Planday vs Homebase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Planday and Homebase 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Planday
The people-first platform for creating rotas, managing teams, and building brilliant businesses.
Best for you if:
- • Streamlines employee scheduling and rota creation, saving time and reducing admin.
- • Provides accurate time tracking and payroll preparation, ensuring compliance and cost control.
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • All-in-one platform for hourly employee management.
- • Automates scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for small businesses.
| At a Glance |  Planday |  Homebase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Per user/month/moStarter | $0/ location / month/moBasic |
Best For | HR & Recruiting | HR & Recruiting |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Planday or Homebase?
Choose Planday if
The people-first platform for creating rotas, managing teams, and building brilliant businesses.
- Significantly reduces administrative time for scheduling and payroll.
- Provides clear overview of labor costs and staffing across multiple locations.
- Ensures compliance with working time rules and regulations.
Choose Homebase if
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
- 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.
| Feature | Planday | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 204 reviews | ★4.5/5 1,363 reviews |
| Categories | HR & RecruitingTime Tracking | HR & RecruitingTime Tracking |
In-Depth Analysis
Planday
The people-first platform for creating rotas, managing teams, and building brilliant businesses.
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces administrative time for scheduling and payroll.
- +Provides clear overview of labor costs and staffing across multiple locations.
- +Ensures compliance with working time rules and regulations.
- +Improves team communication and engagement through a centralized platform.
- +Offers flexibility to adjust staffing based on business needs (e.g., low-season/peak time).
Weaknesses
- -Minimum of 5 users required for Starter plan.
- -Dedicated phone support only available in the Pro plan (callback service).
Key features
Homebase
The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR.
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
Pricing: Planday vs Homebase
| Plan | Planday | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Per user/month Starter | $0/ location / month Basic |
| Tier 2 | Per user/month Plus | $30/ location / month Essentials |
| Tier 3 | Custom Pro | $70/ location / month Plus |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $120/ location / month All-in-One |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Planday pricing and Homebase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Homebase has a free tier. Planday is paid only.
Go with: Homebase
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Planday
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Planday
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Planday is paid. Homebase is freemium. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Planday
- Our pick for this comparison
Homebase
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (1,363 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Planday is our pick. Homebase has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planday or Homebase better?
Planday is rated in our evaluation. Planday is paid and Homebase is freemium.
What are Planday and Homebase used for?
Planday: The people-first platform for creating rotas, managing teams, and building brilliant businesses.. Homebase: The all-in-one app for hourly teams: scheduling, time clocks, payroll, and HR..
What does Planday cost vs Homebase?
Planday is a paid tool. Homebase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.