Deputy vs Zoho Projects
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.
Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is a full-featured project management tool offering task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, and budget management at a very competitive price point within the Zoho ecosystem.
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
- ✓Very affordable pricing
- ✓Strong Gantt chart features
- ✓Built-in time tracking and budgeting
- ✓Good Zoho ecosystem integration
- ✓Solid feature set for the price
Cons
- ✗Interface less polished than competitors
- ✗Best value within Zoho ecosystem
- ✗Mobile app could be improved
- ✗Support can be slow
Deputy vs Zoho Projects: Side by Side
| Factor | Deputy | Zoho Projects |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $4.50/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking | Budget-conscious teams already in the Zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Zoho Projects Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓time tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓portfolio management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Zoho Projects if budget-conscious teams already in the zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool.
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Best For
Budget-conscious teams already in the Zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool
Also Consider
If neither Deputy nor Zoho Projects 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 Zoho Projects?
Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Zoho Projects is best for budget-conscious teams already in the zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool.
Which is better, Deputy or Zoho Projects?
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Zoho Projects if budget-conscious teams already in the zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Zoho Projects cost?
Visit Zoho Projects website for current pricing.
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Who should use Zoho Projects?
Budget-conscious teams already in the Zoho ecosystem wanting a full-featured project management tool