Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one web-based platform for employee scheduling, communication, and management.
- 2#2: When I Work - Web and mobile app for shift scheduling, time-off requests, and team messaging.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free web-based scheduling tool with time tracking and hiring for small businesses.
- 4#4: Deputy - Enterprise workforce management software for scheduling, attendance, and labor compliance.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Web-based scheduling and labor management platform tailored for restaurants.
- 6#6: Sling - Simple web app for creating schedules, shift trades, and team communication.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software for hourly workers.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Automated web scheduling with time tracking and payroll integration for teams.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Employee scheduling software with shift swaps, time clock, and mobile access.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online staff rostering tool with automated notifications and availability management.
Ranked based on key factors including functionality, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring tools deliver strong performance across essential scheduling tasks
Comparison Table
Explore a breakdown of web-based staff scheduling software, including popular tools like Connecteam, When I Work, Homebase, Deputy, 7shifts, and more, to understand key features and tailor choices to specific team needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one web-based platform for employee scheduling, communication, and management. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Web and mobile app for shift scheduling, time-off requests, and team messaging. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free web-based scheduling tool with time tracking and hiring for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Deputy Enterprise workforce management software for scheduling, attendance, and labor compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Web-based scheduling and labor management platform tailored for restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sling Simple web app for creating schedules, shift trades, and team communication. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software for hourly workers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Automated web scheduling with time tracking and payroll integration for teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Employee scheduling software with shift swaps, time clock, and mobile access. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online staff rostering tool with automated notifications and availability management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
All-in-one web-based platform for employee scheduling, communication, and management.
Web and mobile app for shift scheduling, time-off requests, and team messaging.
Free web-based scheduling tool with time tracking and hiring for small businesses.
Enterprise workforce management software for scheduling, attendance, and labor compliance.
Web-based scheduling and labor management platform tailored for restaurants.
Simple web app for creating schedules, shift trades, and team communication.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software for hourly workers.
Automated web scheduling with time tracking and payroll integration for teams.
Employee scheduling software with shift swaps, time clock, and mobile access.
Online staff rostering tool with automated notifications and availability management.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one web-based platform for employee scheduling, communication, and management.
Smart Scheduler uses AI to automatically create optimized schedules based on availability, skills, and labor costs
Connecteam is a robust web-based staff scheduling software tailored for managing frontline and deskless workers, offering drag-and-drop shift creation, availability-based auto-scheduling, and real-time updates. Managers can handle shift trades, overtime alerts, and compliance with labor laws, while employees access schedules via a mobile app with clock-in/out and communication tools. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, tasks, and training for a complete workforce management solution.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with AI-powered Smart Scheduler
- Seamless mobile access for employees including shift swaps and GPS clock-in
- Comprehensive integrations with payroll, POS, and communication tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Full feature set requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by some users
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly frontline staff needing integrated scheduling, communication, and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans from $29/month (Basic, 30 users) to $99/month (Expert, unlimited users) billed annually.
When I Work
specializedWeb and mobile app for shift scheduling, time-off requests, and team messaging.
OpenShifts, enabling employees to claim, trade, or drop shifts without manager intervention
When I Work is a robust web-based staff scheduling software that enables managers to create optimized schedules, manage shift trades, and track employee availability in real-time. It offers tools for time clocking, overtime alerts, labor forecasting, and team messaging to improve workforce efficiency. The platform supports multi-location businesses with mobile access for employees to view shifts, request time off, and communicate instantly.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and shift claiming
- Integrations with payroll and POS systems for seamless operations
Cons
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare requiring flexible, mobile-friendly staff scheduling.
Pricing
Essential ($2/user/mo), Pro ($4/user/mo), Elite ($6/user/mo); billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Homebase
specializedFree web-based scheduling tool with time tracking and hiring for small businesses.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts themselves to fill gaps quickly without manager intervention
Homebase is a web-based staff scheduling software tailored for small businesses, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, send shift reminders, and handle employee availability with ease. It integrates time tracking, team messaging, payroll syncing, and even hiring tools into one platform to simplify workforce management. The mobile app ensures employees can view schedules, clock in/out with GPS verification, and communicate on the go.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with up to 20 employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Seamless integrations with payroll providers like QuickBooks and Gusto
Cons
- Advanced features like labor forecasting locked behind premium plans
- Pricing scales per location, which can get expensive for multi-site operations
- Limited customization options for complex shift patterns
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with one location seeking an affordable, all-in-one scheduling and time-tracking solution.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.95/location/month (20 free employees, +$6/employee); Premium $59.95/location/month; Elite $99.95/location/month (billed annually).
Deputy
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management software for scheduling, attendance, and labor compliance.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses historical data and sales integrations to predict optimal staffing levels.
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for staff scheduling, time tracking, and communication, primarily targeting shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create optimized schedules using drag-and-drop tools, forecast labor needs, and ensure compliance with overtime rules. The software also includes mobile apps for employees to view shifts, request time off, and clock in/out with geofencing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates and notifications
- Strong labor forecasting and cost tracking integrations
- Robust mobile features for shift swaps, time clocking, and communication
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for larger teams or advanced features
- Customer support response times vary
- Steeper learning curve for complex forecasting and reporting tools
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries needing advanced scheduling, forecasting, and compliance management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $6.50+/user/month for Ultimate plan with advanced forecasting and integrations.
7shifts
specializedWeb-based scheduling and labor management platform tailored for restaurants.
Labor forecasting powered by POS integrations to predict staffing needs based on historical sales data
7shifts is a web-based staff scheduling software tailored for restaurants and hospitality businesses, enabling managers to build schedules, track employee time and attendance, and monitor labor costs in real-time. It offers features like shift trading, team messaging, and integrations with POS systems such as Toast and Square for sales-driven forecasting. The platform emphasizes mobile accessibility for employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and request time off seamlessly.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like labor forecasting and POS integrations
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Automated scheduling and shift reminders reduce manual work
Cons
- Less flexible for non-hospitality industries
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams or multiple locations
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location hospitality operators seeking to optimize labor costs and streamline shift management.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 employees; paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $109.99 for Enterprise.
Sling
specializedSimple web app for creating schedules, shift trades, and team communication.
Unlimited free scheduling and shift management for one location with no user limits
Sling is a web-based staff scheduling software designed to streamline shift creation, employee availability management, and labor cost tracking for businesses like restaurants and retail. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, time clock integration, shift trading among employees, and built-in team messaging for seamless communication. The platform supports unlimited users on its free plan for single locations, making it accessible for small teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited scheduling for one location
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated time tracking and labor forecasting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and integrations on free plan
- Customer support primarily email-based without live chat
- Scalability challenges for multi-location enterprises without premium upgrades
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly-wage industries like hospitality and retail seeking cost-effective scheduling without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free for single locations; Premium at $2/active user/month (billed annually) for advanced features like labor costing and multi-location support.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software for hourly workers.
Demand-based auto-scheduling and labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs from historical sales data
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers. It enables managers to create visual drag-and-drop schedules, automate shift assignments based on demand forecasting, and handle time-off requests, shift trades, and overtime alerts. Additional tools include GPS time clock, labor costing, team messaging, and basic reporting to optimize workforce efficiency.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and time tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
- Customization options for schedules and alerts are somewhat basic
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses needing simple, cost-effective staff scheduling for hourly employees.
Pricing
Free plan for one location (up to 75 shifts/month); paid plans start at $1.89/user/month (Solo, billed annually) up to $6.25/user/month (Pro) with features scaling by needs.
Workforce.com
enterpriseAutomated web scheduling with time tracking and payroll integration for teams.
AI-driven demand forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on sales data and historical trends
Workforce.com is a comprehensive web-based workforce management platform specializing in staff scheduling for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, shift swapping, and real-time availability tracking to optimize labor costs and ensure compliance. The tool integrates time clocks, forecasting, and mobile apps for seamless employee communication and management.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and skills-based matching
- Real-time notifications, shift trading, and mobile accessibility for employees
- Advanced labor forecasting and compliance tools to minimize overtime and violations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Fewer native integrations with some accounting or POS systems
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries needing robust scheduling, forecasting, and compliance management.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $3/active user/month (Essentials), up to custom Enterprise pricing; free trial available.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling software with shift swaps, time clock, and mobile access.
Automatic conflict detection for availability, overtime, and double-booking with instant alerts
Agendrix is a web-based staff scheduling software that simplifies workforce management by enabling drag-and-drop schedule creation, employee availability tracking, and shift assignments. It supports time-off requests, shift trades between employees, and mobile access for viewing schedules and clocking in/out. The platform includes automated notifications, overtime alerts, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Google Workspace to streamline operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong employee self-service features like shift swaps and availability submission
- Affordable per-user pricing with multi-location support
Cons
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
- Limited third-party integrations beyond core payroll apps
- Customization options for schedules are not highly advanced
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or services seeking straightforward, cost-effective scheduling without complex needs.
Pricing
Starts at $1.49/user/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $2.95/user/month (Pro); free for up to 10 users with paid upgrades; 21-day free trial.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline staff rostering tool with automated notifications and availability management.
Comprehensive employee self-service portal for shift swaps, availability submissions, and timesheet approvals
Findmyshift is a cloud-based staff scheduling software designed for businesses to create, manage, and share employee rosters online. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, availability management, and employee self-service features to streamline shift planning. With mobile apps and communication tools like SMS/email alerts, it helps reduce administrative time and scheduling errors for teams of various sizes.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a free tier for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Strong employee self-service and communication tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking cost-effective, user-friendly scheduling without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $22/month for 10 users, scaling per additional user with no contracts.
Conclusion
Selecting the right scheduling software hinges on specific needs, yet Connecteam emerges as the top choice, delivering an all-in-one platform for scheduling, communication, and management. When I Work shines with its focus on shift flexibility and team messaging, while Homebase proves a solid option for small businesses needing free, user-friendly solutions. Each tool redefines efficient workforce organization in its own way.
Take the next step—try Connecteam to experience streamlined scheduling and enhance team productivity today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison