Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
- 2#2: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small businesses.
- 3#3: When I Work - Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift trading, availability management, and team messaging.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee app for scheduling, time clock, tasks, and communication for frontline teams.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
- 6#6: Sling - Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability, and labor cost tracking.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software for hourly employees with PTO management.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll platform for multi-location businesses.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling software with messaging, timesheets, and availability features.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rostering tool for creating schedules, managing rotas, and tracking employee hours.
Tools were ranked based on core features, user experience, reliability, and value, focusing on solutions that effectively address scheduling challenges across small to enterprise-scale operations.
Comparison Table
Effective worker scheduling is a cornerstone of operational success for businesses, influencing productivity, employee engagement, and bottom-line results. This comparison table explores top tools like Deputy, Homebase, When I Work, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, equipping readers to evaluate key features, usability, and functionality to find the optimal solution for their team.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | When I Work Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift trading, availability management, and team messaging. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee app for scheduling, time clock, tasks, and communication for frontline teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability, and labor cost tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software for hourly employees with PTO management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll platform for multi-location businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling software with messaging, timesheets, and availability features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rostering tool for creating schedules, managing rotas, and tracking employee hours. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small businesses.
Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift trading, availability management, and team messaging.
All-in-one employee app for scheduling, time clock, tasks, and communication for frontline teams.
Restaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
Free team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability, and labor cost tracking.
Cloud-based scheduling and time tracking software for hourly employees with PTO management.
Integrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll platform for multi-location businesses.
Simple employee scheduling software with messaging, timesheets, and availability features.
Online rostering tool for creating schedules, managing rotas, and tracking employee hours.
Deputy
specializedComprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses sales data and trends to predict optimal staffing levels
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time tracking with geofencing, and real-time employee communication via mobile app. Advanced features include labor forecasting, compliance alerts, and seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems to optimize operations and reduce costs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill rules
- Robust mobile app for employees with geofenced clock-ins
- AI-driven forecasting and labor costing integrations
Cons
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex rosters
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing scalable scheduling and compliance tools.
Pricing
Essentials starts at $3/active user/month (billed annually); Plus at $5/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small businesses.
Free forever plan for single-location teams, including scheduling, time tracking, and communication
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for hourly teams in industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, time tracking, team messaging, and hiring tools all in one app. Managers can forecast labor needs, automate notifications, and integrate with popular payroll systems to streamline operations for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with unlimited employees
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and request shifts
- Strong integration with payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced features like labor forecasting require paid plans
- Multi-location businesses face per-location pricing that can scale costs
- Limited customization for complex enterprise-level scheduling needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly workers in service industries needing an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials at $29.99/location/month (billed annually) for core features; Premium at $49.99/location/month for advanced tools.
When I Work
specializedMobile-first scheduling app that enables shift trading, availability management, and team messaging.
OpenShifts and peer-to-peer shift marketplace for effortless employee-driven scheduling adjustments
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It enables managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, set availability rules, and automate notifications, while employees can claim open shifts, swap shifts with peers, request time off, and clock in/out via the app. The tool also includes team messaging, time tracking, and basic reporting to minimize no-shows and overtime costs.
Pros
- Seamless shift trading and OpenShifts for employee self-management
- Strong mobile app with push notifications and time clock
- Integrations with payroll like QuickBooks and Gusto
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams beyond free tier
- Reporting lacks advanced customization
- Occasional glitches in schedule syncing across devices
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail or hospitality seeking flexible, employee-empowered scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; Professional at $2/user/month; Elite at $4/user/month (billed annually, minimums apply).
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee app for scheduling, time clock, tasks, and communication for frontline teams.
AI-powered smart scheduling that automatically assigns shifts based on availability, skills, labor costs, and overtime rules
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, with powerful scheduling tools at its core. It enables drag-and-drop shift creation, availability-based auto-scheduling, shift swapping, and automated notifications via push alerts and SMS. The software integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, communication, and task management, streamlining operations for hourly workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with employee availability and skills matching
- Strong mobile app for workers to view schedules, swap shifts, and clock in/out
- Integrated time tracking and GPS verification tied directly to schedules
Cons
- Advanced AI auto-scheduling and custom reports locked behind higher plans
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic scheduling without extra HR tools
- Limited third-party integrations compared to dedicated scheduling specialists
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with deskless, shift-based teams seeking an integrated scheduling, communication, and time-tracking solution.
Pricing
Free plan for basic features (unlimited users); paid plans start at $29/month for up to 30 users (Operations), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user scaling on higher tiers.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses historical sales and traffic data to recommend optimal staffing levels
7shifts is a robust employee scheduling software tailored primarily for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, forecast labor costs, and manage shift trades. It offers employee self-service features like availability submissions, time-off requests, and mobile clock-ins, while integrating with POS systems for real-time sales data. The platform emphasizes labor cost control, compliance with overtime rules, and team communication through announcements and messaging.
Pros
- Advanced labor forecasting tied to sales data for cost optimization
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and employee mobile app
- Seamless integrations with POS, payroll, and restaurant-specific tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
- Limited customization outside hospitality industry
- Some advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking precise labor scheduling and cost management for hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Elite), billed annually with add-ons for extra users or features.
Sling
specializedFree team scheduling app with shift reminders, availability, and labor cost tracking.
Completely free scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
Sling is a mobile-first employee scheduling software tailored for hourly workforces in industries like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. It allows managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades and availability requests, track time via GPS-enabled clock-in, and communicate through in-app messaging. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it accessible for small teams without complex setup.
Pros
- Generous free plan for unlimited users and schedules
- Intuitive mobile app with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Integrated time tracking and shift exchange features
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting in free tier
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Basic labor costing tools without AI optimization
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in service industries seeking a free, straightforward scheduling tool for shift-based teams.
Pricing
Free forever for core features with unlimited users; Premium at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced reporting and alerts.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time tracking software for hourly employees with PTO management.
Employee-driven shift marketplace for posting, bidding, and auto-approving open shifts
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly workers, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time tracking, and team communication tools. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs, and handle shift trades or open shifts via employee self-service. The software also includes GPS geofencing for clock-ins and basic reporting for labor costs, making it suitable for shift-based industries.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and auto-fill
- Strong mobile app for employee clock-in/out and shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting in lower tiers
- Fewer integrations than top competitors like When I Work
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, restaurants, or field services managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location (basic features); Pro at $1.25/active user/month; Elite at $2.75/active user/month (billed annually).
Workforce.com
enterpriseIntegrated scheduling, time tracking, and payroll platform for multi-location businesses.
AI Schedule Optimizer that automatically generates compliant, cost-effective schedules based on real-time demand and labor rules
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces, offering AI-driven scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools. It enables managers to create optimized schedules using drag-and-drop interfaces, demand forecasting, and automated shift filling while ensuring adherence to labor laws. The mobile-first app empowers workers with self-service features like shift swaps and availability updates, streamlining operations in dynamic environments.
Pros
- AI-powered scheduling with demand forecasting and auto-fill capabilities
- Strong compliance tools for wage and hour laws across multiple regions
- Intuitive mobile app for workers to manage shifts and clock in/out
Cons
- Pricing scales with active hours, which can get expensive for high-volume operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced forecasting and reporting features
- Limited free trial and customization options for smaller teams
Best For
Medium to large businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare managing large hourly workforces with complex scheduling needs.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $143/month base + $2.60 per active user hour for Essentials; custom Enterprise pricing.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling software with messaging, timesheets, and availability features.
Employee shift exchange system with manager approval and points-based incentives
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based businesses. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability management, and time-off requests to streamline operations. The mobile app enables employees to view schedules, swap shifts, clock in/out with geofencing, and communicate via integrated messaging.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler with color-coding for easy visualization
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service including shift trades and clock-ins
- Affordable pricing scalable for small to mid-sized teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to top competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., limited payroll options beyond basics)
- No free plan or trial for larger teams to test extensively
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, healthcare, or hospitality managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95 per employee/month (Basic, annual billing) up to $6.95 (Advanced); Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rostering tool for creating schedules, managing rotas, and tracking employee hours.
Employee self-service shift trading and availability bidding, allowing staff to manage their own schedules in real-time.
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce management software focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication for shift-based businesses. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile apps for clocking in/out and viewing shifts, overtime alerts, and shift swap functionality. The platform supports industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail with tools to streamline rostering and reduce administrative time.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees
- Cost-effective pricing with no contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- UI feels somewhat dated in places
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries needing simple, affordable scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Team plan starts at around $18/month base + $1.50-$2 per active user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Finding the right worker scheduling software depends on business size and goals, but the top tools deliver essential solutions. Deputy leads as the comprehensive choice, excelling in workforce management and communication, while Homebase and When I Work shine as strong alternatives—Homebase for small businesses with its free, all-in-one tools, and When I Work for its mobile-first flexibility in shifts and messaging. Each of the reviewed platforms addresses key scheduling pain points, making them valuable for diverse needs.
Don’t let messy schedules hold your team back—start with Deputy to experience seamless management, or explore Homebase or When I Work depending on your priorities, and take the first step toward more efficient, stress-free workforce organization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison