Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that automates shift planning, facilitates team communication, and tracks time for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: Deputy - Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling app with time tracking, hiring, and performance tools designed for small businesses and hourly teams.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, communication, training, and operations management for frontline workers.
- 5#5: Sling - Affordable team scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking for any industry.
- 6#6: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling platform that optimizes labor costs, manages schedules, and integrates with POS systems.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling tool with auto-scheduling, time clock, and PTO management for small to medium teams.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling software with mobile app, availability checks, and overtime alerts for SMBs.
- 9#9: Workforce.com - Comprehensive workforce management system providing scheduling, time tracking, and analytics for enterprise-scale operations.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Flexible staff rostering software with drag-and-drop scheduling, messaging, and reporting features for various industries.
These tools were chosen based on a balanced assessment of core features, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits across scheduling, communication, and operations.
Comparison Table
Efficient personnel scheduling is crucial for smooth operations, and this comparison table explores leading tools like When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, Connecteam, Sling, and more, highlighting their key offerings and unique strengths. Readers will gain insights to match their team’s needs—whether focusing on real-time collaboration, easy shift customization, or mobile accessibility—simplifying the process of choosing the right software to enhance productivity.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that automates shift planning, facilitates team communication, and tracks time for businesses of all sizes. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for retail, hospitality, and healthcare. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling app with time tracking, hiring, and performance tools designed for small businesses and hourly teams. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, communication, training, and operations management for frontline workers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Sling Affordable team scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking for any industry. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling platform that optimizes labor costs, manages schedules, and integrates with POS systems. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling tool with auto-scheduling, time clock, and PTO management for small to medium teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling software with mobile app, availability checks, and overtime alerts for SMBs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Workforce.com Comprehensive workforce management system providing scheduling, time tracking, and analytics for enterprise-scale operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Flexible staff rostering software with drag-and-drop scheduling, messaging, and reporting features for various industries. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
Employee scheduling software that automates shift planning, facilitates team communication, and tracks time for businesses of all sizes.
Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Free employee scheduling app with time tracking, hiring, and performance tools designed for small businesses and hourly teams.
All-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, communication, training, and operations management for frontline workers.
Affordable team scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking for any industry.
Restaurant scheduling platform that optimizes labor costs, manages schedules, and integrates with POS systems.
Cloud-based scheduling tool with auto-scheduling, time clock, and PTO management for small to medium teams.
Simple employee scheduling software with mobile app, availability checks, and overtime alerts for SMBs.
Comprehensive workforce management system providing scheduling, time tracking, and analytics for enterprise-scale operations.
Flexible staff rostering software with drag-and-drop scheduling, messaging, and reporting features for various industries.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that automates shift planning, facilitates team communication, and tracks time for businesses of all sizes.
Employee-driven shift trades and open shift claiming via mobile app, reducing manager intervention.
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage schedules effortlessly. It supports features like shift trading, time-off requests, availability management, and integrated team messaging to reduce scheduling conflicts. The software also includes time clock, payroll integrations, and labor forecasting tools to optimize workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees to swap shifts and request time off
- Strong communication tools and integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Shift-based small to mid-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing mobile-first employee self-scheduling.
Pricing
Free for single-location teams up to 75 users; Professional plan at $2/user/month, Elite at $3.50/user/month (billed annually).
Deputy
specializedWorkforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Intelligent auto-scheduling with demand forecasting and labor cost optimization
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed primarily for shift-based businesses, offering robust employee scheduling tools to create, optimize, and manage rosters efficiently. It integrates time tracking, attendance monitoring, labor costing, and real-time communication via a mobile-first app, helping managers forecast demand and reduce overtime. The software supports compliance with labor laws and provides insights into workforce performance, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface with auto-fill and forecasting
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Advanced labor costing and overtime alerts for cost control
Cons
- Pricing scales with active users, which can add up for large teams
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Some integrations may need custom setup
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare that need mobile-accessible scheduling and time tracking to manage hourly workers efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Staff plan, annual billing); higher tiers like Manager ($4.50/user/month) and Enterprise (custom) unlock more features.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling app with time tracking, hiring, and performance tools designed for small businesses and hourly teams.
Forever-free plan including core scheduling, time tracking, and communication for single-location teams
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, forecast labor costs, and track attendance via mobile clock-ins with geofencing. The software stands out for its simplicity, making it ideal for hourly workforces in retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with unlimited employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Integrated time tracking with geofencing and payroll syncing
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to paid plans
- Scalability challenges for multi-location enterprises
- Customer support slower on free tier
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, food service, or hospitality needing affordable, easy scheduling.
Pricing
Free forever for 1 location (unlimited employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/month per location; higher tiers like Premium at $59.99/month.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, communication, training, and operations management for frontline workers.
Employee self-service shift swapping and availability-based auto-scheduling directly in the mobile app
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform designed primarily for deskless and frontline workers, offering robust personnel scheduling tools alongside communication, time tracking, and task management. It features a drag-and-drop scheduler, shift templates, auto-scheduling based on availability, and real-time notifications for shift changes or trades. Ideal for mobile-first operations, it integrates scheduling seamlessly with GPS-based time clocks and team chat to streamline workforce coordination.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile-first design
- Built-in shift trading and availability matching for employee self-service
- Seamless integration with time tracking and team communication
Cons
- Advanced automation and reporting limited to higher-tier plans
- Geofencing and compliance tools require premium subscriptions
- Less specialized depth compared to dedicated scheduling tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services managing deskless teams that need integrated scheduling with communication and attendance tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Premium for 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed annually with per-user scaling.
Sling
specializedAffordable team scheduling software with shift templates, reminders, and labor cost tracking for any industry.
Unlimited free scheduling for any number of locations, employees, and shifts
Sling is a mobile-first employee scheduling app tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades and availability, track time punches, and communicate via in-app messaging. The platform also offers task assignments and basic labor cost insights, making it efficient for coordinating teams on the go.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited employees and schedules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile accessibility
- Built-in shift swapping, reminders, and team chat
Cons
- Advanced labor costing and reporting locked behind premium paywall
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Primarily mobile-focused with no full desktop experience
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; Premium at $1.70-$2 per active user/month for advanced tools like labor forecasting.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling platform that optimizes labor costs, manages schedules, and integrates with POS systems.
Sales-driven labor forecasting with seamless POS integrations for predictive scheduling.
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor cost control, and team communication. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading among employees, and real-time notifications to streamline operations. The software integrates with popular POS systems to enable sales-driven forecasting, helping managers optimize labor based on projected sales volumes.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like labor forecasting and POS integrations
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and trade shifts
- Strong communication tools including messaging and announcements
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced analytics and multi-location support
- Occasional glitches in integrations with certain POS systems
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking an industry-specific solution for scheduling and labor management in single or multi-location operations.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 employees; paid plans start at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), up to $89.99 for Enterprise with advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling tool with auto-scheduling, time clock, and PTO management for small to medium teams.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts via a bidding system
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly workforces. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades, track attendance via mobile punch clocks, and monitor labor costs in real-time. The software supports features like PTO requests, messaging, and basic forecasting, making it suitable for industries with shift-based staffing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Real-time notifications and team messaging
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Customer support response times can vary
- Pricing adds up for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or restaurants needing straightforward shift scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month per location + $1.25 per employee/month (billed annually); free trial available.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling software with mobile app, availability checks, and overtime alerts for SMBs.
Built-in employee communication hub that integrates chat and announcements directly into the schedule view
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling software designed to streamline workforce management for shift-based businesses. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, availability management, and time tracking with a mobile app for employees. The platform also includes communication tools like chat and announcements to keep teams aligned.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick scheduling
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with good core functionality
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options could be more flexible
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing simple shift scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95/user/month (Basic, billed annually); Pro at $3.95, Advanced at $4.95, Enterprise custom.
Workforce.com
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management system providing scheduling, time tracking, and analytics for enterprise-scale operations.
AI-powered demand forecasting that automatically generates optimal schedules based on predicted business volume
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform specializing in personnel scheduling for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It provides automated drag-and-drop scheduling, shift bidding, and employee self-service via a mobile app, ensuring real-time visibility into availability, labor costs, and compliance. The tool integrates forecasting, time tracking, and fatigue management to optimize staffing efficiency across multiple locations.
Pros
- AI-driven demand forecasting for proactive scheduling
- Comprehensive employee self-service and shift swapping via mobile app
- Strong labor law compliance and multi-location support
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free trial and customization options
Best For
Medium to large businesses with hourly workers needing integrated scheduling, compliance, and forecasting tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $3–$5 per active user per month plus setup fees.
Findmyshift
specializedFlexible staff rostering software with drag-and-drop scheduling, messaging, and reporting features for various industries.
Employee-initiated shift swaps with manager approval via mobile app
Findmyshift is a cloud-based personnel scheduling software that enables businesses to create drag-and-drop rotas, manage employee availability, and track timesheets online. It supports shift swaps, overtime calculations, and communication tools like messaging and notifications to streamline workforce management. Ideal for industries like hospitality and retail, it offers mobile apps for both managers and staff to access schedules anytime.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile apps for employee self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations than enterprise competitors
- Occasional performance issues with large teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail and hospitality seeking simple, cost-effective scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 staff; paid plans start at $22/month for 11-20 staff, with pricing scaling by team size (annual discounts available).
Conclusion
The reviewed personnel scheduling software spans diverse needs, from automation and communication to compliance and affordability. Topping the list is When I Work, lauded for its robust shift planning, team connectivity, and versatile scalability. Deputy and Homebase follow as strong alternatives—Deputy excels in multi-industry workforce management, while Homebase suits small teams with its user-friendly free tools. Each offers unique strengths to enhance operational efficiency.
Ready to simplify your scheduling? Try When I Work to experience streamlined shift planning, seamless communication, and efficient time tracking—key steps toward optimizing your team's performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison