Deputy
Deputy
Overview
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform built for shift-based businesses, making it a strong fit for cafés, restaurants, salons, gyms, and takeaways. It covers scheduling, time tracking, and team communication in one place, so small business owners spend less time on admin and more time on the floor.
Key Features
Deputy stands out for its auto-scheduling tool, which builds shifts based on availability, demand, and labor budgets in seconds. It also includes a time clock with facial recognition, leave management, and real-time labor cost tracking that syncs with popular payroll platforms like Gusto, QuickBooks, and Xero.
Pricing
Deputy offers a 31-day free trial with no credit card required, and paid plans start from $6 per seat per month, billed monthly. You only pay for active users, which keeps costs manageable for businesses with variable headcount or seasonal staff.
Ease of Use
The mobile app for iOS and Android is well-rated and lets staff clock in, swap shifts, and check schedules without needing a computer. Managers generally find the dashboard intuitive, though setting up advanced features like demand-based scheduling or payroll integrations can take some initial configuration time.
Verdict
Deputy is one of the most capable and affordable staff scheduling tools available for small shift-based businesses in the US. If your operation runs on hourly workers and you want to cut scheduling time while keeping labor costs visible, it is well worth the free trial.
Deputy — Video Review
Pros
- ✓Generous 31-day free trial, no credit card
- ✓Auto-scheduling saves significant manager time
- ✓Clean mobile app staff actually use
- ✓Pay per active seat, not flat fee
- ✓Strong payroll integrations with popular tools
- ✓Real-time labor cost visibility per shift
Cons
- ✗Advanced setup can take time initially
- ✗Costs rise quickly with larger teams
- ✗Some integrations need third-party middleware
- ✗Reporting depth limited on entry-level plan
Pricing Plans
Pricing tracked since Sep 4, 2026. Verify current pricing on the vendor's site before purchasing.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Lite | $5.00/mo |
| Core | $6.50/mo |
| Pro | $9.00/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employees use Deputy on their own phones? ▼
Yes. Deputy has free iOS and Android apps that let staff view schedules, clock in and out, request leave, and swap shifts — all from their own smartphones without any extra cost.
Does Deputy connect to my payroll software? ▼
Deputy integrates directly with popular payroll platforms including Gusto, QuickBooks, Xero, and ADP, so approved timesheets can be exported to payroll with minimal manual data entry.
Is Deputy worth it for a small café or salon with just a few staff? ▼
At $6 per active seat per month and a 31-day free trial, it can pay for itself quickly if scheduling and time tracking are currently eating into your week. Smaller teams also benefit from the labor cost controls.