Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Comprehensive employee scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking software for modern teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Workforce management platform offering advanced scheduling, time clock, and labor cost control.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features.
- 5#5: Sling - Simple team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and messaging.
- 6#6: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tool.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS attendance verification.
- 8#8: Findmyshift - Online rota and shift planning software with employee self-service and reporting.
- 9#9: RosterElf - Automated rostering, timesheets, and payroll integration for Australian businesses.
- 10#10: ScheduleAnywhere - Flexible online scheduling software for employees, volunteers, and facilities.
Tools were selected based on a rigorous assessment of key features, including scheduling flexibility, integration capabilities, and user-friendliness, alongside reliability and overall value, ensuring relevance for diverse team sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top roster management software tools—such as When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, Connecteam, Sling, and more—providing insights to help readers find the right fit for their team's scheduling needs. It breaks down key features, usability, and resource allocation capabilities, streamlining the process of selecting software to optimize operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Comprehensive employee scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking software for modern teams. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Workforce management platform offering advanced scheduling, time clock, and labor cost control. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Sling Simple team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and messaging. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tool. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS attendance verification. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Findmyshift Online rota and shift planning software with employee self-service and reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | RosterElf Automated rostering, timesheets, and payroll integration for Australian businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ScheduleAnywhere Flexible online scheduling software for employees, volunteers, and facilities. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive employee scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking software for modern teams.
Workforce management platform offering advanced scheduling, time clock, and labor cost control.
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features.
Simple team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and messaging.
Restaurant-specific scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tool.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS attendance verification.
Online rota and shift planning software with employee self-service and reporting.
Automated rostering, timesheets, and payroll integration for Australian businesses.
Flexible online scheduling software for employees, volunteers, and facilities.
When I Work
enterpriseComprehensive employee scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking software for modern teams.
OpenShifts for effortless employee-to-employee shift trading without manager approval
When I Work is a leading cloud-based roster management software tailored for shift-based workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create, publish, and optimize schedules with drag-and-drop tools, auto-scheduling, and labor forecasting. Employees can view shifts, request time off, trade shifts via OpenShifts, and communicate instantly through the mobile app, ensuring seamless coordination and reduced administrative burden.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling and labor forecasting to optimize staffing and minimize overtime
- Robust mobile app for employees to manage shifts, trades, and availability on the go
- Integrated messaging and notifications for real-time team communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom integrations locked behind higher-tier plans
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for large teams with complex rules
- Limited offline functionality in the mobile app
Best For
Shift-based businesses with hourly workers needing flexible, mobile-first scheduling and self-service employee tools.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 staff; paid plans start at $2/staff/month (Essentials), $3.50 (Pro), up to $5+ (Elite) with annual billing.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management platform offering advanced scheduling, time clock, and labor cost control.
AI-powered Auto Schedule that intelligently fills rosters based on availability, skills, overtime rules, and budget constraints
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed primarily for roster management in shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create, publish, and adjust schedules with drag-and-drop tools, automate shift assignments based on employee availability and skills, and handle shift swaps via mobile approvals. The software also integrates time tracking, communication, and labor cost forecasting to streamline operations and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Robust mobile app for employee shift swaps and notifications
- AI-driven auto-scheduling optimizes labor costs and compliance
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing mobile-first roster flexibility.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Schedule plan); higher tiers like Plus ($5+) and Enterprise (custom) add features like forecasting and integrations.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication app for small businesses.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim and trade available shifts directly from the app
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly employees, specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It enables managers to build and manage rosters using a drag-and-drop interface, set employee availability, and facilitate shift trades through OpenShifts. The software also includes mobile time clocks with geofencing, messaging tools, and basic hiring features to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and availability integration
- Generous free plan for one location supporting up to 20 employees
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service including shift swaps and time punches
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and labor cost analytics limited to higher tiers
- Pricing scales per location, which can become costly for multi-site businesses
- Customization options for schedules are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses seeking affordable, user-friendly roster management for hourly teams.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month; Premium at $49.99/location/month (billed annually).
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features.
Employee-driven shift swapping and availability requests directly through the intuitive mobile app
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with robust roster management capabilities tailored for frontline and deskless teams. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability-based auto-scheduling, and real-time updates via a mobile app. Managers can assign shifts, track attendance, and handle requests like swaps or time-off seamlessly, while integrating with communication and task tools for comprehensive workforce oversight.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Mobile app enables employee self-service for shift viewing and swaps
- Automated notifications and availability matching streamline rostering
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to specialized tools
- Some premium features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Less ideal for very large enterprises needing deep customization
Best For
Small to medium businesses with frontline workers seeking simple, mobile-friendly roster management integrated with communication and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with custom Enterprise pricing; billed annually.
Sling
specializedSimple team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and messaging.
Unlimited free scheduling for teams of any size with real-time labor cost tracking
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling and roster management software designed for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage employee availability, facilitate shift trades, and track labor costs in real-time. Additional tools include time tracking, team messaging, and task assignments, making it a comprehensive solution for workforce coordination. The platform stands out for its free core features, supporting unlimited users and locations.
Pros
- Completely free core plan for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Integrated communication, shift trading, and labor forecasting
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind premium paywall
- Limited integrations with payroll or POS systems
- Customer support primarily email-based on free tier
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses seeking a free, straightforward roster management tool without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Free forever plan for basics; Premium starts at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tool.
Predictive scheduling that auto-generates rosters based on historical sales data and POS integrations
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, specializing in employee scheduling, roster creation, and shift management. It enables automated scheduling based on sales forecasts from POS integrations, facilitates shift trading among staff, and provides tools for time tracking, labor cost control, and team communication. Beyond rostering, it offers tip management, overtime alerts, and performance insights to optimize operations.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific scheduling with sales-driven forecasting
- Mobile app for easy shift swaps and clock-ins
- Seamless integrations with POS, payroll, and tip systems
Cons
- Less ideal for non-restaurant industries
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-locations
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking integrated scheduling and labor cost optimization.
Pricing
Free for single-location up to 20 employees; paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (billed annually), with Essentials at $39.99 and Ultimate at $59.99+.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking with GPS attendance verification.
OpenShifts marketplace where employees can browse and claim available shifts directly via the mobile app
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly workforces. It enables managers to create and share rosters, handle shift swaps and open shift claims via a mobile app, and monitor labor costs in real-time. The software also supports PTO requests, availability management, and basic forecasting, making it suitable for industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees to claim shifts and clock in/out
- Affordable pricing with strong labor costing tools
Cons
- Reporting capabilities are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
- Limited integrations with advanced HR/payroll systems
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in hourly-wage industries like retail and hospitality seeking simple, mobile-first roster management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 75 shifts (Jumpstart plan), scaling to $119/month for larger teams; billed per location with a 14-day free trial.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rota and shift planning software with employee self-service and reporting.
Real-time messaging and notifications that keep employees and managers instantly updated on schedule changes and communications.
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in roster creation, employee scheduling, and shift management for businesses like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, employee self-service portals for shift swaps and availability updates, real-time notifications, and integrated timesheets with payroll exports. The software supports multi-location rostering and mobile access, making it suitable for small to medium-sized teams needing efficient rota management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick roster building
- Strong employee self-service via mobile app for shift visibility and swaps
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer native integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Customization options can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare seeking simple, cost-effective roster management.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $17.50/user/month (Essentials, billed annually), $24.50/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
RosterElf
specializedAutomated rostering, timesheets, and payroll integration for Australian businesses.
Automatic award interpretation and compliance, ensuring rosters automatically adhere to Australian labor laws and minimum costs.
RosterElf is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for Australian businesses, specializing in shift rostering, timesheet management, and employee scheduling. It features drag-and-drop roster creation, automatic scheduling based on availability, skills, and compliance with local awards, plus mobile apps for staff self-service including shift swaps and timesheet approvals. The software integrates seamlessly with popular Australian payroll systems like MYOB, Xero, and KeyPay, streamlining operations for industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rostering with auto-fill capabilities considering availability, skills, and costs
- Strong Australian award compliance and payroll integrations (MYOB, Xero, KeyPay)
- Employee mobile app enabling self-service for shifts, timesheets, and communication
Cons
- Primarily focused on Australian market with limited international applicability
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Advanced analytics and reporting are basic compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare needing compliant, mobile-friendly shift scheduling.
Pricing
Pay-per-active-staff model starting at $4 AUD per rostered staff member per week; tiered plans (Starter, Pro, Enterprise) with weekly billing and no lock-in contracts.
ScheduleAnywhere
specializedFlexible online scheduling software for employees, volunteers, and facilities.
Multi-dimensional scheduling views that display rosters simultaneously by employee, position, location, and skills
ScheduleAnywhere is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for roster management in shift-based industries like healthcare, security, and hospitality. It enables managers to build schedules using drag-and-drop tools, track employee availability, handle shift trades and time-off requests, and generate compliance reports. Employees access schedules via a mobile app, clock in/out, and communicate directly with managers for seamless operations.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with skill-based matching
- Full-featured mobile app for employee self-service
- Detailed reporting for labor costs and compliance
Cons
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- Limited integrations with modern payroll/HR systems
- Advanced customization requires training
Best For
Medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy sectors needing reliable roster tools without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $25-40 per user/month depending on features and scale, with annual contracts.
Conclusion
After reviewing a spectrum of roster management tools, When I Work emerges as the top choice, boasting comprehensive features that cater to modern teams. Deputy follows closely with its advanced workforce management and labor cost control, while Homebase stands out as a free, user-friendly option ideal for small businesses—each offering distinct strengths to fit varied needs. Regardless of specific requirements, these top three tools deliver exceptional value, with When I Work leading the pack.
Explore When I Work today to unlock seamless scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking that keeps your team aligned and efficient, setting the standard for streamlined operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison