Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management software for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling app with shift trading, time-off requests, and mobile notifications.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free all-in-one employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring platform for small businesses.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app including scheduling, communication, and training features.
- 6#6: Sling - Free team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and labor cost insights.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for hourly workers with GPS tracking.
- 8#8: RotaCloud - UK-based rota management tool with timesheets, payroll integration, and staff messaging.
- 9#9: Fourth - Enterprise workforce management platform formerly HotSchedules, focused on hospitality scheduling.
- 10#10: Shiftboard - Flexible scheduling software for large teams with auto-scheduling and overtime alerts.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature depth (such as auto-scheduling, overtime alerts, and payroll integration), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced selection that caters to small businesses, enterprises, and industry-specific needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular rota software tools, including Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, to guide readers in evaluating features and functionality. It highlights key aspects like usability, performance, and operational fit, helping identify the best solution for specific scheduling needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management software for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling app with shift trading, time-off requests, and mobile notifications. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free all-in-one employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring platform for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app including scheduling, communication, and training features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and labor cost insights. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for hourly workers with GPS tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | RotaCloud UK-based rota management tool with timesheets, payroll integration, and staff messaging. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Fourth Enterprise workforce management platform formerly HotSchedules, focused on hospitality scheduling. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Shiftboard Flexible scheduling software for large teams with auto-scheduling and overtime alerts. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive workforce management software for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
Employee scheduling app with shift trading, time-off requests, and mobile notifications.
Free all-in-one employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring platform for small businesses.
Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
All-in-one employee management app including scheduling, communication, and training features.
Free team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and labor cost insights.
Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for hourly workers with GPS tracking.
UK-based rota management tool with timesheets, payroll integration, and staff messaging.
Enterprise workforce management platform formerly HotSchedules, focused on hospitality scheduling.
Flexible scheduling software for large teams with auto-scheduling and overtime alerts.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management software for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
AI-driven Auto Schedule that optimizes rotas using demand forecasts, skills matching, and employee preferences in seconds.
Deputy is a leading cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and rota creation for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build flexible schedules, handle shift swaps and leave requests, track time and attendance via mobile check-ins, and forecast labor costs. The software also supports real-time notifications, compliance with labor laws, and seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill based on employee availability
- Mobile-first design with real-time notifications and geofenced clock-ins
- Advanced labor forecasting and compliance tools like fatigue management
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features may not suit very small teams
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-location setups
- Custom integrations can require additional setup time
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-based industries needing scalable, mobile rota management with forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Roster plan; scales to Enterprise with custom pricing including advanced analytics.
When I Work
enterpriseEmployee scheduling app with shift trading, time-off requests, and mobile notifications.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts themselves for flexible self-scheduling
When I Work is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create, share, and manage employee rotas with drag-and-drop simplicity. It includes time tracking, shift trading, availability management, and team messaging to reduce scheduling conflicts and improve communication. Additional tools like auto-scheduling and labor forecasting help optimize staffing for industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees to claim shifts and clock in/out
- Strong communication tools including announcements and chat
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Limited native payroll integrations
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly rota management.
Pricing
Free for basic scheduling (up to 75 users); Professional at $2.50/user/month; Elite at $4.50/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Homebase
enterpriseFree all-in-one employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring platform for small businesses.
OpenShifts allows managers to post available shifts for employees to claim instantly via the app, promoting flexibility without manual approvals.
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, featuring intuitive rota scheduling tools like drag-and-drop shift creation, availability-based auto-scheduling, and shift trading. It streamlines operations by integrating time tracking, team messaging, and hiring features to reduce no-shows and overtime costs. Ideal for industries like retail and hospitality, it supports unlimited employees on its free plan for single locations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Generous free plan for single locations
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Advanced features like labor forecasting locked behind paid plans
- Pricing scales per location, costly for multi-site businesses
- Reporting capabilities are basic in lower tiers
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, or service businesses needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling for hourly teams.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials starts at $29.95/month per location; Premium and Elite tiers from $59.95+ with more features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
Sales-integrated labor forecasting that automatically adjusts schedules to optimize costs and coverage
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor optimization. It enables managers to create rotas with drag-and-drop interfaces, forecast labor costs based on sales data, and communicate shifts via mobile apps. The software integrates seamlessly with POS systems and payroll providers to streamline operations for hospitality businesses.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling and labor forecasting tied to real-time sales data
- Excellent mobile app for employees and managers
- Robust integrations with popular POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and add-ons
- Steep learning curve for advanced forecasting features
Best For
Restaurant owners and multi-location chains needing sales-driven scheduling and labor cost controls.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials) up to $49.99+/location/month (Pro); 14-day free trial, additional fees for premium features.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management app including scheduling, communication, and training features.
Smart Scheduling AI that auto-suggests shifts based on availability, skills, and overtime rules
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first platform tailored for frontline and deskless teams, with robust rota and scheduling tools at its core. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, enable shift swaps and bids, set availability rules, and forecast labor needs. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with GPS time tracking, communication channels, and task management for comprehensive workforce oversight.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for easy rota viewing and self-service shift trading
- Smart scheduling with auto-fill, overtime alerts, and labor forecasting
- Strong integration of scheduling with GPS time clock and attendance tracking
Cons
- Advanced scheduling automations locked behind higher-tier plans
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic rota tools without extra features
- Limited customization for complex multi-location enterprise rotas
Best For
Small to medium businesses with shift-based frontline workers seeking an integrated mobile solution for scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, 30 users), $59/month (Premium), $99/month (Advanced), $149/month (Expert); Enterprise custom.
Sling
enterpriseFree team scheduling software with shift reminders, availability tracking, and labor cost insights.
Unlimited free scheduling for any team size, making it accessible without subscription traps
Sling is a versatile employee scheduling platform tailored for rota management, enabling businesses to create, assign, and publish shifts across multiple locations with ease. It includes tools for time tracking, shift trading, labor cost forecasting, and team communication via in-app messaging and announcements. Ideal for shift-based industries, Sling supports mobile access for employees to view schedules, claim shifts, and clock in/out seamlessly.
Pros
- Completely free core scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile-first design
- Integrated time tracking and labor cost tools reduce need for multiple apps
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind premium paywalls
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options for schedules and notifications feel basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking a free, straightforward rota solution without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free forever plan for unlimited users; Premium upgrades from $2/user/month for advanced features like detailed reports and unlimited integrations.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time clock software for hourly workers with GPS tracking.
ShiftFill auto-scheduling and employee shift claiming/bidding
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses managing hourly workers. It enables drag-and-drop schedule creation, mobile clock-in/out with geofencing, labor cost forecasting, and team messaging. The software also supports shift trades, overtime alerts, and basic reporting to optimize workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Reporting lacks depth for complex analytics
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses seeking simple, cost-effective shift scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; Pro at $1.89/user/month (annual); Elite at $2.89/user/month (annual).
RotaCloud
specializedUK-based rota management tool with timesheets, payroll integration, and staff messaging.
Employee self-service mobile app with GPS clocking and instant shift notifications
RotaCloud is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail. It streamlines rota creation with drag-and-drop scheduling, timesheet tracking, holiday management, and employee self-service via a mobile app. The software ensures compliance with UK labor laws, integrates with payroll systems like Xero and Sage, and supports real-time notifications for shift changes.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rota builder with auto-fill options
- Robust mobile app for employee clock-ins and shift swaps
- Strong integrations with popular UK payroll providers
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics tools
- Pricing increases significantly with team size
- Some features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses in the UK needing simple, compliant rota management without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at £29/month for up to 20 employees (Essentials plan); scales to £99+/month for larger teams with advanced features; free trial available.
Fourth
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management platform formerly HotSchedules, focused on hospitality scheduling.
Sales-integrated demand forecasting that dynamically adjusts rotas to predicted business volume
Fourth is a robust workforce management platform tailored for hospitality, retail, and foodservice industries, with strong capabilities in rota scheduling, demand forecasting, and compliance management. It automates shift planning based on sales data and labor rules, while integrating time tracking, absence management, and employee self-service via mobile app. Designed for enterprise-scale operations, it helps optimize staffing costs and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced demand forecasting integrates sales data for accurate rota planning
- Comprehensive compliance tools ensure adherence to labor laws and contracts
- Strong mobile app enables employee shift swaps and availability updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Enterprise pricing makes it less accessible for small businesses
- Reporting interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Large hospitality and retail chains requiring sophisticated, sales-driven scheduling and compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at £5,000+ per month for mid-sized operations, based on users and modules.
Shiftboard
enterpriseFlexible scheduling software for large teams with auto-scheduling and overtime alerts.
Shift Marketplace, where employees can bid on and claim open shifts autonomously
Shiftboard is a cloud-based workforce scheduling software designed for shift-based businesses, allowing managers to create, publish, and manage employee rotas efficiently. It supports features like shift trading, open shift filling, time and attendance tracking, and mobile accessibility for employees to view schedules and request swaps. The platform also includes labor forecasting, messaging, and integrations with payroll systems to streamline operations in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
Pros
- Robust shift trading and open shift marketplace for employee self-service
- Mobile-first app with real-time notifications and clock-in/out
- Demand forecasting and auto-scheduling to optimize labor costs
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size and add-ons
- Reporting and customization limited in lower tiers
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries like hospitality, healthcare, and staffing agencies needing flexible employee scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per employee/month for basic plans, up to $5+ for premium features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, Deputy rises as the top choice, offering a well-rounded blend of scheduling, time tracking, and communication features that cater to diverse workforce needs. Though When I Work and Homebase follow closely, each presents unique strengths—shift flexibility and cost insights, respectively—making them standout alternatives for specific user preferences. Together, these tools highlight the breadth of rota software options, ensuring every team can find a fit that enhances efficiency.
Explore Deputy to unlock streamlined workforce management and see how it elevates your team’s productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison