Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, swaps, time-off requests, and real-time communication for shift-based teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Workforce management platform offering advanced shift scheduling, labor forecasting, compliance checks, and time tracking.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free all-in-one tool for shift scheduling, time clocks, payroll integration, and team messaging tailored for small businesses.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and availability for hospitality teams.
- 5#5: Connecteam - Mobile employee management app with customizable shift scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignments.
- 6#6: Sling - Shift scheduling app that handles availability, labor cost control, shift trades, and notifications for hourly workers.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Online scheduling and time tracking software with auto-scheduling, overtime alerts, and PTO management for shift workers.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Employee scheduling solution featuring drag-and-drop shifts, messaging, availability surveys, and mobile access.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Cloud-based rostering tool for complex shift patterns, skill matching, rotas, and automated notifications.
- 10#10: Shiftboard - Enterprise shift scheduling platform supporting large-scale operations, bidding, and integration with HR systems.
Tools were selected based on a rigorous evaluation of feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits across shift creation, communication, time tracking, and compliance for varied operational scales.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading shift work scheduling tools—including When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more—to help streamline your scheduling process. Readers will discover key features, usability, and practical benefits, from communication tools to time-tracking, ensuring you find the best fit for your team's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, swaps, time-off requests, and real-time communication for shift-based teams. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Workforce management platform offering advanced shift scheduling, labor forecasting, compliance checks, and time tracking. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free all-in-one tool for shift scheduling, time clocks, payroll integration, and team messaging tailored for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and availability for hospitality teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam Mobile employee management app with customizable shift scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling Shift scheduling app that handles availability, labor cost control, shift trades, and notifications for hourly workers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Online scheduling and time tracking software with auto-scheduling, overtime alerts, and PTO management for shift workers. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Employee scheduling solution featuring drag-and-drop shifts, messaging, availability surveys, and mobile access. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Cloud-based rostering tool for complex shift patterns, skill matching, rotas, and automated notifications. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Shiftboard Enterprise shift scheduling platform supporting large-scale operations, bidding, and integration with HR systems. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, swaps, time-off requests, and real-time communication for shift-based teams.
Workforce management platform offering advanced shift scheduling, labor forecasting, compliance checks, and time tracking.
Free all-in-one tool for shift scheduling, time clocks, payroll integration, and team messaging tailored for small businesses.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and availability for hospitality teams.
Mobile employee management app with customizable shift scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignments.
Shift scheduling app that handles availability, labor cost control, shift trades, and notifications for hourly workers.
Online scheduling and time tracking software with auto-scheduling, overtime alerts, and PTO management for shift workers.
Employee scheduling solution featuring drag-and-drop shifts, messaging, availability surveys, and mobile access.
Cloud-based rostering tool for complex shift patterns, skill matching, rotas, and automated notifications.
Enterprise shift scheduling platform supporting large-scale operations, bidding, and integration with HR systems.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that enables shift creation, swaps, time-off requests, and real-time communication for shift-based teams.
Employee-driven shift trades and swaps with manager approval workflows
When I Work is a leading cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It streamlines employee scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, automated notifications, shift trading, availability management, and integrated time tracking. The software also includes team messaging, labor forecasting, and detailed reporting to optimize workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design for quick setup
- Robust shift trading and swap features that empower employees
- Comprehensive integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Per-active-user pricing can increase costs for seasonal businesses
- Limited customization for highly complex multi-location setups
Best For
Shift-heavy businesses in retail, restaurants, and healthcare seeking efficient team scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Essentials at $2/active user/month, Pro at $3.50/active user/month, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Deputy
specializedWorkforce management platform offering advanced shift scheduling, labor forecasting, compliance checks, and time tracking.
AI-powered demand forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on sales data and historical trends
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses, providing tools for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and employee communication. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, AI-driven labor forecasting, and mobile apps that allow employees to view shifts, request swaps, and clock in/out with geofencing. The software ensures compliance with labor laws through automated overtime alerts and integrates seamlessly with payroll and POS systems.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability checks
- Strong mobile app for employees with shift swapping and notifications
- AI forecasting and extensive integrations for streamlined operations
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Some users report a learning curve for complex reporting
- Customer support response times vary by plan tier
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking comprehensive scheduling and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials; Plus at $5/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing with more features.
Homebase
specializedFree all-in-one tool for shift scheduling, time clocks, payroll integration, and team messaging tailored for small businesses.
Free core scheduling and time tracking for single-location teams, making it accessible for startups and small businesses
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, offering shift scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring tools in one app. Managers can easily create drag-and-drop schedules, manage employee availability, send shift notifications, and integrate with payroll systems. It also includes features like time clock kiosks, performance insights, and a hiring board to streamline operations for frontline teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick scheduling and shift swaps
- Seamless integration of scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for complex multi-location needs
- Paid plans scale quickly in cost for larger teams or multiple sites
- Some users report occasional glitches in notifications and integrations
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses with hourly shift workers seeking an affordable, all-in-one scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.99/mo per location, Premium $59.99/mo, Elite $99.99/mo (billed annually, employee limits apply).
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and availability for hospitality teams.
AI-driven labor forecasting that predicts optimal staffing levels based on historical sales data and trends
7shifts is a cloud-based scheduling software tailored for the restaurant industry, enabling managers to create optimized shift schedules using drag-and-drop tools, templates, and auto-scheduling features. It integrates labor forecasting, time tracking, tip management, and team communication to help control costs and improve operational efficiency. The platform supports mobile access for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and request shifts seamlessly.
Pros
- Powerful labor forecasting and sales-based scheduling
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service
- Strong integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, less ideal for other sectors
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of multi-location operations needing precise labor cost control and shift management.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $109.99/location/month (Enterprise); 14-day free trial, no free plan for larger teams.
Connecteam
specializedMobile employee management app with customizable shift scheduling, GPS time tracking, and task assignments.
Shift Marketplace for real-time employee-to-employee shift trading and open shift claiming
Connecteam is a mobile-first employee management platform designed for frontline and deskless teams, with robust shift scheduling capabilities including drag-and-drop calendars, recurring shifts, and availability-based auto-scheduling. It enables managers to assign shifts, send notifications, and handle trades or swaps directly through an intuitive app. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking, communication, and task management for comprehensive workforce operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and overtime alerts
- Employee self-service for viewing schedules, claiming open shifts, and trading
- Strong mobile app with real-time notifications and GPS time clock integration
Cons
- Advanced automation and reporting locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Can feel bloated for teams needing only basic scheduling without extras
- Limited customization for complex multi-location enterprise scheduling
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly, frontline workers seeking an all-in-one mobile app for scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans from $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed per 30 users with per-user scaling.
Sling
specializedShift scheduling app that handles availability, labor cost control, shift trades, and notifications for hourly workers.
Fully functional free plan with unlimited schedules, shift trades, and labor cost tracking
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, collect employee availability, facilitate shift trades and swaps, and track time and labor costs in real-time. The mobile app supports team communication, notifications, and overtime alerts to streamline shift work operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Built-in time tracking and labor cost forecasting
Cons
- Limited integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Advanced reporting locked behind premium tiers
- Scalability issues for very large teams (100+ users)
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-implement scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever plan; Premium at $1.70/user/month (billed annually) or $2/user/month (monthly).
ZoomShift
specializedOnline scheduling and time tracking software with auto-scheduling, overtime alerts, and PTO management for shift workers.
Employee self-service shift claiming and trading system
ZoomShift is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage employee schedules efficiently. It supports shift trading, drop requests, time tracking via mobile clock-in, and team communication tools. The software also provides basic reporting and integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with a functional free tier
Cons
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics
- Limited integrations compared to top competitors
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling for hourly workers.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; Essential $1.25/user/mo (annual), Pro $2.75/user/mo, Enterprise custom pricing.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling solution featuring drag-and-drop shifts, messaging, availability surveys, and mobile access.
GPS-enabled time clock with geofencing for accurate, fraud-proof time tracking
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift swaps, and manage time-off requests efficiently. It features a robust mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out with GPS verification, and communicate via in-app messaging. The software also includes time tracking, overtime alerts, and basic reporting to streamline workforce management for non-desk workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and shift trades
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced automation like AI scheduling
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to competitors
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare needing simple, mobile-first scheduling without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $1.95/user/month (Starter, annual billing) up to $2.95/user/month (Pro); Enterprise custom.
Findmyshift
specializedCloud-based rostering tool for complex shift patterns, skill matching, rotas, and automated notifications.
Unlimited schedules and rotas even on the free plan, allowing multiple locations or departments without extra costs
Findmyshift is a cloud-based shift scheduling software tailored for businesses managing hourly or shift-based workforces, such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail. It offers drag-and-drop rota creation, automated scheduling, timesheet tracking, and staff self-service features for shift swaps and availability updates. The platform emphasizes simplicity, mobile accessibility, and cost-effectiveness for streamlining workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick rota creation
- Generous free plan for small teams up to 15 staff
- Strong mobile app supporting staff self-service and notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to premium competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., limited payroll options)
- Customer support primarily via email/tickets, with slower response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail, hospitality, or care homes seeking affordable, straightforward scheduling without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for up to 15 staff; paid plans start at £18/month (~$23 USD) for 20 staff, scaling per employee with annual discounts available.
Shiftboard
enterpriseEnterprise shift scheduling platform supporting large-scale operations, bidding, and integration with HR systems.
OpenShift marketplace for real-time shift bidding and claiming by employees
Shiftboard is a cloud-based shift scheduling software tailored for industries like healthcare, security, hospitality, and field services, allowing managers to create, publish, and manage employee schedules efficiently. It emphasizes employee empowerment through features like self-scheduling, shift swapping, and real-time notifications via a mobile app. The platform also includes tools for forecasting labor needs, tracking overtime, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations.
Pros
- Robust employee self-scheduling and shift bidding via OpenShift technology
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go access and notifications
- Advanced forecasting and overtime management tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams without volume discounts
- User interface feels dated in some areas compared to modern competitors
- Limited native integrations with payroll systems
Best For
Medium to large organizations in shift-heavy industries needing employee-driven scheduling and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Starts at around $2-5 per user/month for basic plans, with Pro and Enterprise tiers at custom pricing based on features and user count; free trial available.
Conclusion
The top shift work scheduling tools each excel in distinct areas—When I Work leads with its intuitive shift creation, real-time communication, and swap capabilities, making it a standout for agile teams. Deputy follows with its advanced workforce management and compliance features, serving larger operations well, while Homebase offers a free, all-in-one solution tailored for small businesses needing simplicity. These tools collectively demonstrate the best of what shift scheduling software can offer.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your team’s workflow—try When I Work first to experience its seamless scheduling, communication, and adaptability designed for your shift-based needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
