# Page 4 | HotSchedules Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Page 4 - Is HotSchedules the right Workforce Management solution for you? Explore 461 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/52611/HotSchedules/reviews

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HotSchedules

4.4 (461)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Page 4 - Reviews of HotSchedules

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 76-100 of 461 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

AM

Ashley M.  
Server  
Food & Beverages  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Necessary for every shift based job "

May 26, 2021

5.0

I find hotschedules completely essential to my job and I would probably try to implement it anywhere I worked.

Pros

I love hotschedules. I'd be lost without it. I use it daily. It's easy to see my schedule. I have an organized and easy way to find my coworkers contact info and can easily message them all at once. I can email my managers and change my availability. I can get my shift covered quickly and easily with proof in email that it was covered. I love it. I wouldn't know what to do if i worked somewhere that didn't use it.

Cons

I wish when changing your availability you could copy what you already have set and make a change instead of having to redo the whole thing.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
General manager  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Sheduleing at it's finest. "

March 12, 2018

4.0

Ease of scheduling and communication to staff. Documentation of scheduling issues are always recorded.

Pros

Communication with staff is easy. Schedule can be sent directly to staff phone via text. Staff can change shifts with ease.

Cons

Staff reporting tab could have some more detail. Training is needed to fully understand forecasting and accurate template schedule.

Review Source

JW

Joseph W.  
Operating Partner/ owner  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "One of the owners for Sedona Taphouse "

January 31, 2017

4.0

I liked the old version better where you could click the roster button while writing a schedule and see a snap shot of that day. Everyone I know can not figure out why you got rid of that. Also I have been asking for years that you make it where we can set a max amount of request per day. Like 3 request off on monday, 4 on tuesday, 2 on sunday etc... so if I could allow 2 request off on sunday. When the 3rd person went to request off it would give them a pop up that would need to be approved by a manager.

Pros

Reporting and ease to swap shift

Cons

No way to set request off parameters by the day. Schedule writing is harder with the new version

Review Source

Response from Fourth

February 16, 2017

Joseph, Thank you for taking time out of your day to provide us with feedback, we really appreciate it! We apologize for the less than exceptional ease of use with our new interface. We value any and all feedback to better improve our products-we have a community request page where you can submit your thoughts and insights directly to our Customer Support team. Thanks for being a part of our community! https://help.hotschedules.com/hc/en-us/community/topics/200388757-Feature-Requests

Sarah A.  
Waitress  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "HotSchedules is great for those in hospitality!"

March 22, 2019

5.0

I have used HotSchedules while working for Red Lobster for 3 years, it has made my life so much easier!

Pros

This product easily allows me to pick up or post shifts for work so that other employees can pick up, release, or trade shifts.

Cons

The only thing that is a little tricky with this software, is setting up availability requests/schedules.

Review Source

AG

Alexa G.  
Accounts Payable  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "HotSchedules is a great way to keep track of your work week!"

May 15, 2018

5.0

I used HotSchedules for two years while serving and loved the idea where you can swap, add and release shifts if desired.

Pros

I like that you can see your schedule for the week laid out in one spreadsheet. I also like that it gives you the option to do group messages with all of your coworkers and swap shifts if needed. This software offers a lot for your work scheduling and helps you stay organized and be flexible when you need to be.

Cons

I do not like that you have to pay for the app. I also do not like how hard it is to find someone's contact on the app and then be able to copy something like an email address or phone number. I wish HotSchedules also had a better notifications system in place.

Review Source

ST

Sean T.  
RMD  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Useful and practical"

December 20, 2023

5.0

Pros

The customizable job titles and departments make it flexible and easy to schedule all areas of the business.

Cons

It can be slow to load. This can be problematic in a fast paced business.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Information and Event Assistant  
  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Makes scheduling convenient "

January 9, 2018

5.0

Beneficial how we can track employee hours and easily send notices to all employees at once, or based on employee job title.

Pros

It makes scheduling a great number of employees all with different availability easy since they can set their own availability and put in time off requests on their own.

Cons

The app can crash sometimes, and can be expensive for some. Some of the features can be overwhelming and lead to useful features getting ignored.

Review Source

Bethany T.  
Executive Assistant and Office Manager  
Hospital & Health Care  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Easy to use scheduling app"

July 27, 2018

5.0

Pros

This app allows you to easily see your schedule, communicate with staff, and request time off. You can see who else is working as well which is good.

Cons

The notifications can be obnoxious and frequent whenever there is a change. Overall it was a good program

Review Source

Jennifer M.  
Bom  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Schedule and communication hub"

December 17, 2018

5.0

We have been able to stay fully staffed and correct common schedule issues like call outs or schedule conflicts now that staff has an easy, user friendly way to communicate and actually help fill the gap that they are leaving. It keeps everyone accountable.

Pros

Ease of use and functionality. Options for schedulung employees and communicating with individuals or groups with ease. Also allows employees to communicate, helping schedule gaps and issues be corrected and prevented.

Cons

There is nothing to not like. However, adding a print option for staff to print out a clear, enlarged copy of their schedule would be grand.

Review Source

JB

James B.  
Owner Operator  
Retail  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Simple enough to use for great scheduling "

January 17, 2020

5.0

I love to use Hotschedules to make up the schedule a few weeks in advance it’s very easy to check and see who needs what days off and fairly easy to go online and switch shifts with someone that even notifies the manager and they must approve This software is super easy to set up and use and I would recommend this to anyone looking for help with scheduling

Pros

First let me start off by saying I have used hotschedules now for years I first started off using it when I worked in restaurants as a server. It was the only way you could know when you work and request time off. Now that I have my own buisness I still use Hotschedules because of how much I like it. It’s super easy to log on from anywhere and check the schedule adjust the schedule look at upcoming shifts as well as pull up who wants when off for when your making the schedule

Cons

The thing I liked least about Hotschedules is the fact that most the time to download the app on your phone there is a fee and you can’t download the app without paying it.

Reason for choosing HotSchedules

It’s one of the leading companies for scheduling after reading the reviews I decided to go with it over something else and I’m so glad I did it was well worth it

Review Source

CW

Carrie W.  
Sales and Catering Coordinator  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "HotSchedules"

June 6, 2019

5.0

I would recommend Hot Schedules to any employer that has a lot of employees they are writing schedules for.

Pros

I liked how much easier it made my job. No longer was I receiving phones calls from employees wanting to switch shifts and then having the other employee call and verify that they were picking up the shift. The request was made online and all I had to do was approve. It also helped greatly with accountability since it recorded who was working what shift and when.

Cons

It wasn't an easy program to learn how to use. I struggled with learning all of its functionalities which made schedule writing very stressful until I figured it out.

Review Source

Olivia M.  
Director of Partner Development  
Marketing and Advertising  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Easy to use"

April 22, 2019

5.0

Pros

I like that you can use this to not only schedule but also approve vacation time. Multi-purpose/multi-use tool. Like that you can personalize tasks.

Cons

No cons. Would recommend hot schedules over other programs (ex: Appointment Plus)

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Intern - Behavioral Science Unit  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Simple and Easy to Use"

April 6, 2019

5.0

We use HotSchedules at my second job, and it is a great scheduling software. It is really easy sending messages to individual people or to groups of people, which is a super helpful option. Love that there is an app, but if you don't want to pay for it, the web version is also simple to navigate. Overall a great product that I would recommend to all employers!

Pros

I like how clear my scheduled shifts are when I log in to HotSchedules. I can quickly glance and see what my shifts are for the week and who else I am working with. It is also really easy to see what shifts are available for pick up or if someone is looking to swap one.

Cons

I didn't like that I had to pay to download the app for my phone. I use When I Work at my other job, and that app was free to download. Other than that, no complaints though.

Review Source

Response from Fourth

April 8, 2019

Thank you very much for the review - I'm so glad you are getting the most of our product. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our support team with any questions or issues you may have. Thank you again.

Grayson T.  
General Manager  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "The more staff you have, the more you need HotSchedules."

July 24, 2018

4.0

Less time spent managing staffing concerns and more time managing staff.

Pros

It makes getting your schedule out to all of your staff so much easier. I've written schedules and posted on a wall, I've texted screen captures to everyone individually, I've created email groups and submitted to everyone and this is much more simple. You can also track sales and it helps estimate labor against your predicted sales for the day and the week. But the very best part is that the staff can manage all of their shift trades via HotSchedules. No more calling, forgetting to tell the manager, or having neither shift member show and then denying that they knew they were working the shift.

Cons

Honestly, just that it's a program that costs money. If you have a small staff it's not worth the investment potentially. But a staff of greater than 20, particularly in the retail or restaurant world, it's a burden lifted.

Review Source

DJ

Danielle J.  
Event Coordinator  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "HotSchedules in the Restaurant Industry"

August 5, 2019

5.0

I love the fact that HotSchedules was created. It makes life in the restaurant industry so much easier. I just wish I would have though of it first!!

Pros

I enjoy using HotSchedules from both an employee and a management perspective. As an employee, the app makes it super easy to double-check my schedule or swap a shift with a coworker. As a manager, logging in from my computer and using "scheduling" truly makes the world of a difference when it comes to writing schedules. It helps me keep track of employee availability, requests off, and labor costs. I also enjoy the "logbook", as communication is key for my team!

Cons

I wish there was a way to use one username and be able to view multiple restaurants under one user. I sometimes have more than one job at a time and they typically all use HotSchedules. It would just be convenient to log in under me and be able to view all of my schedules, messages, etc. without having to remember multiple usernames/passwords and log in and out repeatedly.

Review Source

MARY T.  
cmt  
Defense & Space  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "A great scheduling program needs to be free"

March 22, 2019

5.0

Pros

I like this because it was easy to communicate the schedule through all of the employees

Cons

I didn't like that you had to pay for it should be a free program because the people using HotSchedules are mostly waitresses and Cooks

Review Source

Amber J.  
Receptionist  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "HotSchedules"

August 16, 2018

4.0

Pros

This program was super easy to use and I enjoyed the level of communication

Cons

The only thing that was no fun was when I would be half way though a schedule and something would go wrong and I would loose my work

Review Source

Luke D.  
General Manager  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Cadillac of restaurant scheduling software"

April 8, 2019

5.0

Pros

Easy of use, reporting, scheduling, communication, projecting sales and budgeting. This program has it all and then some.

Cons

It requires a team to set up. It is cost prohibitive to smaller operations

Review Source

Jeff P.  
Assistant Manager  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Good program."

June 15, 2018

4.0

Easy access to schedules and daily notes. The forecasting is amazing with everything it considers.

Pros

Easy use for employees, the web page navigation on a cell phone works well. The app is definitely a plus.

Cons

Negation is hard to understand for upper management. Would like to be able to add daily notes on the schedule for events happening that day for the employees.

Review Source

MA

Mindy A.  
Server  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "So convenient!"

September 1, 2022

5.0

The convenience of NOT having to drive to the restaurant like in the old days to swap a shift or request off, or even look at the new schedule!

Pros

I come from working in restaurants in late 90s & 2000s, so this app is a dream come true! It’s so awesome to be able to view schedule, swap shifts, & send messages to staff all in one place!

Cons

I dislike not being able to request off past a certain point (less than 3wks before the shift, I think?). But that’s likely a restaurant decision vs the app.

Review Source

AL

Ashley L.  
General Manager  
Food & Beverages  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Overall Fine"

October 7, 2020

4.0

Overall, I would probably use again. I imagine after they finish all of the big updates, it will run a little more smoothly.

Pros

This product made holding the staff accountable for knowing not only their schedules, but also any messages that needed to be mass sent out.

Cons

This software had frequent updates that caused glitches often. They also changed key features often, which made weekly logins a surprise.

Reason for choosing HotSchedules

Their reporting system was very functional. We used it for quite a bit of information.

Review Source

Lawrence D.  
Executive Sous Chef/ Kitchen Manager  
Food & Beverages  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great scheduling software"

December 6, 2019

5.0

Solved many scheduling conflicts without much thought.

Pros

Simplifies writing and planning schedules.

Cons

Entering the data in the beginning. After that it's very easy to modify.

Review Source

Jack W.  
Operations Training Manager  
  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "HotSchedules has changed the game for us. Especially the integration with our POS system "

January 18, 2018

4.0

Pros

Integration with our POS (sales and labor reporting), ease of use for managers and employees, wide variety of reporting, writing schedules takes no time at all

Cons

Messaging function (email notifications don't include what the actual message is), no longer have the ability to manually sync new employees from POS

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Server  
Restaurants  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Hot for HotSchedules"

April 4, 2019

5.0

I love HotSchedules as a server, this app is a dream. I am able to see how many people are scheduled ahead of work, who I'm working with, what section or what my in and out times are and have a clear idea of my responsibilities going into work. I am also able to negotiate shift swaps and adjusting my schedule within the app with coworkers that makes it easy to find coverage or pick up some extra work!

Pros

HotSchedules is a user friendly interface that makes scheduling, adjusting schedules, swapping shifts, or viewing staff rosters, sending messages with coworkers incredibly accessible and easy to use.

Cons

No cons, this app is a dream for people with a dynamic and hectic schedule and good management running the app for their staff.

Review Source

Response from Fourth

April 8, 2019

Thank you for the great review - we really appreciate it.

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Project Coordinator  
Wholesale  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "best for retail/restaurant"

August 16, 2016

5.0

I used this app when I worked at Chili's (Brinker). It was so convenient to swap shifts or get yours picked up at any time of the day. I loved it and was sad when I changed jobs and my next job did not have that app available.

Pros

You had easy access to your schedule for switches, pick ups, etc.

Cons

It was tough to have to wait on the manager approval.

Review Source

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