Connecteam vs. Homebase: Which Platform Fits Your Team?

Construction crews don't work like coffee shop teams. Field technicians don't clock in like retail associates. Yet most workforce management platforms pretend everyone operates from the same playbook.

Connecteam was built for teams that move between job sites while Homebase delivers all-in-one team management—scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team messaging in one system—optimized for shift-based operations. Although Homebase specializes in fixed-location hourly teams, construction crews, handymen, landscapers, and small field-service businesses can use it as well when they need straightforward scheduling, GPS-verified time tracking, and built-in payroll without coordinating multiple vendors.

The fundamental difference: Homebase processes payroll natively within the platform. Connecteam requires exporting data to separate payroll providers. That means managing two vendor relationships, two billing cycles, and manual data transfers between systems.

TL;DR: Connecteam vs. Homebase in 30s or less

Both Homebase and Connecteam handle scheduling and time tracking for hourly teams. The difference shows up in payroll and feature packaging. One platform includes native payroll processing, tip management, and tax filing within the same system. The other focuses on workforce operations and communications, letting you connect your preferred payroll provider through integrations.

When to choose Homebase:

• Homebase supports features like open-shift claiming and schedule publishing for managing changes
• Free Basic plan for 1 location with 10 employees
• Tip management through Homebase payroll add-on
• Labor cost tracking with POS integrations to tie labor to sales
• Built-in payroll software with payroll tax filing
• Homebase mobile app for shift swaps and team messaging
• Construction and field-service crews that return to a central shop or yard—and only need GPS-verified clock-ins rather than continuous location tracking—can run schedules, time tracking, and payroll entirely in Homebase
• Use job codes or departments to track hours by project without requiring advanced field forms or real-time breadcrumb data

When to choose Connecteam:

• Field teams working across multiple job sites
• GPS time tracking with breadcrumbs while clocked in
• Digital forms and checklists and tasks on mobile
• Training courses with quizzes and certifications
• Free plan covers up to 10 users across all hubs
• Payroll requires QuickBooks integration or Gusto integration

What is Homebase?

Homebase is a shift-first workforce platform that combines scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and team communication for businesses where hourly labor drives operations. Although Homebase is best known for servicing restaurants, retail, and salons, many service businesses—including residential construction contractors, landscaping crews, and trades teams—use Homebase to manage hours, coordinate shifts, and run payroll when workflow needs are simpler.

Homebase supports hiring, scheduling and payroll tools to help you manage your team and streamline operations.

What makes Homebase different:

• Get started free—no credit card needed for scheduling and time tracking at a single location
• Payroll designed around tipped employees with automatic tip pooling and wage calculations
• POS integrations that connect labor spending directly to revenue data
• Shift coverage tools that let employees claim open shifts and request swaps
• Time clock with GPS verification and photo capture to prevent time theft
• Team messaging built into the platform so managers don't need separate apps
• For construction and field crews, Homebase offers mobile clock-ins with GPS snapshots, job-site notes on shifts, and team messaging—useful when workers start the day at the same yard or move between a small number of job sites

Trusted by 150,000+ small businesses, Homebase reviews consistently highlight ease of use. The free Basic plan includes shift scheduling, time tracking, team chat and POS integration for one location.

What is Connecteam?

Connecteam is a workforce management platform designed for mobile workforce coordination and deskless teams. Built around three modular hubs—Operations, Communications, and HR & Skills—the Connecteam app prioritizes field workers who need tools accessible from their phones rather than desktop computers.

What Connecteam does well:

• Free Small Business Plan for up to 10 users
• GPS time tracking breadcrumbs track location while clocked in
• Digital forms and checklists and tasks for field operations
• Training courses with quizzes and completion tracking
• Fixed Connecteam pricing for first 30 users per hub
• Modular hub structure lets you pay for what you use

Connecteam reviews note the modular hub billing (Operations, Communications, HR & Skills) with fixed pricing up to 30 users, then per-user charges above that threshold. Employee scheduling and time tracking software require the Operations hub as a separate purchase from team chat or HR compliance features. Full functionality requires multiple hub subscriptions.

Connecteam vs. Homebase pricing (November 2025): what you'll actually pay

Pricing structures differ fundamentally between these platforms. Homebase pricing bills per location while Connecteam pricing uses modular hubs with per-user charges above 30 employees. Your actual costs depend on team size, location count, and which capabilities you need.

Homebase pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

Homebase bills per location with unlimited team members on certain paid tiers. Homebase Payroll adds on to any plan level.

Basic: $0/month (1 location, up to 10 employees). Includes shift scheduling, employee time tracking, team chat, and POS system connections at no cost.

Essentials: $24.95/month per location (annual billing) ≈ $30 monthly. Everything in Basic plus GPS-verified clock-ins, photo time punches, late-arrival notifications, shift templates, and controls to prevent early clock-ins.

Plus: $59.95/month per location (annual billing) ≈ $70 monthly. Everything in Essentials plus AI-powered schedule building, labor forecasting tied to sales data, PTO policy management, department-level organization, and manager permission controls.

All-in-One: $99.95/month per location (annual billing) ≈ $120 monthly. Everything in Plus plus new-hire onboarding workflows, labor cost analytics dashboard, HR compliance library with handbook templates, state-specific new-hire reporting, and direct access to HR Pro advisors.

Homebase Payroll: $39/month + $6 per employee. Run payroll as often as needed, file taxes across multiple states, manage multiple business locations, offer earned-wage access through Cash Out, and automate payroll tax filing plus direct deposit.

Add-ons: Homebase Tip Manager $25/location; Task Manager $13/location.

Why this works: Homebase offers predictable per-location pricing; actual cost depends on plan and add-ons selected. Adding hourly employees doesn't increase subscription fees—only payroll processing costs scale with headcount. For construction teams that want predictable costs, Homebase's per-location pricing (unlimited employees) can be more cost-effective than per-user models when crews scale seasonally or rotate frequently—especially when those teams don't require Connecteam's advanced field-ops hubs.

Connecteam pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

Connecteam uses modular hub pricing with fixed rates for the first 30 users, then per-user charges. You can subscribe to one, two, or all three hubs independently.

Small Business Plan: $0/month (up to 10 users). Full access to all three hubs with core features from Operations, Communications, and HR & Skills.

Basic: $29/month per hub (up to 30 users), then $0.80/user monthly (annual billing). Operations Hub includes GPS time tracking, employee scheduling, and unlimited forms, checklists, and tasks. Communications Hub provides team chat, media sharing, and company feed. HR & Skills Hub covers PTO tracking, basic training courses, and employee recognition.

Advanced: $49/month per hub (up to 30 users), then $2.50/user monthly (annual billing). Operations Hub adds geofencing, auto clock-out, and repeating shifts. Communications Hub adds scheduled messages, live polls, and anonymous surveys. HR & Skills Hub adds expanded courses, time-off policies, and document permissions.

Expert: $99/month per hub (up to 30 users), then $4.20/user monthly (annual billing). Operations Hub includes breadcrumb tracking and advanced scheduling. Communications Hub adds auto-translate feed updates and post shortcuts. HR & Skills Hub provides custom celebration rules, policy restrictions, and full API access.

Enterprise: Custom pricing. Contact Connecteam for quotes on teams exceeding 200 users. Includes SSO, 2FA, dedicated account manager, and unlimited storage.

The pricing reality: Monthly billing costs approximately 18 percent more than annual billing across all tiers. Because each hub is sold separately, full functionality—such as scheduling + team chat + HR—requires multiple subscriptions.

Real cost comparison:

Pricing examples depend on team size, hubs selected, and add-ons; actual costs will vary. Here's how the pricing models compare in practice for different business scenarios.

15-person HVAC company:

• Homebase (Plus + Payroll): All-in-one scheduling, time tracking, and payroll with GPS verification and labor cost controls.
• Connecteam (all three Basic hubs): Job site scheduling and GPS breadcrumbs included; payroll requires separate QuickBooks or Gusto subscription.

25-employee landscaping crew:

• Homebase (All-in-One + Payroll): Complete workforce platform with built-in payroll and HR compliance tools.
• Connecteam (all three Basic hubs): Fixed cost up to 30 users for scheduling and tracking; payroll integration costs extra.

8-person cleaning service (no payroll yet): Just starting with a small crew and not ready for payroll? Both platforms offer free options for very small operations.

• Homebase (Basic): $0/month for 1 location (up to 10 employees) covering scheduling, time tracking, team chat, and POS connections.
• Connecteam (Small Business Plan): $0/month (up to 10 users across all hubs).

Breakdown: Homebase payroll vs. Connecteam payroll

Homebase payroll integrates tightly with employee time tracking and shift scheduling, processing wages based on hours already captured in the system. Homebase's payroll add-on supports tax filing and tip management, with PTO tracking happening automatically without switching platforms. Construction teams that need Davis-Bacon or certified payroll should use a specialized system—but for small crews paying hourly employees with standard federal/state requirements, Homebase provides full-service payroll with overtime, PTO, and multi-location support.

Homebase payroll features:

• Run payroll unlimited times per month with no per-run charges
• Automated tax calculations and filings across all states
• Tip distribution through Homebase payroll add-on with automatic wage calculations
• PTO accrual tracking with automatic balance updates
• Process payroll across multiple locations and states in one run
• Cash Out feature gives employees early wage access at zero cost to employers

Connecteam handles time tracking software but outsources payroll to integration partners. QuickBooks integration, Gusto integration, and Paychex connections via export require separate subscriptions and manual data transfer between systems.

Connecteam payroll features:

• Export digital timesheets to QuickBooks, Gusto, Paychex
• Requires separate payroll provider subscription
• Manual data transfer between platforms
• Integration capabilities vary by tier
• No built-in payroll tax filing or tip management
• Third-party payroll costs apply separately

Which platform fits your needs? For hourly teams with fluctuating schedules and tip-based compensation, Homebase integrates Homebase scheduling, Homebase time tracking, and Homebase payroll into one cohesive system. Start free and add payroll without per-employee platform fees. For businesses requiring payroll tightly coupled with QuickBooks accounting for financial analysis, Connecteam exports timesheet data for manual processing.

The fundamental workflow difference: When you run payroll weekly or biweekly with tip management and varying schedules, Homebase handles that reality without platform switching. When you already use QuickBooks for accounting and prefer keeping payroll there, Connecteam exports timesheet data for manual processing.

Breakdown: Homebase scheduling vs. Connecteam scheduling

Homebase scheduling launches at zero cost and prioritizes shift coordination where coverage gaps and last-minute callouts create operational chaos. Homebase scheduling allows shift templates, open shift claiming, and work hours forecasting when integrated with POS data. Construction crews that rotate across several recurring job sites can assign tasks or site notes directly on shifts, making it easy to coordinate daily assignments without requiring complex project-management or form workflows.

Homebase scheduling features:

• Templates and open shift posting that employees can claim from their phones
• Automatic conflict warnings when double-booking or violating overtime rules
• Labor forecasting when connected to POS data links staffing costs to revenue projections
• Manager approval workflows for shift swaps between employees
• Push notifications, text, and email reminders about upcoming shifts
• One-click schedule publishing that instantly alerts the entire team

Connecteam scheduling focuses on job assignment and location-based shift coordination. Managers create schedules with role assignments but handle coverage coordination more manually.

Connecteam scheduling features:

• Drag-and-drop shift creation with templates
• Role-based assignments for job sites
• Repeating shift patterns for consistent schedules
• Location addresses attached to shifts
• Availability tracking for employee conflicts
• Schedule replication across weeks

Which platform matches your operations? For weekly schedule variations where covering shifts determines business continuity, Homebase scheduling addresses those operational realities—beginning at zero cost. For consistent schedules across multiple job sites with location-specific assignments, Connecteam delivers geographic coordination.

Breakdown: Homebase time tracking vs. Connecteam time tracking

Homebase time tracking launches at zero cost and focuses on shift-based operations where labor cost tracking percentages determine profitability. Homebase offers GPS snapshots and photo verification for clock-ins; these capabilities are included in paid plans (Essentials or higher). Available free on the Basic tier, it includes controls specifically targeting hourly workforce cost management challenges. Construction teams that only need proof-of-location clock-ins—not continuous movement tracking—can use Homebase's GPS snapshots and photo verification to confirm on-site attendance.

Homebase time clock features:

• GPS location snapshots captured at every clock-in and clock-out (Essentials or higher)
• Mandatory photo capture with each time punch to prevent buddy punching
• Automated break reminders and enforcement based on hours worked
• Real-time labor cost visibility when integrated with POS sales data
• Overtime alerts that warn managers before employees hit threshold hours
• One-click conversion from timesheets to payroll without manual entry or exports

Connecteam time tracking emphasizes mobile workforce teams who move between job sites throughout shifts. GPS breadcrumbs track employee location continuously while clocked in, creating movement trails rather than single location snapshots.

Connecteam time tracking features:

• GPS time tracking breadcrumbs track movement while working
• Geofencing restricts clock-ins to designated areas
• Job costing assigns hours to specific projects
• Auto clock-out after scheduled shift ends
• Digital timesheets export to payroll providers
• Multiple wage rates per employee supported

Which platform serves your priorities? When tracking hourly workers in fixed locations where labor costs must align with sales, Homebase time tracking delivers that workflow integration. When field teams move between job sites and you need continuous location verification, Connecteam provides geographic tracking.

Breakdown: Homebase HR vs. Connecteam HR & compliance

Homebase HR includes HR compliance tools such as handbook templates, new hire reporting and break/overtime rule settings tied to location. The emphasis falls on rapid Homebase onboarding, labor law compliance, and HR requirements unique to shift-based business models. For construction businesses juggling short-term hires or seasonal labor, Homebase's digital onboarding (I-9, W-4, signatures) reduces paperwork and ensures compliance without requiring a separate HR system.

Homebase compliance features:

• New-hire digital onboarding with I-9 verification, W-4 collection, and electronic signatures
• Employee handbook builder with templates reviewed by HR experts
• Automated FLSA compliance and break rules configured by business location
• Live HR advisor consultation access included in All-in-One tier
• Automatic new hire reporting submissions to state agencies
• Timecard storage and audit trails for FLSA compliance requirements

Connecteam HR focuses on training delivery, document storage, and employee recognition. HR compliance monitoring requires manual policy setup rather than automatic location-based rules.

Connecteam HR & skills features:

• Training courses with quizzes and completion tracking
• Digital document library with permissions
• Employee recognition and celebration system
• Custom policy creation and distribution
• PTO tracking request and approval system
• Certification tracking and expiration alerts

Which platform addresses your requirements? For rapidly onboarding hourly workers and maintaining compliance with FLSA and overtime regulations, Homebase HR tools optimize that workflow. For businesses needing SMB HR support for policy questions, Homebase compliance handles those responsibilities. When training consistency and document access matter more than automated compliance monitoring, Connecteam delivers structured learning.

Pros and cons of Homebase and Connecteam

Here's what each platform delivers best and where limitations appear.

Homebase pros ✅

• Free tier with zero cost for scheduling, time clock, and team messaging at one location—no payment info required to start
• Built specifically for shift operations with coverage management tools, tip pooling automation, and labor percentage tracking against POS sales
• Mobile-complete for managers who need to build schedules, approve time-off, run payroll, and message teams from phones
• Payroll optimized for hourly workers with Homebase Tip Manager integration, Cash Out wage access, and automatic timesheet imports
• GPS and photo verification included on paid plans (Essentials+) with per-location pricing instead of per-employee charges
• Homebase supports hiring, scheduling and payroll tools to streamline team management
• Useful for small construction or field-service crews that need GPS-verified time tracking, team messaging, and payroll—without paying for advanced field-ops features

Homebase cons ❌

• Optimized specifically for hourly operations—doesn't serve salaried office teams well
• Homebase payroll requires add-on purchase—base subscription tiers exclude payroll processing ($39 base fee + $6/employee monthly)
• Per-location pricing multiplies with expansion—operating five locations means 5× the subscription cost
• Does not provide continuous breadcrumb GPS tracking or mobile job-site forms, which many construction and mobile field teams require (Connecteam strength)

Connecteam pros ✅

• Small Business Plan stays free for up to 10 users across all hubs permanently
• GPS time tracking breadcrumbs track employee location continuously while clocked in—valuable for field accountability
• Digital forms and checklists and tasks handle job site documentation without paper
• Training courses with quizzes ensure consistent onboarding and certification tracking
• Modular hub pricing lets you purchase only Operations, Communications, or HR & Skills independently

Connecteam cons ❌

• No built-in payroll software—requires separate subscription to QuickBooks integration, Gusto integration, or Paychex plus manual data export
• Connecteam pricing structure confuses first-time buyers—three separate hubs with independent tiers and per-user charges above 30
• Per-user costs above 30 employees add up quickly—$3/user monthly on Expert tier means 100 employees cost $309/month per hub
• Limited shift-specific capabilities for shift coverage coordination—open shifts and employee-initiated swaps require workarounds
• Employee scheduling and time tracking software sold separately from team chat—full functionality requires multiple hub subscriptions

The bottom line

Homebase works for shift-based businesses where schedule flexibility and labor cost control determine success or failure. Start with the free tier and scale up as you add locations or payroll. The platform handles the chaos of hourly operations—last-minute callouts, shift coverage, tip distribution, and keeping teams connected.

Connecteam fits mobile field teams needing GPS tracking, digital forms, and training tools across multiple job sites rather than single-location shift management.

Pick the one that fits how your team actually works.

Get started with Homebase for free—no credit card required. Try Homebase Scheduling, Homebase Time Clock, team messaging, and add Homebase Payroll when you're ready. Everything your shift-based team needs in one platform.

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