Quick Overview
- 1#1: Jobber - Jobber provides field service businesses with tools to schedule jobs, dispatch teams, send invoices, and manage customer communications.
- 2#2: Housecall Pro - Housecall Pro is an all-in-one platform for home service professionals to schedule appointments, process payments, and automate marketing.
- 3#3: ServiceM8 - ServiceM8 enables small service businesses to schedule jobs, track time, manage inventory, and invoice directly from mobile devices.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam offers employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for small to medium-sized teams.
- 5#5: Kickserv - Kickserv helps field service companies schedule recurring jobs, dispatch technicians, and handle quoting and invoicing efficiently.
- 6#6: FieldPulse - FieldPulse streamlines job scheduling, customer management, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration for service contractors.
- 7#7: When I Work - When I Work allows small businesses to create schedules, manage shift trades, track time, and communicate with employees via mobile app.
- 8#8: Homebase - Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools tailored for small businesses.
- 9#9: Deputy - Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time attendance, and labor cost management for retail, hospitality, and service industries.
- 10#10: Sling - Sling is a free team management app for creating schedules, tracking labor costs, and facilitating shift exchanges.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a balance of functionality and accessibility for diverse small business operations.
Comparison Table
Small business owners seeking reliable job scheduling software can streamline their search with this comparison table, which evaluates tools like Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceM8, Connecteam, Kickserv, and more, focusing on key features such as scheduling flexibility, communication tools, and invoicing capabilities. Readers will gain insights to identify the best fit for their unique workflows, ensuring improved efficiency, team coordination, and client satisfaction.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jobber Jobber provides field service businesses with tools to schedule jobs, dispatch teams, send invoices, and manage customer communications. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Housecall Pro Housecall Pro is an all-in-one platform for home service professionals to schedule appointments, process payments, and automate marketing. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ServiceM8 ServiceM8 enables small service businesses to schedule jobs, track time, manage inventory, and invoice directly from mobile devices. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam offers employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for small to medium-sized teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Kickserv Kickserv helps field service companies schedule recurring jobs, dispatch technicians, and handle quoting and invoicing efficiently. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | FieldPulse FieldPulse streamlines job scheduling, customer management, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration for service contractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | When I Work When I Work allows small businesses to create schedules, manage shift trades, track time, and communicate with employees via mobile app. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Homebase Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools tailored for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | Deputy Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time attendance, and labor cost management for retail, hospitality, and service industries. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Sling Sling is a free team management app for creating schedules, tracking labor costs, and facilitating shift exchanges. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Jobber provides field service businesses with tools to schedule jobs, dispatch teams, send invoices, and manage customer communications.
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one platform for home service professionals to schedule appointments, process payments, and automate marketing.
ServiceM8 enables small service businesses to schedule jobs, track time, manage inventory, and invoice directly from mobile devices.
Connecteam offers employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for small to medium-sized teams.
Kickserv helps field service companies schedule recurring jobs, dispatch technicians, and handle quoting and invoicing efficiently.
FieldPulse streamlines job scheduling, customer management, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration for service contractors.
When I Work allows small businesses to create schedules, manage shift trades, track time, and communicate with employees via mobile app.
Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools tailored for small businesses.
Deputy offers workforce scheduling, time attendance, and labor cost management for retail, hospitality, and service industries.
Sling is a free team management app for creating schedules, tracking labor costs, and facilitating shift exchanges.
Jobber
specializedJobber provides field service businesses with tools to schedule jobs, dispatch teams, send invoices, and manage customer communications.
Client Hub: A self-service portal where clients can request quotes, book jobs, view invoices, and make payments directly, reducing admin time.
Jobber is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for small businesses in industries like landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, and cleaning. It centralizes job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, payments, and client communication to streamline operations and boost efficiency. With mobile apps for field teams, GPS tracking, and automation features like reminders and recurring jobs, Jobber helps service pros manage their entire workflow from quote to cash.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with capacity planning and route optimization
- Robust mobile app with real-time updates, GPS, and time tracking for field teams
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and payment processors
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can be costly for solo operators or very small teams
- Advanced reporting and customizations require premium plans
- Initial setup and data migration may take time for complex businesses
Best For
Small to medium service-based businesses such as landscapers, cleaners, and home maintenance pros needing an all-in-one tool for scheduling, billing, and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/mo (Lite, annual billing) for basics; Core ($139/mo), Connect ($219/mo), and Plus ($349/mo) add advanced features like automation and unlimited users.
Housecall Pro
specializedHousecall Pro is an all-in-one platform for home service professionals to schedule appointments, process payments, and automate marketing.
Intelligent dispatching with drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time GPS route optimization
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for small home service businesses like plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners. It offers robust job scheduling, real-time dispatching, online booking, invoicing, and payment processing to streamline operations. The software includes GPS tracking, automated customer communications, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks, making it a true all-in-one solution for field-based teams.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and marketing
- Intuitive mobile app with real-time GPS tracking for techs
- Excellent customer support and frequent updates
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo operators or very small teams
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some reporting customization is limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service businesses needing efficient job scheduling, dispatching, and customer management in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Starter, billed annually) up to $229/month (Max plan); custom enterprise pricing available.
ServiceM8
specializedServiceM8 enables small service businesses to schedule jobs, track time, manage inventory, and invoice directly from mobile devices.
Drag-and-drop scheduling board with live GPS tracking and automated dispatching
ServiceM8 is a cloud-based field service management software tailored for small to medium-sized trade and service businesses, enabling efficient job scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer communication. It features a robust mobile app for technicians to manage jobs on-site, capture photos and signatures, process payments, and update job statuses in real-time. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, while offering GPS tracking and inventory management to streamline operations.
Pros
- Powerful mobile app with offline capabilities for field techs
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling board with real-time updates
- Strong integrations with accounting and payment gateways
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
- Reporting tools are basic in lower-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Small trade businesses like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC services needing mobile-first job scheduling and dispatch.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials; Jobs at $69, Schedules at $149, with custom enterprise options.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam offers employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for small to medium-sized teams.
Smart Scheduling with employee availability matching and shift swap approvals
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform tailored for small businesses with deskless and frontline teams. Its job scheduling tools feature drag-and-drop calendars, shift templates, employee availability matching, and automated notifications to streamline workforce planning. Additional capabilities like GPS time tracking, task assignment, and team chat make it a comprehensive solution for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Integrated time tracking and communication tools
- Mobile app optimized for non-desk workers
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Limited free plan capabilities for growing teams
- Reporting tools could be more customizable
Best For
Small businesses with mobile or hourly workers needing integrated scheduling, time tracking, and team communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (up to 30 users), $49/month Advanced, $99/month Expert, with per-user fees for larger teams.
Kickserv
specializedKickserv helps field service companies schedule recurring jobs, dispatch technicians, and handle quoting and invoicing efficiently.
One-click dispatching with automated notifications and real-time technician GPS tracking
Kickserv is a cloud-based field service management platform designed specifically for small service-based businesses like HVAC, plumbing, and cleaning companies. It provides intuitive tools for job scheduling, technician dispatching, customer management, invoicing, and GPS tracking to streamline daily operations. The software features a mobile app for field teams and seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting tools, making it easier to handle end-to-end workflows without complexity.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling calendar for quick job assignment
- Robust mobile app with GPS tracking and real-time updates
- Strong QuickBooks integration for effortless invoicing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics options
- No free trial or plan, with pricing scaling quickly for larger teams
- Customer support primarily email-based, lacking live chat
Best For
Small service businesses with 1-10 technicians seeking simple, mobile-first scheduling without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Solo, 1 user), $99/month (Basic, up to 3 users), $159/month (Pro, up to 5 users), $249/month (Max, unlimited users); annual discounts available.
FieldPulse
specializedFieldPulse streamlines job scheduling, customer management, invoicing, and QuickBooks integration for service contractors.
Dynamic visual dispatch board for real-time job assignment and rescheduling via drag-and-drop
FieldPulse is a field service management software tailored for small businesses, offering tools for job scheduling, dispatching, technician management, and invoicing. It features a mobile app for real-time job updates, GPS tracking, and customer communication, alongside integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting tools. The platform helps service pros like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians streamline operations from quote to payment.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and dispatching interface
- Powerful mobile app with GPS tracking and real-time updates
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless invoicing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options are somewhat restricted in lower plans
Best For
Small field service businesses with 5-25 technicians seeking an easy-to-use, mobile-first solution for daily job scheduling and management.
Pricing
Starts at $65/user/month (Essentials), $105/user/month (Pro), $165/user/month (Premium); billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work allows small businesses to create schedules, manage shift trades, track time, and communicate with employees via mobile app.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to instantly claim available shifts via mobile notifications
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for small businesses managing hourly workers in industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop schedule creation, shift trading among employees, time-off requests, and real-time communication via mobile apps. The software also includes time clock features, attendance tracking, and integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees to view schedules, trade shifts, and clock in/out
- Strong employee self-service tools reducing manager workload
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with number of users and locations
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher-tier plans
- Customer support can be slow for free/basic users
Best For
Small businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, hospitality, or services seeking mobile-first scheduling and employee self-management.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 schedules/month (1 location); paid plans start at $2/active user/month (Standard) up to $4/user/month (Advanced), billed annually.
Homebase
specializedHomebase provides free employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools tailored for small businesses.
Free forever plan with unlimited scheduling and time tracking for small teams
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time tracking with geofencing, and team communication tools. It simplifies shift planning, labor forecasting, and employee self-service features like shift trades and availability updates. Additional capabilities include hiring, onboarding, and payroll integrations, making it a versatile solution for frontline teams in retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking for up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile app with drag-and-drop scheduling and geofenced clock-ins
- Built-in communication and shift trade features reduce admin time
Cons
- Advanced features like performance management require higher-tier plans
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Scalability issues for businesses with multiple locations or complex needs
Best For
Small businesses in shift-based industries like retail and restaurants seeking affordable, easy-to-use scheduling for hourly teams.
Pricing
Free plan for basic features (1 location, up to 20 employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month; higher tiers (Plus, All-in-One) from $59.99+ with advanced tools.
Deputy
specializedDeputy offers workforce scheduling, time attendance, and labor cost management for retail, hospitality, and service industries.
AI-powered auto-scheduling that optimizes shifts based on forecasted demand, skills, and availability
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for shift-based businesses. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time clocks, labor costing, and compliance tools to help small businesses optimize staffing. The software integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Xero, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Real-time labor costing and demand forecasting
Cons
- Pricing scales with active users, which can add up
- Advanced features locked behind premium plans
- Occasional reports of slow customer support
Best For
Small businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and hospitality needing mobile-friendly scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually); higher tiers like Schedule ($5/user/month) and Enterprise include more features.
Sling
specializedSling is a free team management app for creating schedules, tracking labor costs, and facilitating shift exchanges.
Unlimited free scheduling for any team size across multiple locations
Sling is a free employee scheduling software tailored for small businesses, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, facilitate shift trades, and track time off requests. It includes built-in team messaging, availability tracking, and a mobile time clock for hourly workers. Primarily designed for industries like restaurants, retail, and services, it helps streamline workforce management without upfront costs.
Pros
- Completely free core scheduling for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile app support
- Integrated shift trading and team communication tools
Cons
- Advanced features like labor costing require paid upgrades
- Basic reporting and customization in the free plan
- Limited third-party integrations compared to premium competitors
Best For
Small businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, restaurants, or services needing simple, cost-free scheduling.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; paid plans (Standard $2/user/mo, Premium $4/user/mo) billed annually for advanced tools like labor forecasting.
Conclusion
Across the top 10, Jobber leads as the premier choice, offering tailored tools for field service scheduling and customer management. Housecall Pro and ServiceM8 stand as strong alternatives, with Housecall Pro excelling in integrated marketing and ServiceM8 shining with mobile efficiency—each providing unique value to meet specific business needs. Together, these tools redefine operational efficiency for small businesses.
Don’t miss out—try Jobber first to unlock seamless scheduling, happier teams, and smoother client relationships. Your business’s productivity deserves the best, and Jobber delivers.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison