The 10 Best 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 exactly that way.

Figuring out staff availability with pen and paper or wrestling with clunky spreadsheets only adds to the frustration. Missed shifts, last-minute no-shows, and endless schedule edits drain time and energy that could be spent growing your business.

That's why finding the right employee roster app matters. The perfect tool simplifies scheduling, cuts down on no-shows, enables easy team communication, connects with your other systems, and fits your budget.

So, we've done the research for you. In this guide, we cover:

• The key features to look for in employee roster apps
• What each software does best
• Our top 10 employee roster apps for 2025, complete with pricing, pros, and cons—so you can find the right fit fast

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TL;DR: Top employee roster apps

Need the short version? Here's what you need to know:

• Best all-in-one: Homebase – scheduling, payroll, messaging, and time tracking in one app
• Best for mobile teams: Connecteam – built for workers who aren't at a desk
• Best for restaurants: 7shifts – designed specifically for food service scheduling
• Best budget pick: Sling – simple scheduling without the premium price tag

The bottom line: The right roster app saves you hours every week, cuts down on no-shows, and keeps your team in sync. Scroll down for detailed comparisons, pricing, and how to pick the perfect fit.

Compare the top roster apps side by side

Not sure which employee roster app is right for your business? This comparison table breaks down the key features and pricing so you can find the best fit fast.

What is an employee roster app?

An employee roster app is a digital tool that helps you schedule, manage, and communicate staff shifts in one place. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, sticky notes, or group texts, a rostering app centralizes everything your team needs to know about who's working when. These tools go by several names like roster system, roster scheduling software, or employee rostering software, but they all do the same thing: make building schedules and filling shifts easier.

Why rostering software is a must-have for 2026

Running a business without rostering software in 2026 is like navigating without GPS. Sure, you can do it, but why make things harder than they need to be? Modern roster apps eliminate the chaos of paper schedules and Excel spreadsheets that break every time someone calls in sick or needs to swap a shift.

Here's what changes when you switch to a digital roster system:

• Excel chaos becomes one-click scheduling. Build schedules in minutes using templates instead of rebuilding from scratch every week. Make updates instantly and everyone sees the changes right away.
• No-shows drop dramatically. Automatic shift reminders via text and app notifications mean your team actually knows when they're working. No more "I didn't see the schedule" excuses.
• Your team runs itself. Employees can swap shifts, request time off, and claim open shifts without you playing middleman. You stay in control with approval rights, but you're not fielding constant texts and calls.

The bottom line: rostering software doesn't just save time. It helps you build a stronger, more reliable team while giving you back hours every week to focus on actually running your business.

Key features to look for in roster management tools

Not all rostering apps are created equal. The right employee roster management system should make your life easier, not add another tool to learn. Here are the must-have features that separate great roster software from the rest:

• Scheduling automation & templates: Drag-and-drop scheduling, repeating shift templates, and auto-scheduling based on employee availability let you build schedules in minutes instead of starting from scratch every week.
• Team self-service (swaps, PTO, availability): Let staff request time off, update their availability, swap shifts with coworkers, and claim open shifts. You stay in control with approval rights but avoid playing scheduling referee.
• Multi-device access & mobile apps: Your rostering app should work seamlessly whether employees are checking schedules on smartphones, clocking in from tablets, or managing shifts from computers.
• Shift alerts, reminders & real-time updates: Automatic notifications when schedules are published, shifts are coming up, or last-minute changes happen ensure nobody misses a shift because they "didn't know."
• Payroll, time tracking & HR integrations: Look for integrations with time clocks, payroll providers, and other business tools. When your schedule, time tracking, and payroll all talk to each other, you eliminate double-entry and reduce errors.

Best employee roster apps in 2026 (ranked)

Here are our top picks based on features, pricing, and what each tool does best. Whether you need an all-in-one solution or a simple scheduling tool, there's an option that fits your business.

1.  Homebase: Best All-in-One Solution

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 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: $0 per location per month for 1 location, up to 10 employees. Basic scheduling and time tracking.
• Essentials: $24 per location per month, unlimited employees. Advanced scheduling, time tracking, and team communication.
• Plus: $56 per location per month, unlimited employees. Everything in Essentials, plus AI-powered scheduling, PTO controls, and departments.‍
• All-in-One: $96 per location per month, unlimited employees. Everything in Plus, plus employee onboarding, labor cost management, and HR & compliance.

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2. Connecteam: Best for Ease of Use

Aimed at a "non-desk workforce," Connecteam is designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices. It lets managers create and share schedules easily and has a color-coded, clear interface that's simple to use.

Top Features

• Schedule templates and geolocation time tracking
• Automated shift reminders and conflict alerts
• Employee self-service for shift trading
• Export timesheets to 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 need desktop access.

Pricing

• Free for up to 10 users
• Basic: $29/month for up to 30 users
• Advanced: $49/month for up to 30 users
• Expert: $99/month for up to 30 users

3. mHelpDesk: Best for Workers ‘In the Field’

Founded in 2007, mHelpDesk is designed for staff who work "in the field" and aims to automate slow, repetitive tasks while keeping track of everything on a single dashboard.

Top Features

• Drag-and-drop calendar for fast scheduling
• Assign job assignments quickly to field technicians
• Text and email notifications for schedule changes
• Job management tracking and automated reminders

Pros and Cons

Users praise "the ease of use and tailored categories" as well as "exceptional customer service." However, it's designed for companies that send technicians to different locations with features like lead management and inventory tracking, so it may be too cumbersome if you just need simple scheduling.

Pricing

Pricing starts around $169 per month and varies based on users and features. Contact their sales team for a custom quote.

4. 7shifts: Best for Team Communication

7shifts is a scheduling platform built specifically for restaurants, with tools for hiring, scheduling, and retention. Its scheduling features help you stay on budget and remain compliant with employment laws.

Top Features

• Drag-and-drop scheduling with customizable templates
• Sync schedules with labor budgets and sales forecasts
• Mobile app for employees to view schedules and request changes
• Automated 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 designed primarily for restaurants, so there may be a better option if your business is in another industry.

Pricing

• Comp: Free for up to 30 employees
• Entrée: $34.99/month per location
• The Works: $76.99/month per location
• Gourmet: $150/month per location

5. Sling: Best for Simplicity

Sling is simple, dedicated employee scheduling software that helps you balance labor expenses with staff rostering while keeping your team happy and informed.

Top Features

• Labor cost optimization and tracking
• Time clock with easy payroll export
• Team communication within the app
• Multi-location management
• Task management tools

Pros and Cons

Sling clients appreciate the "simplicity" and "intuitiveness" of the platform. However, you may not need all of its tools if managing labor costs isn't one of your main priorities.

Pricing

• Free: Up to 30 users (scheduling and time-off requests only)
• Premium: $2/user/month (adds mobile time tracking)
• Business: $4/user/month (adds reporting and PTO management)

6. Fourth (HotSchedules): Best for Cost Monitoring

Fourth's HotSchedules tool is designed to save time and link scheduling with demand forecasting, costs, and projections to help you keep a close eye on your budget.

Top Features

• Drag-and-drop scheduling with demand forecasting
• Team messaging and shift swap features
• KPI dashboard with forecasts and benchmarks
• Labor law compliance tracking

Pros and Cons

Fourth users 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. Note that the mobile app requires a $2.99 one-time download fee.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on your business size and needs. Request a demo for a quote.

7. Paycor: Best for Boosting Productivity

Paycor's scheduling software makes rostering simple with templates, color-coded schedules, and mobile-friendly tools designed to eliminate missed shifts and boost productivity.

Top Features

• Labor spend projection and budget management
• Time and attendance automation
• Scheduling with team communication and alerts

Pros and Cons

Users praise "how easy it is" to use and set goals. However, Paycor's huge array of HR, payroll, and compliance tools may not be quite right if you have a smaller operation (fewer than 50 staff).

Pricing

Pricing typically ranges from $19-27 per employee per month. Contact their sales team for a custom quote.

8. Deputy: Best for Efficiency

Deputy aims to save managers hours in scheduling and reduce no-shows without hassle. It makes sharing changes with staff easy and simplifies everyday tasks like payroll and team communication.

Top Features

• Auto-scheduling across phone, tablet, or computer
• Instant shift replacements and availability overview
• Automatic timesheet generation for payroll export
• GPS tracking and touchless facial recognition time clock
• Labor law compliance and break alerts

Pros and Cons

Deputy users call it an "ideal rostering program" and praise its "straightforwardness." However, time-saving tools like auto-scheduling and advanced reporting require the more expensive Premium plan.

Pricing

• Scheduling: $4.50/user/month
• Time & Attendance: $4.50/user/month
• Premium: $6/user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Free 31-day trial available. Minimum monthly spend of $30 per invoice.

9. Shiftboard: Best for Flexibility

Shiftboard is designed for "mission-critical industries" like manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. It works particularly well for multiple-location businesses managing complex workforce operations.

Top Features

• Automated scheduling with overtime law compliance
• Employee shift trades and mobile access
• Last-minute shift filling with instant notifications
• Labor demand planning and skills management
• PTO and timesheet management

Pros and Cons

Shiftboard clients like that the tool "allows staff to log in and be involved" in their own schedule with "instant" updates. However, it's designed for larger businesses and requires a minimum of 100 employees.

Pricing

Pricing starts around $3 per user per month. Two plan levels: Enterprise and Enterprise Plus. Contact their sales team for a custom quote.

10. QuickBooks Time: Best for QuickBooks Integration

QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) ensures accurate time tracking and invoicing while saving time on manual data entry. If your business already uses QuickBooks, this is the natural add-on.

Top Features

• Seamless QuickBooks integration for time data sync
• Real-time employee location and activity tracking
• GPS tracking and accountability features
• Multi-device access (smartphone, computer, kiosk)
• Connected time reporting for business insights

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, it may not be the best option. Requires an active QuickBooks Online subscription.

Pricing

• Time Premium: $20/month base + $8/user/month
• Time Elite: $40/month base + $10/user/month

Free 30-day trial. First 3 months include 50% discount on base fee.

FAQs about employee roster apps

What is the best employee roster app?

The best employee roster app depends on your business needs. Homebase is the best all-in-one solution for small businesses, offering scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team messaging in one platform. Connecteam excels for mobile teams, 7shifts is built for restaurants, and Sling offers the simplest free option for basic scheduling.

Are there free employee scheduling apps?

Yes. Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and Sling all offer free plans with real scheduling features—not just trials. Free plans typically work for teams under 10-30 employees and include core features like shift scheduling, mobile access, and employee notifications. You'll need paid plans for advanced features like labor cost forecasting, compliance alerts, or payroll integration.

What's the difference between a scheduling app and a roster app?

There's significant overlap—both help you create and share work schedules. Roster apps often emphasize broader team coordination including availability tracking, shift swaps, and integration with payroll or time tracking. Scheduling apps focus primarily on filling time slots. In practice, most modern tools do both, so the terms are often used interchangeably.

Why Homebase is the best employee roster app for small businesses

Running a small business means wearing a dozen hats. Your scheduling tool shouldn't add to that pile, it should take work off your plate.

Homebase is built for teams that refuse to let scheduling chaos slow them down. There's zero quit in unstoppable teams, and Homebase gives you the tools to prove it.

• Save 5+ hours every week. Managers using Homebase report saving an average of 5+ hours per week on scheduling tasks. That's time you get back to focus on growing your business, not rebuilding schedules from scratch.
• Keep your team in sync. Automatic shift reminders, instant schedule updates via text and app, and easy shift trading mean everyone knows where they need to be. No more "I didn't know I was working" excuses.
• Get payroll right, every time. Time tracking syncs directly with built-in payroll or exports to your existing provider. No more manual data entry, no more payroll errors, and no more Sunday night stress.
• Stay compliant without the headache. Labor law alerts, overtime tracking, and break reminders help you avoid costly violations. Homebase handles the compliance details so you can focus on running your team.

Try Homebase free. No credit card required. Start with scheduling and time tracking on the free plan, then add payroll, HR tools, or team communication as you grow. Join 100,000+ small businesses building unstoppable teams with Homebase.

**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.

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