A When I Work messaging alternative
When I Work is a popular scheduling and time tracking app with team messaging included. If you use it for scheduling, keep it. If you were mainly after the messaging, there’s a simpler and cheaper shape.
Where When I Work genuinely wins
Scheduling, shift swaps, availability, time tracking, and in-app chat all together. If you need a schedule in an app, messaging comes along for the ride.
Where it fits badly for announcements
Every user is a seat. Plans are priced per user, from $2.50 per user per month, with no free plan. A 20-person team is $50 a month on the entry tier.
Messages arrive in the app. As with any app-based tool, a message reaches the employees who installed it and kept notifications on.
Side by side
| Airhorn | When I Work | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Texting an employee roster | Scheduling and time tracking |
| How messages arrive | SMS, every phone | In the When I Work app |
| Pricing | $5/mo + $0.75/employee | From $2.50/user/mo, no free plan |
| 20-employee estimate | $20/mo | $50/mo |
| Scheduling | No | Yes |
When I Work figures reflect their published pricing as of October 2026 and may have changed — check their site for current rates before deciding.
Which to choose
Choose When I Work if you want scheduling and time tracking in an app. Choose Airhorn if you schedule another way (a spreadsheet, a whiteboard, your POS) and just need to reach everyone.
Text your whole team at once
Add your team, they reply YES to confirm, and you broadcast from one dashboard. $5/mo plus $0.75 per employee — no contracts.
Free for 7 days and 60 messages — no credit card. Your trial starts when you send your first broadcast, not when you sign up.