21 Best Employee Scheduling Software for Mac 2025 (Free & Paid)

If you’re running a business on a Mac, managing your team’s time shouldn’t feel like herding cats.

Finding employee scheduling software for Mac that actually works with macOS instead of around it can be tricky.

Software to manage a workforce is different from conventional scheduling software because it focuses on managing rotas and working hours than appointments.

Some platforms are still heavily Windows-based, others only fully shine on mobile, and then there are those that claim to offer Mac support but fall down when it comes to performance or features.

We’ve tested dozens of scheduling platforms using a Mac, from local installs to web-based dashboards, to bring you the most Mac-friendly options available right now.

These tools aren’t just compatible with macOS; they make staff scheduling feel smart, fast, and (dare we say it) enjoyable.

If you’re also building a wider people-management toolkit, check out our guide to the Best HR Software for Mac, perfect for streamlining hiring, onboarding, and the best payroll software for Macs to go alongside your scheduling needs.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been reviewing Mac software since 2013 and we’ve used countless SaaS software such as Employee Scheduling platforms during that time.

We research and test all of the products we cover and have used thousands of different Mac apps over the years. For more check out our testing methodology and selection process.

What should I look for in Mac-compatible employee scheduling software?

Look for tools that:

• Are fully cloud-based or has a native macOS app (no Windows-only installers)
• Work well in Safari and can easily be turned into a Dock app in macOS
• Sync with Apple Calendar or iCloud (if needed)
• Offer real-time updates and notifications on Mac
• Support features like shift swaps, availability, and compliance

Firstly here’s an overview of our top picks followed by our full reviews for all the employee scheduling platforms we looked at.

Tool	Best For	Pricing

Homebase

All-in-one scheduling on Mac

Free plan available / Paid plans from $20/location/mo

Connecteam

Deskless and mobile-first teams

Free for up to 10 users / Paid plans from $29/month

When I Work

Shift-heavy environments

Starts at $2.50/user/month

Zoho Shifts

Zoho-powered businesses

Free for up to 5 users / Paid plans from $10/month

WebWork Tracker

Time tracking + scheduling combo

Starts at $4.99/user/month

Agendrix

Design-focused simplicity

From $2.75/user/month

7Shifts

Restaurant managers

Free for single location / Paid from $29.99/location

Humanity

Large organizations

From $3.50/user/month

Deputy

Compliance and labor costing

Starts at $3.50/user/month

Sling

Free scheduling for small teams

Free plan available / Paid from $1.70/user/month

Smartsheet

DIY scheduling with a twist

From $7/user/month

Here then are our reviews of the best employee scheduling apps for Mac users in 2025.

1. Homebase – Best Overall for Mac Users

Best for: Small businesses that need an all-in-one scheduling solution on Mac.

Homebase stands out as the most complete and Mac-friendly option on this list.

Its scheduling tools are incredibly intuitive and built with retail, restaurant, and service teams in mind.

On a Mac, the browser-based interface runs like a dream, and its dedicated Mac desktop notifications for shift changes, clock-ins, and messages are genuinely helpful.

Homebase also handles time tracking, hiring, payroll, and team messaging, all in one dashboard.

The drag-and-drop scheduler is simple yet powerful, and syncing with Apple Calendar or Google Calendar is effortless.

Pricing: Free plan available / Paid plans from $20/location/mo

Pros:

• Works brilliantly in Safari and Chrome on macOS
• Free tier includes scheduling and time clocks
• Real-time shift updates with notifications on Mac
• Payroll integration with Gusto and Square

Cons:

• Advanced features like PTO management require paid tiers

2. Connecteam – Best for Deskless Teams

Best for: Remote or mobile-first teams using Macs for admin.

Connecteam is built specifically for teams who don’t work behind desks, think field service, cleaning crews, construction, or delivery businesses.

While your team’s on the go with the mobile app, managers can control everything from a clean, highly responsive Mac interface.

The scheduling module includes templates, recurring shifts, and real-time availability.

You also get built-in communication tools, HR tracking, and form automation,making it more than just a scheduler.

Pricing: Free for up to 10 users / Paid plans from $29/month

Pros:

• Designed for remote, non-desk teams
• Excellent admin experience on Mac
• Auto-reminders and real-time updates
• Includes document management and checklists

Cons:

• Learning curve with deeper features
• Not ideal for traditional office environments

3. When I Work – Best for Shift-Based Teams

Best for: Restaurants, cafes, and shift-heavy businesses.

When I Work takes the stress out of managing rotating shifts.

Its scheduling tool is fast and flexible, and it excels at handling employee availability, time-off requests, and last-minute changes.

On a Mac, the web dashboard is responsive and easy to navigate. It also integrates neatly with payroll platforms and POS systems like Square.

Pricing: Starts at $2.50/user/month

Pros:

• Real-time shift swapping and approvals
• Mac interface is clean and fast
• Alerts for overtime and shift conflicts

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced HR functions
• Pricing adds up if you have a large team

4. Zoho Shifts – Best for Zoho Users

Best for: Teams already using Zoho ecosystem tools.

Zoho Shifts is a recent addition to the huge Zoho suite of products, and it’s surprisingly powerful given how lightweight it feels.

If your business already uses Zoho CRM, Zoho People, or Zoho Books, this is a smart scheduling add-on.

On a Mac, Shifts integrates neatly with other Zoho apps, and it handles availability, roles, and labor cost estimates well.

Pricing: Free for up to 5 users / Paid plans from $10/month

Pros:

• Works perfectly in macOS Safari and Chrome
• Integrates with broader Zoho ecosystem
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Still maturing as a standalone scheduling product
• Not ideal for teams outside Zoho’s ecosystem

5. WebWork Time Tracker – Best for Time-Based Scheduling

Best for: Businesses that blend scheduling with time tracking.

WebWork is primarily a time-tracking app, but its scheduling module is great for remote teams or freelancers working from Macs.

You can create schedules, monitor attendance, track screenshots, and manage productivity, all from your Mac’s browser.

It even includes invoice generation and task management features, making it ideal for agencies or distributed tech teams.

Pricing: Starts at $4.99/user/month

Pros:

• Detailed time tracking alongside scheduling
• Clean macOS browser experience
• Employee productivity monitoring tools

Cons:

• Not ideal for shift-based businesses
• Some may find time tracking too intrusive

6. Agendrix – Best for User Experience

Best for: Teams that prioritize design and simplicity.

Agendrix is a beautifully designed employee scheduler that works incredibly well on a Mac.

It handles recurring schedules, shift trades, vacation requests, and more, all from a visual interface that’s friendly and fast.

It’s particularly good for small to mid-size teams in hospitality and healthcare.

Pricing: From $2.75/user/month

Pros:

• Best-in-class UI on Mac browsers
• Fast to set up and onboard
• Easy shift approvals and team chat

Cons:

• Lacks built-in payroll features
• Premium pricing for full features

7. 7Shifts – Best for Restaurants

Best for: Restaurant managers who use Macs for admin and scheduling.

7Shifts is tailor-made for the food industry, and it shows.

With smart features like labor forecasting, tip pooling, and compliance tools, it goes beyond basic scheduling.

Mac users get a polished experience through the web dashboard, and it integrates with POS systems like Toast, Square, and Lightspeed.

Pricing: Free for single location / Paid from $29.99/location

Pros:

• Restaurant-specific features
• Smooth experience on macOS browsers
• Labor law compliance tools

Cons:

• Overkill for non-hospitality businesses
• Some features are locked behind higher tiers

8. Humanity – Best for Large Organizations

Best for: Enterprises or companies scaling beyond 50+ staff.

Humanity offers advanced scheduling logic, custom roles, and deep reporting.

It’s built for larger businesses that want precision with shift planning across departments and locations.

The Mac experience is solid via browser, and it syncs with HR platforms like BambooHR and ADP.

Pricing: From $3.50/user/month

Pros:

• Powerful rules and automations
• Strong analytics and reporting tools
• Suitable for healthcare and enterprise

Cons:

• More complex than other tools
• Pricier for small teams

9. Deputy – Best for Compliance and Labor Costing

Best for: Businesses that need to track breaks, laws, and labor budgets closely.

Deputy handles scheduling, time tracking, and compliance in one place.

It’s especially useful for businesses in regions with strict labor laws, and it gives Mac users a reliable, fast dashboard that works across macOS browsers.

Pricing: Starts at $3.50/user/month

Pros:

• Built-in labor compliance checks
• Cost projections and pay rate alerts
• Mobile app pairs well with Mac-based admin

Cons:

• Mac desktop notifications could be better
• Add-ons cost extra

10. Sling – Best Free Option for Small Teams

Best for: Small businesses with limited budgets.

Sling is a solid choice if you want free employee scheduling that still delivers value.

It includes shift creation, employee messaging, and time-off requests.

On a Mac, the web interface is surprisingly snappy. It’s not the most advanced option here, but for small teams just getting started, it’s a great entry point.

Pricing: Free plan available / Paid from $1.70/user/month

Pros:

• Generous free plan
• User-friendly on Mac browsers
• Good communication tools

Cons:

• No native Mac app
• Fewer integrations and customizations

Bonus Tip: Smartsheet

Best for: Teams that want full flexibility and aren’t afraid to build their own system.

Smartsheet isn’t traditional employee scheduling software, it’s a powerful spreadsheet-style project management platform.

But it earns its spot on this list because it can be turned into a scheduling engine with templates, automations, and real-time sharing.

Mac users get full access to its drag-and-drop grid and Gantt-style views via Safari or Chrome, and it integrates with Slack, Google Workspace, and more.

If you need scheduling tied into broader project planning or budgeting, especially in creative agencies or consulting, it might just be the smartest workaround out there.

Pricing: From $7/user/month

Pros:

• Ultimate flexibility and customization
• Great on macOS browsers
• Powerful templates and sharing tools

Cons:

• Not built for shift management out of the box
• Setup requires some manual work

Other Employee Scheduling Tools for Mac

These tools didn’t quite make our top list, but they’re still worth a look, especially if you have specific needs or want something a little different.

12. QuickBooks Time

Previously known as TSheets, this one’s ideal if you’re already using QuickBooks for accounting. The time tracking and scheduling tools are tightly integrated, and the Mac browser experience is solid. Just be aware of its limited reporting unless you’re on a higher plan.

13. Paycor Scheduling

Great for teams already using Paycor’s full HR suite. Scheduling is simple and fast, and it syncs well with payroll, but it shines brightest when used alongside Paycor’s broader HR tools.

14. Shiftboard

Shiftboard is designed for high-volume industries like manufacturing and healthcare. While the UI feels dated on Mac, it’s extremely customizable if you need rule-based scheduling for hundreds of employees.

15. TimeCamp

More of a time tracking app with scheduling features baked in. It’s better suited for freelancers or agencies working remotely on Macs who want to keep tabs on hours billed and time spent per project.

16. Buddy Punch

Simple and effective, especially for smaller businesses. It offers GPS tracking, facial recognition clock-ins, and a drag-and-drop scheduler. Mac compatibility is solid via browser, and the interface is surprisingly easy to learn.

17. ClickUp

Not a traditional scheduling tool, but teams already using ClickUp for task management can get basic shift and availability features through its calendar view. Works great in macOS browsers, especially if you’re combining tasks and people management.

18. BambooHR

Scheduling isn’t its main feature, but BambooHR’s time tracking and time-off management tools are surprisingly good, especially when paired with their full HR platform. Mac users get a clean interface and native calendar sync.

19. Shiftbase

Popular in Europe, Shiftbase offers strong scheduling, attendance tracking, and contract hour compliance. It’s browser-based, so it plays well with Macs, though the interface feels a bit dated compared to tools like Homebase or Agendrix.

20. Jibble

A lightweight scheduling and time tracking app that’s totally free for small teams. It’s cloud-based and works smoothly on Mac browsers, making it a decent entry-level choice.

21. Timely by Memory

Less about managing people and more about automatically tracking your own time—Timely is great for freelancers or creative teams who want scheduling insights without manually logging hours. It works beautifully on Mac.

Related Software

If you found these reviews useful or still haven’t found what you’re looking for, you may also find the following useful:

• Payroll Software for Mac
• Employee Monitoring Software for Mac
• Best Project Management Software for Mac
• Time Tracking Software For Mac

What’s New in 2025 for Employee Scheduling Software?

In 2025, employee scheduling software is evolving beyond basic calendars and shifts — with smarter automation, tighter integrations, and tools built for the realities of hybrid and mobile-first workforces.

Smarter Shift Automation With AI

AI is no longer just for enterprise-level platforms. In 2025, even small business-friendly tools like Homebase and Connecteam are using AI to:

• Predict staffing needs based on historical data, weather, and sales forecasts
• Suggest optimal shift coverage with fairness and compliance in mind
• Automatically flag potential scheduling conflicts and labor law violations
• Recommend shift swaps or call-ins during unexpected absences

This means less time spent dragging and dropping shifts — and fewer headaches for managers juggling last-minute changes.

Real-Time Collaboration and Mobile-First Design

As more scheduling is handled on the go, tools are embracing real-time collaboration and mobile-friendly workflows.

The best scheduling platforms in 2025 offer:

• Instant shift updates and push notifications via mobile apps
• Live chat between staff and managers for shift swaps and updates
• Offline support so staff can view and respond to schedules without Wi-Fi
• Built-in calendar syncing with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook

Platforms like When I Work and 7Shifts now offer a more intuitive experience across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS — with deep integration into native device features like location tracking, Siri Shortcuts, and notifications.

Compliance and Labor Cost Optimization

As labor laws become more complex, especially in the U.S. and EU, scheduling tools are integrating compliance management features directly into shift planning:

• Overtime alerts and hour limits per worker
• Role-specific pay rate tracking
• Break and meal compliance enforcement
• Wage and hour reporting for audits

Deputy and Humanity have leaned into this with built-in compliance rules by region and automated labor costing tools that give a real-time snapshot of your staffing budget.

Smarter Integrations With Payroll and Time Tracking

In 2025, more scheduling apps are becoming all-in-one workforce platforms or offering seamless integrations with payroll, HR, and attendance systems. This includes:

• One-click export to Gusto, ADP, or QuickBooks Payroll
• Biometric or geofenced clock-in/clock-out tracking
• Auto-generated timesheets based on shifts
• Scheduling adjustments that reflect instantly in payroll estimates

More Flexible Plans for Remote & Hybrid Teams

Scheduling tools are also adapting to the shift toward blended teams. Expect to see:

• Role-based scheduling for remote vs. on-site staff
• Custom availability rules for freelancers and part-timers
• Project-based shift blocks for non-traditional work environments

WebWork Tracker and Smartsheet are especially popular for teams that need to blend shift scheduling with project management and remote accountability.

Privacy and Data Security Focus

With more employee data in the cloud, 2025 scheduling platforms are prioritizing security and privacy by default:

• GDPR- and CCPA-compliant user data handling
• Two-factor authentication and role-based access controls
• End-to-end encrypted messaging and clock-ins
• Audit trails for every schedule change

Whether you’re managing a restaurant, retail team, or a distributed SaaS support team, 2025’s scheduling tools are smarter, faster, and far more flexible — all while keeping compliance and usability at the core.

FAQ

Can I use employee scheduling software on a Mac without installing anything?

Yes. Most modern scheduling tools are cloud-based and work directly in your Mac browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox). Platforms like Homebase, When I Work, and Connecteam run smoothly without needing a dedicated Mac app.

What’s the best free employee scheduling software for Mac?

Sling and Homebase both offer generous free plans that include scheduling and basic time tracking. They’re ideal for small teams and work well on Macs without any software installs.

Does Apple offer any built-in employee scheduling features on macOS?

No. macOS doesn’t include native employee scheduling features. Calendar and Reminders apps are helpful for individual task planning, but they don’t support multi-user scheduling or time tracking. You’ll need a third-party solution for that.

Can I sync scheduling software with my Apple Calendar or iCloud?

Many scheduling platforms allow calendar integration. Tools like Homebase and Deputy can sync shifts to Apple Calendar using iCal feeds, making it easy to view staff schedules alongside your personal events.

Is there a scheduling app that includes payroll too?

Yes. Homebase, Connecteam, and Zoho Shifts offer payroll integrations or built-in payroll processing. This is especially useful if you’re managing both time and pay from your Mac.

Can I use iPads or iPhones alongside these Mac scheduling tools?

Absolutely. Most employee scheduling tools offer iOS apps that work alongside your Mac-based dashboard. This is perfect if your managers are on a MacBook and your staff use iPhones on the go.

What’s the best employee scheduling software for restaurants on a Mac?

7Shifts and When I Work are both excellent choices for restaurant teams. They’re built with shift rotations, tip pooling, and labor compliance in mind—all accessible from a Mac.

Are there offline scheduling tools for Mac?

Most tools today are cloud-first, but if you need offline access, platforms like Smartsheet (with desktop spreadsheet exports) or Excel-based templates can serve as makeshift solutions. For proper sync and live updates, though, online access is best.