On-call scheduling software helps manage shifts, ensure coverage, and handle emergencies efficiently. Below, I review the top 5 solutions to help you choose the best.
Managing on-call teams comes with unique challenges—from preventing coverage gaps and alert fatigue to ensuring rapid emergency response.
On-call scheduling software ensures effective on-call management by simplifying shift planning, improving communication, and reducing response times.
In this article, I’ve ranked the 5 best on-call scheduling tools based on their core scheduling capabilities, alert management, and team coordination features.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one on-call scheduling software
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Good for healthcare teams requiring secure clinical communication
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Good for organizations prioritizing guaranteed alert delivery and coverage
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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How I Chose the Best On-Call Scheduling Software
Here are the key features I looked for while compiling my list of the top on-call scheduling apps:
Must-have core features
- Shift rotation management: Capability to create and manage on-call schedules across teams for continuous coverage.
- Notification and escalation system: Critical for ensuring timely response and managing urgent situations with clear communication protocols.
- Availability tracking: Essential for understanding team member availability and preventing scheduling conflicts.
- Time and overtime tracking: Crucial for accurate compensation, labor law compliance, and workload management.
- Time-off management: Allows employees to request time off directly within the system, which automatically adjusts the schedule accordingly.
I also made sure the software has usability features:
- Mobile accessibility: Allows staff to view and manage schedules from anywhere, at any time.
- User-friendly interface: Intuitive design that simplifies schedule creation, viewing, and editing.
Finally, I checked for features that make on-call scheduling apps great:
- Automated scheduling: Automatically generates on-call schedules to ensure fair distribution and minimize scheduling conflicts.
- Easy shift swapping: Enables employees to trade or adjust shifts with or without manager approval.
- Predictive analytics: Machine learning-powered insights to optimize scheduling, predict staffing needs, and identify potential coverage gaps.
- Advanced reporting: Sophisticated reporting tools that provide insights into on-call activities, performance, and potential improvements.
The 5 Best On-Call Scheduling Softwares of 2025
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one on-call scheduling software
Connecteam is an all-in-one platform that combines strong scheduling capabilities with help desk functionality and team communication tools.
Why I chose Connecteam: I was impressed by how Connecteam seamlessly integrates scheduling, time tracking, dispatching, and communication features. It’s best suited for service-based businesses that need to manage emergency response teams, from healthcare providers to field service technicians.
Let’s take a look at Connecteam’s core features below.
Drag-and-drop auto-scheduling capabilities
Connecteam’s visual employee scheduler simplifies creating and managing on-call rotations. I appreciate the drag-and-drop interface that lets you quickly create recurring patterns while staying flexible for last-minute changes.
The scheduler also uses color coding and shift templates so you can easily see different roles and shifts, helping you manage complex schedules. It also prevents common scheduling errors by automatically flagging double bookings or assignments to unavailable staff.
Additionally, Connecteam’s auto-scheduling tool efficiently manages complex scheduling requirements. It simultaneously considers staff availability, qualifications, maximum weekly hours, and required rest periods. This way, you can optimize workforce use without sacrificing service quality or regulatory compliance.
Moreover, each shift includes space for specific instructions, checklists, and reference materials, which on-call staff can instantly access when responding to calls.
Schedules can also be shared through read-only links, giving you control over who sees what information. The mobile app (available for iOS and Android devices) allows team members to view their schedules, request changes, and receive real-time notifications on the go.
Coverage and availability management
Connecteam’s coverage and availability management tools are essential for on-call scheduling. I like how the app lets staff request schedule changes through the shift swap feature. Managers can instantly approve or deny these changes based on coverage needs. The system then automatically updates the schedule and notifies affected team members.
Employees can also set their availability, which aids managers in planning. The time-off management system integrates with on-call schedules, allowing you to quickly adjust for time-off requests and ensure you have enough staff for emergency coverage.
Help desk functionality through ticketing system and knowledge base
Connecteam’s ticketing system routes incoming requests to currently scheduled on-call staff. You can customize ticket forms to capture specific details about emergency calls, including equipment issues, service locations, and priority levels.
In addition, the knowledge base tool transforms emergency response management by providing instant access to protocols and documentation. On-call staff can quickly access relevant procedures, while managers can track which team members have reviewed specific materials.
Communication tools
Connecteam also helps you streamline workforce communications. Push notifications and an online team chat linked directly to schedules, tasks, and tickets centralize communications, which is especially critical when teams need to adjust to schedule changes or address specific issues quickly.
For healthcare teams, Connecteam offers secure, HIPAA-compliant data storage and messaging so staff can safely share and retain patient information. Plus, Connecteam records detailed audit trails for compliance tracking.
Furthermore, Connecteam’s company update feed lets you schedule recurring updates, add multimedia to engage your team, and pin critical announcements to highlight essential information. I found this feature crucial for promptly communicating shift changes or on-call policy updates.
Connecteam also serves as an employee directory app, listing detailed, searchable profiles for internal and external contacts. Administrators control who appears in the directory and what information is visible, maintaining privacy and efficiency during on-call periods.
Location and time management
Connecteam’s real-time GPS tracker feature offers visibility into your on-call staff’s locations during their shifts, which is crucial for efficiently managing emergency responses. To ensure efficient coverage, you can monitor staff movements across locations and time zones. Connecteam even lets you set geographic boundaries for service areas through its geofencing.
The platform doubles as a time clock app, which integrates directly with scheduling and allows staff to clock in through their mobile devices. This lets you verify time entries against scheduled shifts and monitor how quickly your staff responds to emergency calls.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Auto-scheduling
Shift swaps & availability management
Incident ticketing system
GPS location tracking
Communication tools
Knowledge base
Pros
Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
Excellent mobile experience
Generous free plan
Fully HIPAA-compliant
Cons
More integrations in development
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Hypercare — Good for healthcare teams requiring secure clinical communication
Hypercare is a healthcare-focused digital platform combining on-call scheduling and secure team communication capabilities.
Why I chose Hypercare: I was drawn to Hypercare’s secure messaging and schedule management tools, which makes it valuable for healthcare environments.
On-call schedule management
The platform offers a drag-and-drop scheduling interface that makes assigning and adjusting shifts easy. I liked the color-coding system, which helps quickly distinguish between different departments, roles, and specialties, such as on-call physicians. Hypercare also supports role-based scheduling and integrates with personal and company calendars.
Team members can easily swap shifts, request time off, and view comprehensive coverage details. Plus, the scheduling tool is also equipped with a historical data view, which helps in planning and understanding staffing trends and needs over time.
However, I noticed it lacks some advanced features like auto-scheduling based on predefined rules or staff preferences, which could be helpful for larger organizations.
On-call finder and team visibility
Hypercare’s on-call finder functionality provides instant visibility into who’s on duty across different departments and specialties. I appreciated the intelligent routing that automatically directs communications based on medical team hierarchies and specialties.
The interface features color-coded indicators, detailed professional profiles, and quick contact methods. You can see not only who’s on call but also their specific responsibilities and contact preferences.
Virtual pager
The virtual pager system routes call-back numbers and voicemails directly through the app. Each provider gets a dedicated number that follows their current schedule, so there are no communication gaps.
What impressed me most was the STAT message feature, which ensures critical alerts override phone silent settings on iOS and Android devices.
Secure communication
While primarily a scheduling tool, Hypercare includes HIPAA-compliant messaging capabilities. I found the end-to-end encryption especially reassuring, as it guarantees that sensitive information, such as patient data, remains protected.
You can set message expiration times, control sharing permissions, and create detailed audit trails for every communication. I also appreciated the ability to attach medical images, share quick consults, and maintain a comprehensive communication history.
What users say about Hypercare
easy to use, facilitates contact with staff for immediate conversation to resolve issues quicky
Can be glitchy. Only the administrator can remove people from chats. Sometimes these people resign and then the chat needs to be recreated.
Key Features
- Role-based scheduling
- On-call finder
- Virtual paging system
- HIPAA-compliant messaging
Pros
- Reliable alert delivery
- Strong security measures
Cons
- Lacks complete auto-scheduling
- Limited customization options
Pricing
Starts at $7/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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OnPage — Good for organizations prioritizing guaranteed alert delivery and coverage
OnPage combines critical alerting with on-call management and is designed specifically for IT and healthcare teams.
Why I chose OnPage: Its claim for a “bullet-proof” scheduling approach that ensures zero communication gaps caught my attention. The system’s commitment to maintaining coverage while respecting workers’ personal time also stood out.
Schedule interface
The platform offers a calendar-style interface that mirrors popular tools like Microsoft Outlook. This immediate familiarity means minimal training is required for team members to start using the system. I could quickly drag, drop, and adjust shifts with the same ease as managing a personal calendar.
You can view individual, team, and organizational schedules simultaneously and easily spot potential coverage gaps. The system also supports multiple scheduling views: weekly, monthly, and custom-range.
While the basic scheduling works well, I noticed it lacks some modern features like auto-scheduling and self-service availability settings.
Escalation management
OnPage supports escalation group scheduling with custom rotation patterns. You can create complex scenarios, such as a 3-week rotating schedule where each person takes the primary on-call position for 1 week while the other team members are backups. The system handles transitions automatically, reducing administrative overhead while ensuring continuous coverage.
For escalation alerts, you can customize how they’re sent, set time-based rules, and use different communication methods.
One aspect I especially value is that OnPage uses precise alert targeting to avoid disturbing off-duty staff and includes sleep schedule protection.
Coverage system
OnPage’s standout feature is its “FULL” scheduling approach. Unlike traditional systems that start with empty schedules, OnPage ensures every time slot has coverage. If no one is explicitly assigned, the entire team is notified.
The system also has multiple backup layers, from primary to tertiary responders. If the first person isn’t available, it automatically notifies the next in line. This setup ensures every critical alert gets addressed without any manual effort.
Communication tools
OnPage offers a HIPAA-compliant texting app and a modern pager app that are great for healthcare professionals.
The texting app keeps messages, images, and files private and encrypted to meet strict privacy standards. Meanwhile, the pager app delivers loud alerts that cut through silent modes—though some users have found the sounds annoying.
What users say about OnPage
In my experience with OnPage, personnel are notified within seconds of sending a page, maintaining a successful send rate of 100%.
OnPage ignores your system volume settings. The notification sound will still play unless is turned off from within the app.
Key Features
- Full coverage system
- Multi-tier escalation
- Sleep schedule protection
- Override alert system
Pros
- Exceptional alert reliability
- HIPAA-compliant communication
Cons
- Alert sounds are loud
- Lacks advanced auto-scheduling
Pricing
Starts at $13.99/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Zenduty — Good for tech & IT teams with complex incident management needs
Zenduty is an incident management platform that streamlines on-call rotations and alert management for technical teams.
Why I chose Zenduty: It can handle complex schedules while ensuring alerts reach the right people. I found it a good option for distributed IT teams that need tools to handle emergencies.
Customizable schedule management
Zenduty offers a flexible approach to on-call scheduling, with options for hourly, weekly, and monthly rotations. You can create and adjust shifts using the drag-and-drop interface. The color-coding system adds convenience by helping you distinguish between different roles and responsibilities.
However, Zenduty doesn’t offer auto-scheduling or the ability for employees to set their availability, which can complicate the scheduling process if not managed manually. Another limitation I noticed is that team members can’t directly swap shifts through the platform.
Escalation policies
Zenduty shines in its approach to alert escalation. The system automatically routes unacknowledged alerts up the chain of command through multiple communication channels. I appreciate the ability to customize these policies to fit various scenarios, which helps reduce response times.
Conditional alert routing
Zenduty’s conditional routing system lets you direct incidents to specific responders based on factors like alert content, source, or timing. I was impressed by how specific you can get—for instance, routing database issues directly to database experts rather than general support.
The visual rule builder makes this complexity manageable. Despite the powerful backend, the interface is surprisingly intuitive. You can see exactly how an alert will be routed, test your rules, and make modifications on the fly.
Though Zenduty offers rich alerting features and integrates with communication tools (like Slack and Microsoft Teams), SMS, and email, I wished it also had a built-in communication space.
What users say about Zenduty
The on-call scheduling and escalation policies are super flexible and easy to set up, which has significantly reduced our response times.
Inputing into the scheduling calendar doesn’t feel intuitive and is many layers deep to get to.
Key Features
- Scheduling capabilities
- Conditional alert routing
- Multi-level escalation policies
- Incident response workflows
Pros
- Powerful automation rules
- Excellent for technical teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Lacks advanced scheduling capabilities
Pricing
Starts at $5/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Amtelco — Good for large healthcare providers with multiple departments
Amtelco provides an integrated scheduling and communication platform built for healthcare and call center environments.
Why I chose Amtelco: Its comprehensive approach to scheduling and messaging makes it a compelling choice for healthcare organizations.
Schedule creation
Amtelco makes it easy to create department schedules with a drag-and-drop tool that prevents double-booking and flags potential conflicts. I was impressed by how it handles different worker types, like full-time and per-diem while keeping schedules clear and organized. It also offers daily, weekly, and monthly views.
Additionally, Amtelco’s auto-scheduling feature simplifies planning by accounting for shifts, roles, and rules, as well as days off and special requests. Plus, the real-time updates and customizable widgets to display scheduling information make it easier to view and manage on-call schedules.
Department management
Amtelco is great for managing multiple departments and locations within one system. I like how each department can handle its own schedules while managers set overall rules. This gives teams flexibility, reduces administrative burden, and maintains organizational control.
Secure communication
Amtelco includes a messaging system with HIPAA-compliant communication features. The system automatically routes messages to the right on-call person, and I appreciated the message acknowledgment tracking functionality to ensure accountability.
While powerful, Amtelco has some downsides. The pricing structure can be complex and might be expensive for smaller organizations. Also, the many customization options mean you’ll need training to make the most of the platform.
Key Features
- Multi-department scheduler
- Auto-scheduling
- Role-based access control
- Secure messaging system
Pros
- Strong departmental management
- Comprehensive documentation
Cons
- Training required
- Dated user interface
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best On-Call Scheduling Softwares
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Best all-in-one on-call scheduling software
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Good for healthcare teams requiring secure clinical communication
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Good for organizations prioritizing guaranteed alert delivery and coverage
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Good for tech & IT teams with complex incident management needs
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Good for large healthcare providers with multiple departments
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What Is On-Call Scheduling Software?
On-call scheduling software helps organizations manage teams that need to respond to incidents or urgent situations outside regular business work hours. These platforms handle everything from creating rotations and managing coverage to routing emergency alerts and tracking responses.
Traditionally used in healthcare and IT to manage doctors and engineers on call, these tools now support various service businesses that need staff available for emergency response—such as plumbing, HVAC, and security firms. The software ensures someone is always available to handle urgent situations while maintaining a fair workload distribution among team members.
How Does On-Call Scheduling Software Work?
On-call scheduling software makes handling emergency responses easier for both managers and workers. Here’s how it functions in everyday operations:
Managers start by adding team members and their qualifications into the system. They can then create schedules using a drag-and-drop calendar interface or automatic scheduling tools that consider workers’ availability and skills. They also set up escalation rules to ensure backups are notified if primary responders aren’t available.
Workers get their schedules via mobile apps or email notifications. When on duty, they’re alerted about urgent situations through their preferred communication channels, such as phone, SMS, email, or app notifications. They can acknowledge phone calls, update their status, and log their response actions—all within the same platform.
The software continuously monitors coverage, automatically escalates unacknowledged alerts, and keeps records of all incidents and responses. This ensures urgent situations are managed efficiently and with clear accountability.
The Benefits of On-Call Scheduling Software
On-call scheduling software brings several practical benefits to organizations:
Better response management
On-call scheduling software automatically routes alerts to the right people. This ensures faster resolutions of urgent issues, improving customer or patient service and enhancing overall patient care. The system also clarifies who is responsible for handling emergencies, eliminating any confusion.
Improved work-life balance
The software automates the distribution of on-call duties, ensuring they’re evenly shared among team members. Plus, with clear schedules and defined escalation paths, off-duty staff aren’t disturbed unnecessarily. This reduces burnout and boosts team satisfaction, which can help retain staff in the long run.
Enhanced compliance and accountability
On-call scheduling software logs all activities to create clear audit trails that help meet regulatory compliance requirements. Managers can use this data to track response times, monitor coverage, and identify areas for improvement. This not only optimizes scheduling but also ensures adherence to service-level agreements.
Reduced administrative overhead
Automated scheduling and rotation management features reduce the time spent creating and adjusting schedules. Additionally, when staff can manage shift swaps and time-off requests themselves, managers can spend less time on routine tasks and more on strategic activities.
How Much Do On-Call Scheduling Tools Cost?
Depending on its features and complexity, on-call scheduling software can cost anywhere from $5-$25 per user per month or more.
For example, basic Zenduty plans start at around $5 per user per month. In comparison, Hypercare and OnPage plans begin at about $15 per user per month and can reach up to $25 per user per month.
Some platforms, like Amtelco, offer custom pricing based on specific needs.
Connecteam distinguishes itself with a free Small Business Plan for up to 10 users, which includes core scheduling features. For larger teams, Connecteam offers a competitive pricing model starting at $29 per month for up to 30 users, which works out to less than a dollar per user each month.
Bottom Line on the Best On-Call Scheduling Software
Selecting the right on-call scheduling software requires balancing your team’s unique needs with platform capabilities. For healthcare organizations, Hypercare and Amtelco offer HIPAA-compliant solutions with strong departmental management. Technical teams will find Zenduty’s conditional routing and escalation policies valuable. Meanwhile, OnPage stands out for organizations where guaranteed alert delivery is crucial.
But none compare to Connecteam. The best all-in-one solution for service-based businesses, Connecteam streamlines on-call operations with robust scheduling capabilities, integrated help desk functionality, powerful team communication tools, and more.
Try Connecteam for free today to see how it can transform your on-call team management.