Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy provides comprehensive workforce management with employee scheduling, time tracking, and task assignments for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work is a mobile-first scheduling app that enables teams to manage shifts, swaps, and availability effortlessly.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase offers free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools ideal for small businesses.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, checklists, and real-time communication for frontline teams.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, and tip management to optimize operations.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling provides free shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking for managing hourly employee teams.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift delivers cloud-based scheduling and time clock features with GPS tracking for hourly workers.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Workforce.com offers integrated rostering, time and attendance, and payroll tools for global teams.
- 9#9: findmyshift - findmyshift is online rota software for creating schedules, tracking time, and staff communication.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Agendrix simplifies employee scheduling with shift trades, availability requests, and mobile access.
Tools were selected and ranked based on a rigorous assessment of core features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they align with the needs of both small and large teams across various industries.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison of leading staff booking software tools, featuring Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, to uncover which solution aligns with your team's scheduling and management needs. This table outlines key features, pricing models, and user experience to simplify your search for efficient workforce coordination tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy provides comprehensive workforce management with employee scheduling, time tracking, and task assignments for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work is a mobile-first scheduling app that enables teams to manage shifts, swaps, and availability effortlessly. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase offers free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools ideal for small businesses. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, checklists, and real-time communication for frontline teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, and tip management to optimize operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling provides free shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking for managing hourly employee teams. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift delivers cloud-based scheduling and time clock features with GPS tracking for hourly workers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Workforce.com offers integrated rostering, time and attendance, and payroll tools for global teams. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | findmyshift findmyshift is online rota software for creating schedules, tracking time, and staff communication. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Agendrix simplifies employee scheduling with shift trades, availability requests, and mobile access. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Deputy provides comprehensive workforce management with employee scheduling, time tracking, and task assignments for businesses of all sizes.
When I Work is a mobile-first scheduling app that enables teams to manage shifts, swaps, and availability effortlessly.
Homebase offers free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools ideal for small businesses.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, checklists, and real-time communication for frontline teams.
7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, and tip management to optimize operations.
Sling provides free shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking for managing hourly employee teams.
ZoomShift delivers cloud-based scheduling and time clock features with GPS tracking for hourly workers.
Workforce.com offers integrated rostering, time and attendance, and payroll tools for global teams.
findmyshift is online rota software for creating schedules, tracking time, and staff communication.
Agendrix simplifies employee scheduling with shift trades, availability requests, and mobile access.
Deputy
enterpriseDeputy provides comprehensive workforce management with employee scheduling, time tracking, and task assignments for businesses of all sizes.
AI-powered auto-rostering that intelligently assigns shifts based on availability, skills, labor costs, and demand forecasts
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform specializing in staff scheduling and booking for shift-based industries. It enables managers to create optimized rosters, handle shift swaps, track time and attendance, and ensure compliance with labor laws. The software also offers forecasting, communication tools, and seamless integrations with payroll systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Advanced auto-scheduling and forecasting reduce manual effort
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to claim shifts and clock in/out
- Robust integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can become expensive for large teams
- Initial setup requires time for custom configurations
- Some advanced features have a learning curve for new users
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services needing efficient staff rostering and real-time management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually); Premium ($5.25/user/mo) and Enterprise (custom) add advanced features like forecasting and compliance tools.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work is a mobile-first scheduling app that enables teams to manage shifts, swaps, and availability effortlessly.
OpenShift feature allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time without manager intervention
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed to streamline staff booking for shift-based businesses. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, handle shift trades, time-off requests, and overtime alerts, while employees access everything via a user-friendly mobile app. The software also includes built-in messaging, time clock, and labor costing tools to enhance workforce management efficiency.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Real-time shift trading and notifications reduce admin time
- Automated scheduling with labor forecasting capabilities
Cons
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Customer support response times can vary
- Integrations require setup effort for full functionality
Best For
Shift-based businesses like retail, restaurants, and healthcare with hourly workers needing flexible, mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users at one location; Essential plan at $2/user/month, Pro at $4/user/month, and Elite at $6+/user/month with custom options.
Homebase
otherHomebase offers free employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools ideal for small businesses.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts automatically based on their availability, reducing manual coordination.
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in staff scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage employee availability and shift trades via OpenShifts, and integrate with popular payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks. The mobile-first design ensures employees can easily view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate on the go, making it ideal for hourly workforces in retail, hospitality, and services.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- OpenShifts for easy shift filling and trading
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization in lower tiers
- Pricing scales per location, costly for multi-site businesses
- Some integrations and support features locked behind premium plans
Best For
Small businesses in retail, restaurants, or services managing hourly staff with straightforward scheduling needs.
Pricing
Free plan for basic features (1 location); paid plans: Starter $24.95/location/mo, Essential $39.95/location/mo, Premium $79.95/location/mo (billed annually).
Connecteam
enterpriseConnecteam is an all-in-one employee app featuring scheduling, checklists, and real-time communication for frontline teams.
AI Shift Planner that automatically generates optimized schedules based on employee availability, skills, and labor costs
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, with strong staff booking and scheduling features including drag-and-drop calendars, availability management, and shift templates. It enables managers to assign shifts, track bookings in real-time, and handle requests via a mobile-first interface accessible to both admins and staff. Beyond core booking, it integrates time tracking, communication, and compliance tools, making it suitable for operational efficiency in dynamic work environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates and notifications
- Mobile app empowers employees to view shifts, request swaps, and clock in/out
- Built-in GPS geofencing and compliance tools enhance booking accuracy
Cons
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic booking without additional HR features
- Advanced automation and reporting locked behind premium plans
- Customization options limited for very large-scale enterprises
Best For
Small to mid-sized frontline businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services seeking integrated scheduling with communication and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans from $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users) to $99/month (Expert, unlimited), billed per user annually.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, and tip management to optimize operations.
AI-driven labor forecasting that automatically generates optimal schedules based on historical sales data and demand patterns
7shifts is a restaurant-specific workforce management platform that specializes in staff scheduling, time tracking, and labor optimization. It allows managers to create schedules based on forecasted sales, handle shift trades and availability requests, and integrate with POS systems for accurate labor costing. The software also supports team communication, tip tracking, and compliance features tailored to the food service industry.
Pros
- Highly tailored scheduling tools for restaurants including sales forecasting and overtime alerts
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to clock in, trade shifts, and communicate
- Seamless integrations with popular POS and payroll systems like Toast and QuickBooks
Cons
- Primarily designed for food service, less ideal for other industries
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve for new users
- Pricing scales up significantly for multi-location operations
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of single or multi-location businesses seeking industry-specific staff booking and labor management.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 employees at one location; Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month, Pro at $43.99/location/month (billed annually).
Sling
otherSling provides free shift scheduling, messaging, and time tracking for managing hourly employee teams.
Completely free unlimited scheduling and shift management for any team size
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 time and attendance, communicate via in-app messaging, and monitor labor costs. With a robust free plan and mobile apps for iOS and Android, Sling streamlines staff booking while offering scalability through paid upgrades.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and schedules
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated communication tools reduce need for separate apps
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations locked behind paid plans
- Limited customization for complex shift patterns
- Customer support slower on free tier
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, straightforward scheduling tool without high upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan for core features; Standard at $2/user/month; Premium at $3/user/month (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift delivers cloud-based scheduling and time clock features with GPS tracking for hourly workers.
Labor forecasting that uses historical sales data to predict optimal staffing levels and control costs
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly workers in industries like retail, hospitality, and restaurants. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, facilitate shift trades via an open shift pool, and monitor labor costs with forecasting tools. The software also includes a mobile app for clock-ins, time-off requests, and team messaging, integrating with popular payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable per-employee pricing model
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Advanced reporting limited to higher tiers
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
- Fewer industry-specific templates compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly staff in retail or hospitality needing simple, cost-effective scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $1.25 per active employee/month (Basic, billed annually), $2.25 for Pro, and $3.25 for Elite; monthly billing available at higher rates with a free trial.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com offers integrated rostering, time and attendance, and payroll tools for global teams.
AI Auto-Scheduler that intelligently fills rosters while minimizing labor costs and ensuring regulatory compliance
Workforce.com is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed for shift-based industries, offering advanced staff booking and scheduling capabilities through drag-and-drop interfaces and AI-driven automation. It enables managers to create optimized rosters, assign shifts based on skills and availability, and handle real-time bookings, while employees can claim open shifts via a mobile app. The software integrates time tracking, payroll, and compliance tools, making it ideal for businesses needing end-to-end workforce operations.
Pros
- AI-powered auto-scheduling optimizes shifts for cost, skills, and compliance
- Real-time mobile app for shift claiming and notifications
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small teams
- Interface has a learning curve for advanced compliance features
- Primarily tailored to Australian award interpretations, less flexible globally
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in hospitality, healthcare, or retail requiring robust scheduling and compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $4 per active user per month, with tiers based on features and user volume.
findmyshift
specializedfindmyshift is online rota software for creating schedules, tracking time, and staff communication.
Employee mobile app for real-time shift trading and availability updates without manager intervention
FindMyShift is a cloud-based staff scheduling platform that enables businesses to create rotas, manage shift swaps, and track employee availability online. It offers tools for timesheet management, team communication via messaging, and mobile apps for staff self-service. Ideal for simplifying workforce scheduling in dynamic environments like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong employee self-service features including shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking straightforward, cost-effective staff rostering.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 staff; paid plans from $18/month (Solo for 10 staff) up to custom Enterprise pricing.
Agendrix
specializedAgendrix simplifies employee scheduling with shift trades, availability requests, and mobile access.
Employee availability submissions with automatic shift matching to reduce manual planning
Agendrix is an employee scheduling and workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, share, and optimize schedules based on staff availability. It includes time tracking with mobile clock-in/out, shift trading, and team communication tools like announcements and messaging. The software supports overtime alerts, absence management, and integrations with payroll systems to streamline operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to view shifts and clock in/out
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to top competitors
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools
- Customization options can feel basic for complex enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing straightforward shift scheduling and communication without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $2.95/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials, up to $4.95/user/month for Enterprise.
Conclusion
Thoroughly evaluating the top 10 tools reveals each has distinct strengths, but Deputy emerges as the leading choice, offering unmatched workforce management for businesses of all sizes. When I Work and Homebase, though, are strong alternatives—When I Work for its mobile-first ease and Homebase for its small-business focus—showcasing that the ideal tool aligns with specific operational needs. In the end, these solutions all excel at enhancing scheduling efficiency, proving effective team coordination is within reach.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your operations: dive into Deputy today to explore its comprehensive features and experience the difference in managing your team effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison