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Deputy vs ESO Scheduling vs Homebase Comparison

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Deputy

4.3(218 reviews)

Starting at $3.50

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Deputy is a powerful time-saving software that streamlines business schedules and operations. It offers budget-friendly staff scheduling options based on team availability, with instant notification through its applicati…

ESO Scheduling

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Small Business
  • Medium Business

ESO Scheduling is a flexible, web-based employee scheduling solution designed specifically for EMS providers, fire departments, hospitals, and other healthcare and emergency service organizations. It helps administrators…

Homebase

4.4(131 reviews)

Starting at $0 / location / month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Homebase is a comprehensive time-tracking software developed by experienced people managers to enhance team collaboration and efficiency. It simplifies employee time tracking, scheduling, and payroll management, reducing…

Deputy leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 218 reviews.

Deputy vs ESO Scheduling vs Homebase — at a glance

FeatureDeputyESO SchedulingHomebase
Rating4.3 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews218131
Starting price$3.50Contact for pricing$0 / location / month
Free trial Yes No Yes
Free version No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessSmall Business, Medium Business, Large EnterprisesLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryEmployee Scheduling SoftwareEmployee Scheduling SoftwareEmployee Scheduling Software
Integrations11+ apps
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Browser Based (Cloud)
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, HIPAASOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyUSUSUS

Key differences between Deputy and ESO Scheduling

  • Pricing: Deputy starts at $3.50. ESO Scheduling pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: Deputy offers a free trial; ESO Scheduling does not.
  • Target audience: Deputy is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while ESO Scheduling targets Small Business and Medium Business.
  • Deployment: Deputy supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; ESO Scheduling supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare Deputy vs ESO Scheduling vs Homebase — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Employee Scheduling Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Deputy - Employee Scheduling Software
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ESO Scheduling -Logo
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Deputy

Best for medium businesses needing simple, real-time employee scheduling and time tracking.

Choose if
  • You manage a 50-500 employee retail, hospitality, or healthcare team.
  • You want real-time roster and labor cost updates to control budgets.
  • You need an easy-to-use platform with built-in communication for shift coordination.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your business requires deep payroll processor integrations or advanced customization.
  • You need extensive tiered support or highly customizable workflows.

ESO Scheduling

Best for

Small Business, Medium Business, Large Enterprises

Homebase

Best for simple, streamlined scheduling and payroll in small to mid-sized teams.

Choose if
  • You manage retail, hospitality, or food service teams with up to 500 employees.
  • You need an easy-to-use platform for shift scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration.
  • You want built-in team communication tools like chat boards to improve collaboration.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires highly advanced schedule customization beyond basic features.
  • You have complex scheduling needs that demand a more intuitive and flexible interface.

Deputy typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. ESO Scheduling tends to fit Small Business and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Deputy is a powerful time-saving software that streamlines business schedules and operations. It offers budget-friendly staff scheduling options based on team availability, with instant ... Read More about Deputy

ESO Scheduling is a flexible, web-based employee scheduling solution designed specifically for EMS providers, fire departments, hospitals, and other healthcare and emergency service ... Read More about ESO Scheduling

Homebase is a comprehensive time-tracking software developed by experienced people managers to enhance team collaboration and efficiency. It simplifies employee time tracking, scheduling, ... Read More about Homebase

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $3.50
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $0 , monthly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.5/10

Not Available

9.7/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.41

(131)

Best Company Size

50-500 employeesMedium Business
50–5,000 Employees
1-50 employees51-500 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

Deputy

  • Streamlined Scheduling: With Deputy, managers can easily create and adjust employee schedules in real-time. This not only saves time but also ensures that staffing levels meet operational demands, enhancing overall productivity.
  • Enhanced Communication: The platform fosters better communication among team members through its built-in messaging system. We can keep everyone informed and aligned, reducing misunderstandings and improving team cohesion.
  • Accurate Time Tracking: Deputy offers robust time tracking features that allow employees to clock in and out from their smartphones or desktops. This means no more manual timesheets—just accurate data that simplifies payroll processing for administrators.

ESO Scheduling

  • Automated Shift Management: Save time and reduce errors with automatic schedule generation that adapts to availability, skills, and compliance rules.
  • Mobile-Friendly Access: Enable employees to view schedules, swap shifts, and track time directly from their smartphones for maximum convenience.
  • Compliance & Reporting: Ensure labor law adherence and gain valuable workforce insights with built-in compliance checks and real-time reporting tools.

Homebase

  • Streamlined Communication: Homebase fosters seamless communication among team members, allowing managers to send updates and receive feedback in real-time. You’ll find that keeping everyone on the same page has never been easier.
  • Efficient Scheduling: With Homebase, scheduling shifts is a breeze. The intuitive interface enables you to create schedules quickly, reducing the headache of manual planning. Your team will appreciate the clarity and predictability in their work hours.
  • Time Tracking Made Simple: Say goodbye to manual time sheets! Homebase offers robust time tracking features that help you monitor employee hours accurately, ensuring compliance and simplifying payroll processing.
Best fit

Best fit

Deputy

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
  • Typical users encompass Operations Managers, HR Professionals, Shift Supervisors, and Team Leaders

ESO Scheduling

  • 50–5,000 Employees
  • EMS, Fire Departments, Hospitals, Government Agencies, Senior Care, Healthcare Services
  • HR Managers, Operations Managers, Shift Supervisors, Scheduling Coordinators, Payroll Administrators

Homebase

  • 1 to 500 employees
  • Retail, Hospitality, Food Service, Healthcare, and Construction
  • Managers, Shift Leaders, HR Personnel, and Business Owners
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

Deputy

  • Users may seek alternatives to Deputy if they find its pricing structure to be higher than expected, especially for small businesses or startups with tight budgets that require cost-effective workforce management solutions.
  • Some organizations might require more advanced features, such as extensive reporting or integration capabilities with other software, which they find lacking in Deputy, prompting them to explore other platforms.
  • Businesses with specific industry needs, like healthcare or manufacturing, may look for alternatives that offer tailored functionalities that better align with their unique operational requirements and compliance standards.

ESO Scheduling

  • Some organizations prefer platforms with deeper payroll integration for end-to-end workforce management.
  • Businesses may opt for scheduling tools offering more advanced AI forecasting for long-term planning.
  • Users seeking a more budget-friendly option for small teams may consider simpler alternatives.

Homebase

  • Users may seek alternatives to Homebase if they require more advanced scheduling features or integrations with other software, as some businesses have unique operational needs that Homebase may not fully address.
  • Companies with larger teams or more complex workforce management requirements might find that Homebase lacks scalability, prompting them to explore solutions that better accommodate growth and diverse employee roles.
  • Businesses prioritizing robust reporting and analytics tools may look for alternatives, as Homebase’s reporting capabilities might not meet the depth of insight required for informed decision-making.

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Deputy, ESO Scheduling and Homebase Compare on Features?

Total Features

11 Features

20 Features

32 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Deputy, ESO Scheduling and Homebase on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

        Starting From

        • $3.50
        • Not Available
        • $0 , monthly

        Pricing Plans

        • Scheduling

          • Unlimited shifts/month

          • Employee Scheduling

          • Auto-Scheduling

          Show more +

        • Time & Attendance

          • Unlimited timesheets/month

          • Timesheets

          • Payroll Integration

          Show more +

        • Premium

          • Unlimited shifts/month

          • Unlimited timesheets/month

          • Employee Scheduling

          Show more +

        • Browse all pricing plans
        • Not Available
        • Basic

          $0

          / location / month

          • Basic scheduling

          • Basic time tracking

          • Point-of-sale integration

          Show more +

        • Essentials

          $25

          /location/month

          • Everything in Basic and:

          • Advanced Scheduling

          • Advanced Time Tracking

          Show more +

        • Plus

          $60

          / location / month

          • Everything in Essentials and

          • Hiring

          • PTO & time-off controls

          Show more +

        • Browse all pricing plans

        Pricing Page

        Deputy pricing
        ESO Scheduling pricing
        Homebase pricing

        Other Details

        Organization Types supported

        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Freelancers
        • Individuals
        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Freelancers
        • Individuals
        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Freelancers
        • Individuals

        Platforms Supported

        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)

        Modes of support

        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online
        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online
        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online

        API Support

        • Available
        • Not Available
        • Available
        Get help choosing
        Get help choosing

        Security & Compliance

        Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

        SOC 2

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        HIPAA

        ✗ No
        ✓ Yes

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        ✓ Yes

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        ✓ Yes

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        ✓ Yes

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🇺🇸 US

        Deputy vs ESO Scheduling User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        No reviews available for the product

        Rating Distribution

        316

        88

        6

        5

        18

        No reviews available for this product

        85

        35

        5

        3

        3

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        Buyer sentiment

        Overall positive sentiment highlights Deputy's ease of use and efficiency in scheduling and time tracking, tempered by concerns over support and integration limitations.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Real-time scheduling updates
        • Time tracking accuracy

        Common complaints

        • Customer support challenges
        • Integration and customization limitations

        What buyers like

        • The platform reduces manual workload with automated shift creation and real-time adjustments.
        • Staff can access schedules, request swaps, and submit leave requests directly, enhancing transparency.
        • Built-in compliance monitoring ensures schedules meet legal and organizational requirements.

        Common complaints

        • Some managers and employees may need training to fully utilize advanced features.
        • Compared to larger platforms, integration with external HR or payroll systems may be restricted.
        • Smaller organizations may find it more expensive than basic scheduling tools.

        Buyer sentiment

        Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of scheduling, communication features, and payroll integration, tempered by some interface usability concerns.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Streamlined scheduling
        • Effective team communication

        Common complaints

        • Limited free version features
        • Confusing interface for complex scheduling

        Pros and Cons

        • Simplifies scheduling and payroll with real-time roster and cost updates

        • User-friendly interface that is easy to use for scheduling

        • Efficient time tracking and timesheet management

        • Lack of notifications causing unconfirmed shifts and unclaimed hours

        • Frustrations with integrations, setup issues, and language barriers in support

        • The platform reduces manual workload with automated shift creation and real-time adjustments.

        • Staff can access schedules, request swaps, and submit leave requests directly, enhancing transparency.

        • Built-in compliance monitoring ensures schedules meet legal and organizational requirements.

        • Some managers and employees may need training to fully utilize advanced features.

        • Compared to larger platforms, integration with external HR or payroll systems may be restricted.

        • Streamlines scheduling processes with easy shift management

        • Centralized platform for time tracking, shift swapping, and covers

        • Facilitates team communication via chat boards and messaging

        • Limited customization options in the free version

        • App interface can be confusing for new users or complex schedules

        Positive Reviews

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        Negative Reviews

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        Integrations

        Integration with other apps

        No Integration information available.

        No Integration information available.

        List of Customers

        Customers

        HubSpot

        HubSpot

        ACE Hardware

        ACE Hardware

        Harper

        Harper

        No Customers information available.

        Antique Taco

        Antique Taco

        Woodhouse

        Woodhouse

        Souvla

        Souvla

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        Unavailability 1

        7 Screenshots

        ESO Scheduling  - overview

        7 Screenshots

        Videos

        video-0

        4 Videos

        video-0

        1 Videos

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        Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

        Frequently asked questions

        Which is better, Deputy or ESO Scheduling?
        Deputy edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Deputy and ESO Scheduling offer a free trial?
        Deputy offers a free trial. ESO Scheduling does not.
        What is the starting price of Deputy vs ESO Scheduling?
        Deputy starts at $3.50. ESO Scheduling starts at Contact for pricing.
        What are the top alternatives to Deputy?
        Top alternatives to Deputy include Homebase, Findmyshift, Planday, Schedule it, TrackSmart Scheduling.
        What are the top alternatives to ESO Scheduling?
        Top alternatives to ESO Scheduling include Homebase, Workforce, Shyft, Paycor Scheduling, ScheduleFlex.

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