Choose Deputy if...
You need demand forecasting, labor optimisation, and compliance tooling for a larger hourly workforce, and per-user pricing at a premium is worth it for that depth.
Scheduling software compared
Deputy vs Homebase
Deputy prices per user and leans toward larger, compliance-heavy operations. Homebase prices per location and targets single-site small businesses. Here's how they stack up - and a leaner third option.
Side by Side
Deputy and Homebase, with Weqly for reference.
| Deputy | Homebase | Weqly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per user | Per location | Per user |
| Entry price | ~$4.50 / user | ~$24.95 / location | $1 / user |
| Free plan | Trial only | ✓ Single location | ✓ Up to 5 users |
| Leans toward | Compliance, forecasting | Single-site SMBs | Simple team scheduling |
| Time tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Included, free plan too |
| Setup effort | Higher | Moderate | Minutes |
Competitor pricing and features are based on publicly available information and may change.
Which Should You Pick?
Choose Homebase if...
You run a single location, want a free tier to begin, and prefer a flat per-site fee that covers unlimited employees at that address plus built-in hiring and HR extras.
Choose Weqly if...
You want straightforward scheduling, shift trades, time off, and clock-in without enterprise pricing or per-location fees - free for up to 5 users, then $1 per user per month.
The third option
Weqly - the simple middle ground
Per-user pricing without Deputy's price, a free plan without Homebase's single-location limit. Everything included at $1 per user per month.
FAQ
Common Questions
Is Deputy or Homebase cheaper?
They price differently. Deputy charges per user (from about $4.50 per user per month) with no permanent free plan. Homebase charges per location (a free single-location tier, then from about $24.95 per location per month) with unlimited employees per site. For one location with many staff, Homebase is often cheaper; for a few users across sites, Deputy per-user can win.
Which has a free plan?
Homebase has a free plan for a single location. Deputy does not - it offers a 31-day trial. Weqly offers a permanent free plan for up to 5 users with all core features.
What is a simpler, cheaper alternative to both?
Weqly. Per-user pricing at $1 per user per month, no per-location fees, clock-in included, and a genuinely free plan for up to 5 users. It covers the scheduling most small and mid-size teams actually use.
Want simpler? Try Weqly.
The scheduling you need, minus the price and the setup.
Try Weqly FreeFree for up to 5 users. $1/user/month when you grow.