The 10 Best Employee Rostering Software For 2025

Remember spending three hours building next week's schedule instead of focusing on your customers? Manual scheduling eats up time, no-shows disrupt operations, and compliance mistakes lead to penalties.

Employee rostering software fixes these headaches. It automates schedules, tracks time, and keeps your team connected from one app. This guide covers the best employee rostering software for small businesses, from free plans to industry-specific picks.

TL;DR What's the best employee rostering software?

The best employee rostering software for most small businesses is Homebase. It combines scheduling, time tracking, and payroll in one app. There are free plans that cover 20 employees and per-location pricing that stays affordable as you grow.

Our top picks

• Best overall: Homebase. All-in-one solution with free plan for 20 employees, AI scheduling, built-in payroll, and GPS time clock. Plans start at $24.95/location.
• Best for scheduling only: 7shifts. Focused exclusively on scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts and labor forecasting. Requires separate tools for payroll and HR. Free plan for 30 employees.
• Best free plan: Sling. Free scheduling for 30 users with templates, shift swapping, and team messaging. No time limits.
• Best for mobile teams: Connecteam. Mobile-first design with GPS tracking, digital forms, and real-time location monitoring. Free for 10 users.
• Best for compliance: Deputy: AI-powered scheduling with Fair Workweek compliance, active attestation, and break tracking. Strong for California and New York.

• Employee rostering software is an app that helps you schedule shifts, track time, manage employee availability, and stay compliant with labor laws. It's a central hub where you store team information, build schedules, handle time-off requests, and communicate with your staff—without juggling spreadsheets or group texts.

Rostering vs scheduling vs workforce management

• Rostering manages employee information plus schedule building. You store wages, contact details, and availability, then create shift schedules.
• Scheduling is just the calendar piece—planning who works when.
• Workforce management is enterprise-level software with rostering plus forecasting and analytics.
• Bottom line: For most small businesses, "rostering" and "scheduling" software mean the same thing.

What rostering software actually does

• Good rostering software handles five core jobs:
• Store employee data. Contact info, wages, certifications, and availability all live in one place.
• Build schedules. Drag-and-drop shift planning, reusable templates, and auto-scheduling that fills shifts based on availability and labor budgets.
• Track time. GPS-enabled clock-in and clock-out that automatically converts hours into timesheets ready for payroll.
• Manage compliance. Built-in rules for breaks, overtime, and labor laws that flag violations before you publish schedules.
• Enable communication. Shift reminders, team messaging, and instant schedule updates keep everyone informed.

How to choose employee rostering software

The right employee rostering software depends on your team size, what you need it to do, and your budget.

Match rostering software to your team size

• 1-20 employees: Free plans work great. Homebase covers 20 employees with scheduling, time tracking, and mobile apps at no cost. Sling offers free scheduling for 30 users.
• 21-100 employees: Look for per-location pricing. Homebase charges $24.95 per location (not per employee), which saves money as you grow. Per-user pricing can cost $100-$300/month at 50+ employees.
• 100+ employees: You need multi-location management, compliance tracking, and enterprise integrations. Homebase's All-in-One plan, Deputy, or Shiftboard handle complex scheduling at this scale.

Decide what rostering features matter most

• Need built-in payroll? Homebase payroll is the only affordable option with native payroll processing. Run payroll, file taxes, and pay your team without exporting data. Deputy, Sling, and Connecteam require third-party integrations.
• Mobile team that works remotely? Homebase and Connecteam offer GPS tracking, geofencing, and mobile apps so field teams can clock in from job sites. Homebase includes photo verification.
• Restaurant with POS integration? Homebase integrates directly with Square, Toast, and Clover for labor forecasting. 7shifts works too but only handles scheduling.
• Compliance-heavy state like California or New York? Homebase compliance tools and Deputy both track Fair Workweek laws, breaks, and overtime with built-in alerts.
• Just need basic scheduling? Sling's free plan or When I Work offer drag-and-drop scheduling and shift swapping.

Set your rostering software budget

• $0/month: Homebase offers the best free rostering software—scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and mobile apps for 20 employees.
• Under $50/month: Homebase Essentials ($24.95/location) adds payroll integrations and advanced scheduling. When I Work charges $2.50/user ($50/month for 20 employees).
• $50-100/month: Homebase Plus or All-in-One add full payroll processing, HR compliance, and hiring tools in one app.
• Enterprise: Teams with 200+ employees need custom pricing. Deputy and Shiftboard offer enterprise plans with advanced reporting.

Key features to look for in employee rostering software

Not all rostering tools are created equal. Some focus on scheduling, others emphasize compliance, and a few try to do everything. Here are seven features that make the biggest difference for small business owners managing hourly teams.

Auto-scheduling and AI

• The problem: Building schedules manually takes 3+ hours per week and leaves room for conflicts and understaffing.
• Why it matters: Auto-scheduling cuts schedule-building time significantly. Generate a draft schedule in minutes and adjust as needed. Homebase's AI Scheduling Assistant looks at availability, work history, and time-off requests to suggest optimal shift assignments.

Mobile-first apps

• The problem: You and your team need schedule access on the go, not just from a desktop computer.
• Why it matters: Mobile access means managers can make schedule changes from anywhere, and employees can check their shifts without asking. Homebase's employee rostering app works on any device.

Built-in payroll

• The problem: Exporting hours to separate payroll systems wastes time and creates errors.
• Why it matters: Processing payroll in the same system where you track hours eliminates data transfer errors. You don't need to manually enter numbers into a separate payroll system. Homebase includes native payroll—unlike Deputy or Sling, which require third-party integrations.

GPS and geofencing

• The problem: Remote teams or multiple locations make it hard to verify who's actually working where.
• Why it matters: You can see where employees clocked in without calling them. This helps with field teams who work at different job sites or businesses with multiple locations. Homebase includes photo verification too.

Compliance tools

• The problem: Labor law violations lead to expensive penalties and audits.
• Why it matters: Compliance tools catch mistakes before they become problems. If you're about to schedule someone past overtime limits or miss a required break, the software alerts you. Homebase flags violations for California break laws, New York Fair Workweek rules, and federal overtime regulations.

Employee self-service

• The problem: Managing time-off requests and shift swaps takes up too much of your day.
• Why it matters: Your team handles routine scheduling requests themselves instead of texting or calling you. You review and approve their requests in the app without back-and-forth conversations. This works especially well for shift swaps.

Real-time updates

• The problem: Last-minute schedule changes create confusion and no-shows.
• Why it matters: When you make a schedule change, everyone knows immediately. No one shows up for a shift they're not working or misses one they're supposed to cover. Employees get automatic reminders before their shifts start.

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The best employee rostering software solutions

Choosing the right rostering software depends on your team size, industry, and what features matter most to your business. Small teams (1-20 employees) can start with free plans like Homebase or Sling. Restaurants benefit from POS integration. Field teams need GPS tracking. Here are the top six options.

1. Homebase: Best all-in-one solution

Homebase combines scheduling, time tracking, and payroll in one app built for small businesses with hourly teams. You get everything from shift planning to tax filing without switching between multiple tools.

Top features:

• Free plan for 20 employees with scheduling, time clock, and mobile apps
• AI Scheduling Assistant that builds schedules based on availability and labor budgets
• GPS time clock with photo verification and geofencing
• Native payroll processing with automatic tax filing and direct deposit
• Team messaging and shift notifications
• POS integrations with Square, Toast, and Clover

Best for: Small businesses (5-200 employees) in restaurants, retail, healthcare, or services that want scheduling, time tracking, and payroll in one system instead of paying for separate tools.

Pricing: Free for 20 employees at one location. Paid plans start at $24.95/location/month for advanced features. Payroll costs $39.95/month + $6/employee. All plans use per-location pricing, not per-user, which saves money as teams grow.

Why it stands out: Homebase is the only tool that combines native payroll with scheduling and time tracking at small business prices. Competitors either charge per-user (which gets expensive) or require third-party payroll integrations that add complexity.

2. Deputy: Best for compliance

Deputy focuses on labor law compliance and AI-powered scheduling for businesses in highly regulated states. It's particularly strong for companies that need defensible records for audits.

Top features:

• AI auto-scheduling with demand forecasting based on sales data
• Active attestation for overtime and missed breaks (employees confirm they requested it)
• Fair Workweek compliance tracking for NYC, San Francisco, Seattle laws
• Break and meal period monitoring with automatic alerts
• Face recognition time clock

Best for: Multi-location businesses in California, New York, or Oregon that face complex Fair Workweek laws and need detailed compliance documentation.

Pricing: Scheduling costs $4.50/user/month. Time & Attendance costs $4.50/user/month. Premium (both combined) is $4.90/user/month. 31-day free trial available.

Trade-offs: No built-in payroll. Requires integration with third-party providers. Per-user pricing gets expensive for larger teams. No free plan, only a trial.

3. Connecteam: Best for mobile teams

Connecteam is built for deskless workers. Construction crews, field services, cleaners, delivery drivers, and anyone who works remotely. Every feature is designed for smartphone use first.

Top features:

• GPS breadcrumbs that track location throughout shifts (not just at clock-in)
• AI auto-scheduling based on availability and skills
• Digital forms and checklists for inspections and safety checks
• In-app training courses and quizzes
• Task management with photo proof of completion

Best for: Construction, field services, cleaning, delivery, security, or any team that rarely works from a desk. Strong choice for businesses that need location tracking throughout the workday.

Pricing: Free for 10 users. Basic costs $29/month for 30 users. Advanced costs $49/month for 30 users. Expert costs $99/month for 30 users and adds GPS features.

Trade-offs: No built-in payroll. Hub-based pricing structure can be confusing. Not ideal for businesses where employees work from fixed locations.

4. Sling: Best free plan

Sling offers free scheduling for up to 30 users with no time limits. While paid plans add time tracking and labor cost tools, the free tier gives small businesses professional scheduling features at no cost.

Top features:

• Drag-and-drop schedule builder with color-coding
• Shift templates for recurring schedules
• Open shift marketplace where employees bid on available shifts
• Team newsfeed for announcements
• Time-off request management

Best for: Startups, small teams, or businesses that only need scheduling and can handle time tracking separately. Good option for testing rostering software before committing to paid plans.

Pricing: Free for 30 users with full scheduling features. Premium costs $2/user/month and adds time tracking with GPS. Business costs $4/user/month for reporting and kiosk time clock.

Trade-offs: Free plan doesn't include time tracking. Limited integration options compared to Homebase or Deputy. Advanced features like reporting only available on most expensive plan.

5. When I Work: Best for ease of use

When I Work focuses on simplicity with a clean interface that requires minimal training. It handles scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging without overwhelming users with complex features.

Top features:

• Simple drag-and-drop scheduling
• Auto-assign feature for open shifts
• Integrated team chat (WorkChat)
• Shift swap coordination
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android

Best for: Businesses that prioritize ease of use over advanced features. Good for teams that struggled with more complex software or have employees who aren't tech-savvy.

Pricing: Starts at $2.50/user/month. 14-day free trial available. No free forever plan.

Trade-offs: Lacks labor forecasting and advanced budgeting tools. Some users report occasional mobile app bugs. Fewer integrations than competitors.

6. 7shifts: Best scheduling-only tool

7shifts focuses exclusively on scheduling without trying to handle payroll, HR, or other functions. It's designed specifically for restaurants with features like tip management and FOH/BOH coordination.

Top features:

• Drag-and-drop scheduling color-coded by position
• Labor forecasting based on sales patterns
• Tip tracking and distribution
• Manager logbook for shift handoffs
• POS integration with Toast, Square, Clover

Best for: Restaurants, bars, and food service businesses that already have separate payroll and HR systems and only need scheduling. Works well for restaurant groups with multiple locations.

Pricing: Free for 1 location with 30 employees. Entrée costs $39.99/location/month. The Works costs $135/location/month. Gourmet costs $374/location/month.

Trade-offs: Requires separate app (7punches) for time tracking. Per-location pricing gets expensive for restaurant groups. Only useful for food service. It doesn't work for other industries.

Best rostering software by industry

Different industries have different scheduling needs. Restaurants need POS integration and tip management. Retail stores need seasonal scheduling across multiple locations. Healthcare facilities need 24/7 shift patterns and credential tracking.

Best for restaurants and hospitality

Top picks: Homebase, Deputy, 7shifts

What restaurants need from hospitality rostering software:

• POS integration to track labor costs against sales
• Tip distribution and reporting
• Front-of-house vs back-of-house scheduling
• Labor forecasting based on reservations and walk-ins

Homebase integrates with Square, Toast, and Clover to track labor costs in real time. Set labor budgets as a percentage of revenue and get alerts when approaching limits. Built-in payroll handles tip reporting automatically.

7shifts is built specifically for restaurants with section assignments and manager logbooks. Only handles scheduling—you'll need separate tools for time tracking and payroll.

Deputy offers strong POS integration and labor forecasting but charges per user (expensive for larger staffs) and requires third-party payroll integration.

Best for retail stores

Top picks: Homebase, Connecteam, Deputy

What retail needs from retail staff rostering software:

• Multi-location scheduling from one dashboard
• Seasonal hiring and onboarding tools
• Flexible scheduling for part-time and full-time mix

Homebase uses per-location pricing ($24.95/location), not per-user, which saves money for retail stores with 15-30 employees per location. Manage all locations from one dashboard and let employees pick up shifts at any location. Hiring tools help onboard seasonal workers quickly.

Pricing comparison: A 10-location retail chain with 200 total employees pays $980/month on Deputy vs $249.50/month on Homebase.

Connecteam works well for retail chains needing mobile GPS verification and task management.

Deputy offers good multi-location management but per-user pricing gets expensive fast.

Best for healthcare and nursing

Top picks: Homebase, When I Work, Deputy

What healthcare needs:

• 24/7 coverage with 12-hour shifts and rotating schedules
• Credential and license tracking
• Easy shift swaps for nurses and caregivers
• Overtime and break compliance

Homebase handles healthcare scheduling with shift templates for rotating patterns, credential storage, and compliance alerts for overtime violations. Mobile app lets nurses swap shifts easily.

When I Work offers simple scheduling with shift swaps. Works well for smaller facilities like clinics or assisted living homes.

Deputy provides strong compliance tracking and handles complex union rules. Better for larger hospitals (100+ employees).

Employee rostering software FAQs

What is employee rostering software?

Employee rostering software is an app that helps you schedule shifts, track employee hours, manage availability, and stay compliant with labor laws. It replaces spreadsheets and paper schedules with a digital system where you can build schedules, handle time-off requests, and communicate with your team from one place.

How much does rostering software cost?

Rostering software ranges from free to $10+ per employee per month. Free plans like Homebase (20 employees), Sling (30 users), and Connecteam (10 users) work for small teams. Paid plans typically cost $2-5 per user per month or $25-100 per location per month. Per-location pricing saves money for businesses with larger teams at each location.

What's the best free rostering software?

Homebase offers the best free rostering software with scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and mobile apps for 20 employees at one location. Sling provides free scheduling for 30 users but doesn't include time tracking. Connecteam's free plan covers 10 users with scheduling and basic time tracking.

What features should I look for in employee rostering software?

Look for auto-scheduling to build schedules faster, mobile apps so employees can access schedules anywhere, GPS time tracking for remote teams, compliance tools to avoid labor law violations, built-in payroll or payroll integrations, employee self-service for time-off requests and shift swaps, and real-time notifications when schedules change.

What's the best rostering software for Australia?

Deputy and Homebase both work in Australia and support Australian labor laws. Deputy is an Australian company with strong Fair Work Act compliance and Award interpretation features. Homebase integrates with Xero for Australian accounting. Both offer mobile apps, GPS tracking, and support for Australian time zones.

Choose the right rostering software for your team

The best employee rostering software depends on your team size and what you need it to do. For most small businesses, Homebase offers the best combination of features and value with scheduling, time tracking, and built-in payroll starting at free for 20 employees.

Ready to simplify your scheduling? Try Homebase free for 14 days. Build schedules in minutes, track time with GPS, and run payroll without the math. No credit card required. Start your free trial here.

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