EpicShifts vs Homebase
Both do scheduling and time tracking for hourly teams. EpicShifts is flat-rate with unlimited employees and a built-in shift marketplace; Homebase bundles hiring, HR, and payroll. Here is the honest comparison.
By Dustin Hanke, Founder, EpicShifts · Updated August 2026
EpicShifts vs Homebase at a glance
Homebase is an established all-in-one for small businesses with a generous free tier and a deep HR/hiring/payroll suite. EpicShifts is focused on scheduling, shift coverage, and team communication — flat-rate, with the Open Shifts Marketplace and messaging tied directly to the schedule.
Homebase pricing (2026) vs EpicShifts
Homebase is priced per location, tiered features. EpicShifts is flat-rate: Free (10 employees, 1 location), Crew $39/mo, Business $79/mo + $69/extra location, Enterprise $149/mo. Unlimited employees on every paid plan.
| Homebase plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | 1 location, up to 10 employees; basic scheduling + time tracking |
| Essentials | $30/location/mo ($24 billed annually) | Unlimited employees; advanced scheduling + time tracking |
| Plus | $70/location/mo ($56 billed annually) | Adds AI-powered scheduling |
| All-in-One | $120/location/mo ($96 billed annually) | Adds onboarding + labor cost management; payroll, Tip Manager, Task Manager are paid add-ons |
Homebase (Per location, tiered features): Homebase: Basic free (1 location, up to 10 employees); Essentials $30/location/month ($24 billed annually); Plus $70/location/month ($56 annually); All-in-One $120/location/month ($96 annually); payroll and several features (Tip Manager, Task Manager) are separately priced add-ons. As of August 2026.
| Feature | EpicShifts | Homebase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat-rate per plan | Per location, tiered |
| Free plan | Yes — 10 employees, 1 location | Yes — 20 employees, 1 location |
| Employees on paid plans | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Open Shifts Marketplace (post, claim, swap, cross-location) | Yes — core feature | Open shifts / claim available |
| Team messaging tied to the schedule | Yes — DMs, team threads, announcements | Built-in messaging |
| AI auto-scheduling | Yes (Business) | Auto-scheduling on higher tiers |
| GPS / photo clock-in | Yes (Crew+) | Yes |
| Hiring + HR + payroll suite | Payroll integrations (Gusto, QuickBooks coming soon) | Built-in (a Homebase strength) |
| Native iOS + Android apps | Yes | Yes |
Where EpicShifts wins
- Flat-rate pricing — predictable as you grow, with no per-employee math.
- The Open Shifts Marketplace is a first-class feature: post, claim, swap, and (on Business) move shifts across locations.
- Messaging is tied to the schedule — DMs, team threads, and announcements connected to who is actually working, instead of teams drifting to SMS or Discord.
- A genuinely usable free tier so you can run real schedules before paying.
Where Homebase is strong
- A deep, built-in hiring + HR + payroll suite — more than scheduling.
- A long track record and very large install base.
- A lower entry price point ($20/location) if you only need basic paid scheduling.
Pick Homebase if you want hiring, HR documents, and payroll bundled into the same tool and are comfortable with per-location, tiered pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is EpicShifts cheaper than Homebase?
It depends on your shape. EpicShifts is flat-rate with unlimited employees, so it stays predictable as you add staff or locations; Homebase prices per location with features split across tiers. For a single high-headcount location, EpicShifts’ flat Crew plan is often simpler; for a business that also wants built-in payroll/HR, Homebase bundles more.
Does EpicShifts have a free plan like Homebase?
Yes — EpicShifts is free for up to 10 employees at 1 location (Homebase Basic covers 20), and it includes scheduling, shift swapping, messaging, and the mobile apps. Once you outgrow free, every EpicShifts paid plan is flat-price with unlimited employees rather than per-location tiers.
See why teams switch to EpicShifts
Flat-rate, unlimited employees, and the Open Shifts Marketplace. Start free — no credit card.
Dustin Hanke, Founder, EpicShifts — Dustin builds EpicShifts and writes about scheduling, labor cost, and shift-work operations for restaurants and other hourly teams.
Homebase details reflect that company's publicly listed information as of August 2026 and may have changed — please verify on their website. Homebase and all other names are trademarks of their respective owners; EpicShifts is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Homebase. Comparison provided for informational purposes.We Value Your Privacy
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