Homebase Payroll vs Keap
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Homebase Payroll is our recommended pick for most teams — restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Try Homebase Payroll →Read our full Homebase Payroll review →Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
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
Homebase Payroll vs Keap: Side by Side
| Factor | Homebase Payroll | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5/5 ★ | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $249/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
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
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
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
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Also Consider
If neither Homebase Payroll nor Keap is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Homebase Payroll and Keap?
Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Which is better, Homebase Payroll or Keap?
Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place. Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one