Honest Connecteam review 2026: Pricing, features, pros & cons

Workforce management software has become essential for businesses with mobile teams, field workers, or distributed operations. Connecteam is one of the platforms targeting this space, positioning itself as an all-in-one solution for deskless workforces across construction, field services, healthcare, and retail industries.

This Connecteam review takes a deep, practical look at the platform's strengths, limitations, pricing model, and real-world use cases — so you can decide whether it's the right fit for your Australian business.

vs

Compare Connecteam vs RosterElf

Side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, compliance and support for Australian businesses.

View full comparison

Connecteam review: quick summary

Connecteam is a feature-rich workforce management platform that takes a job scheduling approach rather than traditional site-based rostering. It offers extensive functionality including shift templates, time tracking with GPS breadcrumbs, communication tools, and HR document management — all designed with mobile and deskless teams in mind.

Where Connecteam divides opinion is its complex UI and scattered settings. Features are spread across multiple menus without centralised navigation, which can make setup and daily management feel overwhelming. The platform is clearly positioned for international markets, with some settings defaulting to feet rather than metres.

Connecteam is best suited to:

• Businesses with mobile or off-site teams
• Companies needing job-based scheduling
• Teams requiring GPS breadcrumb tracking
• Businesses with complex messaging permission requirements

Connecteam may be less suitable for:

• Traditional site-based hospitality or retail businesses
• Small businesses wanting simple, intuitive software
• Australian businesses needing local support and compliance focus

Connecteam pros and cons

Connecteam pricing and plans

Connecteam uses a hub-based pricing model, meaning businesses pay separately for each functional hub they need: Operations, Communications, and HR & Skills. This modular structure gives organisations flexibility to select only the tools they require, but it also introduces complexity — particularly for businesses trying to forecast their true monthly costs when multiple hubs are needed.

At its core, Connecteam offers a generous free tier for teams of up to 10 users, which includes access to all hubs and features. For larger teams, the pricing structure shifts to a base fee plus per-user charges, with costs varying significantly depending on which hubs and tier levels are selected.

How connecteam prices their plans

For current pricing details, visit Connecteam's pricing page. Note: Connecteam prices in USD. AUD figures below are converted at approximately $1 USD = $1.55 AUD (as at Dec 2025).

Operations hub pricing

Includes: Time Clock, Job Scheduling, Forms, Quick Tasks

Communications hub pricing

Includes: Chat, Updates, Directory, Surveys, Events, Knowledge Base, Help Desk

HR & skills hub pricing

Includes: Time Off, Courses, Quizzes, Documents, Recognition, Rewards, Celebrations, Timeline, Org Chart

Total cost example: all 3 hubs

If your business needs all three hubs (Operations + Communications + HR & Skills), here's what you'd pay for 30 users:

Operations Hub: What's included in each tier

What works well

Connecteam's free tier for teams of up to 10 users is genuinely generous — offering full access to all hubs and features without requiring a credit card. This makes it accessible for very small businesses or those wanting to trial the platform extensively before committing.

The hub-based structure can work well for businesses that only need specific functionality. A company requiring just time tracking and scheduling can subscribe to the Operations Hub alone, avoiding payment for communication or HR tools they won't use. This modularity allows targeted spending rather than paying for bundled features.

The 18% discount for annual billing provides meaningful savings for businesses confident in their long-term use of the platform.

Where it falls short

For businesses needing comprehensive workforce management with full features, the hub-based model becomes expensive. Subscribing to all three hubs at Expert tier (for full functionality including API access and unlimited features) costs approximately $553 AUD/month for 30 users — nearly double RosterElf Full Suite at $300 AUD/month for the same team size.

Security-conscious businesses may find it concerning that SSO and two-factor authentication are locked to the Enterprise tier, requiring custom pricing negotiations. For Australian businesses, the USD-only pricing introduces currency conversion complexity and exchange rate risk.

The per-user fees beyond the first 30 users can also add up quickly. At Expert tier, each additional user costs $12.20 USD (~$18.91 AUD) per month across all 3 hubs — compared to $10 AUD/user for RosterElf Full Suite.

Pros & cons

Connecteam rostering and scheduling

Connecteam functions as a job scheduling platform rather than traditional site-based rostering software. Its approach is built around assigning staff to jobs, projects, or clients rather than fixed locations — making it more suited to field service, construction, and mobile workforces than hospitality or retail environments.

For Australian businesses, the platform supports configurable templates and scheduling rules, though it does not include built-in award interpretation. This places responsibility on managers to ensure settings align with their specific award and agreement requirements.

For clarity in this review, we analyse the core elements that influence daily roster creation — layout, shift detail, filtering, templates, and overall scheduling performance.

Connecteam: scheduling overview

This section examines how Connecteam handles day-to-day scheduling, including layout, usability, roster views, shift customisation, filtering options, and template functionality.

Schedule layout & first impressions

Connecteam refers to its roster as a "Job Scheduler", reflecting its positioning for mobile and field-based teams. The default view presents a weekly grid with staff or jobs listed in rows and days displayed as columns.

The layout is functional but can feel crowded, particularly when viewing larger teams. The interface includes multiple menus and settings panels that are not always intuitively placed, which can require exploration to locate specific features.

Shift detail & information density

Connecteam displays basic shift information within the schedule grid, including times and assigned staff. Additional details such as job location, shift tasks, and attached documents require opening the shift modal.

The platform does not display financial breakdown or labour cost information directly within the roster view. Managers needing to track shift costs must access this information through separate reporting or timesheet functions.

Roster views & navigation

Connecteam provides several scheduling views and navigation options, including:

• Daily, weekly, and monthly schedule views
• Staff-based and job-based roster views
• Filtering by job, shift title, group, or user
• Option to create multiple separate schedules (additional cost on some plans)

The filtering system offers advanced options for businesses with complex scheduling requirements, though the interface can require multiple clicks to access and apply filters effectively.

Adding, editing & repeating shifts

Shift creation in Connecteam is handled through a modal interface. The workflow includes selecting the day, clicking the plus symbol, and completing shift details including time, job assignment, and optional attachments.

The platform supports shift type templates, day templates, and weekly templates — allowing managers to save and reuse common shift patterns. This can reduce repetitive data entry for businesses with predictable scheduling needs.

Shift fields can be customised to show or hide specific options, though this setting is located in a less obvious menu location and may require exploration to discover.

Strengths

• Flexible shift type and day templates
• Advanced filtering by job, group, or user
• Customisable shift entry fields
• Option to attach documents to shifts

Limitations

• No financial breakdown visible in roster view
• Settings can be difficult to locate
• Better suited to job-based than site-based scheduling
• UI can feel crowded for larger teams

Pros & cons

Connecteam time and attendance

Connecteam provides a comprehensive time and attendance system designed to support businesses with mobile or distributed teams. Its tools focus on capturing accurate clock-ins with GPS tracking, enforcing location rules, and managing job-based time allocation.

In this review, we assess how Connecteam handles the core elements that impact daily attendance accuracy — including clock-in methods, GPS enforcement, geo-fencing, and the overall setup experience.

Setup experience

The time and attendance setup process links to payroll configuration, which can feel counterintuitive as these are typically separate functions. The setup wizard requires selecting a payroll integration (or choosing "other") before proceeding with time tracking configuration.

Location tracking options

Connecteam offers two location tracking modes: Breadcrumbs (continuous tracking during shift) and Clock in/out only (location captured at start and end times). The breadcrumbs feature provides enhanced accountability for field-based teams but may raise privacy concerns with some employees.

Job-based time tracking allows staff to allocate hours to specific jobs, projects, or clients throughout their shift — useful for businesses with mobile teams working across multiple locations daily.

Geo-fencing

Geo-fence configuration uses an address-based approach rather than allowing specific pin-drop locations. This can create challenges for larger sites such as shopping centres where the physical address and actual work location differ. The geo-fence radius units default to feet rather than metres, reflecting Connecteam's international market positioning.

Clock-in methods

Connecteam supports multiple clock-in methods including mobile app, PC/web, dedicated kiosk mode, and NFC tags. Configuration options include scheduled vs unscheduled shift handling, break management, and permission controls for editing time entries.

Strengths

• Multiple clock-in methods (mobile, PC, kiosk, NFC)
• GPS breadcrumb tracking for field teams
• Job-based time allocation
• Configurable break management

Limitations

• Settings spread across multiple menus
• Geo-fence uses address rather than pin-drop
• Default units in feet (not metres)
• No time tolerance feature for early/late clock-ins

Pros & cons

Connecteam timesheets and payroll

Connecteam is not payroll software, but it plays a role in preparing timesheet data for payroll processing. Timesheets can be reviewed, approved, and exported to popular payroll systems. The platform offers customisable pay policies for businesses with specific rate requirements.

For businesses with straightforward pay rules, the workflow functions adequately. For more complex award structures, the scattered setup process and lack of centralised configuration may require additional effort.

Payroll setup experience

Connecteam places payroll settings and approval processes under the timeclock section — a location that may not feel intuitive to new users. The setup workflow requires navigating between multiple sections: configuring payroll format in time clock settings, setting standard rates in user profiles, and managing pay policies in a separate "General" section.

Video guides are available, though they open as overlays rather than external help articles — which can make it difficult to follow along while configuring settings simultaneously.

Timesheet approval

Timesheet approval is accessed through the Timeclock section, providing an overview of hours and totals for each employee. Staff can submit their own timesheets — useful for smaller teams or those not using time and attendance tracking features.

The approval workflow includes options for manually adjusting hours, applying different rate rules, and viewing financial breakdowns per timesheet before export.

Payroll integrations

Connecteam offers integrations with multiple payroll platforms including ADP (multiple versions), Gusto, MY Business, Paycheck Flex, PrismHR, QuickBooks, Xero AU, and Xero UK.

Strengths

• Wide range of payroll integrations
• Staff can submit own timesheets
• Customisable pay policies
• Video guides available

Limitations

• Settings scattered across multiple menus
• No centralised view of all rates and rules
• Setup workflow can be confusing
• Not a payroll replacement

Pros & cons

Connecteam communication tools

Connecteam includes communication tools designed for distributed and mobile teams. The platform offers group channels, direct messaging, and a newsfeed feature for company-wide announcements — all accessible through both web and mobile interfaces.

However, Connecteam is not designed to replace dedicated team communication platforms. Its messaging tools are functional for operational communication but may not suit businesses requiring rich collaboration features.

Chat features

Connecteam provides group channels, direct channels, and a newsfeed for company-wide posts. The newsfeed allows posts and messages but does not support comments or replies — limiting engagement compared to social-style communication tools.

Channel creation follows a multi-step wizard: selecting channel type, adding team details, assigning members and admins, then reviewing a summary before creation. This structured approach provides control but can feel slower for businesses needing quick, ad-hoc channel setup.

Permission customisation

Chat permissions offer granular control over who can message whom. Options include restricting direct messages based on team, department, branch, manager, or responsibility level. This level of customisation suits larger organisations with complex communication policies but adds configuration overhead for simpler setups.

Strengths

• Granular permission customisation
• Newsfeed for company-wide announcements
• Restrict messaging by role/department
• Integrated with mobile app

Limitations

• Multi-step channel creation process
• No replies/comments on newsfeed posts
• Not a full communication platform
• Configuration can be complex

Pros & cons

Connecteam mobile apps

Connecteam's mobile apps are available on both iOS and Android, included as part of all subscription tiers. The platform positions itself as mobile-first, with apps designed for deskless workers who primarily interact with the system via smartphone.

For employees, the app provides access to schedules, time tracking, messaging, and leave requests. For managers, it offers approval workflows and basic oversight capabilities — though some administrative functions remain easier on desktop.

Login experience

One positive feature is phone number login, which allows users to authenticate via SMS verification rather than remembering passwords. This simplifies the login process, particularly for staff who may not regularly access the system.

App navigation & sections

The app uses a bottom navigation menu with several sections:

• Feed — Dashboard for company updates and newsfeed posts. Limited customisation options for widgets or business metrics.
• Assets — Access to timeclock, forms, job scheduling, quick tasks, and time off requests.
• Chat — Messaging hub for channels and direct messages.
• Profile — Personal settings, leave requests, availability, and rewards tokens.
• Admin — Manager tools including user activity, scheduling, and time clock oversight.

Some features appear duplicated across multiple sections, which can make navigation feel less organised. The Feed dashboard in particular offers limited value without additional customisation options.

Strengths

• Phone number login (SMS verification)
• Available on iOS and Android
• Built-in rewards/tokens system
• Offline capability for some features

Limitations

• Features duplicated across sections
• Limited dashboard customisation
• Some admin tasks require desktop
• Navigation can feel scattered

Pros & cons

Connecteam HR tools

Connecteam includes basic HR functionality such as document management, onboarding workflows, and employee profile storage. These tools are useful for centralising staff information but are not as comprehensive as dedicated HR platforms.

Connecteam positions itself primarily as a workforce management tool rather than a full HR system. Businesses expecting deep HR workflows, policy management, or end-to-end compliance tooling may find it limited.

Document management

Connecteam uses an "onboarding packs" approach — configurable document bundles assigned to staff based on their group or role. The documents section is accessed via the "HR & Skills" hub, which also contains courses, rewards, time off, and recognition features.

Document validity periods can be configured for items like first aid certificates or licences that require renewal. The platform allows managers to add documents on behalf of staff, and contextual help links provide access to support articles.

Template availability

Unlike some platforms, Connecteam does not provide pre-built HR documents, employment contracts, or policy templates. Businesses will need to create or source their own documentation externally — potentially requiring HR consultants or legal advice for Australian employment compliance.

Strengths

• Onboarding packs by group/role
• Document expiry tracking
• Contextual help links
• Integrated with mobile app

Limitations

• No pre-built documents or templates
• No contract or policy builder
• External HR help may be required
• Not a full HRIS solution

Pros & cons

Connecteam analytics and reporting

Connecteam provides limited operational reporting compared to traditional workforce management platforms. Its approach focuses on form-based data collection rather than pre-built analytical reports — which may not suit businesses requiring standard labour cost, attendance, or scheduling reports.

Reporting approach

Unlike many workforce platforms, Connecteam does not include a dedicated reports section with pre-built reports for rostering insights, attendance patterns, labour costs, or leave management. This absence may be significant for businesses relying on operational analytics for decision-making.

Instead, the platform emphasises form-based data collection — allowing businesses to create custom checklists (such as opening procedures or safety checks) that staff complete during shifts. Reports can then be generated from this collected form data.

Available insights

Time and attendance insights are available through the timeclock dashboard, providing basic visibility into hours worked and attendance patterns. However, during testing, export functionality for these insights was not readily apparent, limiting the ability to use this data in external analysis tools.

Strengths

• Custom forms for on-shift data collection
• Flexible checklist creation
• Form-based reporting from collected data
• Basic time clock insights

Limitations

• No traditional pre-built reports
• Missing standard roster/payroll reports
• Limited export options
• No labour cost reporting in scheduler

Pros & cons

Connecteam use cases: who is it best for?

Based on our review, Connecteam is clearly positioned for mobile and deskless workforces rather than traditional site-based businesses. The job scheduling approach, GPS breadcrumb tracking, and international focus make it suited to specific use cases.

Best suited for:

• Field service and maintenance teams
• Construction and trades businesses
• Mobile workforces moving between job sites
• Businesses needing continuous GPS tracking

Less suited for:

• Traditional hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars)
• Retail stores with fixed locations
• Small businesses wanting plug-and-play simplicity

Pros & cons

Connecteam user ratings and reviews

Across review platforms, Connecteam is generally rated highly for its feature breadth and mobile-first approach. However, UI complexity and setup difficulty are common complaints, consistent with our findings in this review.

To ensure a fair evaluation, we focus on non-incentivised, publicly verifiable review sources. Platforms like Capterra and G2 were noted due to the prevalence of paid review programmes.

Connecteam ratings on key platforms

What Xero users say about connecteam

Recent reviews from Australian businesses on the Xero App Store highlight both strengths and integration challenges:

Common themes in user feedback

User reviews highlight both the platform's strengths and pain points:

• Praise for feature breadth and mobile app functionality
• Complaints about complex UI and scattered settings
• Mixed feedback on setup time and learning curve

Pros & cons

Connecteam security and privacy

Connecteam has a comprehensive security offering with multiple industry certifications. According to their Trust Center, the platform has been independently audited and validated across several security standards.

Certifications and compliance

Connecteam holds both SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications — demonstrating that their security measures have been extensively tested by independent auditors. The SOC 2 certification assesses controls around security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

For healthcare businesses, Connecteam offers HIPAA compliance (requires a separate Business Associate Agreement per account). They are also compliant with CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and PCI DSS for secure credit card transaction handling.

Security features

Connecteam operates under two GDPR roles: as a Data Controller (determining processing purposes) and as a Data Processor (processing data on customers' behalf). Full details are available in their Privacy Policy and Data Processing Addendum (DPA).

Pros & cons

Connecteam customer support

Having strong support is a draw card for any software. Without in-app support guides, finding information can be hard, and the support team can help fill the knowledge gap.

Connecteam support experience

We reached out to Connecteam for assistance with setting up payroll, asking general questions to test response time and level of detail provided.

Response time was very quick — an email response within 30 minutes. However, the answer could have been better. The team doesn't feel locally based in Australia. The response was vague and directed us to book a session with a sales representative. When wanting to find the answer and approach setup independently, it was disappointing not to be directed to the support guide.

Pros & cons

Connecteam review: final verdict

Connecteam is a feature-rich workforce management platform that excels at job-based scheduling, GPS tracking, and communication customisation. It's particularly suited to businesses with mobile or off-site teams who need continuous location tracking and job-based time tracking.

However, Connecteam has significant trade-offs for Australian businesses. The complex UI with settings scattered across multiple menus makes setup and daily management overwhelming. The lack of traditional reporting, no pre-built HR documents, and international positioning (geo-fence defaults to feet, non-local support) are notable drawbacks.

4.8+ stars

See what RosterElf customers say

Verified reviews from 30,000+ Australian businesses on Google, Xero App Store and G2.

Read customer reviews

Review methodology

Related resources

Other software reviews