Quick Overview
- 1#1: SignUpGenius - Creates customizable online sign-up sheets for easy volunteer shift scheduling and event coordination.
- 2#2: VolunteerHub - Provides comprehensive volunteer management with robust shift scheduling, reporting, and communication tools.
- 3#3: VolunteerLocal - Streamlines volunteer recruitment, shift scheduling, and on-site management for events and organizations.
- 4#4: Signup.com - Offers simple online sign-up sheets and scheduling for volunteers, teams, and community events.
- 5#5: TimeToSignUp - Delivers flexible sign-up sheets for scheduling volunteer shifts, potlucks, and group coordination.
- 6#6: Rosterfy - Event-focused volunteer rostering software with self-check-in, messaging, and shift management.
- 7#7: VSys One - Enterprise-grade volunteer management system featuring detailed shift scheduling and opportunity tracking.
- 8#8: When I Work - Mobile-first scheduling app for assigning and managing volunteer shifts with real-time updates.
- 9#9: Doodle - Facilitates group polling and calendar scheduling to coordinate volunteer availability and shifts.
- 10#10: Picktime - Free online booking software for creating volunteer shift calendars and managing sign-ups.
These tools were chosen and ranked based on their blend of robust features (including scheduling flexibility, communication tools, and scalability), user experience, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of organizations from small community groups to larger enterprises.
Comparison Table
Volunteer shift scheduling software simplifies coordinating volunteers, and selecting the right tool requires weighing key features. This comparison table breaks down leading options like SignUpGenius, VolunteerHub, VolunteerLocal, Signup.com, TimeToSignUp, and more, helping readers evaluate usability, pricing, and functionality. Readers will gain actionable insights to choose software that aligns with their organization’s needs for efficient volunteer management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SignUpGenius Creates customizable online sign-up sheets for easy volunteer shift scheduling and event coordination. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | VolunteerHub Provides comprehensive volunteer management with robust shift scheduling, reporting, and communication tools. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | VolunteerLocal Streamlines volunteer recruitment, shift scheduling, and on-site management for events and organizations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Signup.com Offers simple online sign-up sheets and scheduling for volunteers, teams, and community events. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | TimeToSignUp Delivers flexible sign-up sheets for scheduling volunteer shifts, potlucks, and group coordination. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | Rosterfy Event-focused volunteer rostering software with self-check-in, messaging, and shift management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | VSys One Enterprise-grade volunteer management system featuring detailed shift scheduling and opportunity tracking. | enterprise | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | When I Work Mobile-first scheduling app for assigning and managing volunteer shifts with real-time updates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Doodle Facilitates group polling and calendar scheduling to coordinate volunteer availability and shifts. | specialized | 6.1/10 | 4.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Picktime Free online booking software for creating volunteer shift calendars and managing sign-ups. | specialized | 6.4/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
Creates customizable online sign-up sheets for easy volunteer shift scheduling and event coordination.
Provides comprehensive volunteer management with robust shift scheduling, reporting, and communication tools.
Streamlines volunteer recruitment, shift scheduling, and on-site management for events and organizations.
Offers simple online sign-up sheets and scheduling for volunteers, teams, and community events.
Delivers flexible sign-up sheets for scheduling volunteer shifts, potlucks, and group coordination.
Event-focused volunteer rostering software with self-check-in, messaging, and shift management.
Enterprise-grade volunteer management system featuring detailed shift scheduling and opportunity tracking.
Mobile-first scheduling app for assigning and managing volunteer shifts with real-time updates.
Facilitates group polling and calendar scheduling to coordinate volunteer availability and shifts.
Free online booking software for creating volunteer shift calendars and managing sign-ups.
SignUpGenius
specializedCreates customizable online sign-up sheets for easy volunteer shift scheduling and event coordination.
Real-time self-service volunteer sign-ups with instant slot availability updates and conflict prevention
SignUpGenius is a leading online sign-up sheet platform tailored for volunteer coordination, allowing organizers to create customizable sheets for shift scheduling, task assignments, and resource sign-ups. It excels in volunteer shift scheduling by enabling easy setup of time-based slots where participants can self-select availability, with real-time updates and automated email reminders to reduce no-shows. The tool supports mobile access, payment collection for events, and basic reporting, making it ideal for community-driven volunteer management.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid shift sheet creation
- Free plan with unlimited sign-up sheets and core scheduling features
- Automated reminders and real-time notifications ensure high volunteer engagement
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting in the free tier
- Lacks built-in volunteer database or CRM integration for large-scale ongoing programs
- Customization for highly complex shift rules is somewhat basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits, schools, churches, and community groups needing simple, effective volunteer shift sign-ups for events and recurring activities.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $11.99/month (Lite) for advanced features like custom branding and payments, up to $59.99/month (Premium) for teams.
VolunteerHub
specializedProvides comprehensive volunteer management with robust shift scheduling, reporting, and communication tools.
Comprehensive impact reporting dashboard that quantifies volunteer contributions in hours, value, and outcomes
VolunteerHub is a robust volunteer management platform specializing in shift scheduling for nonprofits and organizations, enabling admins to create unlimited shifts, opportunities, and sign-up sheets with real-time availability tracking. Volunteers access a self-service portal to browse, register, and sign up for shifts via web or mobile app, streamlining coordination and reducing no-shows through automated reminders and waitlists. Additional tools include communication blasts, impact reporting, and integrations with CRM systems for comprehensive volunteer engagement.
Pros
- Powerful shift scheduling with group sign-ups, recurring events, and waitlists
- Strong mobile app and self-service portal for volunteers
- Detailed reporting on volunteer hours, impact, and retention metrics
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small organizations
- Initial setup and customization may require some learning
- Limited free trial or tier for testing
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and community groups managing complex, recurring volunteer shifts across multiple events and locations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with volunteer volume and features; enterprise options available upon request.
VolunteerLocal
specializedStreamlines volunteer recruitment, shift scheduling, and on-site management for events and organizations.
Real-time volunteer self-scheduling portal that allows instant shift sign-ups and waitlists
VolunteerLocal is a user-friendly volunteer management platform designed for organizing events and shifts, enabling organizers to create opportunities, set up schedules, and manage sign-ups seamlessly. It supports real-time volunteer self-scheduling, customizable registration forms, automated reminders, and reporting tools to track participation and hours. Ideal for non-profits and event coordinators, it simplifies coordination from planning to execution with mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong self-service volunteer sign-up with real-time availability
- Robust reporting and automated email/SMS reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced automation like AI shift optimization
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Higher-tier features locked behind premium plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits, community events, and organizations needing straightforward volunteer shift scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sign-ups per event; paid plans start at $49/month (Basic) up to $299/month (Enterprise), with per-event pricing options.
Signup.com
specializedOffers simple online sign-up sheets and scheduling for volunteers, teams, and community events.
Seamless volunteer self-service sign-up via shareable links with real-time slot availability
Signup.com is a straightforward online platform specialized in creating volunteer sign-up sheets for shifts, events, and tasks. It allows organizers to set up customizable schedules with time slots, volunteer limits, and detailed descriptions, while volunteers self-sign via shared links. The tool supports email and text reminders, attendance tracking, and basic reporting to streamline coordination for groups like nonprofits and community organizations.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface for quick setup of sign-up sheets
- Generous free plan with unlimited sign-ups and basic features
- Reliable automated reminders via email and SMS for better volunteer turnout
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to paid upgrades
- Lacks deep integrations with HR or payroll systems for larger operations
- Customization options feel basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits, schools, and community groups needing simple, no-cost volunteer shift coordination.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited sign-ups; premium features like text reminders and advanced reports start at $39/month (Genius plan).
TimeToSignUp
specializedDelivers flexible sign-up sheets for scheduling volunteer shifts, potlucks, and group coordination.
Seamless anonymous volunteer sign-ups without requiring emails or accounts
TimeToSignUp is a straightforward online sign-up platform tailored for volunteer shift scheduling, enabling organizers to create customizable sheets for events, shifts, and tasks with ease. Volunteers can browse availability and self-sign up without creating accounts, streamlining coordination for groups like schools, churches, and non-profits. It includes features like email reminders, multiple coordinators, and basic reporting to manage participation effectively.
Pros
- Completely free basic plan with unlimited sign-ups
- Intuitive interface requiring no training
- Volunteer anonymity – no login or account needed
Cons
- Limited integrations and advanced analytics
- Customization restricted in free tier
- Scalability issues for very large organizations
Best For
Small to medium non-profits, schools, churches, and community groups seeking simple, no-cost volunteer shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free forever for basic use; Pro plans start at $19/month for unlimited sheets, advanced reminders, and priority support.
Rosterfy
specializedEvent-focused volunteer rostering software with self-check-in, messaging, and shift management.
Smart auto-fill rostering that intelligently matches volunteer availability, skills, and preferences to open shifts
Rosterfy is a comprehensive cloud-based platform specializing in volunteer and casual workforce scheduling for events, sports organizations, and community groups. It enables admins to build drag-and-drop rosters, manage volunteer availability in real-time, and automate communications via SMS, email, and push notifications. Volunteers access a self-service mobile app to view shifts, express interest, and swap roles, streamlining operations for large-scale deployments.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop rostering with real-time availability matching
- Robust mobile app for volunteer self-management and notifications
- Extensive integrations with event management and payment systems
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small organizations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Limited free tier or trial options
Best For
Mid-to-large event organizers, sports leagues, and nonprofits requiring scalable volunteer coordination for high-volume shifts.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $500/month or per-event fees; contact sales for quotes based on roster size and features.
VSys One
enterpriseEnterprise-grade volunteer management system featuring detailed shift scheduling and opportunity tracking.
Sophisticated opportunity matching that auto-assigns volunteers to shifts using skills, certifications, and real-time availability.
VSys One is a comprehensive volunteer management platform specializing in shift scheduling for non-profits, museums, hospitals, and government agencies. It enables administrators to build complex schedules, match volunteers to shifts based on skills, certifications, availability, and preferences, while tracking hours, attendance, and performance. Additional features include self-service portals for volunteers, reporting dashboards, and integrations for background checks and payroll.
Pros
- Highly customizable scheduling with advanced matching algorithms
- Robust reporting and analytics for volunteer insights
- Scalable for large organizations with thousands of volunteers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface
- Complex initial setup requiring IT support
- Opaque, quote-based pricing without public tiers
Best For
Large non-profits and agencies with complex, multi-site volunteer scheduling needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on volunteer count and modules; on-premise and cloud options available.
When I Work
specializedMobile-first scheduling app for assigning and managing volunteer shifts with real-time updates.
OpenShifts feature, where volunteers can browse and self-claim available shifts in real-time
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform that enables managers to create, publish, and manage shifts while allowing workers to set availability, claim open shifts, and swap schedules. It includes communication tools like team chat, announcements, and time-off requests, making it adaptable for volunteer coordination. While not exclusively designed for volunteers, its intuitive interface and real-time updates support shift-based volunteer management effectively for smaller teams.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go shift management and claims
- Real-time notifications and integrated team communication reduce no-shows
- Generous free plan supports up to 75 users, ideal for small volunteer groups
Cons
- Lacks specialized volunteer features like skill matching or certification tracking
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams beyond the free tier
- Reporting is basic and not tailored to volunteer hour accumulation or incentives
Best For
Small to mid-sized volunteer organizations or community groups needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling without complex requirements.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Basic) and $4/user/month (Pro).
Doodle
specializedFacilitates group polling and calendar scheduling to coordinate volunteer availability and shifts.
One-click group polls that effortlessly aggregate volunteer availability into visual overviews
Doodle is a user-friendly polling tool primarily designed for coordinating group availability and scheduling meetings. In the context of volunteer shift scheduling, it enables organizers to create polls where volunteers can indicate their availability for specific shifts or time slots. While effective for simple availability gathering, it lacks robust features for shift assignment, roster building, or ongoing management. It's best suited as a lightweight supplement rather than a comprehensive volunteer scheduling solution.
Pros
- Extremely simple and quick to create availability polls
- Free basic plan supports unlimited polls
- Mobile-friendly interface for volunteers to respond
Cons
- No automated shift assignment or matching capabilities
- Lacks volunteer database, recurring shifts, or roster views
- Limited integrations and reporting for shift tracking
Best For
Small volunteer groups or one-off events needing quick availability checks without complex rostering.
Pricing
Free plan for basic polls; Pro starts at $6.95/user/month with advanced features like booking pages and integrations.
Picktime
specializedFree online booking software for creating volunteer shift calendars and managing sign-ups.
Unlimited customizable booking websites that allow volunteers to self-select shifts across multiple calendars without needing accounts
Picktime is a versatile online scheduling platform designed primarily for appointment booking, classes, events, and resource management, with features like customizable booking pages, automated reminders, staff scheduling, and integrated payments. For volunteer shift scheduling, it can be adapted by treating shifts as bookable slots on shared calendars, allowing volunteers to self-sign up via public booking links. However, it lacks native volunteer-specific tools like dedicated portals, waitlists, or group sign-ups, making it more of a general-purpose solution than a specialized one.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a robust free plan for solo users
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar interface that's mobile-friendly
- Easy sharing of public booking links for volunteer self-scheduling
Cons
- No built-in volunteer management features like rosters, availability tracking, or volunteer profiles
- Limited reporting and analytics tailored to shift volunteering
- Customization for complex shift rules (e.g., recurring volunteer limits) feels basic
Best For
Small non-profits or volunteer coordinators seeking a simple, low-cost way to let volunteers book basic shifts without needing advanced management tools.
Pricing
Free for 1 user/location; paid plans from $4/user/month (Starter) to $15/user/month (Premium), billed annually.
Conclusion
Among the top volunteer shift scheduling tools, SignUpGenius stands out as the leading choice, celebrated for its customizable online sign-up sheets that simplify coordination. VolunteerHub and VolunteerLocal follow, with VolunteerHub offering robust management and reporting features, and VolunteerLocal excelling in streamlining recruitment and on-site operations. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring there’s a suitable option for different organizational needs. SignUpGenius, with its user-friendly customization, remains the top pick for those seeking a versatile, effective solution.
Don’t let scheduling hold you back—explore SignUpGenius today to discover how its intuitive, customizable tools can transform your volunteer coordination process, making sign-ups and shifts a breeze for you and your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison