When I Work vs Paymo
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
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
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
When I Work vs Paymo: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | Paymo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Paymo if...
- →Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor Paymo 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 Paymo?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Which is better, When I Work or Paymo?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing