Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering, shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling with shift trades, availability management, messaging, and labor forecasting.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase provides free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring rostering, task management, communication, and training capabilities.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts is restaurant-specific scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages tips, and handles shift communications.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling delivers free employee scheduling with labor cost controls, shift reminders, and team messaging features.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift enables easy online employee scheduling, time clocking, PTO tracking, and reporting for various industries.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Agendrix is collaborative scheduling software with mobile access, shift swaps, and integrations for team coordination.
- 9#9: Workforce.com - Workforce.com combines rostering, timesheets, award interpretation, and compliance tools for streamlined operations.
- 10#10: RotaCloud - RotaCloud offers rota creation, timesheet approvals, holiday booking, and payroll integration for UK businesses.
We selected these tools based on a blend of functionality—including scheduling flexibility, time tracking, and integration capabilities—along with usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse business sizes and industry needs.
Comparison Table
Rostering software streamlines team scheduling and management, with tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more at the forefront. This comparison table outlines their key features, pricing structures, and usability to help users identify the best fit for their team's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering, shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling with shift trades, availability management, messaging, and labor forecasting. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase provides free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring rostering, task management, communication, and training capabilities. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts is restaurant-specific scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages tips, and handles shift communications. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling delivers free employee scheduling with labor cost controls, shift reminders, and team messaging features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift enables easy online employee scheduling, time clocking, PTO tracking, and reporting for various industries. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Agendrix is collaborative scheduling software with mobile access, shift swaps, and integrations for team coordination. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Workforce.com Workforce.com combines rostering, timesheets, award interpretation, and compliance tools for streamlined operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | RotaCloud RotaCloud offers rota creation, timesheet approvals, holiday booking, and payroll integration for UK businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering, shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling with shift trades, availability management, messaging, and labor forecasting.
Homebase provides free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring rostering, task management, communication, and training capabilities.
7shifts is restaurant-specific scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages tips, and handles shift communications.
Sling delivers free employee scheduling with labor cost controls, shift reminders, and team messaging features.
ZoomShift enables easy online employee scheduling, time clocking, PTO tracking, and reporting for various industries.
Agendrix is collaborative scheduling software with mobile access, shift swaps, and integrations for team coordination.
Workforce.com combines rostering, timesheets, award interpretation, and compliance tools for streamlined operations.
RotaCloud offers rota creation, timesheet approvals, holiday booking, and payroll integration for UK businesses.
Deputy
specializedDeputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform specializing in employee rostering, shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
OpenShift, allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time for flexible, fair rostering.
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform focused on rostering and scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, automate rostering with AI-driven predictions, and handle real-time adjustments via mobile apps. Additional tools include time tracking, compliance alerts, and employee self-service for shift swaps and availability updates.
Pros
- Advanced AI auto-scheduling optimizes labor costs and demand forecasting
- Seamless mobile app for employee self-rostering and notifications
- Robust integrations with payroll, POS, and 100+ apps
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small teams
- Steep learning curve for complex multi-location setups
- Limited free trial duration and customization in basic plans
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare seeking automated, compliant rostering at scale.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essentials plan; scales to Enterprise with custom pricing.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling with shift trades, availability management, messaging, and labor forecasting.
OpenShifts feature, enabling employees to instantly claim available shifts via a digital marketplace
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It allows managers to build rosters, auto-schedule based on availability and labor needs, and handle shift trades or time-off requests seamlessly. The software also includes time clock, attendance tracking, and payroll integrations to streamline operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service including shift pickups and swaps
- Auto-scheduling and labor forecasting to optimize staffing
- Real-time notifications and team messaging for better communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom features locked behind higher tiers
- Customer support response times can vary
- Initial setup may require time for integrations
Best For
Shift-based businesses with hourly workers, such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare, needing mobile-friendly rostering.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; paid plans from $2/user/month (Essential) to $3.50/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Homebase
specializedHomebase provides free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time, boosting flexibility and fill rates
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on employee rostering, scheduling, and time tracking. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, auto-scheduling with labor forecasting, shift trading via OpenShifts, and geofenced time clocks to ensure accurate attendance. The software also includes team messaging, hiring tools, and payroll integrations, making it a streamlined solution for hourly workforces in retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Generous free plan for small teams up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in/out
- Integrated communication and shift trading to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Advanced analytics and forecasting locked behind premium plans
- Pricing model charges per location, which can scale costs for multi-site businesses
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise-level tools
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, and service businesses with hourly employees needing simple, mobile-first rostering.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $24.95/location/month, Premium $49.95, Elite $99.95 (billed annually).
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring rostering, task management, communication, and training capabilities.
AI-powered Smart Scheduling that automatically creates optimal rosters based on employee availability, skills, and historical data.
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform designed primarily for deskless and frontline teams, with robust rostering capabilities including drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability management, and auto-scheduling. Managers can assign shifts based on employee skills, preferences, and overtime rules, while employees access schedules, request swaps, and confirm availability via the intuitive app. It integrates seamlessly with time tracking, communication, and task management, providing a holistic solution beyond basic rostering.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with shift templates and recurring schedules
- Employee self-service for availability, shift swaps, and notifications
- Strong mobile app integration with time tracking and team chat
Cons
- Advanced AI scheduling and compliance features locked behind higher plans
- Overkill for businesses needing only pure rostering without extras
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams beyond 30 users
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly, deskless workers seeking an integrated app for scheduling, communication, and operations management.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), plus $0.50 per additional user/month; Enterprise custom.
7shifts
specialized7shifts is restaurant-specific scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages tips, and handles shift communications.
Sales forecasting from POS integrations that automatically generates optimal schedules to match projected demand
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, offering advanced rostering tools like drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, and labor forecasting based on sales data. It streamlines staff communication, time tracking, and payroll integration to reduce labor costs and improve operational efficiency. The software supports multi-location management and includes features like OpenShifts for employee-driven scheduling and compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Deep restaurant-specific features like POS-integrated labor forecasting and tip management
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and claim shifts
- Strong integrations with popular POS systems (e.g., Toast, Square) and payroll providers
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location operations
- Steep learning curve for advanced forecasting and reporting tools
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of single or multi-location operations seeking sales-driven scheduling and team communication.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essential plan); Pro at $43.99/location/month, Advanced and Enterprise custom pricing.
Sling
specializedSling delivers free employee scheduling with labor cost controls, shift reminders, and team messaging features.
Fully functional free plan supporting unlimited employees and locations
Sling (getsling.com) is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and services. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage employee availability, facilitate shift trades, track time, and communicate via in-app messaging. With mobile apps for iOS and Android, it supports real-time updates and labor cost forecasting, catering primarily to small to medium-sized teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core rostering tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated team chat and shift trading for efficient communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in free tier
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex multi-location needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a free, straightforward rostering solution without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free forever plan for unlimited users; premium Business plans start at $2/user/month (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift enables easy online employee scheduling, time clocking, PTO tracking, and reporting for various industries.
Open Shift Marketplace allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for shift-based businesses. It enables managers to build rosters with drag-and-drop tools, automate scheduling based on availability and forecasts, and facilitate shift trades via an open marketplace. The software also includes GPS-enabled time clocks, labor costing, and mobile apps for employees to view schedules and clock in/out seamlessly.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first interface
- Shift marketplace for easy employee shift trading and coverage
- Affordable pricing with strong core rostering and time-tracking features
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex needs
- Customer support response times vary for non-premium users
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality needing straightforward, mobile-friendly rostering.
Pricing
Starts at $29/location/month (Basic) + $1.50/user; Pro at $59 + $2.50/user; Elite at $89 + $3.50/user; 14-day free trial.
Agendrix
specializedAgendrix is collaborative scheduling software with mobile access, shift swaps, and integrations for team coordination.
Automated shift reminders and overtime predictions to prevent scheduling errors and compliance issues
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling and rostering software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage schedules with a drag-and-drop interface. It supports shift trading, time-off requests, and time tracking via mobile clock-ins, while providing notifications to keep teams aligned. The platform emphasizes simplicity and mobile accessibility for both managers and employees.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to view shifts and clock in
- Effective shift trading and availability management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Pricing scales per active user, which can increase costs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare needing straightforward, mobile-friendly rostering without complex features.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling; Premium at $2.95/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Workforce.com
specializedWorkforce.com combines rostering, timesheets, award interpretation, and compliance tools for streamlined operations.
Intelligent auto-rostering with built-in award compliance and labor costing optimization
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform specializing in rostering, scheduling, and time tracking for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop roster creation, automatic scheduling based on demand forecasting, employee preferences, and compliance with labor laws and awards, particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand. Additional features include real-time notifications, mobile clock-ins, and integrations with payroll systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Advanced compliance tools for awards and regulations
- Real-time forecasting and auto-scheduling capabilities
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Limited customization in reporting for some users
Best For
Medium to large businesses in regulated, shift-heavy industries needing compliant rostering and forecasting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $4-6 per user/month for core plans, scaling with features and business size.
RotaCloud
specializedRotaCloud offers rota creation, timesheet approvals, holiday booking, and payroll integration for UK businesses.
GPS and photo-verified mobile clock-in/out to ensure accurate timesheets and prevent buddy punching
RotaCloud is a cloud-based rostering software tailored for UK businesses, enabling easy creation of staff rotas, timesheet tracking, and holiday management through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It features a mobile app for employees to view shifts, clock in/out with GPS and photo verification, and request absences, while offering real-time notifications and integrations with payroll systems like Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks. The platform streamlines shift-based workforce management, reducing admin time and ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rota builder with auto-fill and skills matching
- Excellent mobile app with GPS/photo clocking to prevent time theft
- Seamless integrations with UK payroll providers
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with more staff members
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- UK-centric features may limit appeal for international users
Best For
Small to medium UK businesses in hospitality, healthcare, and retail needing straightforward shift scheduling and timesheet tracking.
Pricing
Starts at £29/month (Starter, up to 20 staff), £59/month (Pro, up to 50 staff), £99+/month (Enterprise), billed annually with per-staff scaling.
Conclusion
The best rostering software offers unique value, but Deputy stands out as the top choice—boasting comprehensive tools for scheduling, time tracking, and communication. When I Work and Homebase follow closely, each excelling in intuitive design, forecasting, and small business needs, respectively. Together, these options highlight the versatility of modern rosters, ensuring there’s a solution for nearly every workflow.
Don’t miss out—explore Deputy first to experience its seamless, all-in-one approach, and see how it can transform your team’s scheduling and productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
