Deputy vs Keap
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Keap is our recommended pick for most teams — service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Try Keap →Read our full Keap review →Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Deputy vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | Deputy | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $4.50/user/mo | $249/mo |
| Best For | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither Deputy nor Keap is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Deputy and Keap?
Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, Deputy or Keap?
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one