Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy provides mobile-first workforce management with automated shift scheduling, real-time communication, and time tracking for teams of any size.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling, shift swapping, and attendance tracking to keep teams organized and productive.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clocks, and hiring tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline workers.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools to optimize operations.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling provides simple, free employee scheduling with shift templates, reminders, and availability management for teams.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift offers affordable scheduling, GPS time tracking, and overtime alerts for hourly workforce management.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Workforce.com streamlines scheduling, timesheets, and payroll with AI-driven forecasting for global teams.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Findmyshift enables customizable rota creation, auto-scheduling, and mobile app access for multi-location businesses.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Agendrix simplifies shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking with a user-friendly interface for small to medium teams.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including feature robustness, user experience, performance reliability, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver consistent results across team sizes and sectors.
Comparison Table
Effective rota scheduling is key for businesses to manage teams smoothly, with tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more varying widely in features and usability. This comparison table outlines critical aspects such as shift management, communication tools, and scalability to help readers identify the best fit for their operational needs. Discover detailed insights into each software’s strengths, from user interface to integration capabilities, to simplify the decision-making process.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy provides mobile-first workforce management with automated shift scheduling, real-time communication, and time tracking for teams of any size. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling, shift swapping, and attendance tracking to keep teams organized and productive. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clocks, and hiring tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline workers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools to optimize operations. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling provides simple, free employee scheduling with shift templates, reminders, and availability management for teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift offers affordable scheduling, GPS time tracking, and overtime alerts for hourly workforce management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Workforce.com streamlines scheduling, timesheets, and payroll with AI-driven forecasting for global teams. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Findmyshift enables customizable rota creation, auto-scheduling, and mobile app access for multi-location businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Agendrix simplifies shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking with a user-friendly interface for small to medium teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
Deputy provides mobile-first workforce management with automated shift scheduling, real-time communication, and time tracking for teams of any size.
When I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling, shift swapping, and attendance tracking to keep teams organized and productive.
Homebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clocks, and hiring tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline workers.
7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools to optimize operations.
Sling provides simple, free employee scheduling with shift templates, reminders, and availability management for teams.
ZoomShift offers affordable scheduling, GPS time tracking, and overtime alerts for hourly workforce management.
Workforce.com streamlines scheduling, timesheets, and payroll with AI-driven forecasting for global teams.
Findmyshift enables customizable rota creation, auto-scheduling, and mobile app access for multi-location businesses.
Agendrix simplifies shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking with a user-friendly interface for small to medium teams.
Deputy
specializedDeputy provides mobile-first workforce management with automated shift scheduling, real-time communication, and time tracking for teams of any size.
AI-powered Demand Forecasting that auto-generates optimal rotas based on sales data and labor rules
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform focused on rota scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication, enabling managers to build, publish, and manage shift schedules efficiently. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automation rules, demand forecasting, and a mobile app for self-service shift swaps and availability updates. Designed for shift-based industries, it optimizes labor costs, ensures compliance with labor laws, and integrates seamlessly with POS and payroll systems.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with templates and automation
- Powerful AI-driven forecasting and auto-scheduling
- Robust mobile app for employees and real-time notifications
Cons
- Premium features require higher-tier plans
- Initial setup can be complex for large teams
- Pricing scales quickly with user volume
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services needing scalable, mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans from $3.50/active user/month (Essentials) up to Enterprise custom pricing, billed annually.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work offers intuitive employee scheduling, shift swapping, and attendance tracking to keep teams organized and productive.
OpenShifts, which lets employees claim available shifts in real-time via the app, reducing manual manager intervention.
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create rotas using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It facilitates shift trading, time-off requests, overtime alerts, and real-time communication through a mobile app accessible to both managers and employees. The software also integrates time tracking, labor forecasting, and basic reporting to optimize workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and auto-fill tools
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and notifications
- Seamless shift swaps and availability-based scheduling
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Per-active-user pricing can become costly for large teams
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare with hourly shift workers seeking mobile-friendly rota management.
Pricing
Free for single-location basic use; paid plans from $2/user/month (Essential) to $5/user/month (Pro), billed annually.
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers free employee scheduling, time clocks, and hiring tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
Unlimited free scheduling and time tracking for one location, ideal for startups and small teams
Homebase is a user-friendly workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in hourly sectors like retail, restaurants, and hospitality. It specializes in rota scheduling with drag-and-drop interfaces, shift trading, availability management, and automated notifications to streamline workforce planning. Beyond scheduling, it offers time tracking, team messaging, payroll integrations, and hiring tools, making it a versatile all-in-one solution for frontline teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for employees and managers
- Seamless shift trades and availability-based auto-scheduling
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and reporting in lower tiers
- Pricing scales per location, which can increase costs for multi-site businesses
- Some integrations and hiring features require paid upgrades
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with hourly workers seeking affordable, easy-to-use scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location (basic scheduling, time tracking); paid Essentials from $29.99/location/month (annual billing), Plus $59.99, and Premium $99.99+ with more features and employees.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and training features for frontline workers.
Auto-scheduling that intelligently fills rotas based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, and compliance rules
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform designed primarily for deskless and frontline teams, with robust rota scheduling tools including drag-and-drop shift planning, auto-scheduling, and availability-based rostering. It streamlines workforce management by integrating scheduling with time tracking, task assignment, and real-time communication features. The mobile-first approach ensures employees can easily view rotas, request swaps, and confirm shifts on the go.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler with auto-fill and template options
- Shift swapping, availability requests, and overtime alerts streamline operations
- Seamless integration of scheduling with time clock, chat, and GPS tracking
Cons
- Advanced automation and reporting locked behind Expert plan ($99+/mo)
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams beyond 30 users
- Overkill for pure scheduling needs without other management features
Best For
Frontline managers in retail, hospitality, or field services handling hourly shift workers who benefit from an integrated mobile app for scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed annually with per-user scaling for larger teams.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools to optimize operations.
Real-time labor forecasting integrated with POS sales data for predictive scheduling
7shifts is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, enabling efficient employee scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, and team communication. Managers can build rotas based on real-time sales data from integrated POS systems, set overtime alerts, and handle shift trades via a mobile app. It also supports tip pooling, payroll exports, and 24/7 messaging to streamline operations and reduce labor costs.
Pros
- Advanced labor forecasting using POS sales data
- User-friendly mobile app for employees and managers
- Seamless integrations with over 100 restaurant POS systems
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, less ideal for other sectors
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for multi-location businesses
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking intelligent rota scheduling with labor cost optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Elite), with custom Enterprise plans; unlimited employees included.
Sling
specializedSling provides simple, free employee scheduling with shift templates, reminders, and availability management for teams.
Unlimited free scheduling for any number of employees and locations
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. It enables managers to create rotas with drag-and-drop functionality, manage shift trades, track availability, and communicate via in-app messaging. Additional tools include time clock integration, labor cost tracking, and task management to streamline operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and schedules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile accessibility
- Integrated communication and shift reminder tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in free tier
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems than competitors
- Customization options for schedules can feel basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based teams seeking a simple, no-cost scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling; Premium add-ons start at $2/user/month for advanced features like detailed reports.
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift offers affordable scheduling, GPS time tracking, and overtime alerts for hourly workforce management.
Employee-driven shift trading with manager approval workflows
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create rotas, assign shifts, and track time via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports employee self-service features like shift trading, PTO requests, and mobile clock-ins, while providing labor cost insights and basic forecasting. Primarily aimed at hourly workforces in retail, hospitality, and healthcare, it streamlines rota management to reduce scheduling conflicts and overtime costs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust employee self-service for shift swaps and availability
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations with payroll and HR systems
- Reporting features can feel basic for larger operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail or hospitality seeking simple, mobile-friendly rota scheduling.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location (75 shifts/month); Pro starts at $29/location/month + $1.75/active employee/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com streamlines scheduling, timesheets, and payroll with AI-driven forecasting for global teams.
AI-driven auto-scheduling that factors in demand forecasts, employee skills, and availability for optimal rotas
Workforce.com is an all-in-one workforce management platform specializing in rota scheduling for industries like hospitality and retail. It offers drag-and-drop roster creation, demand forecasting, auto-scheduling, and shift templates to optimize staff allocation. The solution integrates seamlessly with time tracking, leave management, and compliance tools, enabling real-time collaboration between managers and employees via a mobile app.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling with demand forecasting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop roster builder
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for small teams
- Feature-rich interface can overwhelm beginners
- Limited free trial and custom quotes required
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in hospitality, retail, or field services needing integrated scheduling and workforce management.
Pricing
Usage-based pricing starting at ~$4 per active user/month, with Essential, Growth, and Enterprise tiers requiring custom quotes.
Findmyshift
specializedFindmyshift enables customizable rota creation, auto-scheduling, and mobile app access for multi-location businesses.
Real-time shift notifications and automated overtime alerts to prevent scheduling errors
Findmyshift is a cloud-based rota scheduling software tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail. It enables managers to create and manage employee schedules using a drag-and-drop interface, track timesheets, handle shift swaps, and monitor attendance in real-time. The platform also supports mobile access for staff, communication tools, and basic reporting to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited integrations with advanced payroll systems
- Reporting features lack depth for large enterprises
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy sectors like hospitality and healthcare seeking simple, cost-effective scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 staff; paid plans from $18/staff/month (Lite), $22 (Standard), $26 (Premium), billed annually with multi-location add-ons.
Agendrix
specializedAgendrix simplifies shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking with a user-friendly interface for small to medium teams.
Employee shift exchange marketplace for easy peer-to-peer trading
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management software specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers a visual drag-and-drop scheduler, availability tracking, shift trading, and mobile access for employees to view rotas and request changes. Additional tools include time clocks, team messaging, and integrations with payroll and POS systems to support efficient rota management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Fewer integrations than enterprise competitors
- Some key features locked behind higher plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in service industries needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $2.95/user/month (Essential, annual billing) up to $4.95/user/month (Advanced).
Conclusion
The top 10 tools reviewed deliver varied solutions, with Deputy rising as the clear leader, thanks to its mobile-first workforce management and robust features. When I Work impresses with its intuitive scheduling and communication tools, while Homebase stands out as a strong free option for small businesses. Whether prioritizing accessibility, customization, or industry-specific needs, there’s a tool here to suit diverse team requirements.
Ready to simplify your team’s scheduling? Dive into Deputy and transform how you manage shifts, communication, and productivity—your team (and your schedule) will thank you.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
