
Managing a team isn’t just about task lists and to-dos—it’s about keeping your business running smoothly without losing your mind (or your Sunday nights). Whether you’re scheduling your employees, managing client projects, or trying to juggle payroll, the right team management software can make it all feel a whole lot easier.
And guess what? You don’t need a Silicon Valley-sized budget to get your hands on powerful management tools for small teams. There are plenty of free or affordable options that let you streamline tasks and manage the people who make up your small business.
We break down the best team management software for 2025, team management tools that support your team (and your sanity), and what features actually matter.
TL;DR: Best team management software in 2025
Short on time and just want the best pick? Here’s your cheat sheet:
Top picks based on your business’s needs:
- Homebase – Best all-in-one team management software for small businesses. Handles scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team messaging. Free for up to 20 employees.
- Connecteam – Best for teams that love checklists, workflows, and customizable templates.
- Acuity Scheduling – Best for appointment-based businesses that live and die by their booking calendar.
- Asana – Best for teams who love Kanban-style task management and visual project boards.
- TIMIFY – Best for businesses needing flexible omnichannel booking and resource scheduling.
Must-have features to look for:
- Mobile-friendly team collaboration software so your crew can check schedules, chat, or log hours on the go.
- Built-in employee scheduling and time tracking software to prevent missed shifts and payroll nightmares.
- Task management and project tracking that’s simple enough for your part-timers and powerful enough for your managers.
- Team messaging tools baked right into your platform (no more lost Slack messages or rogue text chains).
- Scalability—you want a tool that grows with your team, not one that taps out after five users.
Consider these factors when choosing:
- Are you managing remote, hybrid, or in-person teams (or all of the above)?
- Do you need simple team management tools or a full-blown workforce management software suite?
- What problems need solving first: scheduling headaches, project chaos, or communication breakdowns?
- Will you eventually need payroll integration or more advanced reporting as your team grows?
Want a tool built for small businesses that wear a million hats? Homebase gives you everything you need to manage your team, track hours, and simplify schedules—without the corporate bloat or price tag.
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What is team management software?
Team management software is your behind-the-scenes superstar. Think of it as the digital sidekick that keeps your team in sync, your projects on track, and your “Did anyone do that thing?” moments to a minimum.
These tools give your business one central spot to organize tasks, track time, manage schedules, and keep everyone talking (in a good way). Whether your team’s on the floor, out in the field, or juggling projects from laptops at home, team management software helps everyone work better together—even if they’re miles apart.
Here’s what it can do for you:
- Task and project management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and keep your team moving forward (without the clipboard).
Time tracking and scheduling: Clock-ins, shift swaps, and PTO—all in one place. The best employee scheduling and time tracking software makes it easy. - Team communication tools: Replace the endless email threads and group texts with built-in messaging and alerts that actually get seen.
- Progress tracking and reporting: See what’s done, what’s overdue, and who’s crushing it. Great for your peace of mind and those Monday morning check-ins.
- Integrations with your favorite tools: Connect to payroll, project management platforms, and other apps you already use—because no one has time for double data entry.
The best part? You don’t need to run a Fortune 500 company to use these tools. There are plenty of team management tools for small businesses that give you big-business organization without the big-business price tag.
Best team management software for small businesses
Managing a small business team means wearing a lot of hats and sometimes balancing them on your head all at once. The right business team management software tools take a few of those hats off your head, helping you coordinate schedules, keep tasks moving, and keep your crew in the loop without the usual chaos.
Here’s our take on the best team management software for small businesses that want more done with less hassle in 2025:
1. Homebase — Best for small businesses who do it all
Homebase is the all-in-one dream tool for small business owners juggling schedules, time tracking, and team communication (plus a dozen other things before lunch). Built for hourly teams, Homebase keeps everything in one easy app—from shift swaps to payroll prep.
Key features:
- Time tracking, scheduling, task management, and team messaging all in one place
- Mobile app your team will actually use
- Compliance tools baked right in (no law degree required)
- Tip and PTO tracking, plus multi-wage support for shift-hopping employees
Pros:
- Seriously easy to use
- Built for small businesses (not enterprise giants)
- Free for up to 20 employees
Cons:
- Not a heavy-duty project management tool
Pricing:
Free for 1 location and up to 20 employees. Paid plans start at $24.95/month/location.
"Everything is just so easy to do and understand on Homebase. From the tech genius teen to the first-time smartphone grandparent, I have never had an issue explaining how we use Homebase to a team member." — Katlyn Doescher, Director of Operations, Black Earth Children's Museum
Ready to give the best team management software for small businesses a go? Try Homebase now for free!
2. Connecteam — Best for checklists and workflows
Connecteam is all about helping you ditch the sticky notes and endless “Did you do that yet?” conversations. With customizable checklists, workflows, and task management, it’s a favorite for small teams that thrive on structure.
Key features:
- Team alerts and reminders
- Customizable task templates and digital checklists
- Easy onboarding and doc management
Pros:
- Super intuitive
- Great for daily workflow management
Cons:
- Mobile app isn’t as robust as others
- Add-on features can add up
Pricing:
Free for up to 10 users. Paid plans start at $29/month.
3. Acuity Scheduling — Best for appointment-based businesses
Acuity Scheduling makes life easier for businesses that run on bookings and appointments. From online payments to automated reminders, it keeps your calendar and client experience smooth.
Key features:
- Appointment packages and recurring appointments
- Video meeting integrations (Zoom, Google Meet)
- Automated reminders via text and email
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Easy to manage multiple calendars
Cons:
- No phone or live chat support
- Mobile app could use an upgrade
Pricing:
Plans start at $16/month.
4. Asana — Best for Kanban-style task management
If your team loves a good visual board, Asana is your go-to. Known for its Kanban-style task scheduling, Asana helps teams break down projects into bite-sized, easy-to-track tasks.
Key features:
- Kanban boards and task lists galore
- Build and monitor complex workflows
- Resource management and workload balancing
Pros:
- Easy to see what’s next
- Seamless integrations
Cons:
- Might feel overwhelming for new users
- Gets pricey as your team grows
Pricing:
Free forever for basic features. Paid plans start at $10.99/month per user.
5. TIMIFY — Best for booking-heavy teams
TIMIFY is perfect for small businesses that live and die by their calendars. It’s all about resource scheduling and appointment management, with easy online booking for customers and a pro-level shared calendar for your team.
Key features:
- Omnichannel booking options
- Automatic data syncing across devices
- Shared team calendar with real-time updates
Pros:
- Flexible and user-friendly
- Great customer support
Cons:
- Mobile app can be a bit clunky
- Calendar integrations need some love
Pricing:
Free forever, or plans start at $25/month.
How can team management software help your small business?
If you want to level up your business—and your sanity—team management software can make a big difference.
Here’s how the right software for team management can make you the manager everyone actually wants to work for:
Boost productivity.
When everyone knows what’s on their plate (and what’s not), they can focus on actually getting the job done. Team collaboration software helps keep your crew on task, on track, and out of your inbox asking, “What should I be doing again?”
Get full visibility.
A good team management system gives you a bird’s-eye view of who’s working on what, where projects stand, and which tasks are stuck in limbo.
Keep your team engaged.
Nothing kills morale faster than chaos. Clear communication, easy task assignment, and a little transparency go a long way toward keeping your team motivated, productive, and actually enjoying the workday.
Collaborate like pros.
Whether your team is in the same room or spread across time zones, team management software for small businesses keeps everyone connected. Shared files, chat tools, and integrated scheduling mean fewer “Oops, I didn’t see that” moments.
Make scaling less scary.
Planning to grow your business? A small business project management tool lets you scale without the wheels falling off. Track more projects, juggle more people, and keep it all organized.
What to look for in team collaboration software
The best team collaboration software for your small business? It’s the one that makes life easier, not more complicated.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for when shopping for your new favorite workplace sidekick:
Easy to use
If it takes a PhD to figure out how to assign a task, your team isn’t going to use it. Look for project management tools for small teams that are intuitive, with clean dashboards, drag-and-drop features, and mobile-friendly apps.
Bonus points if your least tech-savvy employee can get up and running without asking you for help every five minutes.
Plays nice with your other tools (AKA integrations)
Your team management software should click with the tools you’re already using, like your calendar, payroll, or customer service platform. Integrations save you from the black hole of double data entry.
Keeps your data on lockdown
Small businesses deserve workforce management software that protects their sensitive info. Make sure your software comes with solid security features—think encryption, user access controls, and reliable cloud backups.
Because no one wants to explain to the team why the shared task list is suddenly MIA.
Grows with your business
You don’t want to swap software every time you hire someone new. Choose task management software that scales with you, offering plans that can flex as your team (and your dreams) get bigger.
Actually helps you plan ahead
A good team collaboration tool doesn’t just help you get through today—it helps you plan for next week, next quarter, and your inevitable world domination.
Look for tools with smart project planning, resource management, and progress tracking that help you stay one step ahead.
Simplify team management with Homebase
Good team management software isn’t just about keeping tasks on track—it’s about making your whole business run smoother:
- Managers save hours every week with task notes, shift scheduling, and team messaging in one place.
- Employees stay engaged and informed with easy access to tasks, shifts, and communication—all from the same app they already use for clocking in.
- Your business runs like clockwork with everything—time tracking, task management, scheduling, and payroll—synced in one simple system.
And remember—Homebase is your all-in-one app for employee management, communication, time tracking, and payroll.
Try Homebase free today and see why over 100,000 small businesses trust us to keep their teams organized and unstoppable.
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Homebase Team
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
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