Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce scheduling software with shift management, time tracking, and compliance features.
- 2#2: When I Work - Mobile-first employee scheduling app enabling shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free scheduling and time tracking tool for small businesses with messaging and payroll integration.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific staff scheduling platform with labor cost control and tip management.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app for scheduling, communication, and task assignments.
- 6#6: Sling - User-friendly team scheduling software with reminders, shift templates, and availability tracking.
- 7#7: Workforce.com - Automated scheduling and attendance software for hourly workers with forecasting tools.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock with PTO tracking and reporting.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Online staff rota tool for creating schedules, rotas, and handling shift swaps.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling software with availability detection and team messaging.
We ranked these tools based on feature breadth (including scheduling, time tracking, and compliance), user-friendliness (intuitive design and accessibility), reliability (performance and support), and value (tailored solutions for small businesses, restaurants, and hourly workers).
Comparison Table
Staff rota software streamlines scheduling for businesses, and our comparison table breaks down tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, 7shifts, and Connecteam to highlight key differences in features, usability, and integration. Readers will learn which options best suit their team’s unique scheduling needs and operational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce scheduling software with shift management, time tracking, and compliance features. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Mobile-first employee scheduling app enabling shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free scheduling and time tracking tool for small businesses with messaging and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific staff scheduling platform with labor cost control and tip management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app for scheduling, communication, and task assignments. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sling User-friendly team scheduling software with reminders, shift templates, and availability tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 7 | Workforce.com Automated scheduling and attendance software for hourly workers with forecasting tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock with PTO tracking and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Online staff rota tool for creating schedules, rotas, and handling shift swaps. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling software with availability detection and team messaging. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
Comprehensive workforce scheduling software with shift management, time tracking, and compliance features.
Mobile-first employee scheduling app enabling shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting.
Free scheduling and time tracking tool for small businesses with messaging and payroll integration.
Restaurant-specific staff scheduling platform with labor cost control and tip management.
All-in-one employee management app for scheduling, communication, and task assignments.
User-friendly team scheduling software with reminders, shift templates, and availability tracking.
Automated scheduling and attendance software for hourly workers with forecasting tools.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock with PTO tracking and reporting.
Online staff rota tool for creating schedules, rotas, and handling shift swaps.
Simple employee scheduling software with availability detection and team messaging.
Deputy
specializedComprehensive workforce scheduling software with shift management, time tracking, and compliance features.
AI-driven Labour Optimiser that automatically generates cost-effective rotas based on forecasted demand, sales data, and employee availability.
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform designed for staff scheduling and rota creation, enabling managers to build, publish, and manage shifts across multiple locations effortlessly. It integrates time tracking, employee communication, payroll processing, and compliance tools to streamline operations. With mobile apps for both managers and staff, it supports real-time updates, shift swaps, and availability management, making it ideal for dynamic industries like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and auto-optimization
- Robust mobile app for employees to clock in/out and manage shifts on-the-go
- Extensive integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems like Xero and QuickBooks
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small teams
- Advanced forecasting features require some setup and data input
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Medium to large businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services that need scalable, mobile-first staff rota management with compliance and forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essentials (billed annually), with Plus at $5.25/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing including advanced forecasting and API access.
When I Work
specializedMobile-first employee scheduling app enabling shift trading, notifications, and labor forecasting.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time for ultimate scheduling flexibility
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for staff rota management, enabling managers to create, share, and optimize shift schedules efficiently. It supports features like automated shift reminders, employee availability input, self-scheduling, and shift swaps to reduce administrative burden. The software also integrates time tracking, labor forecasting, and team communication tools, making it ideal for hourly workforce industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees to claim shifts and swap
- Strong automation for notifications, availability, and overtime alerts
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
- Limited customization for complex compliance needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, restaurants, or services needing flexible, mobile-friendly rostering.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; paid plans start at $2 per active user/month (Scheduling), $3 (Scheduling + Time), up to $6+ for full features, billed annually.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling and time tracking tool for small businesses with messaging and payroll integration.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to claim available shifts via mobile notifications
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers, offering drag-and-drop staff scheduling, time tracking, and shift management. It enables automatic scheduling suggestions, open shift notifications for easy coverage, and integration with payroll systems to streamline operations. The tool also includes team messaging and availability tracking to minimize scheduling conflicts and overtime costs.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling for one location
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to pick shifts and clock in
- Strong integrations with payroll like Gusto and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and analytics locked in premium tiers
- Limited customization for complex multi-location setups
- Customer support can be slower on free plan
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses managing hourly frontline staff who need simple, affordable rostering.
Pricing
Free Basic plan (1 location, unlimited employees); Essentials $29.99/location/month (up to 20 employees); Premium $59.99+ for advanced features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific staff scheduling platform with labor cost control and tip management.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on historical sales and menu data
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that specializes in staff scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization. It enables managers to create rotas based on sales forecasts, facilitate shift trades and drops among employees, and integrate with POS systems for accurate labor insights. Additional features include team messaging, tip pooling, and compliance tools tailored for hospitality operations.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like labor forecasting from sales data and tip management
- Seamless mobile app for employees to clock in/out and trade shifts
- Strong integrations with popular POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Higher-tier features required for advanced reporting and multi-location support
- Occasional glitches in shift notifications reported by users
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains needing integrated scheduling with labor cost controls.
Pricing
Free Essential plan for single locations; paid plans from $29.99/location/month (billed annually) for Pro, Elite, and Enterprise tiers.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app for scheduling, communication, and task assignments.
Employee self-service shift swaps and availability bidding via a user-friendly mobile app
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform designed for frontline and deskless teams, with robust staff rota features including drag-and-drop scheduling, shift assignments, and employee self-service. Managers can create rotas, set recurring shifts, manage availability, and approve swap requests via an intuitive app. It combines scheduling with time tracking, communication, tasks, and training for comprehensive operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for both managers and employees
- Seamless shift scheduling with auto-fill, notifications, and self-service swaps
- All-in-one integration with time tracking, chat, and operations tools
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for larger teams with per-user scaling
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm users needing only basic rostering
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to specialized rota tools
Best For
Small to medium frontline businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services seeking mobile-first scheduling with built-in communication and management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for the first 30 users (Premium), $39/month (Operations), plus $0.50-$1.20 per additional user/month.
Sling
specializedUser-friendly team scheduling software with reminders, shift templates, and availability tracking.
Free forever plan with unlimited schedules and employees for single-location teams
Sling is an employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality, enabling managers to create rotas, assign shifts, and track labor costs efficiently. It includes features for collecting employee availability, sending notifications, time clocking, and team messaging to reduce no-shows and overtime. The tool supports multiple locations and offers both web and mobile access for seamless management.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Integrated communication and labor cost tracking
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations locked behind paid plans
- Limited customization options in the free tier
- Customer support can be slower for free users
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, straightforward rota solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free basic plan for core features; Standard ($2/user/month) and Premium ($4/user/month) plans unlock advanced tools like labor forecasting and unlimited locations.
Workforce.com
specializedAutomated scheduling and attendance software for hourly workers with forecasting tools.
AI-powered demand forecasting that auto-generates optimal rosters based on sales data and historical trends
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform specializing in staff rostering, time tracking, and compliance for hourly workforces. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling based on demand forecasts, and real-time visibility into labor costs and availability. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll systems and offers mobile apps for employees to manage swaps, clock in/out, and view rosters, making it ideal for industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and auto-scheduling reduce manual effort
- Strong compliance tools for awards, breaks, and labor laws
- Integrated time tracking and payroll reduce administrative overhead
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses
- Some functionalities are region-specific (e.g., Australia-focused compliance)
Best For
Medium to large enterprises in compliance-intensive sectors like hospitality and healthcare needing automated rostering and real-time labor insights.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $6-12 per active user/month for core plans, with enterprise tiers customized higher.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time clock with PTO tracking and reporting.
OpenShift Marketplace, allowing employees to bid on and claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage employee schedules efficiently. It includes time tracking via mobile punch clock, shift trading among staff, PTO requests, and labor cost forecasting to optimize operations. The software supports multiple locations and integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto for seamless data flow.
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
- Reporting features are somewhat basic compared to competitors
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing straightforward scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 75 shifts/month); Pro plan at $29/location/month + $1.50/active user; Enterprise custom pricing.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline staff rota tool for creating schedules, rotas, and handling shift swaps.
Built-in staff messaging and shift swap functionality for seamless communication without external tools
Findmyshift is a cloud-based staff scheduling platform that enables businesses to create, manage, and share employee rotas with drag-and-drop functionality. It includes timesheet tracking, holiday management, availability requests, and mobile apps for staff to view shifts, swap them, and clock in/out. The software supports skills-based rostering and integrates with payroll systems, making it suitable for shift-based industries like hospitality and retail.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Occasional glitches in real-time updates reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking simple, cost-effective rota management.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $18/month (10 users), scaling to $54/month (Enterprise, 100+ users).
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling software with availability detection and team messaging.
Employee shift trading and availability-based auto-scheduling via mobile app
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and staff rostering for shift-based businesses. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time notifications, mobile apps for employees to view shifts and swap them, and integrated time tracking and PTO management. The software emphasizes ease of use and communication to reduce no-shows and improve team coordination in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
- Real-time notifications and shift confirmations
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail and hospitality needing straightforward, mobile-friendly rostering.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95 per active user/month (Basic, billed annually); Pro at $4.95, Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 staff rota tools, Deputy clearly leads with its comprehensive suite of scheduling, time tracking, and compliance features, making it a versatile choice for various operations. When I Work stands out as a mobile-first option with strong shift trading and forecasting tools, while Homebase excels for small businesses with its free, integrated scheduling and payroll capabilities. Each software offers unique strengths, but Deputy’s all-encompassing approach positions it as the top pick.
Explore Deputy today to simplify your team’s scheduling—its intuitive design and robust features can transform how you manage shifts, ensuring efficiency and satisfaction for both staff and managers.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
