# ESS Mobile vs Workcloud Shift

The clearest difference is monetization model: ESS Mobile at free against Workcloud Shift's subscription. Workcloud Shift's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and rating (1.9 vs 1.7). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Workcloud Shift holds the better App Store score, 1.9 against 1.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 343 and 429 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 3% of ESS Mobile's written reviews are positive against 9% of Workcloud Shift's.

ESS Mobile ships an update every 3 months, Workcloud Shift fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ESS Mobile | Workcloud Shift |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.7 (343 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ess-mobile/id667448755/reviews) | **[1.9 (429 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workcloud-shift/id6741380655/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 343 | **429** |
| Positive reviews | 2.9% of reviews | **8.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#96** |
| Size | 1 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Attendance on Demand, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/675262405) | [Reflexis Systems Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1094727299) |

## What reviewers say

### ESS Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ess-mobile/id667448755)

This app offers flexible time tracking for employees, allowing them to punch in/out, review hours worked, check schedules, and manage benefit balances. It facilitates communication with supervisors for attendance-related matters and supports various time entry methods.

**Highlights:** Flexible time tracking, Review hours worked, Check schedules and benefit balances, Request time off, Enter tips and mileage, Communicate with supervisor

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Simple and straightforward time tracking functionality
- 📧 Email records linked to time card
- ⚙️ Works reliably on Android devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connect button functions as text box instead of button
- ❌ App crashes frequently after updates
- ⚪ White screen loading issues
- 📍 Location detection inaccurate (4-5 miles off)
- 🔐 Login failures and credential issues

**Reported bugs**

- Connect button treats input as editable text field
- App fails to load or shows blank white screen
- Location services report incorrect location
- Login credentials rejected despite correct information
- Clock-in button disappears or becomes non-functional

**Requested features**

- Face ID or biometric authentication
- Remember me/stay logged in functionality
- Current time display on home screen
- Manager approval system for early out/late in requests
- Ability to view all punch times and historical data


### Workcloud Shift

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workcloud-shift/id6741380655)

**Currently charting:** #96 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps retail frontline associates manage their work schedules, offering features like shift swapping, bidding, and time-off requests. It aims to improve work-life balance by providing easy access to schedule details and availability management from any device.

**Highlights:** View shift schedule, Swap shifts with colleagues, Bid on available shifts, Request time off, Set personal availability, Manage schedule from any device

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ESS Mobile free?

ESS Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Workcloud Shift free?

Workcloud Shift is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ESS Mobile or Workcloud Shift?

Workcloud Shift is rated higher. ESS Mobile averages 1.7 out of 5 from 343 ratings, while Workcloud Shift averages 1.9 from 429 ratings.

### Do ESS Mobile or Workcloud Shift have ads?

Neither ESS Mobile nor Workcloud Shift shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ESS Mobile or Workcloud Shift?

ESS Mobile ships an update every 3 months, and Workcloud Shift fortnightly. Most recently, ESS Mobile was updated on September 28, 2026 and Workcloud Shift on September 30, 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.*