Honest comparison
TeamZap vs Deputy
Deputy is one of the biggest names in workforce management — a mature, global platform with a strong AI story. TeamZap is the UK-first, AI-native newcomer that is free while it builds with early customers. Here’s the honest comparison.
| Deputy | TeamZap | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per-user monthly subscription with a free trial (check deputy.com for current rates) | Free for early customers during the introductory period — everything included, no card |
| AI approach | “AI-powered” positioning with an AI agent product; reasoning behind suggestions not itemised publicly | Suggestions with the reasons shown (availability, fairness, rest, cost); managers approve everything — explained in full on /ai |
| UK compliance depth | Global platform with broad compliance tooling; UK-specific measures like Bradford Factor are not headline features | UK-first: WTR checks, TOIL, Bradford Factor, statutory leave built in |
| Expenses & mileage | Not part of the core product | Expenses & mileage included (receipt scanning, approvals, budgets) |
| Clock-in methods | Mobile and kiosk clock-in with verification options | NFC tap-to-clock discs + mobile, kiosk and QR — all in one timesheet |
| Track record & reviews | Long-established, widely reviewed with strong public ratings | Early-stage — built with early customers; no review badges yet and we won’t invent them |
Facts checked 16 July 2026 from each company’s public website. Competitor products change — check their site for current details, and tell us if anything here is out of date.
Playing it straight
Where Deputy is genuinely stronger
- A long public track record with thousands of third-party reviews.
- Enterprise-scale features, integrations and 24/7 support built over many years.
- Original research (e.g. their shift-work reports) and a large content library.
The TeamZap case
Where TeamZap differs
- Genuinely free to start — the whole platform, not a feature-limited tier.
- AI that shows its working: every suggestion carries its reasons, and the whole approach is documented on /ai.
- UK compliance is the spec, not a region pack: TOIL, WTR warnings and Bradford Factor out of the box.
- Expenses & mileage included — one less app to buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is TeamZap a good Deputy alternative in the UK?
For UK shift businesses that want transparent AI, UK-specific compliance (TOIL, WTR, Bradford Factor) and a genuinely free start, yes. For businesses that need a long public track record and enterprise scale today, Deputy is the safer incumbent — this page lays out both sides.
Can I switch from Deputy to TeamZap?
Yes — TeamZap imports your team via invite links or bulk setup, and early customers get direct help from the team to move rotas and records across. Your Deputy data export is your starting point.
Other comparisons: TeamZap vs Planday · TeamZap vs RotaCloud · TeamZap vs Spreadsheets
The fair test: run both on one real week
TeamZap is free for early customers — build next week’s rota in it alongside your current tool and compare on your own numbers.
Free while we build with early customers — join while the introductory period is open.