10 Best Employee Scheduling Apps in 2025

“I didn’t know I was working.”

“Can I swap shifts with my friend?”

“I’m sick today–sorry.”

There are tons of times when pen and paper–and even spreadsheet–schedules really don’t cut it. It’s hard to distribute information, you have to manually enter shift changes when requests come in from your team, and…you can’t duplicate a d*** thing!

Let's explore the best employee scheduling apps (psst…like Homebase! Check out our scheduling software here!) you can start using ASAP, and end the scheduling chaos.

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What is the best app to create a schedule?

The best employee scheduling app is the one that helps you create and manage your team’s schedule—without making you jump through hoops to use it.

For small businesses, Homebase is the best free app for scheduling employees because it’s easy to use, packed with automated workflows and scheduling tools, and comes with a free plan that includes team scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking.

If you need a job scheduling app that scales with your team and keeps costs low, Homebase has you covered—with per-location pricing instead of charging per employee.

Want to ditch scheduling chaos for good? Try Homebase, the best free scheduling app for small businesses.

When do you need an employee scheduling app?

So you’re feeling like it’s time to move away from pen and paper. But how do you know, for sure, 100%, that a scheduling app is right for you?

Here are some common symptoms:

• Scheduling conflicts drive you up the wall
• Hours upon hours of scheduling time bring you dread
• Schedule changes are unrelenting and hard to manage
• Your team’s growing faster than you can write on paper
• Scheduling and time tracking are 100% disconnected (nevermind payroll!)
• Your shifts need updating even when you’re not around

Sound familiar? It’s time to weigh the cost of sticking to old-school scheduling against the wins of a work schedule maker like Homebase:

• Save hours by auto-filling schedules based on availability.
• Eliminate last-minute chaos with shift swap and cover requests.
• Keep your team in the loop with instant notifications.
• Sync scheduling, time tracking and payroll—all in one place.

If scheduling headaches are slowing you down, it’s time for a team scheduling app that keeps everything (and everyone) in sync. Try Homebase—the best free scheduling app for small businesses.

Benefits of switching to a scheduling app

• Save time by automating schedule creation processes.
• Reduce scheduling conflicts and boost team reliability.
• Employees access schedules anytime, reducing communication delays.
• Easily manage shift swaps and replacements in-app.
• Track labor laws compliance effortlessly within the app.
• Centralize scheduling, communication, and data for simplicity.
• Analyze labor costs to optimize scheduling and expenses.
• Improve staff transparency, morale, and workplace satisfaction.
• Scale your business without increasing scheduling headaches.
• Update schedules remotely from any connected device.

Employee scheduling apps: 9 features you gotta have

You’re going to use your next employee scheduling tool every single day. The features it does or doesn’t have could make or break your team–so here’s a list of everything you should look for before hitting “sign me up!”

Team communication

You should never hear “I didn’t know I was working” again, when you can…

• Publish your schedule in-app.
• Notify your team via text, email, and app.
• Put the latest schedule in your team’s pocket (AKA their phone).

Team management

Automatically send reminders so they don't miss their shifts or forget to clock in on time.Get alerts when employees are late for shifts or approaching overtime.

Shift notes

Add personal notes to shifts so your team knows what to do each day.

Automatic scheduling

Use templates and auto-scheduling to set it and forget it. Automatically add your team's availability and time off to avoid scheduling conflicts.

PTO management

Let your employees request time off or submit their availability and know if it's approved. Set limits to time-off requests with black-out dates, maximums, and advance notice requirements.

Shift coverage

Quickly find coverage: Post open shifts for employees to claim. Message available employees if you need coverage in an emergency. Employees request time off and change their availability in the Homebase app, so you can review and approve it.

Manage costs

Build schedules in line with your sales forecasts and labor targets to get the most out of every shift. Track and optimize labor costs in real time. Get alerted when employees approach overtime.

Shift swaps

Allow your team to coordinate their shift trades or pick up open shifts easily in the app.

Schedule remotely

Adjust your schedule on the fly, anytime, from anywhere.

And…your scheduling app should never live in a silo. Make sure it’s packed with these complementary features (we made sure of it in Homebase!) so you don’t have to bounce between 500,000 apps.

Time tracking

Your best employee scheduling app should do more than just schedule shifts—it should track them, too. Otherwise, you’re stuck guessing hours or chasing down timesheets (not fun).

Look for built-in time tracking so you can:

• Clock in and out directly from the app (no more paper timesheets).
• Track hours, breaks and overtime automatically.
• Sync with payroll to make payday effortless.
• Get alerts for late clock-ins and early outs so you can stay ahead of issues.

No more buddy punching, missed punches, or manual corrections. Just accurate hours, every time.

Hiring

If your employee scheduling app doesn’t help you fill shifts with great hires, it’s missing a huge opportunity.

A scheduling tool built for small businesses should also help you:

• Post jobs for free and attract qualified applicants fast.
• Track and manage candidates so you never lose a great hire.
• Onboard new employees quickly—without piles of paperwork.

Because what’s the point of a shift schedule maker if you’re constantly short on staff?

Payroll

Your scheduling and payroll should go together like coffee and Monday mornings—because manually entering hours into a separate payroll system? Nope.

The best app for employee scheduling should also:

• Sync time tracking and wages automatically for accurate paychecks.
• Calculate overtime and labor costs in real time.
• Export timesheets directly to payroll—so you actually enjoy payday.

No more payroll nightmares—just seamless, stress-free payments.

Insurance

Running a small business means protecting your team AND your business.

Look for a scheduling app that partners with insurance providers to help you:

• Set up workers' comp so you’re covered when the unexpected happens.
• Offer benefits that help you attract and retain top talent.
• Get peace of mind knowing your business (and your team) is protected.

Because your people matter—and the right scheduling app should have their backs, too.

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Wanna explore? You can see how Homebase’s packages stack up here.

11 Steps: Buying your next employee scheduling app

Now that you know what makes a great scheduling app, it’s time to find the right one for your team. Here’s your step-by-step game plan:

1. Figure out what you want.

What’s broken in your current scheduling system? Too many shift swaps? Too many no-shows? Too much time spent updating spreadsheets? Pinpoint your biggest headaches so you can find a tool that actually solves them.

2. Decide who gets to decide.

Is it just you? Your managers? Your whole team? Figure out who needs to be involved so you don’t waste time going back and forth later.

3. Set aside the budget.

Some scheduling apps are free, but you might need extra features like payroll syncing or labor cost tracking. Decide what’s worth it before you get sticker shock.

4. Research ALL the apps.

Yes, this part’s a little tedious. But skimming a few comparison articles (like this one!) can save you from signing up for a dud.

5. Watch demos and meet sales teams.

A quick demo can show you what an app actually looks like in action—and if the company’s support team is any good.

6. Test out free trials.

The best way to know if a tool works? Use it. Play around with the settings, try scheduling a real shift, and see if it makes life easier.

7. Ask your team for feedback.

They’re the ones who will be using it every day. Get their take on whether it’s simple, intuitive, or an absolute pain to navigate.

8. Make the decision!

Once you’ve found the one, lock it in. Sign up, get set up, and make it official.

9. Onboard your team.

Show them how to download the app, check their schedules, swap shifts, and clock in. No one should be flying blind.

10. Make sure it’s getting used.

If your team isn’t actually using the app, it’s not helping anyone. Send reminders, answer questions, and make it part of your daily operations.

11. Review and upgrade when you need to.

As your team grows, your scheduling needs will change—make sure your app keeps up. Upgrade your plan or switch apps if it’s not working.

Top 10 online employee scheduling apps in 2025

1. Homebase

Top features

Literally millions of employees have used Homebase’s award-winning schedule management tool.When scheduling, owners and managers can choose between two scheduling styles:

• Auto-populated timetables via unlimited templates
• Empowering staff to self-schedule by claiming open shifts

And once the schedule is built, you hit publish on the Homebase mobile app and immediately notify your team!
From there, employees can:

• View their hours.
• Request covers or trades.
• Read notes about their shifts.

And when emergencies come up? You can quickly message custom groups, individuals, or the whole team to organize last-minute schedule changes.
You can also:

• Assign different rates, roles, and availability by employee.
• Auto-calculate wages and subtract breaks to track labor expenses and stay compliant.

Pros and cons

Homebase is built for small business owners and managers with hourly teams.

The pros are:

• Super simple app–build your first schedule in minutes.
• Integration with favourite POS systems like Clover.
• Pricing packages for every business size (from a free plan to full coverage plan).
• Super-easy native integration with time tracking, hiring, payroll, and other crucial processes you need to run.
• We only charge by location (instead of by employee).
• You can assign different roles, rates, and availability.

The cons are:

• Fewer project management tools than some other scheduling apps (although there are tons of workarounds!).

Pricing

‍Want the full picture? Check out the Homebase pricing page.

• Free: Unlimited employees, and usable versions of our core scheduling features.
• Essentials ($24.95/month per location): Everything in free + advanced scheduling  scheduling and time tracking, team communication, and payroll integration.
• Plus ($59.95/month per location): Everything in Essentials + hiring, departments and permissions, and PTO management so you can manage scheduling more easily.‍
• All-in-one ($99.95/month per location): Everything in Plus + HR and compliance, employee onboarding, and labor cost management—so you can budget better.

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2. Connecteam

Top features

• Granular customization: Create schedules that fit your team's specific roles and availability.
• All-in-one mobile app: You can manage scheduling, time tracking, and team communication seamlessly from a single app.
• Advanced communication tools: Keep your team in the loop with customizable announcements and chat features.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Highly customizable: Adjust the platform to match your business's specific needs.
• Comprehensive mobile app: Employees can manage schedules, track time, and communicate without needing multiple apps.
• Additional management tools: Features like forms for checklists and advanced chat options enhance operational efficiency.

The cons:

• Limited integrations: Connecteam doesn’t integrate with many other apps, which may be restrictive for some businesses.

Pricing

• Free: Available for small businesses with up to 10 employees.
• Basic: Starts at $29/month for up to 30 users, plus $0.50 per additional user.
• Advanced and Expert plans: These offer additional features at higher price points. You can check specific pricing details on Connecteam's website.

There are also custom enterprise paid plans available for large businesses with more specific needs.

3. Clockify

Top features

• Time tracking: Accurately track how long tasks take, aiding in project management and client billing.
• Intuitive calendar management: Break days into color-coordinated blocks for a visual representation of tasks and schedules.
• Extensive integrations: Connect with over 80 other apps to streamline workflows.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• User-friendly app: Both admins and employees find the platform easy to navigate.
• Robust free plan: Offers essential time tracking features at no cost.

The cons:

• Limited scheduling features: Advanced scheduling tools are only available in higher-tier plans, which can be costly for larger teams.
• Best suited for desk-based work: May not be ideal for businesses with shift workers.

PricingClockify has a free plan for its essential time tracking features. Then, it has four paid plans that are priced per user:

• Free: Includes essential time tracking features.
• Basic: $3.99 per user/month.
• Standard: $5.49 per user/month.
• Pro: $7.99 per user/month.‍
• Enterprise: $11.99 per user/month.

4. Shiftboard

Top features

• Auto-scheduling: Generate schedules based on roles, availability, and previous shift patterns.
• Open shift management: Advertise open shifts for team members to claim, so you’ll never left without coverage.
• On-call scheduling: Essential for industries requiring rapid response, like healthcare.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Industry-specific features: Designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
• Compliance tools: Automatically block shifts that violate union contracts.

The cons:

• Limited applicability: May include features unnecessary for businesses outside its target industries.
• Pricing transparency: Specific pricing details aren't readily available, requiring potential customers to contact sales.

Pricing

‍Shiftboard prices aren’t readily available.

5. Quickbooks Time (formerly Tsheets)

Top features

• 'Who’s Working' tool: Pinpoint all your staff members’ locations on a map in real-time.
• GPS location tracking: Verify staff locations when they clock into off-site jobs and monitor travel times.
• Mobile time tracking: Employees can clock in and out from their mobile devices, enhancing flexibility.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Ideal for remote teams: Provides tools to manage and monitor off-site employees effectively.
• Integration with QuickBooks: Seamlessly syncs time tracking data with QuickBooks for streamlined payroll processing.

The cons:

• Battery consumption: GPS tracking can deplete smartphone batteries faster than usual.
• Limited scheduling features: Lacks auto-population scheduling tools found in some competitors.

Pricing

‍Quickbooks Time has two paid plans:

• Time Premium for $20 per month plus $8 per user
• Time Elite for $40 per month plus $10 per user

Although Quickbooks Time doesn’t have a free plan, there’s a 30-day free trial available.

6. Deputy

Top features

• Auto-scheduling: You can create optimal schedules based on employee availability and labor costs.
• Shift swapping: Your staff can trade and cover shifts on their own—managers won’t need to step in much for this!
• Compliance management: Ensure schedules adhere to labor laws and company policies.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• User-friendly interface: Both admins and employees find the platform easy to navigate.
• Comprehensive feature set: Combines scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools in one platform.

The cons:

• Learning curve for admins: Administrators may  find the setup and implementation process harder to grasp as it takes a little more time to understand how to use the platform.
• Customer support: Some users report average experiences with customer support, especially for complex technical issues.

Pricing

‍Deputy doesn’t have a free plan, but it does offer a 31-day free trial. There are also a few paid plans:

• Scheduling Plan: $4.50 per user/month.
• Time and Attendance: $4.50 per user/month.
• Premium: $6 per user/month.
• Enterprise: For businesses with custom configuration needs and more than 250 employees.
• Flexi Weekly: $2.50 per active employee + $0.50 per inactive employee per week.‍
• HR Add-on Module: $2 per employee/month.

7. Sling

Top features

• Automatic scheduling: You can quickly generate optimal staff schedules based on availability and business needs.
• Time clock and tracking: Employees can clock in/out directly from their mobile devices, with the software accurately tracking hours, overtime, and paid time off (PTO).
• Labor cost optimization: Predict and manage labor costs effectively.
• Task management: Assign tasks to specific shifts or employees. This will help you make sure all tasks are taken care of!
• Communication: Use a central platform to manage announcements and discussions.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Generous free plan: Offers many basic features like shift scheduling and time off requests at no cost.
• User-friendly platform: Accessible through a handy mobile app, making it easy to manage schedules on the go.

The cons:

• Limited customization options: May not offer enough flexibility for larger businesses or those with complex scheduling needs.
• High per-user pricing for larger teams: The per-user pricing model can become costly for larger teams.

Pricing

‍Sling has a free plan with basic scheduling tools and templates, for teams with up to 50 employees. Or, you can upgrade to one of the paid plans:

• Premium is $2 per user per month ($1.70 if billed annually).
• Business is $4 per user per month ($3.40 if billed annually).

You can also try out the Premium and Business plans for free for 15 days.

8. Skedulo

Top features

• Intelligent scheduling: Match the right team members to the right jobs based on skills, availability, and location.
• Mobile app: Field staff can access schedules, update job statuses, and capture important data on the go.
• Real-time analytics: Get insights into workforce utilization and job performance to keep things running smoothly.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Perfect for mobile teams: It’s designed with field service operations in mind, which means it’s a breeze to manage off-site staff.
• Seamless communication: Keeps everyone in the loop with real-time updates and notifications.

The cons:

• Pricing details: Not readily available; you'll need to reach out for a quote.
• May be overkill for static teams: If your crew isn't on the move, some features might be more than you need.

Pricing

Custom pricing: Skedulo offers tailored plans based on your specific needs. It's best to contact them directly for a quote.

9. 7Shifts

Top features

• Drag-and-drop scheduling: Easily create and adjust shifts to keep your restaurant running smoothly.
• Team communication: Built-in messaging keeps your staff connected, which reduces no-shows and miscommunications.
• Labor cost forecasting: Keep an eye on your budget with tools that help predict labor expenses.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Restaurant-focused: Features are designed specifically for the unique challenges of the food service industry.
• User-friendly interface: Staff and managers find it easy to navigate.

The cons:

• Limited to hospitality: May not be the best fit for businesses outside the restaurant sector.
• Advanced features cost extra: Some useful tools are only available in higher-tier plans.

Pricing

• Comp: Free for up to 30 employees at one location.
• Appetizer: $34.99/month per location.
• Entree: $76.99/month per location.‍
• The Works: $150/month per location.

10. OpenSimSim

Top features

• Real-time scheduling: Build and share schedules instantly, so your team is always in the know. 
• Shift management: Easily handle shift swaps, drops, and pickups to keep operations smooth. You can even lock important days so your team can’t trade or cover shifts during busy times or special events. 
• Team communication: In-app messaging ensures everyone stays connected and informed.

Pros and cons

‍The pros:

• Generous free plan: Great for small teams looking to manage schedules without upfront costs.
• User-friendly: Simple interface makes it easy for managers and staff to use.

The cons:

• Limited advanced features: Larger teams or those needing more robust tools might find it lacking.
• Pricing can add up: As your team grows, costs can increase, especially for premium features.

Pricing

‍OpenSimSim has a free plan for up to ten employees at one business location. 
Then, there are two paid plans:

• Starter for $12.99 per month to schedule unlimited employees across two locations or departments.
• Premium for $33.99 per month for additional features and flexibility.

There’s also a custom-priced Enterprise plan that includes unlimited business locations.

Avoid these scheduling app deal-breakers when choosing an employee scheduling app

Picking the wrong scheduling app can slow you down—it could even make scheduling harder than it should be. Here’s what to watch out for before you hit that “Sign Up” button:

No integrations = double the work

If your scheduling app doesn’t sync with payroll, time tracking, or your POS system, you’ll spend hours copy-pasting data and toggling between tabs—which defeats the whole “saving time” thing.

Too complicated to use

Some scheduling apps feel like they were designed for IT pros, not real-life business owners. If it takes a 30-minute tutorial just to schedule a shift, run. Pick a tool built for small teams that just works without the tech headaches.

Can’t grow with you

Think your team might expand soon? Avoid apps that charge per employee. Those costs add up fast, and suddenly, you’re paying double just because you hired a couple more people. Look for per-location pricing instead.

No customer support when you need it

You’re already running a million things—setting up your scheduling app shouldn’t be another full-time job. Choose a platform with solid customer support, tutorials, and a team that actually helps when you’re stuck.

The bottom line? The right scheduling app should work for you, not add more stress to your plate. Pick one that integrates, scales, and is easy as hell to use.

Why Homebase is the best all-around employee scheduling app

Finding the best employee scheduling app for your small business isn’t just about picking the flashiest tool—it’s about what actually works for you. Your budget, industry, and growth plans all matter when making the call.

If you work in construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, you might need something industry-specific, like Shiftboard or QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets). 

These apps handle the unique scheduling chaos that comes with job sites and rotating shifts.

But if you need an all-in-one, small-business-friendly scheduling app? Go with Homebase.

• Packed with scheduling + time tracking tools—even on the free plan
• Priced per location (not per employee!), so your costs stay low
• Scales with you—whether you’re running a crew of 5 or 50

Ready to ditch the scheduling stress? Try Homebase and make shift management ridiculously easy.

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Employee scheduling app FAQs

What is the best work scheduling app?

The best work scheduling app is one that reduces no-shows and keeps your team in sync—without being a nightmare to use. 

For small businesses, Homebase is a top choice because it offers automated scheduling, time tracking, shift swaps, and team messaging all in one place. Plus, it scales with your business and won’t break the bank.

What is the best free scheduling app?

If you’re looking for the best free scheduling app, go with Homebase. It comes with employee scheduling, shift swaps, time tracking, and team communication—all for free. 

Unlike some apps that offer a free trial and then lock features behind a paywall, Homebase gives small businesses a fully usable free plan that works great for smaller teams.

What is the best work schedule for employees?

The best work schedule for employees depends on your industry and team. But generally, a clear, consistent, and flexible schedule works best. That means:

• Posting schedules in advance so employees can plan their lives.
• Allowing shift swaps and covers so they can adjust when needed.
• Keeping scheduling fair so no one gets stuck with all the bad shifts.

Using a work schedule maker like Homebase ensures your schedule is organized, accessible, and easy to update, keeping your business running smoothly and your team happy.