Side by side
When I Work vs Workrota
Both stand on restaurant scheduling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+1
When I Work brings core shift-management tasks into one service, with plans adding scheduling controls, reporting, integrations, and identity features. Paid plans start at $2.50 per user per month, and the trial provides full access for 14 days.
Visit When I Work
Free trial AndroidiPhoneWeb
Workrota combines automated scheduling, shift trading, labor oversight and team communication for hospitality operations. The paid plans and workspace member limits should be checked against team size.
Visit WorkrotaThe facts
| When I Work | Workrota | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Essentials: $2.50 per user a month | See the plans |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | When I Work | Not published |
| Website | wheniwork.com | workrota.app |
| On restaurant scheduling software | #15 of 27 | #19 of 27 |
When I Work: what it does well
- Combines scheduling, swaps, messaging, and time tracking
- Auto scheduling uses availability and qualifications
- Supports multiple stores or job sites
- Includes mobile and web access
- Offers a 14-day no-card trial
What to know first
- No free plan is available
- No SLA is offered
- Premium is required for API keys and SSO
- ADP direct integration is unavailable to new customers after June 2026
Workrota: what it does well
- AI drafts schedules from availability and coverage needs
- Staff can swap shifts with configurable approval
- Managers can track overtime and labor costs
- Android, iOS and web access
- 30-day trial requires no credit card
What to know first
- No free plan after the trial
- Standard plan limits workspaces to 50 members
- Large and Standard plans are billed per workspace
- Trial workspaces face limits after a grace period
Alternatives to When I Work Alternatives to Workrota The whole list