostering with compliance and forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $3/active user/month for Essentials (rostering basics), $5 for Plus (with forecasting and compliance), up to Enterprise custom pricing.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work provides intuitive scheduling software with shift trading, availability management, and mobile notifications for teams.
OpenShifts marketplace where employees can claim available shifts instantly
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build rosters, assign shifts via drag-and-drop, and automate scheduling while allowing employees to view schedules, request time off, and trade shifts in real-time. The software integrates time tracking, attendance monitoring, and team messaging to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for quick roster creation
- Robust shift trading and OpenShifts for employee self-management
- Comprehensive notifications via SMS, email, and push for better communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations locked behind higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams
- Occasional glitches in shift syncing across devices
Best For
Shift-based businesses with hourly workers, such as restaurants and retail stores, needing flexible employee-driven scheduling.
Pricing
Free for basic use (up to 75 users); Pro at $2/user/month; Elite at $3.50/user/month with advanced features.
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools optimized for small businesses and hourly workers.
OpenShift marketplace, where employees can view and claim available shifts in real-time
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop rosters, handle shift trades via an OpenShift marketplace, and track hours with geofenced time clocks. Additional features include payroll integrations, hiring tools, and compliance alerts, making it a versatile solution for hourly workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- OpenShift marketplace for easy shift claiming and trading
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to higher tiers
- Customization options for schedules are somewhat basic
- Geofencing and integrations can occasionally glitch
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses managing hourly shift workers who need affordable, straightforward rostering.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees, basic scheduling/time tracking); paid plans from $24.95/location/month (Essentials) to $99.95 (Enterprise).
Connecteam
enterpriseConnecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, task management, and communication for frontline teams.
AI-powered auto-scheduling that intelligently fills shifts based on employee preferences, skills, and labor laws
Connecteam is a comprehensive mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, with strong employee rostering and scheduling capabilities. Managers can use its drag-and-drop scheduler to build rosters, account for employee availability, handle shift swaps, and receive automated alerts for conflicts or overtime. It integrates rostering with time tracking, communication, and task management for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability and conflict detection
- Employee self-service for shift trades and requests via mobile app
- Integrated time clock with GPS and compliance tools tied to rosters
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced automation and reporting
- Pricing scales quickly for teams over 50 users
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm users seeking basic rostering only
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with deskless or hourly workers needing integrated scheduling, communication, and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), up to $99/month (Expert), with enterprise custom pricing.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance features for food service.
Predictive scheduling that auto-generates rosters based on historical sales and labor forecasts
7shifts is a restaurant-focused employee scheduling and workforce management software that simplifies roster creation, shift management, and labor forecasting. It offers tools for time tracking, team communication, and cost control, with seamless integrations to POS systems like Toast and Square. Ideal for multi-location restaurants, it helps optimize staffing based on sales data and ensures compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with auto-fill and sales forecasting
- Strong mobile app for employees to view shifts and clock in/out
- Excellent POS integrations for real-time labor insights
Cons
- Limited customization outside restaurant industry
- Higher tiers needed for advanced reporting
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers handling hourly shift workers who need sales-driven scheduling and labor cost controls.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually); Pro at $52.99; custom Elite plans.
Sling
specializedSling offers simple, free scheduling software with reminders, labor cost tracking, and shift exchange capabilities.
Real-time labor cost tracking that automatically calculates wages and overtime based on scheduled shifts
Sling is a cloud-based employee scheduling and roster software tailored for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create schedules, track time, and manage availability in real-time. It includes tools for shift trading, labor costing, and team communication via integrated messaging. The platform supports unlimited users on its free plan, making it accessible for small teams in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Built-in messaging and shift notifications to reduce communication silos
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise competitors
- Integrations are basic, lacking depth with major payroll or POS systems
- Customization options for schedules and templates are somewhat restricted
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like restaurants and retail needing simple, cost-effective rostering.
Pricing
Free plan for core features; Standard at $2/user/month (billed annually); Premium at $4/user/month with advanced tools like labor forecasting.
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift provides affordable employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS verification and PTO management.
Automated shift trade approvals with employee bidding for open shifts
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and workforce management software tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop rosters, track time and attendance, and facilitate shift trades and open shift filling via mobile apps. Additional tools include labor costing, PTO tracking, and task management to streamline operations for hourly workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust shift trading and open shift bidding features
- Affordable pricing with strong value for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Some integrations require higher-tier plans
- Mobile app can experience occasional sync issues
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly shift industries seeking an easy-to-use, budget-friendly roster management tool.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Basic), $3/user/month (Pro), $4/user/month (Plus); Enterprise custom pricing.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com automates scheduling, timesheets, and payroll for hourly workforces with demand forecasting.
Intelligent Award Engine that auto-interprets employment awards to ensure compliant rosters and minimize penalties
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering, scheduling, and shift management for industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail. It offers drag-and-drop roster creation, real-time updates, employee self-service via mobile app, and automatic compliance with labor laws and awards. Beyond rostering, it integrates time tracking, payroll processing, and leave management into a unified system.
Pros
- Advanced drag-and-drop rostering with skill-based matching and availability checks
- Built-in compliance engine for Australian awards and labor regulations
- Mobile-first employee app for shift swaps, availability updates, and notifications
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses or low-volume users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced compliance and automation features
- Strongest features tailored to AU/NZ markets, less optimized globally
Best For
Medium to large businesses in regulated industries like hospitality and healthcare needing compliant, automated rostering.
Pricing
Starts at ~AU$6.50 per active user/month for Essentials plan; scales to Premium (~$10+) and custom Enterprise pricing.
HotSchedules
enterpriseHotSchedules delivers scheduling and communication solutions tailored for restaurants and hospitality industries.
OpenShifts for real-time shift claiming and trading among employees
HotSchedules is a workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces in hospitality, retail, and similar industries, providing robust employee scheduling, shift management, and communication tools. It enables managers to build rosters with drag-and-drop interfaces, auto-scheduling based on availability and labor forecasts, and real-time notifications. Employees benefit from a mobile app for viewing schedules, trading shifts, and clocking in/out, while integrations with POS and payroll systems streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Employee self-service via intuitive mobile app
- Seamless integrations with POS, payroll, and forecasting tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional reports of app glitches or slow support
Best For
Multi-location hospitality and retail businesses with shift-based hourly employees needing advanced roster management and communication.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2-4 per employee/month plus base fees per location (starting around $50-100/month); free trial available.
Findmyshift
specializedFindmyshift enables online rostering, shift planning, and staff management with real-time updates and analytics.
Indefinite free plan for small teams with full core rostering features
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee rostering and scheduling software that enables businesses to create, manage, and share shift schedules efficiently using a drag-and-drop interface. It includes features like timesheet tracking, overtime alerts, employee availability management, and mobile apps for both managers and staff. Ideal for shift-based industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail, it supports communication tools and basic reporting to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 15 employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong mobile app for staff self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking an affordable, user-friendly roster solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 15 staff; Standard plan at $18/staff/month; Pro at $25/staff/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
The reviewed roster tools provide tailored solutions, with Deputy leading as the top choice, offering comprehensive scheduling, time tracking, and communication features. When I Work stands out for its intuitive interface and shift management, while Homebase excels as a free option for small businesses. Each tool meets distinct needs, but Deputy emerges as the best overall for its versatile capabilities.
Explore Deputy to streamline your workforce—whether managing shifts, tracking time, or enhancing team communication, its all-in-one approach simplifies operations for shift-based teams.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison