Why Janitorial Businesses Are Turning to Connecteam Alternatives
Connecteam has established itself as "The World's #1 Employee App" for deskless teams, with solid features like time tracking, scheduling, task management, and team communication. It’s a solid fit for many industries—but janitorial business owners know their challenges don’t fit into a one-size-fits-all app.
Here’s why janitorial pros are searching for Connecteam alternatives:
- Janitorial-specific tools: Cleaning operations demand features for supply tracking, quality checks, and specialized workflows that generic apps just don’t deliver.
- Pricing headaches: Connecteam’s per-user pricing can quickly add up for cleaning businesses with large, spread-out teams.
- Client transparency: Janitorial companies need client portals and real-time visibility—areas where Connecteam falls short.
- Language support: Diverse cleaning crews require strong translation features to keep communication smooth, beyond what typical workforce apps offer.
- Operational focus: Commercial cleaning workflows are unique and benefit from software built specifically for the industry.
This guide dives into the best Connecteam alternatives tailored to janitorial and commercial cleaning businesses in 2025—helping you find the perfect fit for your operation.
TL;DR: Quick Comparison of Top Connecteam Alternatives
Software |
Best For |
Pricing Model |
What Sets It Apart |
Free Option? |
Swept |
Commercial cleaning operations |
Location-based |
Purpose-built for janitorial businesses |
No |
Deputy |
Workforce compliance |
Per user |
Advanced compliance features |
No |
When I Work |
Shift notifications |
Per user |
Simple scheduling interface |
Yes (limited) |
7shifts |
Restaurant cleaning |
Per location |
Food service specialization |
Yes (limited) |
Skedulo |
Deskless workforce |
Per user |
Intelligent scheduling
|
Yes (limited) |
Hubstaff |
Productivity insights |
Per user |
Detailed activity monitoring |
Yes (limited) |
Homebase |
Small teams |
Per location |
Hiring and onboarding tools |
Yes (limited) |
Buddy Punch |
Simple time tracking |
Per user + base fee |
User-friendly interface |
No |
Sling |
Communication |
Per user |
Free scheduling tools |
Yes |
TeamSense |
Absence management |
Per user |
Text-based absence reporting
|
No |
Xenia |
Frontline operations |
Per user |
Quality control checklists |
Yes (limited) |
Workyard |
Construction cleaning |
Per user + base fee |
Construction job costing |
No |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Connecteam Alternatives
1. Swept - Best for Commercial Cleaning Operations
Overview: Swept isn’t just another workforce app—it’s built exclusively for janitorial businesses. From scheduling to supply tracking to cleaner communication, every feature is designed to solve the real challenges cleaning companies face. If you’re serious about growing your commercial cleaning business, Swept gives you the tools to clean better, scale faster, and win more contracts.
Key Features:
- Time & Attendance Verification - GPS-verified clock-in/out to prevent time theft
- Supply Management - Digital supply requests and inventory tracking across locations
- Quality Control - Cleaning-specific inspections, checklists, and photo documentation
- Multilingual Support - Automatic translation across 100+ languages for diverse teams
- Location-Based Communication - Centralized messaging tied to specific cleaning sites
Pricing:
- Launch: $30/month (up to 15 locations)
- Optimize: $150/month (more locations, enhanced features)
- Scale: $225/month (unlimited locations available, advanced capabilities)
- Location-based pricing with unlimited users, average customer pays $360/month
Pros:
- Purpose-built for janitorial businesses with specialized features
- Location-based pricing (vs. per-user) scales with the customer’s growth
- Multilingual support breaks down communication barriers in diverse teams
- Verified growth enablement (customers have grown from $90K to $9M+ revenue)
- Fast implementation with value in days, not months
Cons:
- No free plan (though $30/month entry point is affordable)
- Focused exclusively on cleaning businesses (not suitable for multi-industry operations)
- Mobile app has fewer features than web version in some areas
Best For: Built for commercial cleaning companies managing 7 to 100+ locations who demand software that centralizes operations, confirms cleaner check-ins, bridges language gaps, and supports serious growth—without growing your overhead.
Learn More About Swept!
2. Deputy - Best for Workforce Compliance
Overview: Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform with strong scheduling, time tracking, and compliance features. It's used across industries but has particular strengths in compliance management.
Key Features:
- Scheduling - AI-assisted scheduling and forecasting
- Time Clock - Biometric verification and audit trails
- Award Interpretation - Automatic compliance with labor regulations
- Task Management - Assign and track tasks and confirm completion
- News Feed - Communication and engagement tools
Pricing:
- Premium: $4.90 USD/user/month (scheduling + time & attendance)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (adds advanced features)
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- Strong compliance features for labor regulations
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Good mobile app experience
- Integrates with many payroll systems
Cons:
- Per-user pricing can be expensive for large teams
- No specialized janitorial features
- Limited client-facing capabilities
Best For: Janitorial businesses operating in heavily regulated environments who need strong compliance features and detailed audit trails for their workforce management.
3. When I Work - Best for Shift Notifications
Overview: When I Work is a straightforward scheduling and time tracking solution with strong communication features, particularly for shift notifications and changes.
Key Features:
- Employee Scheduling - Drag-and-drop scheduler
- Time Clock - GPS-verified attendance
- Team Messaging - Built-in chat and communication
- Shift Notifications - Alerts for schedule changes
- Attendance Tracking - Absence management and reporting
Pricing:
- Standard: $3/user/month
- Advanced: $5.00/user/month
- Premium: Custom pricing
- Free for up to 75 users (basic scheduling)
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong mobile experience
- Excellent shift notification system
Cons:
- Limited reporting capabilities
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
- Basic time tracking features
Best For: Small to medium janitorial businesses looking for simple scheduling and shift management with good communication tools at an affordable price point.
4. 7shifts - Best for Restaurant Cleaning
Overview: 7shifts was built specifically for the restaurant industry but has features that work well for cleaning businesses servicing restaurants and food service locations.
Key Features:
- Scheduling - Restaurant-focused scheduling tools
- Time Clocking - Multiple clock-in methods
- Team Communication - Built-in chat and announcements
- Task Management - Assign and track cleaning tasks
- Compliance - Labor compliance and reporting
Pricing:
- Comp: Free (basic scheduling)
- Entrée: $29.99/location/month
- The Works: $69.99/location/month
- Per-location pricing with unlimited employees
Pros:
- Location-based pricing (similar to Swept)
- Specialized for food service environments
- Strong compliance features for restaurants
- Good task management for daily cleaning duties
Cons:
- Primarily designed for restaurants (not general janitorial)
- Limited customization options
- Basic report functionality
Best For: Janitorial businesses primarily focused on restaurant and food service cleaning who need specialized tools for these environments.
5. Skedulo - Best for Deskless Workforce Management
Overview: Skedulo is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed for deskless workers across industries, with strong scheduling optimization and job management.
Key Features:
- Intelligent Scheduling - Automated matching and optimization
- Mobile Workforce Management - Field team coordination
- Route Optimization - Efficient travel planning
- Job Management - Assign and track field service work
- Real-Time Communication - Team messaging and updates
Pricing:
- Starter: $59/user/month
- Business: Custom pricing
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- Advanced scheduling algorithms
- Strong route optimization
- Good for multi-location businesses
- Comprehensive mobile experience
Cons:
- Expensive per-user pricing
- Complex implementation
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Larger janitorial businesses with complex scheduling needs across wide geographic areas who need advanced optimization and routing capabilities.
6. Hubstaff - Best for Productivity Insights
Overview: Hubstaff focuses on time tracking and productivity monitoring, offering detailed insights into employee activities and work patterns.
Key Features:
- Time Tracking - Automatic time capture with screenshots
- Activity Monitoring - Productivity measurement
- GPS Tracking - Real-time location tracking
- Comprehensive Reporting - Detailed productivity analytics
- Project Budgeting - Track time against project budgets
Pricing:
- Starter: $4.99/user/month
- Grow: $7/user/month
- Team: $10/user/month
- Enterprise: $25/user/month
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- Detailed productivity insights
- Comprehensive time tracking
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Good for identifying efficiency opportunities
Cons:
- Can feel intrusive to employees (screenshots, activity monitoring)
- Limited scheduling features
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses concerned about remote team productivity and wanting detailed insights into how time is spent across the organization.
7. Homebase - Best for Small Teams
Overview: Homebase provides scheduling, time tracking, and team communication with a focus on small businesses and hourly workers.
Key Features:
- Scheduling - Simple drag-and-drop scheduler
- Time Clock - Clock in/out via app or tablet
- Team Communication - Chat and announcements
- Hiring and Onboarding - Built-in hiring tools
- Payroll Integration - Connect with major payroll providers
Pricing:
- Basic: Free (scheduling, time clock, messaging)
- Essentials: $20/location/month
- Plus: $48/location/month
- All In One: $80/location/month
- Per-location pricing with unlimited employees
Pros:
- Generous free plan
- Location-based pricing (like Swept)
- Easy to use interface
- Good hiring and onboarding tools
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Small janitorial businesses with 1-5 locations who need basic scheduling and time tracking with a focus on hiring and team communication.
8. Buddy Punch - Best for Simple Time Tracking
Overview: Buddy Punch focuses on straightforward time tracking with versatile punch-in options and strong administrative controls.
Key Features:
- Time Tracking - Multiple punch-in methods
- GPS Enforcement - Location verification
- PTO Management - Leave tracking and approval
- Notifications - Alerts for missed punches and overtime
- Payroll Reporting - Detailed time reports
Pricing:
- Standard: $3.99/user/month + $19/month base fee
- Pro: $4.99/user/month + $19/month base fee
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Per-user pricing plus base fee
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Strong administrative controls
- Good mobile experience
- Reliable GPS verification
Cons:
- Limited scheduling capabilities
- Basic reporting features
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses primarily focused on accurate time tracking and attendance verification with simple administrative needs
9. Sling - Best for Communication
Overview: Sling combines scheduling tools with strong communication features, making it good for teams that need to stay connected.
Key Features:
- Employee Scheduling - Visual scheduling interface
- Shift Swapping - Employee-managed shift exchanges
- Internal Communication - Robust messaging platform
- Task Management - Assign and track tasks
- News Feed - Team announcements and updates
Pricing:
- Free: Basic scheduling and communication
- Premium: $2/user/month
- Business: $4/user/month
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- Strong communication tools
- Free basic version
- User-friendly interface
- Good shift swapping capabilities
Cons:
- Limited time tracking features
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses prioritizing team communication and simple scheduling who want affordable tools with good messaging capabilities.
10. TeamSense - Best for Absence Management
Overview: TeamSense focuses on absence reporting and management through an innovative text-based system that doesn't require app downloads.
Key Features:
- Text-Based Absence Reporting - Report absences via SMS
- Attendance Tracking - Monitor attendance patterns
- Shift Coverage - Find replacements for absent workers
- Analytics - Absence trends and insights
- Points System - Track attendance with points system
Pricing:
- Basic: $3/user/month (annual billing)
- Plus: $4/user/month (annual billing)
- Pro: $5/user/month (annual billing)
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- No app required (text-based system)
- Simple for employees to use
- Reduces absence-related issues
- Good for multilingual workforces
Cons:
- Limited to absence management
- Few additional features
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses struggling with high absence rates who need a simple system for employees to report absences and find coverage.
11. Xenia - Best for Frontline Operations
Overview: Xenia is a mobile-first operations platform designed for frontline teams with strong task management and quality control features.
Key Features:
- Task Management - Assign and track operational tasks
- Quality Control - Inspections and audits
- Maintenance Management - Equipment tracking and servicing
- Communication - Team messaging and updates
- Analytics - Operational performance insights
Pricing:
- Free: Limited features (up to 5 users)
- Pro: $79/user/month (annual billing)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Per-user pricing
Pros:
- Strong quality control features
- Good for maintenance tracking
- Mobile-first design for field teams
- AI-powered features
Cons:
- Expensive per-user pricing
- Can be complex to set up
- Not specialized for janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses with complex quality control needs and equipment maintenance requirements who want detailed tracking and reporting.
12. Workyard - Best for Construction Cleaning
Overview: Workyard specializes in workforce management for construction and related field services, including post-construction cleaning.
Key Features:
- GPS Time Tracking - Accurate location verification
- Job Costing - Track labor costs by project
- Scheduling - Assign teams to jobs and projects
- Custom Pay Rates - Different rates for different jobs
- Photo Documentation - Work verification with photos
Pricing:
- Field Service: $6/user/month + $50/month base fee (annual billing)
- General Contractor: Custom pricing
- Per-user pricing plus base fee
Pros:
- Strong job costing features
- Good for project-based cleaning
- Detailed labor cost tracking
- Designed for field service work
Cons:
- Primarily focused on construction
- Limited recurring service features
- Not specialized for ongoing janitorial operations
Best For: Janitorial businesses that specialize in post-construction cleaning or project-based work who need job costing and construction industry features.
How Connecteam Compares: Features Breakdown
To help you determine which alternative best matches your needs, here's how Connecteam's key features compare to the alternatives:
Feature |
Connecteam |
Swept |
Deputy |
When I Work |
7shifts |
Skedulo |
Time Tracking |
GPS verification |
GPS verification with janitorial focus |
Biometric & GPS verification |
Basic GPS verification |
Multiple clock-in methods |
Advanced GPS verification |
Scheduling |
General scheduling tools |
Location-based janitorial scheduling |
AI-assisted scheduling |
Simple drag-and-drop |
Restaurant-focused |
Intelligent optimization |
Communication |
In-app messaging |
Location-based messaging with translation |
Team newsfeed |
Built-in chat
|
Team chat
|
Real-time updates |
Forms & Checklists |
Customizable forms |
Janitorial-specific inspections |
Basic forms |
Limited forms
|
Food safety checklists
|
Field service forms
|
Client Features |
Limited
|
Client portal
|
Limited
|
None
|
None
|
Limited
|
Industry Focus |
General deskless
|
Janitorial-specific
|
Multi-industry
|
Multi-industry
|
Restaurant
|
Multi-industry
|
Pricing Model |
Per user
|
Per location
|
Per user
|
Per user
|
Per location
|
Per user
|
Language Support |
Limited
|
100+ languages
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
How Connecteam Compares: Features Breakdown
When selecting the best Connecteam alternative for your janitorial business, consider these key factors:
1. Business Size and Scope
- Small operations (1-5 locations): Consider Homebase, When I Work, or Swept's Launch plan
- Mid-size operations (6-35 locations): Swept's Optimize plan, Deputy, or 7shifts
- Large operations (36+ locations): Swept's Scale plan, Skedulo, or Hubstaff
2. Primary Pain Points
- Communication challenges: Focus on Swept (multilingual), Sling, or TeamSense
- Time theft concerns: Prioritize Swept, Hubstaff, or Deputy
- Scheduling complexity: Look at Skedulo, Deputy, or 7shifts
- Quality control needs: Consider Swept, Xenia, or Workyard
3. Team Composition
- Multilingual workforce: Swept (100+ languages) is the clear leader
- High turnover: Look at Homebase (hiring tools) or Buddy Punch (simple onboarding)
- Distributed teams: Skedulo, Swept, or Hubstaff offer strong remote management
4. Budget Considerations
- Free options: When I Work, Homebase, or Sling offer limited free plans
- Cost-effective for large teams: Location-based pricing (Swept, 7shifts, Homebase) typically costs less than per-user pricing for larger teams
- Pay-as-you-grow: Swept's tiered location-based pricing scales with your business
5. Implementation Timeline
- Quick setup needed: Swept (days, not months), Buddy Punch, or Homebase
- Comprehensive rollout: Skedulo, Deputy, or Hubstaff may require more setup time
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Connecteam Alternative for Your Janitorial Business
After reviewing the top alternatives to Connecteam, the best choice for your janitorial business depends primarily on your specific operational needs:
- If you need janitorial-specific features with location-based pricing, Swept stands out as the purpose-built solution for commercial cleaning businesses
- For businesses primarily concerned with compliance, Deputy offers strong workforce management with regulatory features
- If simple scheduling is your main requirement, When I Work or Homebase provide user-friendly options
- For operations with complex scheduling needs across wide areas, Skedulo's optimization capabilities excel
- If detailed productivity tracking is essential, Hubstaff's monitoring features offer comprehensive insights
The most important consideration is finding software that addresses your specific pain points while offering a pricing structure that aligns with your business model. For janitorial businesses managing multiple locations with diverse teams, purpose-built solutions typically offer better long-term value than general workforce apps.
We recommend taking advantage of free trials when available to test how each platform fits your specific workflow before making a decision.
FAQ: Connecteam Alternatives for Janitorial Businesses
Can I migrate my data from Connecteam to another platform?
Most alternatives offer migration assistance, though the process varies by platform. Swept provides dedicated onboarding support to help transfer your location and employee data with minimal disruption.
Which Connecteam alternative is most affordable for large teams?
Platforms with location-based pricing (like Swept, 7shifts, and Homebase) are typically more cost-effective for large janitorial teams than those with per-user pricing models.
Do any Connecteam alternatives offer true multilingual support?
Swept stands out with automatic translation across 100+ languages, making it ideal for diverse cleaning teams. Most other alternatives offer limited language options or none at all.
Which alternative has the best mobile experience?
Deputy, Swept, and Skedulo consistently receive high ratings for their mobile apps, with features designed specifically for deskless workers.
Can these alternatives handle both recurring services and one-time projects?
Swept, Deputy, and Skedulo handle both recurring services and one-time projects effectively, while Workyard specializes in project-based work like post-construction cleaning.