Compare/Head to head

Homebase vs Team Engine

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

Starting price

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

Team Engine

$400/mo

Text-first hiring and retention software for field and hourly teams. Growth is $400/mo for up to 10 jobs and 50 employees.

Where Team Engine fits

  • Construction, warehousing, and field employers
  • HR teams that hire by text, not email
  • Operators with under 50 employees on a small job load
  • Companies that want surveys and 1:1 texts after the hire

At a glance

DetailHomebaseTeam Engine
Starting price$30/mo$400/mo
Free tier✓Yes–No
Free trial14 day free trialNot on record
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underATS, HRIS, Texting, Time & attendance, Workforce managementATS, Texting
Capterra4.6 from 1,155 reviewsNot enough 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

Team Engine

Stands out: SMS and WhatsApp to applicants and staff with no app install, built for people who are not at a desk.

Watch out: Prices rise with employee count, and the 20% saving is for annual billing. Pro at $560/mo adds a dedicated recruiting success manager.

Not the right fit for

  • Office hiring teams that live in email and LinkedIn
  • Buyers who want self-serve signup without a demo

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

Team Engine

  • Growth $400/mo for up to 50 employees
  • SMS and WhatsApp with no worker app
  • Built for field and hourly hiring
  • Price rises with employee count
  • Every plan starts with a demo
  • Email-first office teams are a poor fit

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 4 Nov 2026

Team Engine

$400/mo

Growth is $400/mo and Pro is $560/mo at the up to 50 employees and 10 jobs tier, with pricing set by employee count and 20% off for annual billing. Every plan includes unlimited users, SMS texting and automations, and Pro adds a dedicated recruiting success manager. HRIS integrations are offered. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 2026

Common questions

Is Homebase cheaper than Team Engine?
Homebase starts lower, at $30/mo against $400/mo for Team Engine. 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 Team Engine for free?
Homebase carries a free tier on our listing. Homebase offers a 14 day free trial.

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Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?