Side by side
Employment Hero vs Homebase
Both stand on nonprofit payroll software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Employment Hero if your organisation needs a web and mobile HR service spanning employee records, leave, onboarding and time tracking. Its HR tiers extend into recruitment, learning and talent development. Look elsewhere if a free plan is essential or you need listed plan prices before choosing a tier.
Visit Employment HeroChoose Homebase if you run an hourly, shift-based business and want scheduling and time tracking alongside payroll and team tools. The free Basic plan can suit a single location with up to 10 employees. Look at paid plans if you need advanced scheduling or time tracking, or more than 10 employees at a location.
Visit HomebaseThe facts
| Employment Hero | Homebase | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Learning 10-Course Bundle: $8 per employee a month | Essentials: $30 per location a month |
| Plans published | 16 | 10 |
| Maker | Employment Hero | Not published |
| Website | employmenthero.com | joinhomebase.com |
| On nonprofit payroll software | #1 of 29 | #2 of 29 |
Employment Hero: what it does well
- Available on web, iOS and Android.
- Includes employee records and time-off management.
- Supports onboarding, performance management and time tracking.
- HR Essentials includes document management and compliance tools.
- HR Elite adds talent development and advanced analytics.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- The listed plans do not include prices.
Homebase: what it does well
- Free Basic plan supports one location and up to 10 employees.
- Employees can clock in by mobile or tablet with PIN, photo, or location verification.
- Scheduling includes auto-scheduling, availability collection, open shifts, and shift swaps.
- Approved hours flow into payroll for wage, overtime, tip, and tax calculations.
- Integrations include Square, Toast, Shopify, ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks.
What to know first
- Essentials is listed at $30 a month per location.
- Basic is limited to one location and up to 10 employees.
- The listed free plan is Basic; advanced scheduling and time tracking are in Essentials.
Alternatives to Employment Hero Alternatives to Homebase The whole list

