Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, messaging, and hiring tools for small businesses.
- 2#2: When I Work - Mobile scheduling app for shift trades, availability management, and team communication.
- 3#3: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management platform for scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, chat, and training modules.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting and tip management.
- 6#6: Sling - Affordable scheduling tool for creating shifts, tracking time, and reducing no-shows.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and attendance tracking with GPS and overtime alerts.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling with built-in messaging, timesheets, and availability tracking.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Online staff rostering software for managing schedules, holidays, and overtime.
- 10#10: UKG - Enterprise-grade workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling and analytics.
These tools were selected based on a focus on features, ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to small businesses, restaurants, and enterprises alike, with a strong emphasis on practicality and performance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key employee scheduling online software—including Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more—breaking down features, usability, and practical benefits to help readers identify the best fit for their business needs, whether small teams or larger operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, messaging, and hiring tools for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Mobile scheduling app for shift trades, availability management, and team communication. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management platform for scheduling, time tracking, and compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, chat, and training modules. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting and tip management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sling Affordable scheduling tool for creating shifts, tracking time, and reducing no-shows. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and attendance tracking with GPS and overtime alerts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling with built-in messaging, timesheets, and availability tracking. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Online staff rostering software for managing schedules, holidays, and overtime. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | UKG Enterprise-grade workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling and analytics. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, messaging, and hiring tools for small businesses.
Mobile scheduling app for shift trades, availability management, and team communication.
Comprehensive workforce management platform for scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, chat, and training modules.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting and tip management.
Affordable scheduling tool for creating shifts, tracking time, and reducing no-shows.
Cloud-based scheduling and attendance tracking with GPS and overtime alerts.
Simple employee scheduling with built-in messaging, timesheets, and availability tracking.
Online staff rostering software for managing schedules, holidays, and overtime.
Enterprise-grade workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling and analytics.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling software with time tracking, messaging, and hiring tools for small businesses.
Free forever plan with core scheduling, time tracking, and messaging for single-location teams
Homebase is an all-in-one employee scheduling and management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those with hourly workers. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking with geofencing, team messaging, shift trading, and integrations with payroll providers like Gusto. Additionally, it offers hiring tools, performance management, and compliance features to streamline operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong time tracking with geofencing and shift swapping
Cons
- Advanced features like AI scheduling locked behind premium plans
- Per-location pricing can add up for multi-site operations
- Limited custom reporting in the free tier
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses with hourly teams seeking an affordable, mobile-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan for one location; paid plans start at $29.99/month per location (20 employees) for Scheduling, $49.99 for Essentials, up to $99.99 for Elite.
When I Work
specializedMobile scheduling app for shift trades, availability management, and team communication.
Employee-driven shift swaps and open shift claiming via a built-in marketplace
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed to streamline shift planning, time-off requests, and workforce communication for hourly teams. It enables managers to build schedules quickly, while employees can view shifts, swap them with peers, and claim open slots via a intuitive mobile app. The software also integrates with payroll systems and offers real-time notifications to reduce no-shows and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile-first interface accessible on iOS and Android
- Robust shift trading and employee self-scheduling to minimize admin work
- Real-time notifications and messaging for seamless team communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for complex labor rules in basic versions
- Customer support can be slower for free plan users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare with hourly, shift-based workforces seeking mobile-friendly scheduling.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans start at $2/active user/month (Essentials), $3.50 (Plus), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management platform for scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
Intelligent labor forecasting and auto-scheduling that optimizes shifts against budgets and demand predictions
Deputy is a robust online employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage rosters with drag-and-drop tools and AI-driven optimization. It includes time tracking, attendance monitoring, shift swapping, and team communication features accessible via intuitive mobile apps for both managers and employees. The software excels in compliance, labor costing, and integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems, making it ideal for industries with variable staffing needs.
Pros
- AI-powered scheduling optimization reduces labor costs and predicts demand
- Comprehensive mobile app supports shift trading, clock-ins, and notifications
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems for seamless operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams and premium features
- Initial setup and customization can have a learning curve
- Customer support response times vary by plan tier
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing advanced forecasting and compliance tools.
Pricing
Essential plan at $3.50/active user/month (billed annually), Plus at $5.25, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial available.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, chat, and training modules.
Employee self-service portal for viewing schedules, requesting time off, and swapping shifts directly in the mobile app
Connecteam is a comprehensive mobile-first platform designed for managing deskless and frontline teams, with robust employee scheduling tools at its core. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, set shift templates, track availability, and automate notifications via SMS or app push. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, communication, and task management for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with employee availability integration
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps and requests
- All-in-one suite combining scheduling with time clock and communication tools
Cons
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for basic scheduling-only needs
- Advanced reporting and analytics lag behind specialized scheduling tools
- Pricing increases significantly with user count and premium add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with deskless teams seeking an integrated app for scheduling, communication, and workforce management.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Premium), $99/month (Enterprise), billed annually with per-user scaling.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting and tip management.
AI-powered labor forecasting that auto-adjusts schedules based on real-time POS sales data
7shifts is a robust employee scheduling software tailored specifically for the restaurant and hospitality industry, allowing managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, forecast labor needs, and track time-off requests. It includes time clock functionality, labor cost controls, team messaging, and integrations with major POS systems like Toast and Square for real-time sales-driven scheduling. The platform also supports tip pooling, performance reports, and mobile access for both managers and employees to streamline front-of-house operations.
Pros
- Industry-specific tools like POS integrations and labor forecasting optimize restaurant operations
- User-friendly mobile app for shift swaps and communication
- Comprehensive reporting on labor costs and employee performance
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant businesses
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and add-ons
- Steep learning curve for advanced forecasting features
Best For
Restaurant owners and multi-location chains seeking precise labor management tied to sales data.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $109.99 (Pro), with a free trial and per-user add-ons available.
Sling
specializedAffordable scheduling tool for creating shifts, tracking time, and reducing no-shows.
Completely free core scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
Sling is a user-friendly online employee scheduling software designed for shift-based businesses like restaurants and retail. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, track time, and communicate via in-app messaging. The platform also offers labor costing and availability tools in premium plans, making it suitable for streamlining workforce management.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling for unlimited users
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Built-in shift reminders, trades, and team messaging
Cons
- Advanced reporting and labor forecasting locked behind premium paywalls
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support primarily via email and tickets
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses seeking a simple, affordable scheduling tool without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling; Premium add-ons start at $2/user/month for advanced features like labor costing.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and attendance tracking with GPS and overtime alerts.
Advanced labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs and costs based on sales data and historical trends
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, edit, and publish schedules with drag-and-drop functionality. It includes time tracking via mobile clock-in/out, shift trading among employees, labor costing, and forecasting to optimize staffing. The platform also supports team communication through announcements and messaging, making it suitable for industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing scalable by team size
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile apps
- Effective labor costing and forecasting tools
Cons
- Reporting features lack depth compared to competitors
- Limited integrations with payroll and HR systems
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly scheduling solution without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starter plan at $2/user/month (billed annually, min 10 users), Pro at $3.25/user/month, Enterprise custom; free trial available.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling with built-in messaging, timesheets, and availability tracking.
Employee availability profiles that enable auto-scheduling and shift suggestions based on preferences and skills
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking with geofencing, shift trading, and employee availability management to streamline workforce planning. The platform also includes mobile apps for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate, helping reduce overtime and no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
- Affordable pricing with per-active-user billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting in base plans
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium businesses in shift-heavy industries needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95/active user/month (Essentials, billed annually), up to $4.95/user/month (Premium); 21-day free trial available.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline staff rostering software for managing schedules, holidays, and overtime.
Free forever plan with core scheduling features for small teams
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software designed to help businesses create, manage, and share shift schedules efficiently. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, time clock tracking, attendance monitoring, and employee self-service features through a mobile app. The platform supports communication tools like shift swaps and notifications, making it suitable for industries with variable staffing needs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee access and clock-ins
- Generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses or teams needing simple, affordable shift scheduling without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 15 employees; paid plans start at $22/month (Standard) and $44/month (Premium), billed annually.
UKG
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling and analytics.
AI-driven scheduling optimizer that predicts demand and auto-generates compliant schedules to minimize overtime and gaps
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) offers a robust cloud-based workforce management platform with advanced employee scheduling features tailored for enterprises. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, AI-driven demand forecasting, shift bidding, and automated compliance checks to optimize labor costs and coverage. The solution integrates seamlessly with UKG's broader HCM suite, including timekeeping and payroll, providing a unified view for managers and employees via mobile apps.
Pros
- AI-powered forecasting and optimization for efficient scheduling
- Strong compliance tools for labor laws and union rules
- Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and time tracking systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High cost with custom pricing
- Overly complex for small teams without dedicated IT support
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in retail, healthcare, or manufacturing with complex, multi-location scheduling needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10-25 per employee/month for scheduling modules, with enterprise bundles starting in the thousands monthly.
Conclusion
The 10 reviewed employee scheduling tools provide versatile solutions for diverse needs, but Homebase emerges as the top choice, excelling with free features, time tracking, and hiring tools for small businesses. When I Work and Deputy, our second and third picks, are strong alternatives—Each offers unique strengths, from mobile flexibility to comprehensive workforce management. No matter the business size or focus, these tools simplify scheduling, making efficient operations more achievable.
Begin optimizing your team's schedule today with Homebase: unlock free tools, streamline time tracking, and foster teamwork—all designed to help your business run smarter.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison