# Shift Planning Calendar vs PunchClock

The clearest difference is monetization model: Shift Planning Calendar at free against PunchClock's free with in-app purchases. Shift Planning Calendar also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 67%) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). PunchClock's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shift Planning Calendar sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and PunchClock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shift Planning Calendar ships an update every 5 weeks, PunchClock fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shift Planning Calendar | PunchClock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (811 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-planning-calendar/id547035346/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **811** | — |
| Positive reviews | **82.9% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kosuke Hamada](https://appshunter.io/developer/515812363) | [ParallaxLabs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1730276133) |

## What reviewers say

### Shift Planning Calendar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-planning-calendar/id547035346)

This app simplifies shift work management for individuals. It allows for quick entry of recurring shifts, comparison of schedules with friends, and easy sharing of your work calendar via email or as a lock screen image.

**Highlights:** Quick shift input with icons, Compare schedules with friends, Auto-create email of shifts, Bluetooth shift exchange, Calendar snapshot for lock screen, All features available from start

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Icon Set  theme01 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Icon Set  theme02 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Icon Set  theme03 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Icon Set  theme04 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Icon Set  theme05 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Calendar Frame  theme01 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Calendar Frame  theme02 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Calendar Frame  theme03 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Reasonable Icons Set  theme01~05 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Reasonable Calendar Frame Set  theme01~05 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Customizable icons
- 👍 Helps stay organized
- 👍 Great for shift work
- 👍 Convenient to have schedule on phone

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with data transfer on new device
- 🔒 Concerns about paid subscription
- 💡 Could use more icon options
- 💡 Wish it had more features like sharing calendar

**Reported bugs**

- Shift data not transferring to new device
- Paid subscription not recognized on new device
- Calendar not displaying properly on larger screens

**Requested features**

- Ability to repeat/copy shifts
- Automatic shift pattern generation
- Integration with other calendars
- More customization options
- Notifications for upcoming shifts


### PunchClock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/punchclock-shift-calendar/id6477750608)

Manage your work schedule with this app. It helps you create and track shifts, set reminders, and add notes. Sync with your calendar and enjoy features like dark mode and iCloud sync.

**Highlights:** Create and apply shift types, Timely shift notifications, Rotation pattern simplification, Add specific shift notes, Calendar synchronization, Dark Mode support, iCloud Sync, watchOS companion app

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly (1 Month) | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly (1 Year) | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shift Planning Calendar free?

Shift Planning Calendar is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PunchClock free?

PunchClock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Shift Planning Calendar or PunchClock have ads?

Neither Shift Planning Calendar nor PunchClock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shift Planning Calendar or PunchClock?

Shift Planning Calendar ships an update every 5 weeks, and PunchClock fortnightly. Most recently, Shift Planning Calendar was updated on October 3, 2026 and PunchClock on September 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*