Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: When I Work - Mobile-first employee scheduling and time clock app with shift trade and availability features.
- 3#3: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management platform for shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor cost control, tip pooling, and team messaging.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one frontline worker app featuring shift scheduling, task management, and training tools.
- 6#6: Sling - User-friendly employee scheduling app with shift reminders, templates, and cost tracking.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software with PTO management and overtime alerts.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Integrated scheduling, time & attendance, and leave management for hourly workforces.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling tool with mobile app, shift swaps, and availability calendars.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rota and shift planning software with real-time updates and messaging integration.
We ranked these tools based on comprehensive feature sets, intuitive design, consistent performance, and value for money, ensuring they meet the unique demands of hourly and frontline workforces across various sectors.
Comparison Table
Efficient shift management is vital for businesses to enhance productivity and team morale, and the tools listed here—including Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more—provide essential solutions for simplifying scheduling, communication, and labor oversight. This comparison table breaks down key features, benefits, and practical use cases of these platforms, equipping readers to identify the best fit for their workflow and team size. Whether for small operations or large enterprises, it streamlines the process of evaluating which software aligns with unique operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Mobile-first employee scheduling and time clock app with shift trade and availability features. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management platform for shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor cost control, tip pooling, and team messaging. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one frontline worker app featuring shift scheduling, task management, and training tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling User-friendly employee scheduling app with shift reminders, templates, and cost tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software with PTO management and overtime alerts. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Integrated scheduling, time & attendance, and leave management for hourly workforces. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling tool with mobile app, shift swaps, and availability calendars. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rota and shift planning software with real-time updates and messaging integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for small to medium businesses.
Mobile-first employee scheduling and time clock app with shift trade and availability features.
Comprehensive workforce management platform for shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor cost control, tip pooling, and team messaging.
All-in-one frontline worker app featuring shift scheduling, task management, and training tools.
User-friendly employee scheduling app with shift reminders, templates, and cost tracking.
Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software with PTO management and overtime alerts.
Integrated scheduling, time & attendance, and leave management for hourly workforces.
Simple employee scheduling tool with mobile app, shift swaps, and availability calendars.
Online rota and shift planning software with real-time updates and messaging integration.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool designed for small to medium businesses.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts via mobile app, streamlining swaps and filling without manager intervention
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed for hourly teams in industries like retail, restaurants, and services, offering intuitive shift scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication tools. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, open shifts for easy swaps, availability-based auto-scheduling, and GPS-enabled time clocks to prevent buddy punching. Beyond shifts, it includes hiring, onboarding, performance tracking, and labor cost forecasting, making it a full-suite solution for small to medium businesses.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with up to 20 employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first interface
- Robust time tracking with GPS, geofencing, and overtime alerts
Cons
- Advanced features like multi-location support require paid upgrades
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited on lower tiers
- Customer support can be slower for free plan users
Best For
Small to medium businesses in hourly-wage industries like restaurants, retail, and hospitality needing affordable, all-in-one shift management.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.95/location/month; Premium $59.95; Elite $99.95 (billed annually).
When I Work
specializedMobile-first employee scheduling and time clock app with shift trade and availability features.
Open Shifts marketplace where employees can instantly claim available shifts via the app
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build and share schedules, handle shift trades and time-off requests, and track time with integrated timesheets and GPS clock-in. The software also facilitates team communication through announcements, chats, and push notifications for real-time updates.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to claim shifts and manage availability on the go
- Robust shift trading and open shift features that reduce scheduling conflicts
- Comprehensive communication tools including messaging and announcements
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for large teams
- Occasional sync delays between web and mobile during peak usage
Best For
Mid-sized shift-based businesses in retail, restaurants, or healthcare seeking an easy-to-use mobile scheduling solution with strong employee self-service.
Pricing
Free for basic use (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential), $4/user/month (Pro), $6/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management platform for shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
Live Ops dashboard for real-time shift adjustments, labor forecasting, and cost optimization
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, enabling efficient scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automated forecasting, and real-time notifications to streamline operations and reduce labor costs. The mobile-first app empowers employees to view shifts, clock in/out with GPS verification, and request swaps seamlessly.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Powerful mobile app for employee self-service and GPS time tracking
- Extensive integrations with POS, payroll, and communication tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with add-ons
- Advanced compliance features limited to higher tiers
- Learning curve for complex labor costing setups
Best For
Medium to large shift-heavy businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking mobile-first scheduling and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essentials) billed annually, up to Enterprise custom pricing; per active user with add-ons for advanced features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software with labor cost control, tip pooling, and team messaging.
Real-time labor forecasting powered by POS integrations for sales-driven scheduling predictions
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor optimization. It enables managers to create schedules, forecast labor needs based on sales data, and communicate with teams via in-app messaging. The software also offers employee self-service features like shift trading and mobile clock-ins, integrating seamlessly with popular POS systems such as Toast and Square.
Pros
- Tailored restaurant-specific tools like tip pooling and labor forecasting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and communication
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Advanced analytics locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by users
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of single or multi-location operations seeking to optimize scheduling and reduce labor costs.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 team members; paid plans start at $29.99 per location/month (Essential) up to $98/location/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one frontline worker app featuring shift scheduling, task management, and training tools.
AI-powered Smart Scheduling that forecasts staffing needs and optimizes shifts based on historical data, absences, and skills.
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first platform for managing deskless and frontline teams, featuring robust shift scheduling tools alongside communication, time tracking, and task management. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, set recurring shifts, enable employee shift trades and bids, and automate notifications for changes. It integrates scheduling with GPS time clocks and compliance checklists, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and field services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and auto-fill
- Employee self-service for viewing schedules, swapping shifts, and availability updates
- Real-time push notifications and integration with time attendance for seamless operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size, less ideal for very large enterprises
- Full shift management features require higher-tier plans
- Overkill for teams needing only basic scheduling without additional HR tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly, deskless workers in retail, hospitality, or field services seeking integrated shift management and employee communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (up to 30 users), $49/month (up to 50 users), $99/month (up to 100 users), billed annually per user location.
Sling
specializedUser-friendly employee scheduling app with shift reminders, templates, and cost tracking.
Unlimited free scheduling for teams of any size with no user limits
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored 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 swaps, and track time via mobile clock-ins. The platform also includes team messaging, notifications, and basic labor cost tracking to streamline operations.
Pros
- Completely free core scheduling for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive mobile app for easy shift management and employee self-service
- Seamless shift trading and real-time notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in the free plan
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems than enterprise competitors
- Premium features like overtime alerts require paid upgrade
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, mobile-first scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever for basic scheduling; Premium starts at $1.70/user/month (billed annually) for advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time tracking software with PTO management and overtime alerts.
OpenShift board allowing employees to browse and claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on shift scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication for hourly workforces. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track attendance with GPS time clocks, and allow employees to trade shifts via an OpenShift board. The software integrates with payroll providers and offers labor costing to help control expenses.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for clock-ins and shift swaps
- Cost-effective for small teams with per-location pricing
Cons
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to competitors
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or restaurants managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at $29/location/month (Basic, up to 75 employees), $59 for Pro (unlimited employees), $69 for Elite; additional fees for extra locations.
Workforce.com
enterpriseIntegrated scheduling, time & attendance, and leave management for hourly workforces.
AI-driven Predict feature that forecasts labor demand using historical sales and attendance data
Workforce.com is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time tracking with geofencing, and team communication tools all in one mobile-first app. The software also integrates with payroll systems and provides labor cost forecasting to optimize operations.
Pros
- Powerful automation for scheduling and shift swaps
- Excellent mobile app for employees and managers
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses needing integrated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $2.70/active user/month for core scheduling; scales to $6.20/user/month for full suite including predictions and analytics; enterprise custom pricing.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling tool with mobile app, shift swaps, and availability calendars.
Employee-driven shift trading and availability-based auto-scheduling
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, availability management, shift trading, and automated notifications to streamline shift planning and communication. The software also includes time tracking, timesheets, and team messaging, all accessible via a mobile app for employees and managers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins and shift swaps
- Affordable pricing scaled to active employees
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Reporting features are basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like restaurants and retail needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active employee/month for Essential plan (scheduling only); Plus ($2.95) adds time tracking; Premium ($3.50) includes messaging and integrations; billed annually.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rota and shift planning software with real-time updates and messaging integration.
Unlimited free users and schedules on the basic plan, ideal for startups and small teams
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on shift scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop rotas, handle shift swaps via employee self-service, track timesheets with GPS check-ins, and manage absences efficiently. The software includes a mobile app for real-time updates and supports integrations with payroll systems.
Pros
- Generous free plan for small teams with unlimited schedules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Employee self-service for shift trades and availability updates
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy sectors seeking an affordable, straightforward scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid Pro plans start at $25/month (billed annually) for enhanced features like overtime tracking.
Conclusion
Among the top 10 shift management tools, Homebase leads as the top choice, offering a free, all-in-one solution with scheduling, time tracking, and communication features tailored for small to medium businesses. When I Work distinguishes itself with its mobile-first design and flexible shift trade options, while Deputy impresses through its comprehensive workforce management, including forecasting and compliance tools. Each of these top three tools provides distinct strengths, ensuring a suitable fit for diverse operational needs.
Explore Homebase today to unlock a streamlined, free approach to managing shifts, or consider When I Work or Deputy for specialized needs—whatever your business requires, these platforms deliver effective solutions.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison