Deputy, Connecteam and Employment Hero all promise to simplify scheduling and workforce management — but the experience, pricing and support can vary wildly. Compare the platforms below and see why thousands of businesses trust RosterElf.
Value without hidden extras
RosterElf gives every customer full access from day one — rostering, time & attendance, payroll integration, and HR tools all included. No need to upgrade or pay for higher tiers to unlock essentials. Managers can build compliant rosters, track hours, and run payroll-ready timesheets without juggling multiple add-ons.
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Forget confusing tiers and unexpected charges. RosterElf uses a simple per-user pricing model with a low monthly minimum, so costs are always clear. This makes budgeting easier for small and medium businesses, while still giving you enterprise-grade tools at a fraction of the price verses the alternatives.
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Every plan includes access to responsive Australian-based support — no premium fees or long waits for help. Whether you’re setting up payroll integration or fixing a roster, our support team is ready to step in quickly. It’s real people, not bots, who understand your business and care about your success.
Learn moreChoosing the right rostering and workforce management software is a decision that can impact every aspect of your business — from labour costs and compliance to staff satisfaction and customer service.
With multiple providers in the market, including RosterElf, Deputy, Connecteam, and Employment Hero, it can feel overwhelming to work out which one is the best fit for your needs. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision.
Pricing models differ dramatically across providers. Some use tiered plans where key features like payroll integration, award compliance, or HR tools are only available at higher levels. Others charge extra for support or advanced functionality.
When evaluating options, ask:
RosterElf is designed to avoid surprises with one transparent per-user price that includes all features and local support.
Not all platforms are built with the same priorities. Some, like Connecteam, are strong in communication and task management but light on payroll compliance. Employment Hero leans heavily into HR and benefits, which may be more than a small business needs. Deputy offers multiple tiers but can become costly once you add rostering, HR, and payroll together.
Think carefully about what matters most to your business. If accurate rostering, award compliance, and seamless payroll integration are critical, you’ll want a platform that specialises in these areas rather than one that spreads across broader HR functions.
Software that looks great on paper can fail in practice if it’s too complex. Your managers need to build rosters quickly, approve swaps, and run payroll without hours of admin. Staff need to be able to clock in, request leave, and swap shifts without confusion.
Look for:
RosterElf, for example, is known for its “magically simple” interface that keeps things straightforward.
Fair Work compliance is non-negotiable. If your software can’t handle penalties, allowances, and overtime rules correctly, you risk costly errors. Seamless integration with payroll platforms like Xero and MYOB is also a must to avoid double entry and reduce errors.
Make sure the platform you choose has robust award interpretation, payroll-ready timesheets, and compliance features baked in.
When something goes wrong, support quality can make or break your experience. Some providers restrict live support to premium tiers or outsource overseas. Local, responsive support included in every plan can save hours of frustration and give you confidence.
RosterElf includes Australian-based support as standard, so you’re never left waiting.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best rostering software for your business will depend on your priorities, budget, and team size. By focusing on transparency, core features, usability, compliance, and support, you’ll be better equipped to choose a platform that genuinely saves time and money while keeping staff engaged.
