Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling software with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
- 3#3: Deputy - Workforce management platform for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, training, and time tracking features.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and hiring tools.
- 6#6: Sling - Free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software with PTO management and reporting.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Mobile scheduling and time tracking for hourly workers with payroll integrations.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling tool with messaging, time off requests, and mobile access.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online employee rostering software for shift planning, swaps, and notifications.
We ranked these tools based on core functionality (scheduling, time tracking, communication), user experience, reliability, and overall value, considering varied business sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top Employee Schedule Management Software tools, including Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, to guide readers in selecting the right solution. It highlights key features, user experience, and practical use cases, simplifying the process of finding software that fits team needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling software with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Workforce management platform for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, training, and time tracking features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and hiring tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software with PTO management and reporting. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Mobile scheduling and time tracking for hourly workers with payroll integrations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling tool with messaging, time off requests, and mobile access. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online employee rostering software for shift planning, swaps, and notifications. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
Employee scheduling software with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
Workforce management platform for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
All-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, training, and time tracking features.
Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and hiring tools.
Free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking.
Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software with PTO management and reporting.
Mobile scheduling and time tracking for hourly workers with payroll integrations.
Simple employee scheduling tool with messaging, time off requests, and mobile access.
Online employee rostering software for shift planning, swaps, and notifications.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
OpenShift feature, which allows employees to claim available shifts in real-time, reducing manager workload and improving shift fill rates
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed specifically for hourly employees in small to medium-sized businesses, such as restaurants, retail, and services. It streamlines employee scheduling by allowing managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, auto-fill shifts based on availability, and handle shift trades or time-off requests seamlessly. The software also integrates time tracking, team communication, hiring, and performance tools to reduce administrative burdens and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time notifications and auto-scheduling based on labor costs and availability
- Robust mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, request swaps, and communicate instantly
- Generous free plan that includes core scheduling and time tracking for one location, with seamless scalability
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting features are limited to higher-tier paid plans
- Integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks or Gusto are strong but may require setup for non-standard workflows
- Best suited for hourly workforces; less ideal for salaried or complex enterprise-level needs
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly workers in shift-based industries like hospitality and retail seeking an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling and time tracking (1 location); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month; Premium at $49.99+ for advanced features like hiring and performance tools.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
OpenShifts for effortless employee-to-employee shift trading and coverage requests
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, assign, and manage schedules efficiently. It offers features like shift trading, time-off requests, availability management, and real-time notifications via a robust mobile app. The software integrates with payroll systems and supports teams in industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare, streamlining communication and reducing scheduling conflicts.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- AI-powered auto-scheduling to optimize labor costs
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like forecasting
- Limited customization for very large enterprises
- Occasional glitches in mobile notifications reported by users
Best For
Shift-based small to mid-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing mobile-first scheduling and employee empowerment.
Pricing
Free for basic use (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans start at $2/user/month for Essential, up to $8+/user/month for Pro with advanced features.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management platform for scheduling, time & attendance, and labor compliance.
AI-powered scheduling optimizer that forecasts demand and minimizes labor costs
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for shift-based industries. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift assignments, and employee self-service via a mobile app for swap requests and availability updates. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll, POS, and other HR tools to optimize labor costs and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-management
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with user count and add-ons
- Initial setup and customization can have a learning curve
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing real-time scheduling and labor cost control.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually); higher tiers like Plus ($5+) and Enterprise (custom) unlock advanced features.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee app with scheduling, communication, training, and time tracking features.
Shift Swap Marketplace, allowing employees to trade shifts peer-to-peer with manager approval for ultimate flexibility
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform with powerful employee scheduling tools tailored for deskless and frontline teams. Managers can use its drag-and-drop scheduler to create shifts, set recurring templates, manage availability, and automate assignments based on skills and preferences. Employees access schedules via an intuitive app, request swaps through a built-in marketplace, and receive real-time updates, integrating seamlessly with time tracking and communication features.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and templates
- Employee self-service via mobile app for shift swaps and availability
- Real-time notifications and conflict detection to reduce no-shows
Cons
- All-in-one focus can feel bloated for scheduling-only needs
- Advanced automations and reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses managing hourly, deskless workers who need mobile scheduling integrated with communication and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (annual billing) for the Basic plan with core scheduling, up to $99/month per user location for Enterprise features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and hiring tools.
Sales-driven auto-scheduling via POS integrations for precise labor forecasting
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and real-time communication via a mobile app for employees. The software integrates with POS systems like Toast and Square to enable sales-driven forecasting and automated scheduling adjustments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with shift trading and availability management
- Seamless POS integrations for accurate labor forecasting and cost control
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and team communication
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, limiting versatility for other industries
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional glitches in mobile time clock during peak hours
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking industry-specific scheduling and labor management to minimize costs and overtime.
Pricing
Free plan for single locations (up to 75 shifts/month); paid plans start at $29.99 per location/month for Premium, $49.99 for Advanced, with Enterprise custom pricing.
Sling
specializedFree employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking.
Unlimited free scheduling for employees and multiple locations
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling managers to create, share, and manage shifts via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports features like shift trading, availability collection, labor cost tracking, and integrated team messaging to streamline operations. The software also includes time clock functionality and mobile apps for real-time updates, making it ideal for industries like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile accessibility
- Built-in shift swapping, messaging, and basic time tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and integrations in free tier
- Premium features required for labor forecasting and detailed analytics
- Occasional performance issues with very large teams
Best For
Small businesses and teams in hourly industries like restaurants or retail seeking affordable, straightforward scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; Premium at $2/user/month for advanced tools like labor forecasting.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time clock software with PTO management and reporting.
Employee-initiated shift trading and swaps with manager approval
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly or shift-based workforces. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track time and attendance via mobile clock-in, handle PTO requests, and facilitate shift trades between employees. The platform also offers labor cost forecasting and team messaging to streamline operations and reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, restaurants, or field services needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at $1 per active employee/month (Pro) with Enterprise options available.
Workforce.com
enterpriseMobile scheduling and time tracking for hourly workers with payroll integrations.
AI-powered Now platform for real-time scheduling adjustments and predictive labor insights
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and compliance for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and construction. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, auto-scheduling algorithms, shift templates, and real-time updates to optimize labor costs and fill shifts efficiently. The employee-facing mobile app supports self-service features like shift swaps, time-off requests, and geofenced clock-ins for seamless operations.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling and overtime forecasting tools reduce manual effort
- Strong mobile app with geofencing and self-service for employees
- Built-in compliance features for labor laws and wage rules
Cons
- Pricing scales with active users and can get expensive for small teams
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-location setups
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses with hourly, shift-based workforces needing advanced scheduling and compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$3 per active user/month for Essentials plan, scaling to $6+ for Advanced/Ultimate with more features.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling tool with messaging, time off requests, and mobile access.
Employee-driven shift trading and availability submissions via mobile app with manager approval workflows
Agendrix is an employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, forecast labor needs, and manage shift trades. Employees benefit from a mobile app for viewing schedules, submitting availability, requesting time off, and clocking in/out. It also includes communication tools, time tracking, and basic reporting to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Integrated time clock and notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active user/month (billed annually) for basic scheduling, up to $4/user/month for full features including time tracking and advanced tools.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline employee rostering software for shift planning, swaps, and notifications.
Automated shift pattern templates and real-time conflict detection for effortless roster creation
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software designed to help businesses create, manage, and communicate shift rosters efficiently. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, leave management, and employee self-service features via a mobile app. The platform supports industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare by automating schedules, handling shift swaps, and integrating with payroll systems.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with strong value for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick scheduling
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Integrations are basic, lacking depth with some major payroll providers
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and hospitality seeking cost-effective, straightforward scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $22/month for up to 10 employees per location, with tiered plans scaling by user count and features; free trial available.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top tools, Homebase leads as the best choice, offering free, comprehensive features for small businesses. When I Work and Deputy shine as strong alternatives—With shift trades and mobile alerts, When I Work excels for flexibility, while Deputy suits all-in-one workforce management. These tools show the right software simplifies scheduling in diverse ways.
Don’t wait—try Homebase today to unlock free, intuitive tools that make team scheduling easy and stress-free.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison