Homebase vs Deputy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Homebase and Deputy comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Homebase wins this matchup. Our overall Time Tracking pick is Clockify. Our free Time Tracking pick is Connecteam. Pick Deputy if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform
- • You want free plan available for small teams (up to 10 employees, 1 location)
Deputy
The complete people platform for hourly work, enabling smarter scheduling and confident payroll.
Best for you if:
- • You want optimizes schedules and labor costs using AI
- • You want helps ensure compliance with various labor laws and regulations
| At a Glance | Homebase | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $1.5/moAnalytics+ Add-on |
Best For | HR & Recruiting | HR & Recruiting |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Homebase or Deputy?
Choose Homebase if
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform
- You want free plan available for small teams (up to 10 employees, 1 location)
Choose Deputy if
The complete people platform for hourly work, enabling smarter scheduling and confident payroll.
- You want optimizes schedules and labor costs using AI
- You want helps ensure compliance with various labor laws and regulations
| Feature | Homebase | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 907 reviews | ★4.5/5 1,506 reviews |
| Categories | HR & RecruitingTime Tracking | HR & RecruitingTime Tracking |
In-Depth Analysis
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
Homebase offers a fair pricing structure, starting with a generous free Basic tier.
Watch out
Payroll is an add-on, not included
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite of tools for hourly teams in one platform.
- +Free plan available for small teams (up to 10 employees, 1 location).
- +Automates many time-consuming HR and payroll tasks.
- +Includes AI assistants for hiring, scheduling, and payroll.
- +Offers HR and compliance support, including labor law guides.
Weaknesses
- -Payroll is an add-on, increasing overall cost.
- -Some advanced features are locked behind higher-priced tiers.
- -Pricing is per location, which can add up for businesses with multiple sites.
Key features
Deputy
The complete people platform for hourly work, enabling smarter scheduling and confident payroll.
Deputy's pricing is fair, offering a clear progression of features.
Watch out
Add-ons for HR, Messaging+, Analytics+ increase costs.
Strengths
- +Optimizes schedules and labor costs using AI.
- +Helps ensure compliance with various labor laws and regulations.
- +Reduces staff turnover and recruitment costs through improved employee experience.
- +Offers comprehensive features for scheduling, time tracking, and HR management.
- +Integrates with existing payroll, HR, and POS systems.
Weaknesses
- -No free plan available, only a free trial.
- -Pricing is per user per month, which can add up for larger teams.
Key features
Pricing: Homebase vs Deputy
| Plan | Homebase | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/ location / month Basic | $5 per user per month Lite |
| Tier 2 | $30/ location / month Essentials | $6.50 per user per month Core |
| Tier 3 | $70/ location / month Plus | $9 per user per month Pro |
| Tier 4 | $120/ location / month All-in-One | $2 USD per user per month HR Add-on |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $1.95 USD per user per month Messaging+ Add-on |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $1.50 USD per user per month Analytics+ Add-on |
| Tier 7 | N/A | Contact us Charity |
| Tier 8 | N/A | Contact us Flexible Weekly Plan |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Homebase pricing and Deputy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Homebase has a free tier. Deputy is paid only.
Go with: Homebase
Want the highest-rated option?
Homebase: 4.0/5 (907 reviews). Deputy: 4.5/5 (1,506 reviews).
Go with: Deputy
Value user reviews?
Homebase: 907 reviews (4.0/5). Deputy: 1,506 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Deputy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Homebase is freemium. Deputy is paid. Homebase lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are hr & recruiting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Deputy is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Homebase
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Deputy
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (1,506 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Homebase wins this matchup. Our overall Time Tracking pick is Clockify. Our free Time Tracking pick is Connecteam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Homebase or Deputy better?
Homebase is rated in our evaluation. Homebase is freemium and Deputy is paid.
What are Homebase and Deputy used for?
Homebase: The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.. Deputy: The complete people platform for hourly work, enabling smarter scheduling and confident payroll..
What does Homebase cost vs Deputy?
Homebase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Deputy is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.