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Deputy vs Sling 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…

Sling

4.5(168 reviews)

Starting at $2 /User/Month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Sling is web-based employee scheduling software that streamlines the entire scheduling process, from recruiting to employee management. The employee scheduling module enables managers to easily track schedules, performan…

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…

Sling leads on user satisfaction with a 4.5-star rating across 168 reviews.

Deputy vs Sling vs Homebase — at a glance

FeatureDeputySlingHomebase
Rating4.3 / 54.5 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews218168131
Starting price$3.50$2 /User/Month$0 / location / month
Free trial Yes No Yes
Free version No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge 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)
APIAvailableAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPRSOC 2, GDPR
Data residencyUSUSUS

Key differences between Deputy and Sling

  • Pricing: Deputy starts at $3.50, while Sling starts at $2 /User/Month.
  • Free trial: Deputy offers a free trial; Sling does not.
  • User satisfaction: Sling scores higher with a 4.5-star average.
  • Deployment: Deputy supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Sling supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Compare Deputy vs Sling 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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Sling - Employee Scheduling Software
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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.

Sling

Best for medium-sized businesses needing simple, efficient employee scheduling and communication.

Choose if
  • You manage shift-based teams in retail, hospitality, or healthcare sectors.
  • You want an intuitive interface for easy schedule creation and real-time updates.
  • You need integrated time tracking with seamless shift swapping and time-off requests.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires extensive app integrations and highly customizable workflows.
  • You need advanced notification customization beyond basic options.

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: Best for medium businesses needing simple, real-time employee scheduling and time tracking. Sling: Best for medium-sized businesses needing simple, efficient employee scheduling and communication.

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

Sling is web-based employee scheduling software that streamlines the entire scheduling process, from recruiting to employee management. The employee scheduling module enables managers to ... Read More about Sling

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
  • Starts from $2
  • Starts from $0 , monthly

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.5/10

8.9/10

9.7/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.41

(131)

Best Company Size

50-500 employeesMedium Business
50-500 employeesMedium Business
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.

Sling

  • Streamlined Communication: With Sling, we can enhance team collaboration effortlessly. Managers can keep everyone in the loop with real-time updates, ensuring that communication is seamless and effective.
  • Efficient Scheduling: Administrators will appreciate how Sling simplifies the scheduling process. We can easily create, modify, and share schedules, reducing the time spent on manual coordination.
  • Time Tracking Made Easy: Executives will find value in Sling's built-in time tracking features. It allows us to monitor hours worked, ensuring accurate payroll and enhancing productivity insights.

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

Sling

  • 50 to 500 employees
  • retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and construction
  • Shift Managers, Team Leaders, Human Resources Coordinators, and Operations Managers

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.

Sling

  • Users may seek alternatives to Sling due to limited channel offerings, especially if they are interested in specific sports, news, or niche channels that are not available in Sling's packages.
  • Some customers might find Sling's streaming quality inconsistent, leading them to explore competitors that provide more reliable streaming experiences and better overall performance.
  • Price sensitivity can drive users to consider alternatives; they may find similar services at lower costs or with more inclusive packages that offer better value for their money.

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

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How do Deputy, Sling and Homebase Compare on Features?

Total Features

11 Features

10 Features

32 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Deputy, Sling 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
        • $2
        • $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
        Sling 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
        • 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
        ✗ No

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🇺🇸 US

        Deputy vs Sling User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        Rating Distribution

        316

        88

        6

        5

        18

        76

        22

        5

        1

        1

        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

        Buyer sentiment

        Users generally praise Sling for its ease of use, efficient scheduling, and communication features, though some note limitations in customization and occasional access issues.

        What buyers like

        • Ease of use
        • Efficient scheduling
        • Team communication

        Common complaints

        • Limited notification customization
        • Login difficulties

        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

        • Intuitive interface for creating and managing shift schedules

        • Facilitates easy communication and real-time updates among team members

        • Accessible on multiple devices including desktop and mobile apps

        • Limited customization options for notifications

        • Marketplace has few additional apps and connectors

        • 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

        Amazon

        Amazon

        Subway

        Subway

        Taco bell

        Taco bell

        Antique Taco

        Antique Taco

        Woodhouse

        Woodhouse

        Souvla

        Souvla

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        Unavailability 1

        7 Screenshots

        PTO screenshot

        7 Screenshots

        Videos

        video-0

        4 Videos

        video-0

        3 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 Sling?
        Sling edges out the other on user ratings (4.5 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do Deputy and Sling offer a free trial?
        Deputy offers a free trial. Sling does not.
        What is the starting price of Deputy vs Sling?
        Deputy starts at $3.50. Sling starts at $2 /User/Month.
        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 Sling?
        Top alternatives to Sling include Homebase, When I Work, Findmyshift, Planday, Schedule it.

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