Head to head

Homebase vs OnTheClock

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Homebase

$30/mo Free tier 14 day free trial

Scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging for hourly shops. Basic is free for 10 employees at 1 location. Essentials is $30/mo.

Where Homebase fits

  • Restaurants and retail with hourly shifts
  • Owners who want a free plan for one small location
  • Managers who need clock-in, schedules, and team chat
  • Shops adding payroll later as an add-on

OnTheClock

$4/user/mo 30 day free trial

OnTheClock is an SMB time clock with scheduling and PTO at $5 per month plus $4 per active user. Payroll is an add-on at $40 per month plus $6 per employee after a $250 enrollment fee. A 30-day trial needs no credit card.

Where OnTheClock fits

  • US small businesses that want a cheap time clock with scheduling and PTO in one bill
  • Hourly teams punching from phone, kiosk, or GPS
  • Owners who may add OnTheClock Payroll later without switching time clocks
  • Shops under 100 employees that will cancel anytime, no contract

At a glance

DetailHomebaseOnTheClock
Starting price$30/mo$4/user/mo
Free tier✓Yes–No
Free trial14 day free trial30 day free trial
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underATS, HRIS, Texting, Time & attendance, Workforce managementTime & attendance
Capterra4.6 from 1,155 reviews4.7 from 792 reviews

Where they pull apart

Homebase

Stands out: A real free plan for tiny teams, plus a 14-day All-in-One trial with no card.

Watch out: Paid plans are per location. Payroll is $49/mo plus $6 per employee paid. API access sits on All-in-One.

Not the right fit for

  • Multi-location brands that need a cheap flat rate
  • Teams that need the API below All-in-One

OnTheClock

Stands out: One all-in time, PTO, and scheduling plan instead of a feature-gated starter SKU. Active users are anyone on the employee list within 20 days of the bill.

Watch out: Payroll is a separate product with a $250 setup fee, a $40 monthly base, and industry exclusions (non-US workers, cannabis, firearms, gambling, government). Time tracking above 100 employees is enterprise quote.

Not the right fit for

  • Global or multi-country workforces. Payroll and many edge cases are US-only
  • Enterprises that need UKG-class labor law rules engines

Pros and cons

Homebase

  • Free Basic for 10 staff at 1 location
  • 14-day All-in-One trial, no card
  • Payroll add-on on every plan
  • Paid plans bill per location
  • API only on All-in-One
  • Payroll is $49/mo plus $6 per employee

OnTheClock

  • Simple $5 + $4/user math with no contract
  • 30-day trial without a credit card
  • Optional payroll that uses the same timecards and PTO balances
  • Payroll setup is $250 plus $40/$6 ongoing, so all-in cost jumps once you run pay
  • Payroll excludes several industries and non-US employees
  • No free-forever plan on the current pricing page

What each one costs

Homebase

$30/mo

Basic is free for 1 location and up to 10 employees. Essentials is $30/location/mo. Plus is $70. All-in-One is $120. Payroll is $49/mo plus $6 per employee paid. Hiring Assistant starts at $99/mo. 14-day All-in-One trial, no card. Annual billing is offered on paid plans. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

OnTheClock

$4/user/mo

Time tracking, scheduling, and PTO are $5 per month plus $4 per active user. An active user is anyone on the employee list within 20 days of the bill. Payroll is an add-on at $40 per month plus $6 per paid employee, with a $250 one-time enrollment fee. Accounts over 100 employees are quoted. A 30-day trial requires no credit card. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is Homebase cheaper than OnTheClock?
OnTheClock starts lower, at $4/user/mo against $30/mo for Homebase. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Homebase or OnTheClock for free?
Homebase carries a free tier on our listing. Homebase offers a 14 day free trial. OnTheClock offers a 30 day free trial.

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Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?