Quick Overview
- 1#1: 7shifts - Comprehensive restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and POS integrations to optimize workforce management.
- 2#2: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for hourly restaurant teams with geofencing and compliance features.
- 3#3: Fourth - Enterprise-grade workforce management platform for restaurants offering advanced scheduling, labor optimization, and analytics.
- 4#4: When I Work - Flexible employee scheduling app with shift trades, availability management, and mobile time clock for restaurant staff.
- 5#5: Deputy - Shift scheduling and attendance software with forecasting, messaging, and integrations tailored for restaurant operations.
- 6#6: Sling - Affordable team scheduling tool with reminders, shift notes, and labor cost tracking for small restaurants.
- 7#7: Connecteam - All-in-one app for frontline workers providing scheduling, task management, and communication for restaurant teams.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software with overtime alerts and payroll integration for restaurants.
- 9#9: Schedulefly - Simple, no-fee scheduling platform designed specifically for independent restaurants and small teams.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Employee scheduling software with automated reminders, availability requests, and team messaging for hospitality businesses.
Tools were evaluated and ranked based on features like labor forecasting, integration capabilities, ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to the unique needs of restaurants, from small independent businesses to large chains.
Comparison Table
Navigate restaurant workforce management with a detailed comparison of leading employee scheduling software, including 7shifts, Homebase, Fourth, When I Work, Deputy, and more. This table highlights key features, pricing models, and usability to help you identify the best solution for your team’s size and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7shifts Comprehensive restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and POS integrations to optimize workforce management. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for hourly restaurant teams with geofencing and compliance features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Fourth Enterprise-grade workforce management platform for restaurants offering advanced scheduling, labor optimization, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Flexible employee scheduling app with shift trades, availability management, and mobile time clock for restaurant staff. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Shift scheduling and attendance software with forecasting, messaging, and integrations tailored for restaurant operations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sling Affordable team scheduling tool with reminders, shift notes, and labor cost tracking for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Connecteam All-in-one app for frontline workers providing scheduling, task management, and communication for restaurant teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software with overtime alerts and payroll integration for restaurants. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Schedulefly Simple, no-fee scheduling platform designed specifically for independent restaurants and small teams. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Employee scheduling software with automated reminders, availability requests, and team messaging for hospitality businesses. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and POS integrations to optimize workforce management.
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for hourly restaurant teams with geofencing and compliance features.
Enterprise-grade workforce management platform for restaurants offering advanced scheduling, labor optimization, and analytics.
Flexible employee scheduling app with shift trades, availability management, and mobile time clock for restaurant staff.
Shift scheduling and attendance software with forecasting, messaging, and integrations tailored for restaurant operations.
Affordable team scheduling tool with reminders, shift notes, and labor cost tracking for small restaurants.
All-in-one app for frontline workers providing scheduling, task management, and communication for restaurant teams.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software with overtime alerts and payroll integration for restaurants.
Simple, no-fee scheduling platform designed specifically for independent restaurants and small teams.
Employee scheduling software with automated reminders, availability requests, and team messaging for hospitality businesses.
7shifts
specializedComprehensive restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and POS integrations to optimize workforce management.
AI-powered Smart Schedules that automatically optimize shifts based on sales forecasts, availability, and labor budgets
7shifts is a leading employee scheduling and workforce management platform tailored specifically for restaurants and hospitality businesses. It streamlines shift creation, time tracking, team communication, and labor cost forecasting to help managers optimize staffing and reduce overtime. Additional tools include shift trades, tip tracking, payroll integrations, and a mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in/out seamlessly.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like labor forecasting and tip pooling
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Robust mobile app and real-time notifications for team communication
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced reporting and integrations
- Occasional glitches in shift trade approvals during peak usage
- Steep initial setup for multi-location chains
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking all-in-one scheduling to control labor costs and improve operational efficiency.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling; paid plans start at $2.99/active employee/month (Essentials) up to $5.99 (Pro) with custom enterprise options.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for hourly restaurant teams with geofencing and compliance features.
OpenShifts feature that automatically fills unfilled shifts based on employee availability and preferences
Homebase is an all-in-one employee scheduling and management platform tailored for small businesses like restaurants, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking. It includes geofenced time clocks, team messaging, payroll integration, and hiring tools to streamline restaurant operations. Managers can forecast labor costs, handle availability requests, and ensure compliance with labor laws effortlessly.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and shift reminders
- Free plan for single-location restaurants with core features
- Geofenced time tracking and seamless payroll integrations reduce errors
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrades
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
- Mobile app can occasionally lag during peak usage
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking affordable, user-friendly scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials from $29.99/location/month (20 employees), Plus $59.99+ for more features.
Fourth
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management platform for restaurants offering advanced scheduling, labor optimization, and analytics.
AI-powered Optimum Labour forecasting that uses historical sales data and POS integrations to predict and optimize staffing needs
Fourth is a robust workforce management platform designed specifically for restaurants and hospitality businesses, focusing on optimizing labor through intelligent scheduling. It integrates sales forecasting from POS systems to automatically generate efficient schedules, reducing overstaffing and labor costs. The software also handles time tracking, compliance with labor laws, and employee self-service via a mobile app, making it a comprehensive solution for multi-location operations.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven labor forecasting integrated with POS data for precise scheduling
- Drag-and-drop scheduling interface with shift templates and auto-fill capabilities
- Strong compliance tools including break management and wage compliance tracking
Cons
- Higher cost structure suited more for mid-to-large chains than small independents
- Initial setup and customization can require significant time and training
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some advanced editing features available on desktop
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups needing integrated forecasting and scheduling to control labor costs across operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $100-200 per location/month, depending on employees and features; requires a demo for quotes.
When I Work
specializedFlexible employee scheduling app with shift trades, availability management, and mobile time clock for restaurant staff.
Employee shift trading board that allows staff to swap shifts directly without manager approval
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for hourly workforces, enabling restaurant managers to create, publish, and manage shifts efficiently. It offers features like shift trading, availability requests, time tracking, and mobile notifications to reduce scheduling conflicts and no-shows. The software integrates communication tools for team updates and supports multiple locations, making it suitable for restaurants handling variable shifts.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Real-time notifications and availability management reduce no-shows
- Free plan available for small teams up to 75 users
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Integrations with restaurant POS systems are basic
- Customer support response times can vary for free users
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants with hourly staff needing simple, mobile-first scheduling and shift flexibility.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users at one location; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential), $3.50/user/month (Plus), up to $6.50/user/month (Pro), billed annually.
Deputy
specializedShift scheduling and attendance software with forecasting, messaging, and integrations tailored for restaurant operations.
Auto-scheduling that intelligently matches employee availability, skills, and labor forecasts
Deputy is a versatile workforce management software tailored for shift-based industries like restaurants, enabling managers to create, assign, and publish schedules efficiently. It offers time tracking, labor forecasting, shift swaps, and real-time notifications to optimize staffing and control costs. The platform's mobile app allows employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate seamlessly, supporting compliance with labor laws globally.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Powerful mobile app for employee self-service
- Labor cost forecasting and real-time compliance alerts
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for small teams
- Some restaurant-specific integrations require add-ons
- Advanced reporting limited in base plans
Best For
Medium-sized restaurants with shift-based staff needing reliable scheduling, time tracking, and cost control across multiple locations.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for Essentials; higher tiers like Plus ($5/user/month) and Enterprise custom pricing include more features.
Sling
specializedAffordable team scheduling tool with reminders, shift notes, and labor cost tracking for small restaurants.
Integrated labor cost calculator that updates in real-time as schedules change
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for restaurants and similar businesses, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track labor costs in real-time, and handle shift trades or availability requests seamlessly. It includes built-in time clocking, team messaging, and task management to streamline operations and reduce overtime expenses. With mobile apps for both managers and employees, it supports multi-location scheduling and basic integrations with POS and payroll systems.
Pros
- Generous free plan for unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile accessibility
- Real-time labor cost tracking to optimize restaurant profitability
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in free tier
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurant managers seeking an affordable, straightforward scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling; Premium plans start at $1.70/active user/month (billed annually) for advanced features like forecasting and unlimited integrations.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one app for frontline workers providing scheduling, task management, and communication for restaurant teams.
All-in-one mobile platform combining scheduling with real-time chat, GPS time tracking, and digital checklists for complete restaurant shift management.
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for frontline workers, including restaurant staff, offering robust employee scheduling tools to create shifts, manage availability, and handle shift trades. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, GPS attendance, communication channels, and task assignments to streamline restaurant operations. Beyond basic scheduling, it supports training modules and performance insights, making it suitable for multi-location restaurants managing hourly teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with employee availability and preferences
- Seamless mobile app for shift viewing, swaps, and confirmations
- Built-in time clock with geofencing to prevent buddy punching in restaurants
Cons
- Overkill for restaurants needing only core scheduling without extras
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams beyond 30 users
- Limited advanced labor forecasting compared to restaurant-specific tools like 7shifts
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one app for scheduling, communication, and time tracking rather than a standalone scheduler.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for the first 30 users (Basic), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user scaling thereafter; 14-day free trial.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software with overtime alerts and payroll integration for restaurants.
OpenShift bidding, where employees can claim available shifts in real-time via app notifications
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in restaurants and similar industries, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades, and track time via mobile clock-in. It includes labor cost forecasting, team messaging, and availability-based auto-scheduling to optimize staffing. The software emphasizes simplicity and affordability for small to mid-sized operations managing shift-based teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins with geofencing
- Affordable pricing with unlimited scheduling for small teams
Cons
- Limited integrations with POS or payroll systems
- Basic reporting lacks advanced restaurant-specific analytics
- Occasional glitches in shift notifications reported by users
Best For
Small to medium restaurants with hourly shift workers seeking straightforward, budget-friendly scheduling without needing enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Free for single-location use; paid plans start at $29/month per location (Starter) up to $119/month (Enterprise), with per-user scaling on higher tiers.
Schedulefly
specializedSimple, no-fee scheduling platform designed specifically for independent restaurants and small teams.
Fully email-driven shift claiming and trading, enabling participation without accounts or apps
Schedulefly is a simple, email-centric scheduling software tailored for small restaurants and hospitality businesses. Managers create schedules on a web dashboard and distribute them via email, while employees reply directly to claim shifts, request time off, or trade shifts without needing logins or apps. It prioritizes ease over advanced features, making it suitable for teams avoiding complex tools.
Pros
- Incredibly simple email-based workflow requires no employee training or app downloads
- Affordable flat pricing with unlimited employees per location
- Reliable for basic shift scheduling, availability, and time-off requests
Cons
- Lacks mobile app, making it inconvenient for on-the-go access
- No advanced features like labor forecasting, payroll integration, or reporting
- Basic web interface feels dated and lacks customization
Best For
Small restaurants with 5-25 employees seeking a low-cost, no-frills scheduling tool without tech barriers.
Pricing
$30/month per location (unlimited employees); free 14-day trial, no contracts.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling software with automated reminders, availability requests, and team messaging for hospitality businesses.
Employee-driven shift trading and availability matching that reduces manager workload through self-service approvals
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for employee scheduling, particularly suited for shift-based industries like restaurants. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage employee availability, handle shift trades, and track time with geofencing via a mobile app. The software also supports team communication, absence requests, and basic payroll integrations to streamline operations for small to medium-sized teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and time tracking
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for large-scale restaurants
- Fewer industry-specific integrations (e.g., POS systems) compared to competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex shift patterns
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking a straightforward, cost-effective scheduling solution without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro plan at $2.95/user/month (billed annually); Advanced at $4.95/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
After reviewing 10 standout scheduling tools, 7shifts emerges as the top choice, offering unmatched labor forecasting, tip pooling, and POS integrations to optimize workforce management. Homebase and Fourth also excel—Homebase with free, geofencing-enabled features for small teams, and Fourth with enterprise-grade analytics for larger operations. Each tool provides distinct value, ensuring there’s a solution for nearly every restaurant setup.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your scheduling process—7shifts’ comprehensive capabilities make it the ideal starting point for transforming how you manage your team. Explore it today to experience smoother operations and happier staff.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison