Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams.
- 2#2: When I Work - Shift scheduling software that enables teams to create schedules, swap shifts, and track time with mobile apps.
- 3#3: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and task assignment across industries.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication features.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for frontline workers offering scheduling, checklists, chat, and training management.
- 6#6: Sling - Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability management, and labor cost tracking.
- 7#7: Workforce.com - Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll software for global teams with compliance tools.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock solution with PTO tracking and overtime alerts.
- 9#9: HotSchedules - Operations platform for restaurants providing scheduling, inventory, and sales forecasting capabilities.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rota and shift scheduling software with automated notifications and access control features.
Tools were rigorously evaluated on functionality, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects the most effective solutions across industries and team types.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular work scheduling software tools, including Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, highlighting key features and practical use cases. By detailing differences in usability, team management capabilities, and integration flexibility, readers will gain clarity to select the tool that best fits their operational needs. Whether for small businesses or large teams, the table simplifies evaluating options to streamline scheduling and enhance workflow efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Shift scheduling software that enables teams to create schedules, swap shifts, and track time with mobile apps. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and task assignment across industries. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for frontline workers offering scheduling, checklists, chat, and training management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability management, and labor cost tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | Workforce.com Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll software for global teams with compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock solution with PTO tracking and overtime alerts. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | HotSchedules Operations platform for restaurants providing scheduling, inventory, and sales forecasting capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rota and shift scheduling software with automated notifications and access control features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
Employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams.
Shift scheduling software that enables teams to create schedules, swap shifts, and track time with mobile apps.
Comprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and task assignment across industries.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication features.
All-in-one mobile app for frontline workers offering scheduling, checklists, chat, and training management.
Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability management, and labor cost tracking.
Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll software for global teams with compliance tools.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time clock solution with PTO tracking and overtime alerts.
Operations platform for restaurants providing scheduling, inventory, and sales forecasting capabilities.
Online rota and shift scheduling software with automated notifications and access control features.
Homebase
specializedEmployee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams.
Integrated employee self-scheduling and shift trades that allow workers to manage their own availability and swaps with manager approval
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed specifically for hourly workers and small to medium-sized businesses in industries like retail, restaurants, and services. It streamlines employee scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, auto-scheduling, and shift trade features, while integrating time tracking, payroll, and team communication tools. Managers can forecast labor costs, manage availability, and hire talent all in one app, reducing administrative headaches and overtime expenses.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and labor forecasting
- Robust mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and communicate
- Free plan available for single-location businesses with up to 20 employees
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to higher-tier plans
- Customer support response times can vary for free users
- Fewer integrations with enterprise-level payroll systems compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, hospitality, or services needing an affordable, all-in-one scheduling and communication solution.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 20 employees); paid plans start at $29.99/month per location for Essentials, up to $99.99 for Elite with advanced features.
When I Work
specializedShift scheduling software that enables teams to create schedules, swap shifts, and track time with mobile apps.
Open Shifts and employee-driven swap board that automates shift filling and reduces manager intervention
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to build schedules, set availability, and handle shift trades, while employees access everything via a highly rated mobile app for claiming shifts, clocking in/out, and messaging. Additional features include time tracking, overtime alerts, and integrations with payroll systems to optimize workforce management and reduce administrative time.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface loved by employees and managers alike
- Robust shift trading and open shift claiming that empowers self-service
- Comprehensive time tracking with geofencing and overtime management
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for highly complex or multi-location scheduling
- Customer support response times can vary, especially on free plan
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, restaurants, or field services seeking mobile-friendly, employee-empowering scheduling.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 users with core scheduling; Pro at $2/active user/month; Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features (billed annually).
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management tool for scheduling, time & attendance, and task assignment across industries.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses sales data and trends to predict optimal staffing levels
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage employee schedules efficiently. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time notifications, shift swapping, and time tracking via a highly rated mobile app for employees. The software also includes labor forecasting, compliance tools, overtime alerts, and seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems to optimize operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
- Advanced labor forecasting and compliance features
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
- Integration setup can be complex initially
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing mobile-first scheduling and forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essentials, billed annually), up to $6+/user/month for Advanced plans; custom Enterprise pricing available.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication features.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses POS sales data to predict optimal staffing levels and minimize overtime.
7shifts is a workforce management platform designed specifically for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to create optimized employee schedules, track time and attendance, and forecast labor costs. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift notifications via a mobile app, and integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square to pull real-time sales data for accurate forecasting. The software also includes team communication tools, tip pooling, and compliance features to reduce labor expenses and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Tailored restaurant-specific tools like POS-integrated labor forecasting
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-scheduling and communication
- Strong integrations with popular POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Less suitable for non-hospitality industries due to specialized focus
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and add-ons
- Advanced forecasting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant owners and multi-location operators looking to optimize labor costs through sales-driven scheduling and team management.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 10 employees); paid plans from $29.99/location/month (Essential) to $130+/location/month (Pro/Enterprise), billed annually.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for frontline workers offering scheduling, checklists, chat, and training management.
Employee shift trade and self-scheduling marketplace with manager approval
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform with robust work scheduling tools tailored for frontline and deskless teams. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, account for employee availability, set recurring shifts, and automate notifications for changes or conflicts. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, communication, and task management for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface with real-time updates
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps and availability submission
- Integrated notifications and conflict detection to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for teams over 50 users
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options for complex rotating shifts are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses managing hourly frontline workers who need simple, mobile-accessible scheduling with communication features.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed per user/month with volume discounts.
Sling
specializedFree team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability management, and labor cost tracking.
Unlimited free scheduling for any team size without user limits
Sling is a free employee scheduling software tailored for hourly workforce businesses like restaurants, retail, and salons, enabling drag-and-drop shift creation, availability collection, and swap requests. It integrates team communication, time clock, and labor costing to streamline operations. The platform supports unlimited users on its free plan, making it accessible for small teams.
Pros
- Free core scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Integrated messaging and notifications for seamless team communication
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting limited to paid plans
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Labor costing lacks deep analytics in free tier
Best For
Small to medium service-based businesses with hourly workers seeking a simple, no-cost scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free plan for core features; Premium plans from $2/user/month (billed annually).
Workforce.com
enterpriseIntegrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll software for global teams with compliance tools.
AutoRoster AI scheduling engine that automatically creates compliant, cost-optimized rosters in seconds
Workforce.com is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, AI-powered auto-rostering, time tracking, and labor law compliance tools to optimize workforce efficiency. The software integrates real-time notifications, demand forecasting, and mobile apps for employees and managers.
Pros
- AI-driven AutoRoster optimizes schedules based on demand, skills, and compliance
- Robust labor law and award interpretation ensures regulatory adherence
- Strong mobile app with real-time updates and employee self-service
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries needing automated scheduling and compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $3-6 per active user/month, with tiers for basic scheduling up to enterprise features including AI and analytics.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time clock solution with PTO tracking and overtime alerts.
OpenShifts for automated shift posting and employee bidding to fill gaps quickly
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track employee time and attendance via mobile clock-in, and facilitate shift trades. It includes tools for labor costing, availability polling, and team messaging to optimize operations in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The software emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for small to mid-sized businesses managing shift-based employees.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service like shift swaps
- Excellent value with low per-user pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Reporting lacks depth for complex analytics
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail and restaurants seeking affordable, straightforward scheduling without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free for single-location teams under 75 employees; Pro plan at $1.25/active user/month (min. $29.95/mo); Enterprise custom pricing.
HotSchedules
specializedOperations platform for restaurants providing scheduling, inventory, and sales forecasting capabilities.
ShiftDrag with OpenShifts, enabling real-time shift trading and employee self-scheduling via mobile
HotSchedules is a cloud-based workforce management platform primarily designed for the hospitality and restaurant industries, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, forecast labor costs, and integrate with POS systems, while employees access shifts, clock in/out, and message via a mobile app. It emphasizes real-time updates and shift management to optimize operations in shift-based environments.
Pros
- Robust drag-and-drop scheduling with labor forecasting
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Seamless integrations with popular POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
- User interface shows signs of age in some areas
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and hospitality businesses with shift-based staffing needs that require mobile-first scheduling and team communication.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $2.50-$3.50 per user per month with base fees and add-ons for advanced features.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rota and shift scheduling software with automated notifications and access control features.
Employee self-service portal for viewing schedules, requesting time off, and trading shifts in real-time
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce scheduling software that enables businesses to create, manage, and share employee schedules with drag-and-drop functionality. It includes time tracking, shift swapping, availability requests, and mobile clock-in/out features tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. The platform supports real-time notifications and reporting to streamline operations for small to medium teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Generous free plan for small teams
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 staff; paid plans start at $20/month for up to 20 staff, with per-user pricing scaling to enterprise levels.
Conclusion
The reviewed work scheduling software caters to diverse needs, from hourly teams to global organizations. Homebase leads as the top choice, with robust scheduling, time tracking, and communication features. When I Work and Deputy stand out as strong alternatives, offering mobile flexibility and comprehensive workforce management, respectively.
Explore Homebase to simplify shift management and enhance team coordination—your first step to efficient scheduling awaits.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison