Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - When I Work provides employee scheduling, shift reminders, time tracking, and communication tools for hourly teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time clock, task management, and labor cost optimization for frontline teams.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication for small businesses.
- 4#4: Sling - Sling is an employee scheduling app with shift templates, notifications, and labor cost forecasting features.
- 5#5: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one app for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and employee communication.
- 6#6: Calendly - Calendly automates online appointment and meeting scheduling by sharing availability links with invitees.
- 7#7: Jobber - Jobber provides field service scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and customer management for home service businesses.
- 8#8: Housecall Pro - Housecall Pro streamlines field service job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments for contractors.
- 9#9: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
- 10#10: Acuity Scheduling - Acuity Scheduling enables online appointment booking, reminders, payments, and client management for service providers.
We ranked these tools based on features, usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the varied demands of hourly, frontline, service, and small business teams.
Comparison Table
Online job scheduling software simplifies team management, and this comparison table explores tools like When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, Sling, Connecteam, and more, outlining key features to help users find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work When I Work provides employee scheduling, shift reminders, time tracking, and communication tools for hourly teams. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time clock, task management, and labor cost optimization for frontline teams. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication for small businesses. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Sling Sling is an employee scheduling app with shift templates, notifications, and labor cost forecasting features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one app for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and employee communication. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Calendly Calendly automates online appointment and meeting scheduling by sharing availability links with invitees. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Jobber Jobber provides field service scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and customer management for home service businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Housecall Pro Housecall Pro streamlines field service job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments for contractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Acuity Scheduling Acuity Scheduling enables online appointment booking, reminders, payments, and client management for service providers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
When I Work provides employee scheduling, shift reminders, time tracking, and communication tools for hourly teams.
Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time clock, task management, and labor cost optimization for frontline teams.
Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication for small businesses.
Sling is an employee scheduling app with shift templates, notifications, and labor cost forecasting features.
Connecteam is an all-in-one app for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and employee communication.
Calendly automates online appointment and meeting scheduling by sharing availability links with invitees.
Jobber provides field service scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and customer management for home service businesses.
Housecall Pro streamlines field service job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments for contractors.
7shifts specializes in restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
Acuity Scheduling enables online appointment booking, reminders, payments, and client management for service providers.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work provides employee scheduling, shift reminders, time tracking, and communication tools for hourly teams.
OpenShifts, an employee self-service feature allowing instant claiming of available shifts to fill gaps without manager intervention
When I Work is a leading cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It enables managers to create optimized schedules using drag-and-drop tools, auto-scheduling AI, and predictive demand forecasting. Employees access shifts via a highly rated mobile app, request time off, trade shifts, and clock in/out, while integrated messaging and alerts minimize no-shows and improve communication.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and AI-powered auto-scheduling save significant time
- Excellent mobile app with high employee adoption for shift swaps, time-off requests, and clock-ins
- Robust integrations with payroll, POS, and communication tools like Slack
Cons
- Pricing can add up for large teams with multiple add-ons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher-tier plans
- Occasional glitches in mobile notifications during peak usage
Best For
Shift-based businesses with hourly workers in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking mobile-first scheduling efficiency.
Pricing
Free for basic scheduling (up to 75 schedules/month); Employee Plus at $2/user/month; add-ons like OpenShifts ($2/user/month) and Advanced Scheduling ($35/location/month).
Deputy
enterpriseDeputy offers workforce scheduling, time clock, task management, and labor cost optimization for frontline teams.
AI-powered labor forecasting and intelligent auto-scheduling that predicts demand and fills shifts optimally
Deputy is a robust online job scheduling software tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build schedules quickly, forecast labor needs, and handle shift swaps via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Employees access shifts, clock in/out, and communicate through a highly rated mobile app, while integrated time tracking and compliance tools ensure operational efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful scheduling with forecasting and auto-optimization
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service and shift trading
- Strong integrations with payroll, POS, and compliance systems
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with user count and advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Limited free plan capabilities for larger teams
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses needing advanced workforce management beyond basic scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; scales to Enterprise with custom pricing.
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication for small businesses.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim, trade, or drop shifts in real-time via a self-service portal
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly employees, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and hiring tools. It simplifies shift creation, employee availability management, and shift trading via its OpenShifts feature. The software integrates with payroll providers and includes geofencing for accurate time punches, making it ideal for industries like retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile accessibility
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Built-in time clock with geofencing and payroll integrations
- OpenShifts for easy employee shift trading and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Some features like performance management require premium plans
- Customer support response times can vary for free users
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses managing hourly shift workers who need an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month (billed annually); Premium at $59.99/location/month with advanced hiring and performance tools.
Sling
specializedSling is an employee scheduling app with shift templates, notifications, and labor cost forecasting features.
Real-time labor cost tracking and forecasting directly within the scheduler
Sling is a free employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses, allowing managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track labor costs, and handle shift trades or time-off requests. It includes built-in team messaging, task assignments, and mobile apps for both managers and employees to access schedules on the go. Primarily targeted at small to medium-sized teams in retail, hospitality, and services, Sling emphasizes simplicity and cost control without requiring subscriptions for core functionality.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated labor cost tracking to optimize expenses
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations limited to paid upgrades
- Customization options can feel basic for larger enterprises
- Occasional mobile sync delays reported by users
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses like restaurants and retail stores seeking a free, user-friendly scheduling tool with cost management.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; Premium starts at $2/active user/month for advanced tools like detailed reports and unlimited integrations.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam is an all-in-one app for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and employee communication.
Smart Scheduling that auto-assigns optimal shifts using employee skills, availability, overtime rules, and labor costs.
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform with powerful scheduling tools tailored for deskless teams. It offers drag-and-drop shift planning, auto-scheduling based on availability, skills, and labor costs, plus features like shift swapping, time-off requests, and notifications. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, task management, and communication to streamline operations for non-office workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps and availability updates
- Seamless integration of scheduling with time clock, tasks, and team chat
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and optimization tools compared to specialized schedulers
- Pricing scales quickly for teams over 100 users
- Customization options for scheduling templates are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services managing hourly, deskless workers who need integrated scheduling and operations tools.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Basic ($29/mo for 30 users), Advanced ($49/mo), Expert ($99/mo), Enterprise (custom); billed annually per user.
Calendly
specializedCalendly automates online appointment and meeting scheduling by sharing availability links with invitees.
Intelligent Workflows that automate post-booking actions like email reminders, task creation, and CRM updates
Calendly is a leading online scheduling platform that allows users to create shareable booking links for meetings, appointments, or events based on real-time calendar availability. It integrates seamlessly with major calendars like Google, Outlook, and Apple, preventing double-bookings and handling time zone conversions automatically. Advanced features include team event types, workflows for notifications and follow-ups, and connections to tools like Zoom, Salesforce, and Stripe for payments.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive setup and user-friendly interface
- Strong integrations with calendars, video tools, and CRMs
- Flexible event types including one-on-one, group, and collective scheduling
Cons
- Free plan lacks key features like unlimited event types and removals
- No native payment processing without add-ons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced team and workflow capabilities
Best For
Professionals, consultants, and small teams who need effortless external scheduling without constant email back-and-forth.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Essentials at $8/user/month, Professional at $12/user/month, Teams at $16/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Jobber
specializedJobber provides field service scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and customer management for home service businesses.
ClientHub: A self-service portal where clients can request jobs, approve quotes, view schedules, and pay invoices online.
Jobber is a comprehensive field service management platform designed for home service businesses like plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and cleaners. It provides robust online job scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, real-time dispatching, GPS tracking, and automated routing to optimize field operations. The software also integrates quoting, invoicing, payments, and CRM tools into a single dashboard, accessible via web and mobile apps for seamless team and client management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coding and team availability views
- Powerful mobile app for field teams with GPS tracking and job updates
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Google Workspace, and payment processors
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-location support require higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams, reducing value for solos
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized field service businesses (1-50 employees) seeking an all-in-one tool for scheduling, dispatching, and client billing.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Solo, 1 user), Core $129/month (up to 7 users), Connect $269/month (up to 30 users), Grow $469+/month (unlimited users); annual billing discounts available.
Housecall Pro
specializedHousecall Pro streamlines field service job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payments for contractors.
Live Dispatch Board with real-time GPS, ETAs, and intelligent job routing
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management software tailored for home service businesses like plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners. It provides robust online job scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, automated dispatching, recurring appointments, and customer self-booking via a branded portal. The platform also integrates invoicing, payments, CRM, and marketing tools to streamline operations from booking to completion.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling and dispatch board
- Strong mobile app for technicians with GPS tracking
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other tools
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly with additional users and features
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Some users report occasional sync issues between web and mobile
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service businesses needing integrated scheduling, dispatching, and customer management.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Basic, billed annually) for solo users, Essentials at $165/month, MAX at $265/month; additional users $35-65/month each.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant employee scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on historical sales data
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, and team communication. It helps managers create optimized schedules based on sales forecasts, manage shift trades and availability, and track labor costs in real-time. The software integrates with popular POS systems and includes mobile apps for both managers and employees to streamline operations.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like labor forecasting and tip pooling
- Robust mobile app for shift management and clock-ins
- Seamless integrations with POS systems such as Toast and Square
Cons
- Limited applicability outside the restaurant sector
- Pricing can add up for multi-location businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced forecasting tools
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking industry-specific scheduling to control labor costs and improve operational efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), $49.99 (Pro), and custom enterprise plans; billed annually with a free trial.
Acuity Scheduling
specializedAcuity Scheduling enables online appointment booking, reminders, payments, and client management for service providers.
Advanced client intake forms that collect custom data before booking
Acuity Scheduling is a user-friendly online appointment scheduling platform that allows businesses to create customizable booking pages for clients to self-schedule services. It automates reminders via email and SMS, processes payments, and syncs with popular calendars like Google and Outlook. Owned by Squarespace, it supports features like group classes, recurring appointments, and intake forms, making it suitable for service-based professionals.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Robust customization for booking pages and forms
- Seamless integrations with Zoom, Stripe, and calendars
Cons
- Higher pricing for multiple staff members
- Limited advanced reporting in lower tiers
- No phone support, only email and chat
Best For
Small to medium service businesses like coaches, salons, and consultants needing branded, client-facing scheduling.
Pricing
Free for 1 calendar; paid plans from $16/mo (Emerging, 1 calendar) to $49/mo (Powerhouse, 6 calendars), billed annually.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span diverse use cases, from hourly teams to field service and small businesses. When I Work emerges as the top choice, excelling in employee scheduling, shift reminders, time tracking, and communication. Deputy and Homebase also stand out, offering strong alternatives for frontline and small business needs, respectively, catering to varied operational requirements.
For a seamless scheduling experience, try When I Work— its robust features are tailored to simplify hourly team management. Whether opting for the top performer or a specialized tool, these solutions provide reliable ways to streamline operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison