Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time clock, and communication tools for hourly workforces.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work offers mobile-first scheduling, time tracking, and shift management for teams.
- 3#3: Deputy - Deputy delivers AI-powered scheduling, time & attendance, and workforce management features.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, and training tools.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, time tracking, and team communication.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling provides free shift scheduling, time tracking, and messaging for managing teams.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift offers employee scheduling, GPS time clock, and labor cost tracking for businesses.
- 8#8: Workforce - Workforce.com provides scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for hourly teams.
- 9#9: UKG - UKG offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced scheduling and timekeeping solutions.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Time - QuickBooks Time enables GPS time tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration for small businesses.
These tools were selected based on key factors including robust feature sets, user-friendly interfaces, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of modern businesses and hourly teams.
Comparison Table
Efficient workforce management starts with reliable time clock and scheduling software—tools that simplify tracking hours, assigning shifts, and aligning teams. This comparison table explores leading options like Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, offering insights into features, usability, and cost to help businesses select the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time clock, and communication tools for hourly workforces. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work offers mobile-first scheduling, time tracking, and shift management for teams. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Deputy delivers AI-powered scheduling, time & attendance, and workforce management features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, and training tools. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, time tracking, and team communication. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling provides free shift scheduling, time tracking, and messaging for managing teams. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift offers employee scheduling, GPS time clock, and labor cost tracking for businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Workforce Workforce.com provides scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for hourly teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | UKG UKG offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced scheduling and timekeeping solutions. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Time QuickBooks Time enables GPS time tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Homebase provides free employee scheduling, time clock, and communication tools for hourly workforces.
When I Work offers mobile-first scheduling, time tracking, and shift management for teams.
Deputy delivers AI-powered scheduling, time & attendance, and workforce management features.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, and training tools.
7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, time tracking, and team communication.
Sling provides free shift scheduling, time tracking, and messaging for managing teams.
ZoomShift offers employee scheduling, GPS time clock, and labor cost tracking for businesses.
Workforce.com provides scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for hourly teams.
UKG offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced scheduling and timekeeping solutions.
QuickBooks Time enables GPS time tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration for small businesses.
Homebase
specializedHomebase provides free employee scheduling, time clock, and communication tools for hourly workforces.
Forever-free plan that includes full scheduling, geofenced time clock, and team communication for a single location
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, offering seamless employee scheduling, time clock tracking, and team communication tools. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, geofenced time clocks with photo verification, shift trades, and integrated messaging to simplify hourly workforce management. Ideal for industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality, it helps reduce labor costs through accurate time tracking and open shift management.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time clock features for one location
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's easy for both managers and employees
- Robust integrations with payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced reporting and hiring tools require paid upgrades
- Limited customization options for complex enterprise needs
- Customer support response times can vary for free plan users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers in shift-based industries seeking affordable, user-friendly scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees, basic scheduling/time clock); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month (billed annually); Premium at $59.99/location/month.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work offers mobile-first scheduling, time tracking, and shift management for teams.
OpenShifts feature, enabling managers to post available shifts for employees to browse and claim in real-time like a marketplace.
When I Work is a mobile-first workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and time tracking for hourly teams. It allows managers to build drag-and-drop schedules based on availability, handle shift trades and open shifts, while employees can clock in/out via GPS-enabled mobile app with photo verification. The software also supports team communication, labor forecasting, and integrations with payroll providers like QuickBooks and Gusto.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill based on availability
- Robust mobile time clock with geofencing and photo capture to prevent buddy punching
- Employee self-service tools for shift swaps, claims, and real-time notifications
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to higher-tier plans
- Customer support can have slow response times for non-enterprise users
- Integrations may require premium plans or additional setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare managing shift-based hourly workforces.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential), $3/user/month (Pro), and $4/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Deputy
specializedDeputy delivers AI-powered scheduling, time & attendance, and workforce management features.
Labor forecasting and auto-scheduling that predicts staffing needs based on historical data and sales forecasts
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, providing drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time clocking, and real-time communication tools. It enables managers to build rosters, track employee hours with geofencing and photo verification to prevent buddy punching, and automate compliance with labor laws. The software also supports shift swapping, notifications, and detailed reporting for optimized labor costs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with availability matching
- Advanced time clock with GPS geofencing, kiosk mode, and anti-fraud measures
- Real-time notifications and employee self-service for shift trades
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features and larger teams
- Steeper learning curve for forecasting and compliance tools
- Customer support can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Medium to large businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essential, billed annually), up to $7+/user/month for Premium/Ultimate plans; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam is an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, and training tools.
GPS time clock with geofencing, photo capture, and facial recognition for precise, fraud-proof tracking
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for deskless teams, featuring robust time clock and scheduling capabilities. Employees can clock in and out using GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition to ensure accuracy and prevent time theft. Managers benefit from drag-and-drop scheduling, shift swapping via an internal marketplace, availability tracking, and automated overtime alerts. It also integrates communication, tasks, and compliance tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- GPS-enabled time clock with geofencing and anti-fraud measures like photo/facial recognition
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with shift trade marketplace and availability management
- Mobile-first design ideal for deskless workers with offline functionality
Cons
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for users needing only basic time tracking
- Pricing scales quickly with user count and advanced features
- Limited native integrations with payroll systems compared to specialized tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with mobile or frontline workers seeking an all-in-one app for time clocking, scheduling, and team communication.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed annually per user.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, time tracking, and team communication.
Real-time labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on historical sales data and sales projections
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that excels in employee scheduling, time clock functionality, and labor cost optimization. It allows managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track employee hours via mobile clock-in with geofencing, and forecast labor costs based on projected sales. The software also supports team messaging, shift trades, and integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square for seamless operations.
Pros
- Tailored scheduling tools with auto-fill and sales forecasting for restaurants
- Robust mobile time clock with GPS verification and overtime alerts
- Strong integrations with POS and payroll systems for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Limited customization outside restaurant industry needs
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and add-ons
- Steep learning curve for advanced labor forecasting features
Best For
Multi-location restaurants seeking integrated scheduling, time tracking, and labor management to control costs.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $49.99 (Pro), and custom Enterprise plans; billed annually with a free trial.
Sling
specializedSling provides free shift scheduling, time tracking, and messaging for managing teams.
Unlimited free scheduling, time clock, and labor costing for any number of employees
Sling is a comprehensive employee scheduling and time clock software that enables managers to create optimized schedules, track work hours via mobile clock-in with GPS verification, and monitor labor costs in real-time. It supports shift trading, time-off requests, and team messaging to streamline operations. Ideal for industries like restaurants and retail, it offers a free core plan with premium upgrades for advanced features.
Pros
- Completely free core plan for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile time clock with geofencing
- Built-in labor cost tracking and forecasting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and integrations in the free tier
- No native desktop app, relying on web and mobile
- Premium features like overtime alerts require paid plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly-shift industries like restaurants and retail seeking affordable, user-friendly scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free forever plan for basics; Standard at $2/user/month; Premium at $3/user/month (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift offers employee scheduling, GPS time clock, and labor cost tracking for businesses.
Employee shift trading and open shift bidding, allowing staff to swap shifts directly in the app with manager approval.
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software designed primarily for hourly workforces in industries like retail, restaurants, and services. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile clock-in/out with geofencing, labor costing, PTO management, and team messaging to streamline operations. The platform helps managers forecast labor needs, reduce overtime, and improve communication without complex setups.
Pros
- Affordable per-user pricing scales well for small teams
- Mobile app with geofencing and shift alerts enhances time tracking accuracy
- Drag-and-drop scheduling and built-in messaging simplify daily operations
Cons
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to enterprise tools
- Limited integrations with major payroll systems
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling and time clock features.
Pricing
Starts at $1.25/active user/month for scheduling (min 10 users), $2/active user/month including time clock; free trial and custom enterprise pricing available.
Workforce
specializedWorkforce.com provides scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools for hourly teams.
OpenShift marketplace for real-time shift claiming and trading among employees
Workforce.com is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for hourly teams, providing mobile time clocking with geofencing to ensure accurate attendance tracking and prevent buddy punching. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading via OpenShift marketplace, labor forecasting, and real-time notifications to optimize staffing. The software also integrates team communication, tasks, and compliance tools, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with geofenced time clock and facial recognition
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with AI-powered forecasting and shift trading
- Real-time labor cost insights and built-in team messaging
Cons
- Pricing per active user can become costly for large teams
- Reporting and analytics lack deep customization options
- Integrations are solid but not as extensive as some enterprise competitors
Best For
Medium to large hourly workforce businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services needing mobile-first time tracking and flexible scheduling.
Pricing
Tiered pricing starting at $2.99 per active user/month (Essentials), $3.99 (Plus), up to $5.99 (Pro), billed annually with minimum user requirements.
UKG
enterpriseUKG offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced scheduling and timekeeping solutions.
AI-driven workforce optimization for predictive scheduling and demand forecasting
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) provides robust time clock and scheduling software through platforms like UKG Pro and UKG Ready, designed for workforce management in mid-to-large enterprises. It offers mobile time clocks, geofencing for accurate tracking, AI-powered scheduling, shift bidding, and compliance with labor laws. The solution integrates seamlessly with HR, payroll, and HCM systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including AI forecasting and real-time visibility
- Strong scalability and integrations with HCM/payroll
- Advanced compliance tools for complex regulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Customization can require significant setup time
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing integrated, enterprise-grade time tracking and scheduling with HCM capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $15-30 per employee/month for core time and scheduling modules, with enterprise plans starting in the thousands monthly.
QuickBooks Time
specializedQuickBooks Time enables GPS time tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration for small businesses.
Deep QuickBooks integration for automatic time-to-payroll syncing
QuickBooks Time is a mobile-first time tracking and scheduling software that enables employees to clock in/out via GPS-enabled apps, track locations, and manage shifts efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for automated payroll and invoicing, making it ideal for service-based businesses. The platform offers features like geofencing, timesheets, and team scheduling to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for payroll and invoicing
- Accurate GPS tracking and geofencing for mobile workforces
- Intuitive mobile app for easy clock-in/out and scheduling
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced scheduling features
- Limited customization in reporting for basic plans
- Occasional sync delays with QuickBooks during peak times
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using QuickBooks that need reliable time tracking with GPS and basic shift scheduling.
Pricing
Premium at $20/user/month + $8 base (billed annually); Elite at $40/user/month + $8 base for scheduling and advanced features.
Conclusion
Across the range of time clock and scheduling software, Homebase shines as the top choice, boasting free, all-in-one tools for scheduling, time tracking, and communication tailored to hourly workforces. When I Work and Deputy follow closely, offering mobile-first design and AI-powered efficiency respectively—both strong alternatives depending on specific team needs. Together, these tools showcase the best solutions for managing hourly labor effectively.
Begin your search for the perfect scheduling tool by trying Homebase first; its user-friendly, free features make it an ideal starting point, or explore When I Work or Deputy if your team prioritizes mobile capabilities or advanced AI-driven management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison