Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication platform designed for hourly workforces in small businesses.
- 2#2: Deputy - Mobile-first workforce management software for shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance.
- 3#3: When I Work - Employee scheduling app that enables easy shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and operations management.
- 6#6: Sling - Free shift scheduling software for managing employee availability, reminders, and labor costs.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for businesses with multiple locations.
- 8#8: HotSchedules - Comprehensive restaurant workforce management tool for scheduling, forecasting, and inventory.
- 9#9: Humanity - Visual drag-and-drop scheduling software for managing shifts, absences, and overtime.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online employee rostering software with automated shift patterns and mobile access.
We selected these tools based on a strong combination of robust features (from shift creation and swaps to time tracking and labor forecasting), user-friendly design, reliable performance, and value, ensuring they meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses.
Comparison Table
Effective shift scheduling is vital for optimizing team productivity and operational efficiency, and with tools like Homebase, Deputy, When I Work, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, selecting the right software can transform workflow management. This comparison table outlines key features, pricing structures, and user experiences across these platforms, equipping readers to make informed decisions based on their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication platform designed for hourly workforces in small businesses. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Mobile-first workforce management software for shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | When I Work Employee scheduling app that enables easy shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and operations management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free shift scheduling software for managing employee availability, reminders, and labor costs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for businesses with multiple locations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | HotSchedules Comprehensive restaurant workforce management tool for scheduling, forecasting, and inventory. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Humanity Visual drag-and-drop scheduling software for managing shifts, absences, and overtime. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online employee rostering software with automated shift patterns and mobile access. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication platform designed for hourly workforces in small businesses.
Mobile-first workforce management software for shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance.
Employee scheduling app that enables easy shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication.
All-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
Restaurant-specific scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and operations management.
Free shift scheduling software for managing employee availability, reminders, and labor costs.
Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for businesses with multiple locations.
Comprehensive restaurant workforce management tool for scheduling, forecasting, and inventory.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduling software for managing shifts, absences, and overtime.
Online employee rostering software with automated shift patterns and mobile access.
Homebase
specializedEmployee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication platform designed for hourly workforces in small businesses.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts via app notifications, ensuring quick coverage without manager intervention
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for hourly and frontline teams, specializing in shift scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler, automated shift reminders, labor forecasting, and OpenShifts for easy coverage requests. Beyond scheduling, it includes GPS-enabled time clocks, messaging tools, hiring boards, and performance insights to optimize operations for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile app support
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Integrated time tracking and labor forecasting reduce costs
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization in shift templates on basic tiers
- Customer support can be slower for free users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and services managing hourly shift workers who need an affordable, mobile-first scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $24.95/month per location (Essentials), $49.95 (Premium), up to $79.95 (Elite), billed annually.
Deputy
specializedMobile-first workforce management software for shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance.
Intelligent Auto-Scheduling that optimizes shifts based on forecasted demand, employee availability, skills, and labor costs
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed primarily for shift scheduling, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage employee rosters with drag-and-drop ease. It integrates time tracking, task management, and real-time communication tools to streamline operations in shift-based industries. The software also offers labor cost forecasting, compliance alerts, and mobile accessibility for both managers and employees.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
- Advanced labor costing and compliance features to minimize overtime risks
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with active users
- Some advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional reports of mobile app glitches during peak usage
Best For
Medium to large businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare that need scalable shift scheduling with integrated time tracking and forecasting.
Pricing
Essential plan at $3.50/active user/month; Plus at $5.25; Enterprise custom; billed monthly with a free trial.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling app that enables easy shift creation, swaps, and real-time communication.
OpenShift™ for effortless shift posting, claiming, and trading among employees
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It enables managers to build and publish schedules quickly, handle shift trades and availability requests, and track time via mobile clock-in. The software also includes team messaging, labor costing, and integrations with payroll providers for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Robust shift trading and employee self-service tools
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher tiers
- Customer support response times can vary
- Free plan has restrictive shift limits for growing teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly employees needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; Essential at $2/user/mo, Pro at $3.50/user/mo, Enterprise custom.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app with scheduling, communication, and operations tools for frontline teams.
Employee-driven shift swapping with manager approval workflows and chat integration directly in the mobile app
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform with powerful shift scheduling tools tailored for frontline and non-desk teams. Managers can use its intuitive drag-and-drop interface to build schedules, set recurring shifts, automate assignments based on availability and skills, and track labor costs with overtime alerts. Employees access shifts via the app, request swaps or time off, and receive real-time notifications, all integrated with time tracking, communication, and task management for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and auto-scheduling
- Employee self-service for shift swaps, availability updates, and mobile notifications
- Integrated overtime alerts, labor cost tracking, and GPS time clock
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams beyond the first 30 users
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic scheduling without the full suite
- Advanced forecasting and multi-location complexities lag behind specialized tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly frontline workers seeking an integrated mobile app for scheduling, communication, and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Operations plan $29/month for first 30 users ($0.50/additional, annual $24/mo); Expert $49/month ($1/additional); Enterprise custom; billed monthly or annually.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and operations management.
Real-time labor forecasting powered by POS sales data integrations
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in shift scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, and employee communication. It integrates with over 100 POS systems to enable data-driven scheduling based on sales forecasts and helps reduce labor costs through automated tools. The software also includes features like tip pooling, shift trades, and a mobile app for on-the-go management, making it ideal for multi-location restaurants.
Pros
- Industry-specific features tailored for restaurants including POS integrations and labor forecasting
- Robust mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate
- Automated scheduling and shift trade approvals to save manager time
Cons
- Limited applicability outside the hospitality sector
- Pricing scales quickly for multiple locations or advanced features
- Occasional reports of integration glitches with certain POS systems
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location operators seeking specialized scheduling tools with strong POS connectivity.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), up to $99.99+ for Premium plans with advanced forecasting and reporting.
Sling
specializedFree shift scheduling software for managing employee availability, reminders, and labor costs.
Real-time labor cost tracking embedded directly in the scheduling interface
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, track labor costs in real-time, manage shift trades and time-off requests, and communicate via built-in messaging. The platform also supports employee availability preferences and mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Integrated team messaging and notifications reduce external communication needs
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind paid tiers
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-implement scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan available; Standard at $1.70/user/month, Premium at $3.40/user/month (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time tracking solution for businesses with multiple locations.
Real-time labor costing that automatically tracks payroll expenses against budgets during scheduling.
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control for hourly employees. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, facilitate shift trades and swaps, and monitor attendance via mobile GPS check-ins. The software also includes communication tools like announcements and messaging to keep teams aligned, making it ideal for industries with variable shift needs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins and shift management
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, or field services managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 users; Premium at $1.25/active user/month; Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
HotSchedules
specializedComprehensive restaurant workforce management tool for scheduling, forecasting, and inventory.
Workplace social messaging network that enables instant shift communications, trades, and team collaboration like a built-in chat app.
HotSchedules is a comprehensive workforce management platform primarily designed for the hospitality and restaurant industries, offering robust tools for shift scheduling, employee communication, and labor forecasting. Managers can create optimized schedules based on sales data and availability, while employees access shifts via a mobile app with features like shift trading and notifications. It integrates time tracking, messaging, and reporting to streamline operations and reduce labor costs.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with forecasting based on historical sales data
- Employee-centric mobile app supporting shift swaps, availability submission, and real-time alerts
- Seamless integrations with popular POS systems like Toast and Square
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses without scaling discounts
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality businesses and restaurant chains needing advanced labor forecasting and multi-location scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2-4 per employee per month plus setup fees; enterprise plans for multi-location use.
Humanity
specializedVisual drag-and-drop scheduling software for managing shifts, absences, and overtime.
OpenShifts marketplace where employees can claim available shifts in real-time, reducing manager workload
Humanity is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed primarily for shift scheduling, targeting businesses with hourly workers in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time-off management, and time tracking via a mobile app. Additional features include demand forecasting, employee messaging, and compliance tools to streamline operations and reduce scheduling conflicts.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies schedule creation
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and time clock
- Automated notifications and OpenShifts feature for quick coverage
Cons
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to top competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams without advanced customization
- Limited integrations with payroll and HR systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail or restaurants seeking an easy-to-use scheduling tool without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $4 per user/month (billed annually) for Pro plan; Basic at $2/user/month, with Enterprise custom pricing.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline employee rostering software with automated shift patterns and mobile access.
Drag-and-drop scheduler with real-time availability and overtime alerts to prevent scheduling conflicts
Findmyshift is a cloud-based shift scheduling software tailored for businesses managing hourly workforces, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, automated notifications, and employee self-service tools. It streamlines shift creation, time-off requests, and availability tracking while integrating time clocking and basic reporting. Suitable for industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare, it emphasizes simplicity and mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and strong mobile app
- Employee self-service for shift swaps and availability
Cons
- Limited integrations with payroll or HR systems
- Basic reporting lacks advanced customization
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries seeking an easy, cost-effective scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $22/month for up to 20 users, scaling with team size (e.g., $35/month for 50 users).
Conclusion
The top shift scheduler software each deliver unique benefits, with Homebase leading as the top choice—boasting robust tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tailored to small business hourly workforces. Deputy and When I Work, strong alternatives, excel in mobile-first access and easy shift management, respectively, catering to varied operational needs. For a reliable, all-in-one solution, Homebase stands out as the most versatile option.
Begin optimizing your scheduling with Homebase today to simplify shift management and keep your team aligned.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison