Top 10 employee roster apps

Unless you work with kittens, we’re guessing you didn’t get into business to spend your life herding cats. And yet, rostering and organizing staff schedules can feel that way.
Figuring out staff availability and scheduling shifts with pen and paper or using disjointed and clunky spreadsheets only makes this more frustrating. That’s why it’s so important to find an employee roster app that simplifies the entire process, saves time, enables team communication, connects with other tools, and lets you stick to your budget too.
But finding the perfect app can feel like a full-time job — not what you need when you’re running a business.
That’s why in this post, we’ve done the research for you. We cover:

The key features to look for in employee roster apps.
What each software is best for.
And our top pick of 10 of the best employee roster apps available in 2023, so you can get an overview of the options and make the right choice for your business.

Key features to look for in employee roster apps
When choosing a good employee roster platform for your business, we recommend looking out for the following features:

Syncs with other useful products — Make sure your scheduling platform connects easily to other employee management tools, like timesheets, team communication, and payroll, ideally within the tool itself or with external integrations.
Connects with a wide range of integrations — Speaking of integrations, check that your chosen tool connects with other platforms you use or may want to use to avoid tech complications later.
Is free or reasonably priced — Be sure to check the cost of the platform and verify it doesn’t require you to pay big bucks on a premium plan to access the features you really want. Homebase’s scheduling tool actually comes as part of its free plan, so be sure to compare costs.
Can be used on a variety of devices — Employees working hourly shifts are likely to be on the go. Check that the platform you use works on smartphones. tablets, desktops, and POSs, so employees can access their schedules and receive alerts from anywhere.
Lets you set up alerts and reminders — Even the best schedules are useless if your employees don’t see them. Ensure any platform you choose lets you set alerts for upcoming shifts, when you publish your new schedule, or when something changes last minute.
Includes self-scheduling features — Once you roster your employees, you likely want them to show up when required and do their job well. Empower them to trade shifts and avoid no-shows by ensuring the tool you choose lets them easily request changes and swap or claim open shifts.

Our top pick for employee roster apps in 2023 (+ the rest ranked)
Of course, we think that Homebase offers the best solution for small businesses in 2023. It goes much further than rostering employees. It’s an all-in-one platform that connects your employee roster to a range of other must-have features — like scheduling, communication, and payroll.
But if you’re trying to find the best employee roster for your business, it’s worth seeing what’s out there so you know you haven’t missed anything. 
That’s why we’ve compared some of the top employee roster apps out there to save you time and offer peace of mind. Let’s take a look:

Homebase: Best all-in-one solution
Connecteam: Best for ease of use
mHelpDesk: Best for workers ‘in the field’  
7shifts: Best for team communication
Sling: Best for simplicity
Fourth (HotSchedules): Best for cost monitoring
Paycor: Best for boosting productivity
Deputy: Best for efficiency
Shiftboard: Best for flexibility
QuickBooks Time: Best for Quickbooks integration

Comparison chart: Top 10 employee roster apps in 2023



Software
Part of a wider suite of tools
Integrates with other useful tools
Alerts + team comms
Staff self tools
Mobile app
Free plan?
Pricing



✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Plans range from free to $100 per location per month (plus 20% savings on the annual plan).
Homebase payroll costs $39/month base fee and $6/month per active employee.



✓
X
✓
✓
✓
✓
Free for up to 10 users. From $29 to $99 per month for 30 users.



✓
✓
✓
X
✓
X
mHelpDesk doesn’t publish pricing online.



✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Free for 30 employees. From $29.99 to $135.



✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Free for scheduling and PTO. From $1.70-$3.40 per user per month.



✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
X
Fourth doesn’t publish pricing online.



✓
✓
✓
X
✓
X
Paycor doesn’t publish pricing online.



✓
✓
✓
X
✓
✓
Free for 100 shifts per month. From $3.50-$4.90 per user per month.



✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
X
Shiftboard doesn’t publish pricing online.



✓
✓
✓
X
✓
X
From $8 per user per month + $20 base fee per month to $10 per user per month + $40 base fee per month.



1.  Homebase : Best all-in-one solution
Homebase has color-coded drag-and-drop shifts to make scheduling super-easy. Source: JoinHomebase.com
Homebase lets you set up staff rostering in minutes. And because it’s an all-in-one solution,  it also connects seamlessly with must-have tools like a time clock, PTO requests, team communication, and payroll. You can optimize your roster setting as just one key part of your wider, well-oiled operation.
Top features

Schedule templates and auto-scheduling for super-fast rostering.
Send alerts to your team via app, email, and text.
See availability and PTO tracking to avoid clashes or rostering unavailable people.
Set up alerts to avoid costly overtime and ensure labor law compliance.
Give employees autonomy via team communication and easy shift trading.
Create schedules that coordinate with other important tools like timesheets, payroll, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and availability.

Pros and cons
Homebase’s many tools make rostering easy and ensure your scheduling is accurate, reducing overtime costs and the risk of no-shows. Users love its “ ease of use ” and  “ simple scheduling .” However, you may not need all of the tools it offers if you’re looking for a platform that does basic HR tasks only.
Pricing

Basic: Free. Track hours and manage schedules. Includes messaging. One location, unlimited staff.
Essentials: $24.95 per month, per location. Everything in Basic, plus performance tracking and team communication.
Plus: $59.95 per month, per location. Everything in Essential, plus PTO tracking and budget tools.
All In One: $99.95 per month, per location. Everything in Plus, as well as HR and onboarding tools.

2. Connecteam: Best for ease of use
Connecteam shows employees their daily schedule and shifts easily on a smartphone. Source: Connecteam.com
Aimed at a ‘“non-desk workforce,” Connecteam is designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices and save everyone time. It lets managers create and share schedules easily and has a color-coded and clear interface that’s attractive and simple to use.
Top features

See staff profiles and availability at a glance.
Schedule templates help for quick rostering.
Track time easily and accurately with geolocation for punch-ins and outs.
Automated shift reminders and no-show alerts.
Avoid conflicts and shift overlaps.
Empower staff by letting them trade shifts easily.
Communicate securely and easily with your team within the app.
Avoid overtime, and keep track of breaks.
Export timesheets to external payroll providers.

Pros and cons
Connecteam users particularly like the “ useful automation ” and “ ease of navigation .” However, it only works on mobile devices, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a tool you can use on a desktop as well as a smartphone.
Pricing
Operations hub (includes scheduling and time clock features).

Small Business: Free for up to 10 users.
Basic: $29 per month for up to 30 users. Extra users $0.50 per month.
Advanced: $49 per month for 30 users. Extra users $1.50 per month. Everything in Basic, plus extra features, including time clock tasks.
Expert: $99 per month for 30 users. Extra users $3 per month. Everything in Advanced, plus GPS features and automation. 

Connecteam also offers other packages called Communications and HR & Skills. However, these do not include rostering or scheduling tools.
3. mHelpDesk: Best for workers ‘in the field’
mHelpDesk was designed by a team of engineers for maximum efficiency. Source: mHelpDesk.com
Founded in 2007 by a team of engineers, mHelpDesk aims to work as a “partner” rather than a “product” to its clients. It’s designed for staff who work “in the field” and aims to automate slow, repetitive, manual tasks and keep track of all tasks on a single dashboard. 
Top features

Get visibility over team members’ availability.
Assign scheduling and job assignments quickly to technicians in the field.
Use the drag-and-drop calendar for fast scheduling.
Send text and email notifications for any last-minute changes.
Connect with job management to track the status of every task.
Automate staff reminders.
Customize staff email templates within the staff messaging system.

Pros and cons
mHelp Desk has a wide range of powerful features and links staff availability to job status for a simple overview of all your jobs. Users praise “the ease of use and tailored categories” as well as the “ exceptional customer service .” 
However, it’s a large piece of software with features for lead management, online booking, and inventory tracking. It’s designed for companies that send technicians to different locations, so it may be too cumbersome for your needs.
Pricing

mHelpDesk doesn’t publish pricing online. Instead, it invites users to request a complimentary live walkthrough via its website.

4. 7shifts: Best for team communication
7shifts gives staff easy access to see their schedules and lets managers see insights into patterns and hours worked. Source: 7shifts.com
7shifts is a scheduling and staff management platform that includes tools for everything from hiring to pay to how to retain good team members. Its scheduling tools let you stay on budget, automate rostering, and remain compliant with employment laws.
Top features

Create schedules easily, so you can add shifts and assign employees fast.
Publish a digital schedule with a single button.
Drag and drop shifts using the scheduler and customizable templates for quicker schedules every week.
Link it with tools for staff engagement, tip pooling, and time clocking.
Use the mobile app to let team members see their schedule and track changes.
Sync your schedule with your labor budget and sales forecasts.
Automate alerts for breaks, split shifts, and overtime.

Pros and cons
7shifts users like how it helps with “ team communication ” and offers ” easy phone access ” to staff. However, it’s been designed primarily for the demands of the restaurant sector, so there may be a better option if your business is in another industry.
Pricing

Comp: Free for one location and up to 30 employees. Includes time clock and scheduling.
Entrée: From $29.99 per month per location for up to 30 employees, Everything from the Comp plan plus templates, budgeting, and time off tracking.
The Works: From $69.99 per month per location for unlimited employees. Everything from the Entrée plan, plus payroll integration and state-based compliance tools.
Chef’s Choice: From $89.99 per month per location. Everything in The Works, plus onboarding, labor forecasting, and closer support
Gourmet: Advanced customization and support for Enterprises or corporate/franchise-owner mid-market brands. Pricing on request from the sales team.

7shifts also offers a free 14-day trial.
5. Sling: Best for simplicity
Sling makes it easier for managers to share schedules and communicate more efficiently. Source: GetSling.com
Sling is simple, dedicated employee scheduling software. It aims to help you balance labor expenses with staff rostering. This helps you save on excess costs and stick to local laws while keeping staff happy, engaged, and informed.
Top features

Optimize your labor costs into your scheduling for labor cost controls.
Track hours accurately and export timesheets easily for payroll with the time clock.
Set up team communication within the app to ensure everyone always has the latest details.
Maximize productivity with the task management tool.
Manage multiple work locations for remote or multiple-location teams.
Integrate with many other tools within the same platform for enhanced capability.

Pros and cons
Sling clients repeatedly appreciate the “ simplicity ” of learning and using the platform, as well as its “ intuitiveness .” However, you may not need all of the tools it offers if managing labor costs is not one of your main priorities right now.
Pricing

Basic: Free. Includes shift scheduling and time-off requests, but no mobile time tracking.
Premium: $1.70 per user per month. Everything in Basic, plus tools for mobile time tracking and optimizing labor costs.
Business: $3.40 per user per month. Everything in Premium, plus data and reports.

6. Fourth (HotSchedules): Best for cost monitoring
Fourth (HotSchedules) gives employees autonomy by letting them swap shifts in the app. Source: Fourth.com
Fourth (and its scheduling tool HotSchedules) is designed to make life easier for managers and employees, with hacks to save time and simplify processes. It also offers a range of features to link scheduling with demand, costs, and projections to help you keep a close eye on your budget.
Top features

Use drag-and-drop scheduling for fast rostering.
Match schedules with demand forecasting for on-the-ground needs.
Use team member individual and group messaging.
Empower staff to swap, drop, and pick up shifts easily.
Integrate with Google Calendar.
Send end-of-shift surveys to ensure employee engagement and feedback.
Set up your KPI dashboard with forecasts and benchmarks.
Keep track of labor law compliance and monitor costs.

Pros and cons
Fourth users especially like the “ stable software ” and how “ fast and comfortable it is ” to use. However, Fourth doesn’t publish pricing publicly, and you may not need all of its budgeting tools if you’re a smaller business with a limited, simpler budget.
Pricing

Fourth doesn’t publish pricing on its website and instead invites interested users to request a demo.

7. Paycor: Best for boosting productivity
Paycor’s Workforce Management tool is designed to make managing staff straightforward. Source: Paycor.com
Paycor’s scheduling software makes rostering staff simple with templates, color-coded schedules, and mobile-friendly tools. It’s designed to eliminate missed shifts and give managers complete visibility over their teams’ availability. Its main aim is to reduce manual errors and boost productivity as a result.
Top features

Match staff shifts with your spending targets with labor spend projection.
Optimize labor spend, track hours, and automate timekeeping with time and attendance tools
Set up scheduling with team communication to ensure alerts and boost productivity

Pros and cons
Paycor’s scheduling software is just one of the features it offers among a wide range of HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance tools. Users repeatedly praise “how easy it is” to use and set goals . However, its huge array of tools and positioning towards larger companies may not be quite right if you have a smaller operation (fewer than 50 staff).
Pricing
Paycor has several levels of paid plans depending on your needs and the size of your business. It doesn’t publish pricing publicly for any of its levels, but shows you what’s included and then invites you to share your details for a quote.
Below 50 employees 

Basic: Payroll, reporting, tax compliance, and hiring.


Essential: Everything in Basic, plus analytics and onboarding.


Core: Everything in Essential, plus HR support.


Complete: Everything in Core, plus and talent development.

50-1000+ employees

It doesn’t publish pricing publicly but invites you to share your details for a quote.

8. Deputy: Best for efficiency
Deputy’s clear user interface is simple and fast to use. Source: Deputy.com
Deputy aims to save managers hours in scheduling and reduce no-shows or shift clashes without hassle. It also makes it easy to share changes with staff and simplifies everyday tasks like payroll and team communication.
Top features

Create and view schedules on a phone, tablet, or computer, with auto-scheduling to save time.
Sort out replacements if someone is sick easily, without a phone call.
Fill empty shifts and get an overview of staff availability.
Share instantly with the team via desktop and mobile.
Record hours and breaks via the same app.
Link costs with staff shifts.
Create automatic, accurate timesheets that managers can export easily.
Enable labor law compliance and keep accurate records.
Use touchless options (voice commands and facial recognition) for cleaner workplaces and faster time tracking.
Use GPS for location stamps or touch-free face verification.
Alert staff and managers when breaks are due.

Pros and cons
Deputy users have called it an “ ideal rostering program ” and praise its “ straightforwardness .” However, for time-saving tools like auto-scheduling, timesheets, reporting, and employee rotas, you need to be on the more expensive plan.
Pricing

Premium: From $4.90 per user per month, Includes all Scheduling, Time & Attendance, and reporting tools.
Time & Attendance: From $3.50 per user per month. Scheduling with attendance tracking and timesheet management. Doesn’t include automation, reporting, or SMS alerts. Has fewer team communication tools.
Scheduling: From $3.50 per user per month. Includes shift rostering and team communication.
Enterprise: Price on request. For businesses with 250+ employees. Everything in Premium, plus custom features.

Deputy also offers a free 31-day trial.
9. Shiftboard: Best for flexibility
One of Shiftboard’s key features is helping you avoid expensive overtime. Source: Shiftboard.com
Shiftboard describes itself as suited to “mission-critical industries,” like manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. It works particularly well for multiple-location businesses and helps managers optimize workforce capacity, boost efficiency, and retain good employees. It also has a number of tools to make changing shifts easy and stress-free.
Top features

Automate schedules, including for shift patterns and automatic overtime law compliance.
Engage workers with flexible and fair schedules, employee trades, and mobile access.
Fill last-minute shifts, and notify workers about changes quickly.
Optimize coverage, including shift shuffling, split shifts, and overtime reduction tools.
Plan labor demand and convert targets into jobs, and ensure mixed skills per shift.
Manage leave and timesheets, including PTO requests, online timesheets, and payroll code management.

Pros and cons
Shiftboard clients say they like that the tool “ allows staff to log in and be involved” in their own schedule, as well as how “ instantly ” updates are sent. However, it’s designed for multiple-location, larger businesses, so it may not be the right choice for you, depending on your size and needs.
Pricing

Shiftboard doesn’t publicly show pricing, but it has two levels of plans: Enterprise and Enterprise Plus . Enterprise Plus has more tools, including more advanced scheduling and PTO rules.

10. QuickBooks Time: Best for QuickBooks integration
QuickBooks Time includes tools for time tracking, GPS location monitoring, and scheduling. Source: Quickbooks.intuit.com
QuickBooks Time, from the payroll and accountancy software platform of the same name, was previously known as TSheets. It aims to ensure accurate time tracking and invoicing while saving time on manual data entry. If your business already uses QuickBooks, this could be the perfect add-on.
Top features

Sync employees’ time data to your existing account with seamless QuickBooks integration.
See where and what your employees are working on, in real-time, with the Who’s Working window.
Get greater accountability with GPS location tracking.
Use it on a range of devices, including a smartphone, computer, or time clock kiosk. 
Get valuable business insight with connected time reporting.

Pros and cons
QuickBooks Time users like how well the app works “ wherever you are ” and how easy it is to see “ who’s working .” However, if you don’t use QuickBooks (and are unlikely to), it may not be the best option.
Pricing

Premium: $20 per month + $8 per user per month. Includes mobile app, payroll and invoicing, shift scheduling, time off management, photo attachment, alerts, and unlimited customer support.
Elite : $40 per month + $10 per user per month. Includes everything in Elite, plus progress planning, geofencing, timesheet signatures, and project estimating.

QuickBooks Time also has a ProAdvisor account option for accounting professionals. It also offers a free trial for 30 days.
Employee roster apps: One core part of your business
Making sure you have staff working in your business when you need them isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s absolutely crucial to the good functioning of your operation. After all, without your staff, you don’t have a business.
That’s why finding a roster app that works for you and your staff is so important. But rostering staff doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
You need a platform that makes rostering team members just one part of a wider whole. So you can be sure that staff know where they need to be and when, and you can track those hours accurately and link them to the rest of your business (for example, for payroll and budgeting).
Homebase offers staff scheduling and rostering along with other must-have features. This means you can use it as just one part of a much larger toolbox, help your business thrive, and roster your staff successfully and simply – no cat herding required.
 
**The information above is based on our research on employee roster apps. All user feedback referenced in the text has been sourced from independent software review platforms, such as G2 and Capterra, in March 2023.
 
The post Top 10 employee roster apps appeared first on Homebase .