Choose Deputy if...
You want time tracking bundled in and need forecasting, auto-scheduling, and compliance tools for a larger hourly operation - and the higher per-user price is justified by that depth.
Scheduling software compared
Deputy vs When I Work
Both price per user and skip the free plan. Deputy bundles time tracking and adds forecasting and compliance depth; When I Work starts cheaper but bills time tracking separately. Here's the breakdown, and a lower-cost third option.
Side by Side
Deputy and When I Work, with Weqly for reference.
| Deputy | When I Work | Weqly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per user | Per user | Per user |
| Entry price | ~$4.50 / user | ~$2.50 / user | $1 / user |
| Free plan | Trial only | Trial only | ✓ Up to 5 users |
| Time tracking | Included | Paid add-on | ✓ Included, free plan too |
| Depth | Forecasting, compliance | Scheduling + team comms | Focused scheduling |
| Setup effort | Higher | Moderate | Minutes |
Competitor pricing and features are based on publicly available information and may change.
Which Should You Pick?
Choose When I Work if...
You want a lower entry price with solid scheduling and team messaging, and you either don't need time tracking or are fine paying for it as an add-on.
Choose Weqly if...
You want the lowest all-in per-user price, clock-in included at no extra cost, and a permanent free plan for up to 5 users - without setup overhead.
The third option
Weqly - lower cost, nothing gated
Per-user like both, but at $1 per user per month with time tracking included and no add-ons. Free for up to 5 users to start.
FAQ
Common Questions
Is Deputy or When I Work cheaper?
When I Work is cheaper at entry - its Essentials plan starts around $2.50 per user per month, though time tracking is a paid add-on. Deputy starts higher, around $4.50 per user per month, but bundles time tracking. Neither has a permanent free plan. For the lowest all-in cost, a flat per-user tool like Weqly at $1 per user per month undercuts both.
Do either offer a free plan?
No. Deputy offers a 31-day trial and When I Work a 14-day trial, but neither has a permanent free tier. Weqly offers a permanent free plan for up to 5 users with all core features.
Which is the better value alternative?
Weqly. Both Deputy and When I Work price per user; Weqly does too, at $1 per user per month with clock-in included and no add-ons - plus a genuinely free plan for small teams.
Pay less, get clock-in free.
Weqly is per-user scheduling at $1 - free to start.
Try Weqly FreeFree for up to 5 users. $1/user/month when you grow.