Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform for hourly teams.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling app that handles shift creation, trades, availability, and time-off requests.
- 3#3: Deputy - Workforce management software for scheduling, time tracking, compliance, and labor forecasting.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, communication, training, and operations management.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team communication.
- 6#6: Sling - Free employee scheduling software for shift planning, reminders, and labor cost control.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for managing employee shifts and attendance.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Mobile-first workforce management for scheduling, timesheets, and performance tracking.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging, time tracking, and availability management.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rota and staff scheduling software with rotas, messaging, and time tracking features.
Tools were ranked based on core features, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they address diverse workplace needs while balancing functionality and accessibility for teams of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Workplace scheduling software is vital for modern team management, simplifying shift planning, communication, and resource allocation. This comparison table details tools like Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, exploring features, usability, and scalability to guide readers toward the right solution for their workplace needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform for hourly teams. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling app that handles shift creation, trades, availability, and time-off requests. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Workforce management software for scheduling, time tracking, compliance, and labor forecasting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, communication, training, and operations management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team communication. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free employee scheduling software for shift planning, reminders, and labor cost control. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for managing employee shifts and attendance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Mobile-first workforce management for scheduling, timesheets, and performance tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging, time tracking, and availability management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rota and staff scheduling software with rotas, messaging, and time tracking features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform for hourly teams.
Employee scheduling app that handles shift creation, trades, availability, and time-off requests.
Workforce management software for scheduling, time tracking, compliance, and labor forecasting.
All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, communication, training, and operations management.
Restaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team communication.
Free employee scheduling software for shift planning, reminders, and labor cost control.
Cloud-based scheduling and time clock software for managing employee shifts and attendance.
Mobile-first workforce management for scheduling, timesheets, and performance tracking.
Employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging, time tracking, and availability management.
Online rota and staff scheduling software with rotas, messaging, and time tracking features.
Homebase
enterpriseFree employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication platform for hourly teams.
OpenShift employee scheduling, allowing workers to claim available shifts automatically via app notifications for maximum flexibility
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses managing hourly employees in sectors like retail, restaurants, and services. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, geofenced time tracking, team communication, shift trading, hiring tools, and labor budgeting to streamline operations and control costs. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility, helping managers forecast labor needs and employees swap shifts effortlessly.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and trade shifts
- Integrated hiring and onboarding tools to simplify recruitment
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features locked behind paid plans
- Limited customization options for very large enterprises
- Payroll integrations may require higher tiers for full automation
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, and hourly service businesses needing affordable, employee-friendly scheduling without complex setup.
Pricing
Free forever for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials at $29.95/location/month, Premium at $49.95, and Enterprise custom pricing.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling app that handles shift creation, trades, availability, and time-off requests.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to instantly claim available shifts via mobile app
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses to create, manage, and communicate schedules efficiently. It offers tools for shift creation, availability tracking, time-off requests, and employee messaging, with features like auto-scheduling and overtime alerts. The software integrates time clocks and payroll systems to streamline workforce management for hourly teams.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules, swap shifts, and claim open shifts
- Robust automation tools like auto-fill scheduling and labor forecasting
- Strong communication features including team chat and announcements
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with team size and advanced features
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
- Occasional sync issues between web and mobile reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking mobile-friendly scheduling with employee self-service.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essentials) up to $3.50/user/month (Pro), billed monthly with annual discounts.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management software for scheduling, time tracking, compliance, and labor forecasting.
Live Scheduling with AI-powered demand forecasting for optimized shift planning
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and similar industries. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time notifications, time tracking, and employee self-service via a mobile app. Additional tools include labor costing, compliance management, and integrations with payroll and POS systems to optimize workforce operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with forecasting tools
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-roster and clock-ins
- Strong integrations and real-time communication features
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like forecasting
- Steep learning curve for complex multi-location setups
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller accounts
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses needing mobile-first scheduling and labor compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually); scales to Enterprise with custom pricing.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, communication, training, and operations management.
Smart Scheduling with AI-powered auto-scheduling based on employee availability, skills, and overtime rules
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, featuring robust workplace scheduling tools. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, set employee availability and preferences, manage time-off requests, and receive alerts for conflicts or overtime. It integrates scheduling with real-time notifications, time clock, and communication features to ensure smooth shift coverage and compliance. The platform supports unlimited schedules and scales well for growing teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and conflict detection
- Real-time mobile notifications and employee self-service for shifts and time-off
- Seamless integration with time tracking, GPS clock-in, and task management
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics are limited in lower tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Customization options for schedules can feel restrictive for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with deskless or mobile workforces needing integrated scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Basic), $49/month (Operations), $99/month (Expert) with annual discounts.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling platform with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team communication.
AI-driven labor forecasting using real-time POS sales data for precise staffing predictions
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to create, communicate, and optimize employee schedules efficiently. It includes features like drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading via OpenShift, time tracking, labor forecasting, and team messaging to streamline operations. The software integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square, helping control labor costs and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Industry-specific tools with deep POS and payroll integrations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and shift trading
- Robust labor forecasting to optimize costs and staffing
Cons
- Primarily focused on restaurants, less versatile for other sectors
- Pricing scales with locations and can become expensive
- Advanced analytics require higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains needing tailored scheduling and labor cost controls.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essential, billed annually), up to $159.99 for Enterprise plans.
Sling
specializedFree employee scheduling software for shift planning, reminders, and labor cost control.
Free forever basic plan with unlimited schedules, messaging, and time tracking for one location
Sling is an employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality, enabling managers to create, share, and manage schedules efficiently. It offers features such as shift trading, availability requests, labor cost tracking, time clock, and team messaging to optimize workforce planning. The mobile-first app ensures easy access for both managers and employees on the go.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Built-in labor cost tracking and shift reminders
Cons
- Free version limited to one location and basic reporting
- Advanced analytics and multi-location support require premium upgrade
- Customer support primarily email-based on lower tiers
Best For
Small to medium shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for single locations; Premium from $1.70/active user/month (billed annually) for advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based scheduling and time clock software for managing employee shifts and attendance.
Labor forecasting and cost control tools that predict staffing needs and track expenses in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software tailored for businesses with hourly workers, such as retail, restaurants, and services. It enables drag-and-drop shift scheduling, mobile time clocks with geofencing, PTO management, and team messaging to streamline workforce operations. The platform also provides labor forecasting, cost tracking, and basic reporting to help optimize staffing and reduce overtime.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for clocking in/out with geofencing
- Affordable pricing scalable for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations than top competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or services needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling for hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month for up to 75 shifts (Essential plan), scaling to $119.99 for Pro (300 shifts); billed annually with per-active-employee options around $1-2/user/month.
Workforce.com
enterpriseMobile-first workforce management for scheduling, timesheets, and performance tracking.
Intelligent compliance engine that automatically enforces labor laws, breaks, and fatigue rules across global locations
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform tailored for frontline and hourly workers, offering advanced scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools. It enables businesses to create optimized shift schedules, forecast labor needs, and monitor employee fatigue and breaks in real-time. Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, it integrates mobile apps for easy clock-ins and manager oversight, streamlining operations across multiple locations.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with AI-driven forecasting and auto-fill shifts
- Strong compliance features for awards, breaks, and fatigue management
- Mobile-first design with real-time notifications and geofencing
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses with custom enterprise quotes
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Limited flexibility for non-hourly or white-collar workforces
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses in shift-based industries like retail and hospitality managing hourly frontline teams.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $3-5 per active user/month with tiers for Basic, Plus, and Enterprise features.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling tool with integrated messaging, time tracking, and availability management.
Employee shift trading with manager approval directly in the app
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, availability management, and a mobile time clock for accurate time tracking. The platform also includes communication tools, overtime alerts, and basic reporting to simplify workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to view shifts and clock in/out
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for up to 10 users
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Fewer integrations (e.g., no native payroll like ADP)
- Customization options are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries needing simple, affordable scheduling without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $2.95/user/month (Teams) up to $4.95/user/month (Business), billed annually.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rota and staff scheduling software with rotas, messaging, and time tracking features.
Automated SMS and email shift reminders that reduce no-shows and improve communication
Findmyshift is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform designed for businesses to create and manage employee rotas, track time and attendance, and facilitate staff communication. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift notifications via email and SMS, timesheet approvals, and basic payroll integrations. Ideal for industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare, it supports multi-location management and mobile access for both managers and employees.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a generous free plan for up to 10 users
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface that's quick to learn
- Strong mobile app support for staff self-service and clock-ins
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Fewer integrations with payroll and HR systems
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-based industries seeking a cost-effective, straightforward scheduling tool without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard plan at £19/month (up to 50 users); Pro at £49/month (up to 100 users); Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer robust solutions for workplace scheduling, with Homebase emerging as the top choice, boasting a free, all-in-one platform for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication. When I Work stands out for its strong shift management and trade capabilities, while Deputy excels with its focus on compliance and labor forecasting, making them excellent alternatives depending on unique operational needs.
Take the first step toward a more efficient scheduling process—try Homebase to experience its comprehensive features, or explore When I Work or Deputy to find the best fit for your team's specific requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison