Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management platform with advanced shift scheduling, communication, and time tracking features.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that simplifies shift creation, swaps, and availability management with mobile apps.
- 3#3: Deputy - Workforce management tool for scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization across industries.
- 4#4: Homebase - Free employee scheduling and time clock app designed for hourly teams with hiring and communication tools.
- 5#5: Sling - Team scheduling software that handles shifts, reminders, and labor cost forecasting effortlessly.
- 6#6: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and shift trade features.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with GPS attendance and reporting.
- 8#8: Agendrix - Simple scheduling app for teams with availability checks, shift trades, and integrated messaging.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Online roster and shift planning software with automation, notifications, and payroll integration.
- 10#10: Planday - Workforce management system for shift scheduling, absence management, and compliance tracking.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature robustness (such as shift creation, trade management, and attendance tracking), platform quality (reliability, user interface), ease of use across team sizes, and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment of their practical impact.
Comparison Table
Work scheduler software enhances team efficiency by simplifying shift planning, communication, and time management; this comparison table explores leading tools like Connecteam, When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, Sling, and more, examining key features, usability, and adaptability. Readers will discover which solution aligns with their team’s size, industry, and workflow needs to optimize operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management platform with advanced shift scheduling, communication, and time tracking features. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that simplifies shift creation, swaps, and availability management with mobile apps. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Workforce management tool for scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization across industries. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Free employee scheduling and time clock app designed for hourly teams with hiring and communication tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Sling Team scheduling software that handles shifts, reminders, and labor cost forecasting effortlessly. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and shift trade features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with GPS attendance and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Agendrix Simple scheduling app for teams with availability checks, shift trades, and integrated messaging. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Online roster and shift planning software with automation, notifications, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | Planday Workforce management system for shift scheduling, absence management, and compliance tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
All-in-one employee management platform with advanced shift scheduling, communication, and time tracking features.
Employee scheduling software that simplifies shift creation, swaps, and availability management with mobile apps.
Workforce management tool for scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization across industries.
Free employee scheduling and time clock app designed for hourly teams with hiring and communication tools.
Team scheduling software that handles shifts, reminders, and labor cost forecasting effortlessly.
Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and shift trade features.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with GPS attendance and reporting.
Simple scheduling app for teams with availability checks, shift trades, and integrated messaging.
Online roster and shift planning software with automation, notifications, and payroll integration.
Workforce management system for shift scheduling, absence management, and compliance tracking.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management platform with advanced shift scheduling, communication, and time tracking features.
Employee-driven shift marketplace for instant trade requests with manager approval and notifications
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, with robust scheduling features at its core. It enables managers to create, visualize, and optimize shift schedules using drag-and-drop tools, auto-scheduling based on availability, and real-time updates. The software integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, task assignment, communication, and GPS check-ins, streamlining operations for industries like retail, hospitality, and field services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and availability-based optimization
- Built-in shift swapping marketplace for employee self-service
- Seamless integration of scheduling with communication, time clock, and tasks in one app
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size and advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Reporting and analytics are basic in lower plans
- Desktop interface is secondary to mobile, which may limit complex admin tasks
Best For
Deskless and frontline teams in retail, hospitality, or field services needing integrated scheduling, communication, and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Operations), $99/month (Expert), with per-user pricing scaling up and annual billing discounts.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that simplifies shift creation, swaps, and availability management with mobile apps.
AI-powered Smart Schedule that automatically generates optimized schedules based on availability, labor forecasts, and historical data
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for businesses with hourly and shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage schedules efficiently. It features a mobile-first app that allows employees to view shifts, request time off, trade shifts, and clock in/out seamlessly. Additional tools include labor forecasting, team messaging, and integrations with payroll providers like QuickBooks and Gusto, making it ideal for streamlining workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and auto-fill tools save time
- Robust mobile app empowers employees with self-service features like shift trading
- Excellent integrations with payroll and POS systems for seamless operations
Cons
- Customer support response times can be slow for non-enterprise users
- Advanced reporting and forecasting require higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly with user count and additional locations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare needing flexible, mobile-friendly scheduling for shift workers.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location up to 75 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $4/user/month (Pro) with more features and locations.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management tool for scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization across industries.
Fatigue management and compliance scheduling that automatically flags risky shifts based on local labor laws
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries, enabling managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs, and track employee time and attendance. It features a mobile-first app for staff to view shifts, request swaps, clock in/out, and communicate instantly. Additionally, it includes compliance tools like fatigue management and labor costing to ensure regulatory adherence and cost efficiency.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and skill-matching
- Comprehensive mobile app for real-time employee self-service
- Advanced forecasting, fatigue compliance, and labor costing tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with premium features
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Limited free trial and some integration sync delays
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare managing hourly workers with variable schedules.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essentials), $5.25 (Advanced), $6.50 (Ultimate); billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling and time clock app designed for hourly teams with hiring and communication tools.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts themselves to reduce manager workload
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools. It simplifies shift creation, allows employees to pick up open shifts via OpenShifts, and includes geofenced time clocks to prevent buddy punching. The software also supports hiring, onboarding, and basic payroll integrations, making it a one-stop solution for frontline teams in retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Integrated time tracking with geofencing for accuracy
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization for complex shift patterns
- Less ideal for salaried or office-based employees
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in hourly-wage industries like restaurants and retail that need affordable, mobile-first scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $24.95/month per location for Essentials, $49.95 for Premium, and $149.95 for Elite.
Sling
specializedTeam scheduling software that handles shifts, reminders, and labor cost forecasting effortlessly.
Unlimited free scheduling for teams of any size, making it exceptionally accessible for growing businesses
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, share, and manage schedules via a drag-and-drop interface. It supports features like shift trading, availability tracking, time clocking, and team messaging to optimize workforce planning. Ideal for industries like restaurants, retail, and healthcare, it helps reduce scheduling conflicts and improve communication without complex setups.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for easy access
- Built-in shift trading and labor cost tracking to save time and money
Cons
- Limited integrations with payroll and POS systems compared to premium competitors
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind paid upgrades
- Customization options feel basic for very large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, straightforward scheduling solution without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core features; Standard plan at $2/user/month and Premium at $4/user/month (billed annually) for advanced tools.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and shift trade features.
OpenShifts marketplace allowing employees to claim available shifts autonomously
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to create schedules, track time, forecast labor needs, and communicate with teams efficiently. It includes features like shift trading, automated notifications, and integrations with popular POS systems to optimize operations and reduce labor costs. The software supports multi-location businesses with real-time insights into performance and compliance.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with auto-fill and drag-and-drop interface
- Strong labor forecasting tied to sales data for cost control
- Excellent mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in/out
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced reporting
- Occasional sync issues with some POS integrations
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of multi-location operations seeking to streamline scheduling and minimize labor expenses.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), up to $98/location/month (Enterprise); 14-day free trial available.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with GPS attendance and reporting.
GPS-enabled geofencing time clock that prevents buddy punching and ensures location-based clock-ins
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, healthcare, and hospitality. It enables managers to build and manage schedules using drag-and-drop tools, automated templates, and shift trading features while tracking time via a GPS-enabled mobile clock. The software also supports team messaging, labor forecasting, and integrations with payroll systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and auto-fill
- GPS geofencing time clock for accurate attendance
- Strong mobile app for employee shift swaps and communication
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth for advanced users
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly scheduling tool.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 shifts/month; Basic plan at $1/active user/month, Pro at $2/active user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom.
Agendrix
specializedSimple scheduling app for teams with availability checks, shift trades, and integrated messaging.
Employee-driven shift trading and open shift posting via mobile app
Agendrix is an employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, availability management, and shift trading features. It includes time tracking, attendance monitoring, and team communication tools accessible via web and mobile apps. Designed for simplicity, it helps managers reduce planning time while empowering employees with self-service options.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust employee self-service for shift trades and availability
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Some features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking straightforward scheduling without complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro plan at $2.95/user/month (billed annually), Premium at $4.95/user/month.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline roster and shift planning software with automation, notifications, and payroll integration.
Employee self-service portal for viewing schedules, indicating availability, and requesting shift swaps or time off directly from mobile devices
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, manage, and publish employee schedules with drag-and-drop functionality. It includes time tracking, attendance monitoring, shift swapping via employee self-service, and integrated communication tools like messaging and notifications. The platform also offers reporting on labor costs, overtime, and productivity, accessible via web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing with a generous free plan for small teams
- Robust mobile app for employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and request swaps
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Reporting features lack advanced customization
- Scalability challenges for very large organizations with complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare that need straightforward, cost-effective shift scheduling and employee self-service.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 15 employees; paid plans start at $18/user/month (Essentials), $25/user/month (Advanced), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Planday
enterpriseWorkforce management system for shift scheduling, absence management, and compliance tracking.
AI-powered demand forecasting that automatically suggests staffing levels based on historical sales and trends
Planday is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for scheduling hourly employees in industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop shift planning, automated scheduling based on availability and forecasts, and real-time communication between managers and staff. Additional features include time tracking, absence management, and integrations with POS and payroll systems to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Demand forecasting integrated with sales data for optimal staffing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams and can feel premium
- Limited advanced reporting customization without add-ons
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized hospitality and retail businesses managing shift-based hourly workforces with variable demand.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $40-60 per user/month, with tiers for basic scheduling to full workforce management; free trial available.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 work scheduler tools reveals a clear leader in Connecteam, which excels with its all-in-one approach to scheduling, communication, and time tracking. While Connecteam stands out, When I Work simplifies shift management with mobile tools, and Deputy offers robust labor cost optimization, making them strong alternatives for specific needs. Together, these platforms showcase the best in efficient workforce organization.
Take the next step in streamlining your team's schedule—start with the top-ranked Connecteam and experience simplified, effective management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison