Homebase vs Deputy (2025): Which workforce management platform fits your team?

Homebase and Deputy both manage hourly teams, but they take fundamentally different approaches to workforce management. Homebase unifies scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team messaging in one system designed for small business owner-operators. Deputy focuses on compliance automation and workforce optimization with advanced analytics for mid-sized operations.

This comparison breaks down pricing structures, feature differences, and workflow integration to help you choose the platform that matches how you actually run your business—from scheduling your first shift to processing payroll for teams across multiple locations.

TL;DR: Homebase vs. Deputy in 30 seconds

Homebase is purpose-built for shift-based hourly teams where workforce operations drive everything. Deputy excels when you need advanced scheduling automation, workforce analytics, and compliance tools suitable for mid-sized operations. For small business hourly work, Homebase delivers better workflow integration and more predictable costs.

When to choose Homebase:

• Handle weekly schedule changes and last-minute covers
• Free tier for 1 location, up to 10 employees
• Integrated payroll runs directly from approved hours
• Tip pooling and distribution through payroll
• Per-location pricing regardless of team size
• Built-in team messaging and task management

When to choose Deputy:

• Location-based compliance and scheduling rules
• AI-powered demand forecasting for labor planning
• Advanced analytics and custom reporting capabilities
• Multi-location schedule coordination
• Complex shift patterns across departments
• Integration with enterprise payroll systems

What is Homebase?

Homebase combines scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team messaging. Everything connects—your schedule feeds right into payroll, and your team stays in the loop through built-in messaging. No jumping between apps or copying data from spreadsheets.

The app is built for hourly teams working in restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, salons, and vet clinics. These are businesses that coordinate shifts, distribute tips, and manage labor costs every single day.

Many small business owners say that admin eats up most of their time. Homebase automates tasks without losing business owner oversight. AI Assistants let you screen job applications, duplicate and edit schedules, review payroll for errors, and put that time back into the parts of your business that light you up. 

What makes Homebase different:

• Start free for one location with complete scheduling and time tracking
• Built-in messaging keeps work conversations out of personal texts
• Mobile-native design lets you manage from anywhere
• Hourly-first payroll with automatic tax filing
• Labor cost tracking shows profitability in real time
• Tip Manager distributes gratuities directly through payroll

More than 150,000 small businesses use Homebase to run their teams. The free Basic plan gets you complete scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and POS connections for up to 10 employees at one location. No credit card needed to start.

What is Deputy?

Deputy is workforce management software that helps businesses handle employee scheduling, time tracking, and compliance monitoring. Founded in Sydney, Australia back in 2008, it's grown to serve shift-based businesses across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Deputy's big focus is scheduling automation and compliance controls. Smart Scheduling uses AI to predict how many people you'll need based on past patterns and business conditions. Compliance tools catch issues during schedule creation—like missing breaks or too many hours—before they become problems.

What Deputy does well:

• AI demand forecasting predicts staffing needs by analyzing patterns
• Compliance rule enforcement built into scheduling workflows
• Advanced reporting and analytics for labor cost visibility
• Multi-location scheduling coordination across sites
• Integration marketplace connecting business tools
• Multi-language and multi-currency support for global teams

Deputy serves businesses managing shift-based workforces—particularly operations coordinating 50+ employees across multiple locations. The platform integrates with payroll providers like QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, and Xero for timesheet export. Pricing uses per-employee models that scale with headcount; contact Deputy for current pricing details and custom quotes.

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

Homebase and Deputy charge differently. Homebase bills per location with unlimited team members on paid tiers. Deputy charges per user per month across all plans.

Homebase pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

Homebase doesn't charge you for hiring. Pay for locations, not people. Hire another server, cashier, or stylist without your subscription costs jumping.

• Basic: $0/month: One location, up to 10 employees. Scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and POS connections. No credit card needed.
• Essentials: Contact for pricing: Unlimited employees per location. Everything in Basic plus GPS time tracking, late arrival alerts, and better scheduling tools.
• Plus: Contact for pricing: Everything in Essentials plus auto-scheduling, labor cost forecasting, PTO management, and departmental controls.
• All-in-One: Contact for pricing: Everything in Plus plus onboarding tools, labor analytics, HR compliance help, and access to HR Pro experts.
• Homebase Payroll: $39/month + $6 per employee: Run payroll whenever you need to. Multi-state tax filings handled. Works across multiple locations. Includes earned wage access. Quarterly 941s and W-2s automated.

Your location fee doesn't budge when you go from 12 employees to 20. Only payroll processing scales with headcount ($6 per person).

Deputy pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

Deputy charges per user monthly across all plans, with pricing displayed publicly on their website. You can save 10% by paying annually instead of monthly. They offer three main tiers with different levels of scheduling and time tracking capabilities. 

• Lite Plan: $5/user/month. Basic scheduling and timesheets, time clocking, labor law compliance, shift swapping, leave management, basic reporting, messaging, and payroll integrations.
• Core Plan: $6.50/user/month. Everything in Lite plus advanced scheduling, timesheet auto-approval, biometrics time clocking, micro-scheduling, auto-scheduling, demand forecasting, labor optimization, and wage budgets.
• Pro Plan: $9/user/month. Everything in Core plus custom access levels, advanced timesheets, location hierarchies, pay centers, single sign-on, sandbox environment, 24/7 live chat, and included Analytics+ and Messaging+ add-ons.

Deputy recently introduced shift-based payroll processing in some markets. The platform also integrates with external payroll providers like QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, and Xero for timesheet export. Contact Deputy to confirm payroll availability for your region.

Note: Deputy has a minimum monthly spend of $30 USD across all plans. Add-ons like HR ($2/user/month), Messaging+ ($1.95/user/month), and Analytics+ ($1.50/user/month) are available separately or included in Pro.

What this means for your budget

Real costs include both your subscription and payroll expenses. Here's how the math works for different team sizes.

Scenario 1: 14-employee dental office

Dental practices juggle hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff across morning and afternoon blocks—typical for single-practice operations.

Homebase approach:

• Platform subscription (location-based)
• Payroll: $39 + ($6 × 14) = $123/month
• Total depends on tier; contact for quote

Deputy approach:

• Lite plan: $5 × 14 = $70/month
• Core plan: $6.50 × 14 = $91/month
• Pro plan: $9 × 14 = $126/month
• External payroll (e.g., Gusto): ~$40 + ($6 × 14) = $124/month
• Total: $194-$250/month depending on tier

Scenario 2: 28-employee fitness studio

Fitness studios staff 20-35 instructors and front desk teams for early mornings, midday, evenings, and weekends—here's how costs scale.

Homebase approach:

• Same location fee for 28 or 35 employees
• Payroll: $39 + ($6 × 28) = $207/month
• Hiring more instructors doesn't raise platform costs

Deputy approach:

• Lite plan: $5 × 28 = $140/month
• Core plan: $6.50 × 28 = $182/month
• Pro plan: $9 × 28 = $252/month
• External payroll: ~$40 + ($6 × 28) = $208/month
• Total: $348-$460/month depending on tier

Scenario 3: 6-person cleaning service (no payroll yet)

New service businesses often start with scheduling and time tracking before adding payroll—here's what it costs to get organized.

Homebase approach:

• Basic plan: $0/month for scheduling, time tracking, messaging
• Add payroll when you're ready

Deputy approach:

• Lite plan: $5 × 6 = $30/month (meets minimum spend)
• Core plan: $6.50 × 6 = $39/month
• Pro plan: $9 × 6 = $54/month
• Total: $30-$54/month
• Free trial available before subscription starts

Breakdown: Homebase scheduling vs. Deputy scheduling

How Homebase handles scheduling

Homebase uses template-based scheduling with drag-and-drop functionality. You can build schedules quickly by starting with a template, then adjusting shifts based on availability conflicts. The open shift feature lets employees claim uncovered shifts through the app.

Labor costs display in real time as you add shifts to the schedule. If you connect a POS system like Square, Toast, or Clover, you can view projected labor costs against forecasted sales.

The AI Scheduling Assistant generates schedules based on past patterns, employee availability, and labor cost targets. It recognizes scheduling preferences—like specific employees who typically work certain days or those who need to avoid back-to-back shifts.

Employees receive shift reminders via text and push notifications. When someone calls out, managers can send coverage requests through the built-in messaging system.

Homebase scheduling features:

• Template-based schedule building with drag-and-drop
• Open shift posting for employee claiming
• Labor cost tracking with POS integration
• Shift reminders via text and push notifications
• Employee shift swaps with manager approval
• Mobile app access for real-time updates

How Deputy handles scheduling

Deputy builds compliance checks directly into the scheduling process. If you try to schedule someone who hasn't completed required food handler training, the system flags it. Same thing happens if you're scheduling shifts too close together without proper rest periods.

Smart Scheduling analyzes your past data to predict how many people you'll need. It looks at patterns like "Saturdays between 2-4pm are always busy" or "sales drop 30% in January" and suggests staffing levels accordingly. You can set it to auto-fill shifts based on who's qualified and available.

If you run multiple locations, you can see all your schedules in one place instead of switching between different views for each store.

Deputy scheduling features:

• Forecasting that predicts busy periods from past data
• Auto-assignments based on who can actually work the shift
• Won't let you create schedules that violate break rules
• See all locations' schedules in one view
• Save schedule patterns you use regularly
• Tracks which employees have current certifications

Which works better for your situation?

Homebase scheduling is faster to set up and simpler to use day-to-day. You can build a week's schedule in 10-15 minutes, make changes from your phone, and your team can pick up open shifts without you coordinating everything. Works well if you're running one location and need something that just works without much setup.

Deputy scheduling requires more initial setup but gives you tighter control. If you're managing 50+ employees across three locations and need to make sure nobody works more than 8 hours without a break, Deputy prevents those violations automatically. The forecasting helps if your staffing needs vary significantly based on predictable patterns.

Breakdown: Homebase Time Tracking vs. Deputy Time Tracking

How Homebase tracks time

Homebase turns any device into a time clock. Employees clock in from their phones, an iPad at the register, or the computer in back. Photo verification and GPS show you they've arrived without you having to hover.

Break tracking runs automatically. Set your state's break rules once—like "30-minute break after 5 hours"—and Homebase reminds employees when they're due. It also flags overtime before it hits, so you can adjust shifts before paying time-and-a-half.

Approved hours go straight into payroll. No copying numbers between systems. No calculator out trying to figure out 37.5 hours times $18.50. If someone works multiple roles at different rates—like a server who bartends on weekends—Homebase calculates both rates automatically.

Homebase time tracking features:

• Photo and GPS confirmation when clocking in
• Automatic break reminders based on your state rules
• Prevents early clock-ins so nobody starts 15 minutes early every day
• Tracks different pay rates for employees who work multiple roles
• Approved hours flow straight into payroll with one click
• Calculates wages automatically across different rates

How Deputy tracks time

Deputy keeps detailed records for compliance. If you run multiple locations or have field workers, geo-tagging shows you exactly where people clocked in. Set up kiosk mode on a tablet so your whole team uses one shared device—employees enter their PIN, snap a photo, and they're clocked in.

The app also tracks every break and overtime hour automatically. When managers review timesheets, they can see the full record before approving. This matters if you're in an industry where labor audits happen or you need documentation proving break compliance.

Once timesheets are approved, Deputy exports everything to your payroll provider—QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, whoever you use. The detailed records stick around for compliance audits.

Deputy time tracking features:

• Kiosk mode lets everyone clock in from one shared tablet
• Geo-tagging shows where employees clocked in across locations
• Tracks breaks and overtime with detailed timestamps
• Managers approve timesheets before they go to payroll
• Exports approved hours to external payroll systems
• Keeps audit trails for compliance documentation

Which time tracking setup serves your needs?

If you're running payroll through Homebase, time tracking flows straight into it. Someone clocks 37.5 hours, you approve it, it's in the next payroll run. Done. No exporting timesheets to upload somewhere else.

If you need detailed compliance records—like proving every break was taken or documenting overtime for audits—Deputy keeps that documentation. Also makes sense if you're already committed to QuickBooks or ADP for payroll and need time tracking that exports cleanly to those systems.

Breakdown: Homebase Payroll vs. Deputy Payroll

How Homebase handles payroll

Homebase runs payroll in the same place you approved timesheets. One button takes you from "hours approved" to "running payroll." That's it.

Homebase calculates wages, withholds taxes, files everything with the government, and deposits paychecks. Federal forms, state unemployment, local taxes—all handled. When tax season hits, W-2s and 1099s generate and send automatically.

Tips work the same way. Your Toast, Square, or Clover POS reports tips, Tip Manager splits them according to your rules, and they go into the payroll run. No separate spreadsheet for tip calculations.

The AI Payroll Assistant flags weird stuff before you process—like someone working 65 hours when they usually work 35, or missing break records. Catches mistakes before payday.

You can run payroll as often as you want for the same monthly fee. Pay servers weekly, managers biweekly, contractors monthly—whatever you need. No per-run charges.

Homebase payroll features:

• Run payroll unlimited times for one monthly cost
• Tax filing happens automatically for federal, state, local
• Direct deposit with notifications sent to employees
• Tip pooling flows through POS integration
• Handles multi-location and multi-state taxes
• Earned wage access available before regular payday

How Deputy handles payroll

Deputy doesn't process payroll itself. It exports timesheet data to external payroll providers.

Here's how it works: managers approve timesheets in Deputy, then the data exports to whatever payroll system you use—QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, whoever. You run the actual payroll in that other system.

This makes sense if you're already committed to a specific payroll provider or accounting system. Deputy connects to both, so your timesheet data flows where it needs to go. You can configure the export format to match what your payroll system expects.

Deputy payroll approach:

• Exports timesheets to external payroll providers
• Works with QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, and others
• Managers approve hours before export
• Custom export formats match your payroll system
• Coordinates across multiple business entities
• Requires separate payroll service and subscription

Which payroll approach works for you?

Running payroll through Homebase means everything happens in one place. Approve hours on Tuesday, run payroll on Wednesday, done. No downloading files to upload somewhere else.

Already using QuickBooks for accounting or locked into a specific payroll provider? Deputy exports your timesheet data to whatever system you're using. You keep your existing setup and add Deputy for scheduling and time tracking.

Breakdown:  Homebase HR & Compliance vs. Deputy HR & Compliance

How Homebase handles HR

Homebase HR combines hiring, onboarding, and compliance resources in one platform. Post jobs to Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and 100+ job boards simultaneously with one click. Applicants apply directly through Homebase, where their information populates into your hiring pipeline.

Screen candidates faster with tools that organize applications and track communication. Send offer letters, collect digital signatures, and gather I-9 documentation before day one. New hires complete their paperwork electronically—no printing, scanning, or filing cabinets required.

HR Pro provides access to certified HR advisors for policy questions and compliance guidance. Get help writing employee handbooks, understanding leave laws, or handling difficult employee situations without hiring a full-time HR director.

Homebase HR features:

• Job posting across 100+ boards with one-click distribution
• Applicant tracking and communication management tools
• Digital offer letters and e-signature collection workflows
• Automated new hire reporting and W-2 distribution at year-end
• HR Pro expert consultation for policy and compliance questions
• Policy templates and compliance documentation resources

How Deputy handles HR

Deputy HR emphasizes compliance monitoring during scheduling and time tracking. The platform enforces labor law requirements automatically—it won't let you schedule someone for a shift without required break periods or proper rest between shifts.

Certification and qualification tracking ensures employees only get scheduled for roles they're trained to perform. Track expiration dates for food handler permits, forklift certifications, or nursing licenses. The system alerts you when renewals are due.

Leave management handles PTO accrual, tracking balances and approvals. Employees request time off through mobile apps, managers approve or deny requests, and the system maintains records for compliance purposes.

Deputy HR features:

• Compliance rule enforcement built into scheduling workflows
• Certification and qualification tracking with expiration alerts
• Labor law break and overtime monitoring during schedule creation
• Leave management with accrual tracking and balance visibility
• Training requirement verification before shift assignments
• Multi-location compliance coordination across jurisdictions

Which HR approach addresses your requirements?

The right system depends on your HR needs. For small businesses needing end-to-end hiring through onboarding integration, Homebase handles those operations inside the same platform managing schedules and payroll. You're posting jobs, processing applications, collecting tax forms, and running first paychecks without switching systems.

When automated compliance enforcement during scheduling is the priority—preventing violations before they happen rather than catching them after—Deputy builds those controls into the workflow. The platform suits operations requiring documented compliance across multiple locations or jurisdictions with varying labor laws.

Pros and cons: What each platform delivers best

Here's what works and what doesn't for each.

Homebase pros 

• Start free for up to 10 employees without entering a credit card
• Shift-based operations get everything connected—schedules flow into time tracking, approved hours go straight to payroll
• Manage from your phone—build schedules from the soccer field, approve timesheets from home, run payroll from anywhere
• Tips flow through the same system—POS reports them, Homebase splits them, payroll includes them
• GPS and photo verification included without paying per person

Homebase cons

• Built for hourly shifts—if you're managing salaried office staff, this isn't it
• Payroll costs extra ($39/month + $6 per employee on top of your base subscription)
• Multiple locations multiply costs—running three stores means three subscriptions

Deputy pros

• AI forecasting predicts staffing needs based on past patterns
• Won't let you create schedules that violate labor laws
• Detailed reports show where labor costs are going
• Connects with lots of other business tools through integrations
• Supports multiple languages for international teams

Deputy cons

• Costs scale with every new hire ($5-$9 per person monthly)
• Doesn't include payroll—you need QuickBooks, Gusto, or similar
• Basic plans separate scheduling from time tracking
• Advanced features like AI forecasting require higher-priced tiers
• Minimum $30 monthly spend even for small teams

The bottom line

Homebase works for hourly shift operations where you're coordinating schedules, managing tips, and watching labor costs. Start free and see if it fits how you actually work.

Deputy makes sense for larger operations that need stricter compliance controls and detailed workforce analytics across multiple locations.

Try Homebase free—no credit card needed. Build schedules, track time, message your team, and run payroll from your phone.