When I Work vs Homebase Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 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 →When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
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.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
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
When I Work vs Homebase Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | Homebase Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
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
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
Integrations
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor Homebase Payroll 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 When I Work and Homebase Payroll?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Which is better, When I Work or Homebase Payroll?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place