Quick Overview
- 1#1: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR platform with automated time-off requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking for seamless vacation management.
- 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management tool that automates PTO policies, requests, approvals, and global compliance for vacation scheduling.
- 3#3: HiBob - Modern HR platform offering customizable time-off policies, self-service requests, and real-time vacation balance visibility.
- 4#4: Vacation Tracker - Dedicated vacation management software for tracking requests, approvals, accruals, and carryover with integrations to calendars and HR tools.
- 5#5: Time Off.Management - Simple, unlimited-user PTO tracker that handles vacation requests, approvals, and reporting with calendar sync and policy enforcement.
- 6#6: Gusto - Payroll and HR software with built-in time-off tracking, automated accruals, and easy request management for small businesses.
- 7#7: Deputy - Employee scheduling app with integrated leave requests, approvals, and shift coverage to manage vacations without gaps.
- 8#8: When I Work - Shift scheduling platform that supports time-off requests, swaps, and approvals to coordinate team vacations efficiently.
- 9#9: Homebase - Free scheduling tool for hourly teams with PTO request handling, availability tracking, and automated notifications.
- 10#10: LeaveBoard - Absence management software focused on vacation planning, approvals, and customizable policies with visual calendars.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including core functionality (approvals, accruals, and integrations), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a list that balances robust features with accessibility.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right vacation scheduling software is made easier with this comparison, featuring tools like BambooHR, Rippling, HiBob, Vacation Tracker, Time Off.Management, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and integration capabilities to identify the best fit for their team or organization.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BambooHR Comprehensive HR platform with automated time-off requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking for seamless vacation management. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Rippling All-in-one workforce management tool that automates PTO policies, requests, approvals, and global compliance for vacation scheduling. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | HiBob Modern HR platform offering customizable time-off policies, self-service requests, and real-time vacation balance visibility. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Vacation Tracker Dedicated vacation management software for tracking requests, approvals, accruals, and carryover with integrations to calendars and HR tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Time Off.Management Simple, unlimited-user PTO tracker that handles vacation requests, approvals, and reporting with calendar sync and policy enforcement. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Gusto Payroll and HR software with built-in time-off tracking, automated accruals, and easy request management for small businesses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | Deputy Employee scheduling app with integrated leave requests, approvals, and shift coverage to manage vacations without gaps. | other | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | When I Work Shift scheduling platform that supports time-off requests, swaps, and approvals to coordinate team vacations efficiently. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Homebase Free scheduling tool for hourly teams with PTO request handling, availability tracking, and automated notifications. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | LeaveBoard Absence management software focused on vacation planning, approvals, and customizable policies with visual calendars. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive HR platform with automated time-off requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking for seamless vacation management.
All-in-one workforce management tool that automates PTO policies, requests, approvals, and global compliance for vacation scheduling.
Modern HR platform offering customizable time-off policies, self-service requests, and real-time vacation balance visibility.
Dedicated vacation management software for tracking requests, approvals, accruals, and carryover with integrations to calendars and HR tools.
Simple, unlimited-user PTO tracker that handles vacation requests, approvals, and reporting with calendar sync and policy enforcement.
Payroll and HR software with built-in time-off tracking, automated accruals, and easy request management for small businesses.
Employee scheduling app with integrated leave requests, approvals, and shift coverage to manage vacations without gaps.
Shift scheduling platform that supports time-off requests, swaps, and approvals to coordinate team vacations efficiently.
Free scheduling tool for hourly teams with PTO request handling, availability tracking, and automated notifications.
Absence management software focused on vacation planning, approvals, and customizable policies with visual calendars.
BambooHR
enterpriseComprehensive HR platform with automated time-off requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking for seamless vacation management.
Customizable accrual policies with automated carryover and pro-rating for precise PTO balance management
BambooHR is a full-featured HR platform with robust vacation scheduling capabilities, enabling employees to submit time-off requests via a user-friendly self-service portal while managers approve them with automated workflows. It supports customizable PTO policies, accrual tracking, balance management, and a shared calendar for team availability visualization. The system integrates with payroll and other HR tools, making it a comprehensive solution for managing vacations in growing organizations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go requests and approvals
- Advanced accrual rules and automated notifications reduce administrative burden
- Real-time calendar and reporting provide clear visibility into team time off
Cons
- Pricing scales with number of employees, which can be costly for larger teams
- Full HR suite may be overkill for companies needing only vacation scheduling
- Customization requires initial setup time for complex PTO policies
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with top-tier vacation management features.
Pricing
Custom quote starting at about $6-12 per employee per month, billed annually.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce management tool that automates PTO policies, requests, approvals, and global compliance for vacation scheduling.
Unified employee record that automatically syncs vacation data across HR, payroll, IT, and benefits for zero manual reconciliation
Rippling is an all-in-one HR and workforce management platform that excels in vacation scheduling through its Time & Attendance module, offering customizable PTO accrual policies, automated approvals, and real-time balance tracking. Employees can submit requests via a mobile app with calendar integration, while managers gain visibility into team availability and compliance. It seamlessly ties vacation data to payroll, benefits, and performance reviews for a unified employee experience.
Pros
- Comprehensive PTO accrual rules with carryover and rollover support
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for automated adjustments
- Mobile-first interface for easy employee requests and manager approvals
Cons
- Higher cost makes it less ideal for small teams focused only on vacation tracking
- Steep initial learning curve due to the platform's broad HR scope
- Customization can overwhelm users not needing full-suite features
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking an integrated HR platform where vacation scheduling enhances overall workforce management.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR (billed annually), with Time & Attendance and payroll add-ons increasing costs to $11+ per user/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
HiBob
enterpriseModern HR platform offering customizable time-off policies, self-service requests, and real-time vacation balance visibility.
Global compliance engine that auto-adjusts PTO policies to local regulations across 100+ countries
HiBob is a comprehensive HR platform that excels in vacation scheduling through its time-off management module, enabling employees to submit requests, track accruals, and view team calendars seamlessly. It automates approval workflows, enforces compliance with global labor laws, and integrates with payroll and performance tools for a holistic employee experience. Ideal for growing businesses, it provides real-time visibility into PTO balances and availability to prevent overbooking.
Pros
- Advanced accrual rules with automatic carryover and compliance support
- Real-time team calendar for easy scheduling conflicts resolution
- Mobile app for on-the-go requests and approvals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams focused only on vacation tracking
- Full HR suite may overwhelm users needing simple PTO tools
- Setup requires HR expertise for optimal configuration
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking an all-in-one HR solution with robust, scalable vacation scheduling.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $6-10 per employee per month, with enterprise tiers based on features and headcount.
Vacation Tracker
specializedDedicated vacation management software for tracking requests, approvals, accruals, and carryover with integrations to calendars and HR tools.
Chat-based vacation requests and approvals directly in Slack or Microsoft Teams
Vacation Tracker is a user-friendly vacation management software designed for teams to request, approve, and track time off directly within Slack, Microsoft Teams, or via a web dashboard. It supports unlimited PTO policies, accrual tracking, and automatic calendar syncs with Google Workspace and Outlook to avoid scheduling conflicts. The tool provides real-time visibility into team availability and balances, making it ideal for distributed teams.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Slack, Teams, Google Calendar, and Outlook
- Quick setup for multiple PTO accrual policies
- Real-time team calendar and balance visibility
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No native mobile app (relies on web responsiveness)
- Fewer HRIS integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams using Slack or Teams who need simple, chat-based vacation tracking without complex HR setups.
Pricing
Starts at $5/user/month (Basic), $8/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Time Off.Management
specializedSimple, unlimited-user PTO tracker that handles vacation requests, approvals, and reporting with calendar sync and policy enforcement.
Unlimited custom time off policies with automated balance calculations
Time Off.Management is a user-friendly vacation scheduling software that simplifies employee time off requests, approvals, and balance tracking. It offers shared calendars, multiple policy support, and self-service portals to ensure transparency and prevent overbooking. The platform integrates with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack, while providing reports for HR oversight.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Affordable pricing including a free tier
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go approvals
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer native integrations than top competitors
- Scalability challenges for very large organizations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing a simple, cost-effective tool for vacation scheduling and time off management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard at $1.99/user/month; Premium at $2.99/user/month (billed annually).
Gusto
enterprisePayroll and HR software with built-in time-off tracking, automated accruals, and easy request management for small businesses.
Automatic payroll integration that calculates and adjusts pay for approved vacation time without manual entry
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform that includes time-off management features for vacation scheduling, allowing employees to request PTO, managers to approve, and automatic accrual tracking. It syncs vacation data with payroll for accurate pay calculations and provides visibility into team availability. While not a standalone vacation tool, it embeds scheduling within broader HR workflows for small businesses.
Pros
- Seamless payroll integration for PTO pay accuracy
- User-friendly mobile app for quick requests and approvals
- Automated accrual tracking and balance visibility
Cons
- Limited advanced scheduling like shift coverage or swaps
- Overkill pricing for businesses needing only vacation tools
- Less customizable for complex multi-policy PTO setups
Best For
Small businesses already using Gusto for payroll that need basic integrated vacation tracking without a separate tool.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6/employee for Simple (time-off in Plus at $80 + $12/employee); custom Premium available.
Deputy
otherEmployee scheduling app with integrated leave requests, approvals, and shift coverage to manage vacations without gaps.
Automatic shift coverage suggestions and swap board to fill vacation gaps without manual intervention
Deputy is a workforce management platform with strong vacation scheduling features, enabling employees to request time off via a mobile app while managers approve requests and automatically adjust shift schedules to account for absences. It supports PTO accrual tracking, leave balances, and visibility into team availability on shared calendars. Ideal for shift-based operations, it integrates vacation planning seamlessly with overall scheduling and communication tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration of leave requests into shift schedules with auto-coverage suggestions
- Mobile-first design for easy employee requests and manager approvals on the go
- PTO accrual tracking and balance visibility for compliance and planning
Cons
- Overkill for organizations needing only vacation scheduling without full workforce tools
- Pricing can add up for smaller teams not utilizing all features
- Advanced accrual customizations may require higher-tier plans or setup time
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare that need vacation scheduling integrated with daily workforce management.
Pricing
Starts at around $3/user/month for basic scheduling plans (billed annually), with advanced leave features in higher tiers like Plus ($5+/user/month) or custom Enterprise pricing.
When I Work
otherShift scheduling platform that supports time-off requests, swaps, and approvals to coordinate team vacations efficiently.
Seamless integration of time-off requests directly into the live schedule, auto-blocking conflicts in real-time
When I Work is a versatile employee scheduling platform that excels in shift management while offering solid vacation scheduling capabilities through its time-off request system. Employees can submit PTO or vacation requests via a user-friendly mobile app, with managers receiving instant notifications for quick approvals or denials, and the system automatically blocks those dates on the shared schedule. It also tracks accrued time off and provides calendar views to visualize team vacations, preventing overbooking.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick vacation requests and approvals
- Automatic schedule updates to reflect approved time off
- Real-time visibility into team availability and PTO balances
Cons
- Limited advanced PTO accrual rules compared to dedicated HR tools
- Vacation features feel secondary to core shift scheduling
- Some reporting and customization locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one scheduling solution with straightforward vacation management.
Pricing
Free for teams under 75 users at one location; Pro plan at $2/user/month; Elite at $4/user/month with advanced features.
Homebase
otherFree scheduling tool for hourly teams with PTO request handling, availability tracking, and automated notifications.
Automatic integration of approved time-off into drag-and-drop schedules with open shift notifications for easy coverage.
Homebase is an employee scheduling and management platform tailored for small businesses in hourly industries like retail and hospitality. It enables vacation scheduling through simple time-off requests, where employees submit PTO via mobile app, managers approve/deny, and absences automatically appear on the shared schedule to aid coverage planning. While robust for shift-based operations, its vacation tools are integrated rather than standalone, supporting basic approvals and visibility without advanced accrual tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick PTO requests and approvals
- Seamless schedule integration shows absences and open shifts for coverage
- Free plan available for small teams up to 20 employees
Cons
- Limited advanced PTO features like accrual balances or carryover policies
- Primarily designed for shift workers, less ideal for salaried vacation planning
- Pricing increases with multiple locations and employee count
Best For
Small hourly businesses like restaurants or retail stores needing basic vacation requests within shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free for one location up to 20 employees; Essentials starts at $24.95/month per location (first 20 employees), with Pro at $39.95/month.
LeaveBoard
specializedAbsence management software focused on vacation planning, approvals, and customizable policies with visual calendars.
Absence Heatmap, providing a visual, color-coded overview of team availability and planned absences at a glance.
LeaveBoard is a cloud-based leave management software focused on vacation scheduling, absence tracking, and time-off approvals for teams of all sizes. It provides self-service portals for employees to request time off, automated approval workflows, visual calendars, and detailed reports on leave balances and trends. The platform emphasizes simplicity with integrations for tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, making it suitable for streamlined HR processes.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training needed
- Strong integrations with communication tools like Slack and Teams
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Customization options for complex leave policies are somewhat basic
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a straightforward, cost-effective tool for vacation scheduling and team availability tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Starter), $4/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The top three vacation scheduling software represent leading solutions, with BambooHR emerging as the top choice for its comprehensive HR integration and seamless time-off management. Rippling and HiBob follow closely, offering strong alternatives—Rippling for global compliance and HiBob for customizable policies. Each tool simplifies vacation planning, ensuring smooth operations and employee satisfaction across various needs.
Take the first step toward efficient vacation management by trying BambooHR, or explore Rippling or HiBob to find the perfect fit for your unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.