1 pay-once alternative · 2026

Best When I Work alternatives you can buy once (2026)

Every tool below replaces the core of what When I Work does — for a single flat payment instead of $2.5/mo.

🗓️ Shiftly

Self-hosted drag-drop scheduling, swaps, open shifts and live labor cost — no per-employee fees.

$29 once

Product page · Shiftly vs When I Work

Why people leave When I Work

When I Work is sold as a subscription — $2.5/mo, which works out to roughly $600 per year and $3,000 over five years. The product keeps working the same whether you pay or not, but access stops the moment you cancel: the fee is for permission, not for ongoing work done on your behalf. The tools above do the job on your own hardware or your own server, so the cost is fixed at the sticker price.

Common questions

Is there a one-time-purchase alternative to When I Work?

Yes — Shiftly ($29 once). Each replaces the core job When I Work charges a subscription for, and none of them has a renewal.

How much does When I Work actually cost over time?

When I Work is listed at $2.5/mo — roughly $600 per year, or $3,000 over five years. The alternatives on this page are single payments, so their cost never grows.

What happens to my data if I leave When I Work?

The pay-once tools on this page run on your own machine or your own server, so your files and records live with you instead of inside a rented account. Check each product page for import and export details before you switch.

Looking at one specific app? Read the head-to-head: Shiftly vs When I Work.