When I Work vs Workable
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.
Workable
Workable is an all-in-one recruiting software platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It includes job posting, candidate sourcing with AI, interview scheduling, and offer management. Workable is known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it a popular first ATS for growing companies.
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
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training required
- ✓AI-powered candidate sourcing from 400+ job boards
- ✓Good mobile app for on-the-go hiring
- ✓Affordable pricing compared to enterprise ATS tools
Cons
- ✗Limited customization for complex hiring workflows
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Not ideal for high-volume enterprise hiring at scale
When I Work vs Workable: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | Workable |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | $189/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Workable Features
- ✓Job postings
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer letters
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor Workable 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 Workable?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Workable is best for small to mid-size companies needing simple ats.
Which is better, When I Work or Workable?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Workable cost?
Workable starts at $189/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use Workable?
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS