Deputy vs SmartRecruiters
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is an enterprise talent acquisition platform that offers a genuinely free plan alongside paid enterprise tiers. Its free plan includes unlimited job postings, candidate tracking, and team collaboration — making it one of the most generous free ATS options available. SmartRecruiters is used by global enterprises including Visa, Bosch, and LinkedIn.
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
- ✓Genuinely useful free plan with unlimited jobs and users
- ✓Enterprise-grade features available as you scale
- ✓Strong AI candidate screening on paid plans
- ✓Used by large global enterprises giving it credibility with candidates
Cons
- ✗Free plan has limited analytics and automation
- ✗Enterprise pricing can be expensive
- ✗Interface can feel complex for small teams
- ✗Implementation requires dedicated time for enterprise features
Deputy vs SmartRecruiters: Side by Side
| Factor | Deputy | SmartRecruiters |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $4.50/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking | Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
SmartRecruiters Features
- ✓Unlimited job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓AI screening
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓analytics
- ✓career page
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Best For
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Also Consider
If neither Deputy nor SmartRecruiters 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 SmartRecruiters?
Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Which is better, Deputy or SmartRecruiters?
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SmartRecruiters cost?
SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Who should use SmartRecruiters?
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise