Soon vs Microsoft Shifts
Microsoft Shifts is a good start when moving away from spreadsheets. But as your team grows, you need auto-scheduling, compliance rules, and a real overview of your week. Soon picks up where Shifts stops.
Watch Soon in action
Feature comparison
| Feature | Soon | Microsoft Shifts |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule overview | Comprehensive view of the week, daily activities, and specific shifts | Challenging to navigate for a full overview |
| Auto-scheduling | AI-powered auto-scheduling saves time, ensures compliance, eliminates errors | No automated scheduling, manual assignment only |
| Advanced scheduling | Self-scheduling, hybrid team support, forecast-based staffing | Limited advanced scheduling options |
| Labor rule compliance | Automatic enforcement of rest periods, max hours, certifications | No built-in compliance engine |
| Mobile experience | Fully optimized for seamless access on any device | Mobile version lacks optimization |
| Customer support | Personalized support via in-app chat, email, shared Slack channels, video calls | Support forum only |
| Product updates | Evolves continuously with user-driven updates | Updates less frequently, slower to respond to feedback |
| Reporting and analytics | Built-in dashboards: coverage, costs, hours, trends | Basic schedule reports only |
| Microsoft integration | Real-time Outlook sync, native Teams app, SSO with Microsoft Identity, Azure Marketplace billing | Native Teams integration, built into Microsoft 365 |
| Pricing | Per-user monthly pricing, 30 days free | Included with Microsoft 365 license |
| Employee self-service | Full: swaps, preferences, time-off, availability, self-scheduling | Basic: shift swaps and time-off requests |
| Multi-location support | Unified dashboard across all locations | Separate team per location |
The verdict
Microsoft Shifts works for simple rosters. Soon is for teams that need real scheduling power: auto-fill, compliance enforcement, demand forecasting, and multi-location management. Soon integrates deeply with Microsoft (Outlook sync, Teams app, SSO, Azure billing) so you get the best of both worlds.
Try Soon FreeSoon works with your Microsoft stack
No need to leave your existing tools behind. Soon integrates natively with Microsoft.
Outlook Calendar sync
Real-time, two-way calendar sync keeps shifts visible in Outlook automatically.
Microsoft Teams app
Native Teams app for schedule notifications, shift updates, and quick access to your roster.
SSO with Microsoft Identity
Single sign-on through Microsoft Identity Platform. One login for everything.
Azure Marketplace billing
Streamlined billing through Azure Marketplace. One invoice, one vendor relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a demo?
Yes. Join a product demo to experience Soon in action and discover how it can meet your scheduling needs. Book a time on our website or reach out to the team directly.
Can I try Soon for free?
When you create a new Soon account, you get 30 days of free access to Business plan features. No credit card required.
Can I get help with onboarding?
Onboarding support is offered at no cost. Our team helps you set up your workspace, import your team, and configure your first schedule.
Can I get help migrating from Microsoft Shifts?
Yes. Send an export of your Microsoft Shifts schedule and we will help create your schedule in Soon. Most migrations are completed within one business day, free of charge.
Does Soon integrate with Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Soon has a native Microsoft Teams app, real-time two-way Outlook Calendar sync, SSO with Microsoft Identity Platform, and streamlined billing through Azure Marketplace.
What can Soon do that Microsoft Shifts cannot?
Auto-scheduling with AI, labor law compliance enforcement, demand forecasting, self-scheduling for employees, skill-based assignment, multi-location dashboards, advanced reporting, and personalized customer support.
Microsoft Shifts is free. Why pay for Soon?
Shifts is included with Microsoft 365 but limited in what it can do. The time your planners spend manually building schedules, checking compliance, and handling last-minute changes has a real cost. Teams typically save 5 to 10 hours per week with Soon.
Is Soon harder to learn than Microsoft Shifts?
No. Soon is designed with the same focus on simplicity. Most planners are productive within their first session. The interface focuses on the scheduling workflow without burying features in complex menus.
How does the switching process work?
Switch from Microsoft Shifts to Soon with confidence.
There are multiple ways to move from Microsoft Shifts to Soon. You can transition at your own pace, or reach out so we can help with your migration.
- 01
Sign up and create your team
Create your Soon workspace in under two minutes. No credit card required. 30 days free on the Business plan.
- 02
Export your Microsoft Shifts data
Download your schedule and team data from Microsoft Shifts. We accept standard exports and CSV files.
- 03
Send it to us for free setup
Email your export to our team and we will set up your complete schedule in Soon within one business day, at no charge.
- 04
Invite your team
Your employees get instant access via any browser. No app install needed. They will see their shifts, request time off, and swap shifts right away.
- 05
Run both tools in parallel(optional)
Keep Microsoft Shifts active while your team gets familiar with Soon. Most teams are fully transitioned within one to two weeks.
More comparisons
Your next schedule could take 2 minutes.
Import your team, set your rules, hit auto-fill. Most teams are live the same day.
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