Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy provides advanced employee scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking for efficient roster management across industries.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work offers intuitive scheduling tools for creating rosters, handling shift trades, and communicating with teams seamlessly.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers free scheduling software with automated rosters, time clocks, and messaging for small businesses.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one app with drag-and-drop scheduling for building rosters, assigning shifts, and tracking attendance.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant rostering with labor forecasting, shift management, and tip tracking features.
- 6#6: Workforce.com - Workforce.com automates scheduling, compliance, and payroll integration for scalable roster planning.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift enables easy online scheduling, overtime alerts, and mobile time tracking for roster optimization.
- 8#8: Sling - Sling provides free team scheduling with conflict detection, reminders, and availability management for rosters.
- 9#9: Shiftboard - Shiftboard supports complex rostering for large teams with bid systems, forecasting, and real-time updates.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Findmyshift offers cloud-based rostering with staff availability, holiday tracking, and cost calculations.
These tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth (scheduling, automation, communication), ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of teams across sectors.
Comparison Table
Dive into our comparison table of top roster planning software, featuring tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, to explore key features, usability, and business fit. This overview breaks down essential capabilities, pricing, and user experiences to simplify finding the right solution for scheduling needs, whether for small teams or larger operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy provides advanced employee scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking for efficient roster management across industries. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work offers intuitive scheduling tools for creating rosters, handling shift trades, and communicating with teams seamlessly. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers free scheduling software with automated rosters, time clocks, and messaging for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one app with drag-and-drop scheduling for building rosters, assigning shifts, and tracking attendance. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant rostering with labor forecasting, shift management, and tip tracking features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Workforce.com Workforce.com automates scheduling, compliance, and payroll integration for scalable roster planning. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift enables easy online scheduling, overtime alerts, and mobile time tracking for roster optimization. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Sling Sling provides free team scheduling with conflict detection, reminders, and availability management for rosters. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Shiftboard Shiftboard supports complex rostering for large teams with bid systems, forecasting, and real-time updates. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Findmyshift offers cloud-based rostering with staff availability, holiday tracking, and cost calculations. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
Deputy provides advanced employee scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking for efficient roster management across industries.
When I Work offers intuitive scheduling tools for creating rosters, handling shift trades, and communicating with teams seamlessly.
Homebase delivers free scheduling software with automated rosters, time clocks, and messaging for small businesses.
Connecteam is an all-in-one app with drag-and-drop scheduling for building rosters, assigning shifts, and tracking attendance.
7shifts specializes in restaurant rostering with labor forecasting, shift management, and tip tracking features.
Workforce.com automates scheduling, compliance, and payroll integration for scalable roster planning.
ZoomShift enables easy online scheduling, overtime alerts, and mobile time tracking for roster optimization.
Sling provides free team scheduling with conflict detection, reminders, and availability management for rosters.
Shiftboard supports complex rostering for large teams with bid systems, forecasting, and real-time updates.
Findmyshift offers cloud-based rostering with staff availability, holiday tracking, and cost calculations.
Deputy
enterpriseDeputy provides advanced employee scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking for efficient roster management across industries.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts optimal staffing based on historical data, sales trends, and demand patterns
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform specializing in roster planning and scheduling for shift-based industries. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs, manage shift swaps, and track time and attendance through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app. Additional features include compliance monitoring, cost tracking, and real-time communication to streamline operations and reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with skill-matching and labor forecasting
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps and timesheets
- Strong integrations with POS, payroll, and HR systems for seamless data flow
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features and larger teams
- Reporting customization can feel limited without Enterprise plan
- Occasional delays in customer support response for non-enterprise users
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or field services seeking comprehensive roster automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; Essentials from ~$3.50/active user/month, Premium ~$5.25, Enterprise custom with advanced features.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work offers intuitive scheduling tools for creating rosters, handling shift trades, and communicating with teams seamlessly.
OpenShifts, where managers post unfilled shifts for employees to claim based on availability and qualifications
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform that simplifies roster planning for businesses with hourly workers. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, set availability rules, and automate shift assignments while employees access shifts via a mobile app, request time off, and swap shifts with colleagues. It also includes time tracking, attendance monitoring, and team messaging to enhance operational efficiency and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Powerful mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Automated scheduling and overtime alerts to optimize labor costs
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher tiers
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
- Some integrations require premium add-ons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing flexible, mobile-first roster management for hourly teams.
Pricing
Free for single-location teams under 75 users; Pro at $2/active user/month; Advanced at $4/active user/month (billed annually).
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers free scheduling software with automated rosters, time clocks, and messaging for small businesses.
OpenShifts, where employees can view and claim available shifts directly via the app
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, with powerful roster planning tools at its core. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, automatic shift filling based on availability and forecasts, and features like shift trades and OpenShifts for employee self-management. Beyond rostering, it integrates time tracking, payroll, messaging, and hiring to streamline hourly workforce operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and labor forecasting
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Strong mobile app for shift claiming and communication
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and reporting limited to higher tiers
- Customization options can feel basic for complex multi-location needs
- Occasional app glitches with notifications and shift updates
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with hourly workers seeking affordable, mobile-friendly roster planning.
Pricing
Free for one location (scheduling and time tracking); Essentials $29.99/mo, Plus $59.99/mo, All-in-One $99.99/mo per location (annual billing).
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam is an all-in-one app with drag-and-drop scheduling for building rosters, assigning shifts, and tracking attendance.
Employee-driven shift trading and availability matching that reduces manager workload and improves roster flexibility
Connecteam is a comprehensive mobile-first workforce management platform designed for deskless and frontline teams, with robust roster planning tools including drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, and availability management. It enables managers to create optimized rosters, handle shift swaps and time-off requests, and ensure compliance through automated notifications and overtime alerts. The software integrates scheduling seamlessly with communication, time tracking, and task management for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with recurring templates and auto-fill options
- Strong employee self-service features for viewing rosters, requesting swaps, and updating availability via mobile app
- Integrated notifications, compliance tools, and analytics for better roster adherence
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size, potentially costly for large enterprises
- Lacks advanced AI-driven forecasting compared to dedicated roster specialists
- Full feature set can overwhelm users focused solely on basic scheduling
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with deskless teams seeking an all-in-one platform combining roster planning with communication and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for the first 30 users (Operations plan), $49/month for Expert, and custom Enterprise pricing.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant rostering with labor forecasting, shift management, and tip tracking features.
Sales-driven labor forecasting with direct POS integrations for predictive scheduling based on real-time restaurant data
7shifts is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, specializing in employee scheduling, roster planning, and labor cost optimization. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades and availability requests via a mobile app, and forecast labor needs based on real-time sales data from POS integrations. Additional tools include time tracking, team communication, and compliance features to streamline operations across single or multi-location restaurants.
Pros
- Robust scheduling tools with auto-scheduling and drag-and-drop interface optimized for restaurants
- Seamless POS integrations for sales-driven labor forecasting and real-time adjustments
- Strong mobile app for shift management, communication, and clock-ins on the go
Cons
- Primarily designed for restaurants, limiting versatility for other industries
- Pricing scales per location, which can get expensive for large chains
- Advanced features may require a steeper learning curve for new users
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of single or multi-location operations seeking industry-specific roster planning with labor forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), $59.99 (Pro), $119.99 (Elite); annual discounts available, free trial offered.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com automates scheduling, compliance, and payroll integration for scalable roster planning.
Demand-aware AI scheduling that auto-fills rosters using historical data, sales forecasts, and compliance rules
Workforce.com is an all-in-one workforce management platform specializing in roster planning for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, AI-powered auto-rostering that considers employee availability, skills, and labor forecasts, and real-time shift management with mobile notifications. Beyond rostering, it integrates time tracking, payroll, and compliance tools to streamline operations for medium to large teams.
Pros
- AI-driven auto-scheduling optimizes rosters based on demand forecasts and rules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with real-time collaboration
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Some integrations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses needing integrated rostering with time tracking and payroll.
Pricing
Starts at ~$4 per active user/month (billed annually), with custom enterprise pricing upon request.
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift enables easy online scheduling, overtime alerts, and mobile time tracking for roster optimization.
OpenShift marketplace where employees can browse and claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and roster planning for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop shift creation, automated scheduling, shift swaps via an open marketplace, and real-time communication tools to optimize workforce allocation. The software also integrates time tracking, geofencing for clock-ins, and labor costing to support efficient operations and compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Shift marketplace for easy employee swaps and claims
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and predictive analytics
- Reporting features lack depth for complex needs
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries needing simple, mobile-friendly roster planning without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 shifts/month; Basic at $1/active employee/month (min. $29); Pro at $2/active employee/month (min. $59); Enterprise custom.
Sling
otherSling provides free team scheduling with conflict detection, reminders, and availability management for rosters.
Free unlimited scheduling for single-location teams, including labor costing and shift management
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare, enabling managers to create rosters, manage shift trades, track availability, and monitor labor costs. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automated reminders, overtime alerts, and built-in team messaging for seamless communication. The free tier supports unlimited users at a single location, making it accessible for small teams, while paid plans add multi-location support and advanced reporting.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with unlimited users
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Integrated communication tools like messaging and newsfeeds
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and reporting in free tier
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Scalability challenges for very large or multi-location operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, simple roster planning tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for single locations (unlimited users); Standard at $1.70/user/month; Premium at $2.20/user/month for advanced features and multi-locations.
Shiftboard
enterpriseShiftboard supports complex rostering for large teams with bid systems, forecasting, and real-time updates.
OpenShifts marketplace allowing employees to browse and claim available shifts in real-time
Shiftboard is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage employee rosters efficiently. It supports features such as shift bidding, trading, time-off requests, and mobile access for employees to view and claim shifts. The software also includes labor forecasting and compliance tools to help optimize staffing and reduce overtime costs.
Pros
- Mobile-first app for easy employee self-service and shift claiming
- Robust shift trading and bidding system to fill gaps quickly
- Labor forecasting and demand-based scheduling tools
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise competitors
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
- Occasional glitches in mobile notifications reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in hourly shift industries needing straightforward, employee-empowering roster management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$2-5 per user/month; volume discounts available, free trial offered.
Findmyshift
specializedFindmyshift offers cloud-based rostering with staff availability, holiday tracking, and cost calculations.
Unlimited free scheduling tier with core rostering, timesheets, and messaging for teams under 10 employees
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in roster planning, allowing businesses to create, manage, and share employee schedules efficiently. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability tracking, and automated notifications to handle rotas seamlessly. The software also includes timesheet tracking, mobile clock-in/out, and basic reporting, making it ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Generous free plan for small teams (up to 10 users)
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick rostering
- Strong mobile app support for employee self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Basic customization options compared to enterprise rivals
- Reporting lacks depth for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries seeking affordable, straightforward roster planning without advanced complexities.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 staff; paid plans start at $24/month (11-25 staff), $35/month (26-50 staff), scaling up for larger teams with annual discounts.
Conclusion
The reviewed roster planning tools offer diverse strengths, but Deputy stands out as the top choice, combining advanced scheduling, shift management, and time tracking capabilities. Close competitors include When I Work, celebrated for intuitive team communication, and Homebase, a strong option for small businesses with free, all-in-one features. Each tool addresses distinct needs, yet Deputy’s comprehensive functionality makes it the clear leader.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your roster—try Deputy today and unlock streamlined scheduling that enhances team efficiency and workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison