Workforce tools like Shiftbase and RotaCloud both promise to simplify scheduling, track time, and keep your business compliant. But which one actually delivers for small teams trying to grow?
In this guide, we’ll compare Shiftbase vs RotaCloud on the things that matter most to growing UK businesses 👉 cost, compliance, usability, support, and more. Whether you're ditching spreadsheets or outgrowing your current app, this blog will help you decide which tool can save you time, cut your wage bill, and keep your staff smiling.
Shiftbase vs RotaCloud at a Glance
Before diving into features and fine print, here’s a quick comparison to help you see where each tool shines, and where it might fall short.
💡Mini-Verdict:
Shiftbase packs more into its plans (especially for compliance, integrations, and flexible pricing) while RotaCloud appeals with its simplicity and UK-first focus.
Key decision factors for employers
Here’s what SME managers across the UK care about most; and how each platform stacks up.
Pricing & plans
If you're watching every pound, pricing can be a dealbreaker.
- Shiftbase offers a free plan for up to 10 employees, with flexible paid tiers starting around £4 per user/month. This makes it easy to scale gradually.
- RotaCloud's model is more traditional: two tiers (Standard and Pro) ranging from £10 to £15/month for 1–5 users, with paid extras like Time & Attendance (£4.50). It’s simple, but can get pricey fast if you need add-ons.
👉 Shiftbase is more budget-friendly for small or scaling teams.
Ease of use & team adoption
- RotaCloud markets itself as the “fuss-free” rota planner, and it lives up to that with drag-and-drop scheduling, a clean UI, and minimal setup. Ideal if your team isn’t tech-savvy.
- Shiftbase offers a slightly steeper learning curve but makes up for it with more power under the hood. Teams who need skill-based shifts, complex rules, or multi-location control will find it pays off.
👉 RotaCloud wins on simplicity; Shiftbase wins on flexibility.
Compliance & legal safeguards
This is where Shiftbase pulls ahead.
With automatic enforcement of UK and EU labour laws (like 48-hour limits, rest breaks, and weekend surcharges) Shiftbase helps SMEs stay compliant without spreadsheets or guesswork.
RotaCloud allows you to flag scheduling conflicts or max hour rules, but it doesn’t enforce them. That means you still carry the legal burden.
👉 Shiftbase is ideal if you want scheduling software that protects your business legally.
Integrations & tech fit
Both tools play nicely with others, but in slightly different circles.
- RotaCloud connects with trusted UK systems like Sage Payroll, Breathe HR, and PeopleHR. It’s a natural fit for British businesses using those platforms.
- Shiftbase connects to a wider, international ecosystem: Personio, Visma Nmbrs, SD Worx, Lightspeed POS, and many more. Its open API makes customisation easy for multi-site or growing companies.
👉 For UK-only setups, RotaCloud covers the essentials. For broader or more complex tech stacks, Shiftbase wins.
Customer support & human help
Support quality can make or break your onboarding.
- RotaCloud has a York-based team offering live chat and phone support, widely praised for being fast and friendly.
- Shiftbase provides same-business-day replies on all plans, with multilingual help and onboarding support.
Both offer solid service; it’s a tie on quality, with location being the differentiator.
👉 Prefer UK-based chat? RotaCloud. Need multilingual or global help? Shiftbase.
Real-world use cases
Sometimes the clearest way to compare is to look at what’s actually happened on the ground. Here’s how real businesses in the UK and Europe have used RotaCloud and Shiftbase to reduce admin, stay compliant, and save money.
Veterinary clinic (UK) – RotaCloud:
- Their challenge: Excel rotas, constant updates, staff confusion
- Their outcome: Cut rota-related admin time by 75% after switching to RotaCloud (Vets for Pets – Poole).
Hospitality franchise (EU) – Shiftbase:
- Their challenge: Franchisees using Excel/whiteboards, little grip on labour costs per site
- Their outcome: Gained clear insight into labour costs and reduced costs through more efficient staffing (Spare Rib Express).
Museum group (EU) – Shiftbase
- Their challenge: Manual Excel rotas, complex allowances, time-consuming approvals across 3 locations
- Their Outcome: Achieved 20% time saving on scheduling plus smoother coordination across locations (National Museum of World Cultures).
Pros and cons overview
Every tool has its trade-offs. Here’s a quick, honest view of where each one stands out—and where you might hit friction.
Shiftbase
RotaCloud
Final verdict – which tool is right for you?
By this point, you’ve seen how both tools behave in the real world. Let’s zoom out and make it easier to compare, evaluate, and actually choose.
In short: RotaCloud is a great “first scheduling tool” for simple, UK-only setups, while Shiftbase is better if you want HR software that grows with you, enforces rules, and connects to more of your stack.
How to decide in under 5 minutes:
If you’re still torn, run this quick logic:
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Need something ultra-simple, UK-only, with minimal setup? 👉 Start with RotaCloud.
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Need compliance guardrails, integrations, and room to grow? 👉 Start with Shiftbase.
Try Shiftbase without commitment
If you’re evaluating HR software and scheduling tools side by side, it’s hard to ignore a free option:
💡 Shiftbase offers a free plan for up to 10 employees, so you can test real rotas, time tracking, and compliance logic with your actual team—no credit card, no pressure.
✅ See how it handles your labour rules.
✅ Compare rota and payroll accuracy before and after.
✅ Let managers and staff try the app and vote with their feet.
👉 “Ready to see how Shiftbase handles your next rota? Start your free account for up to 10 staff and compare it against your current setup.”
