Smart Square vs QGenda vs UKG: Best Scheduling Tool 2025

Choosing the right scheduling and workforce management software is critical in healthcare. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Smart Square vs QGenda vs UKG, comparing features, strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. At the end, you can download a PDF comparison cheat sheet to reference later or share with decision-makers.

📋 Why Compare Smart Square, QGenda & UKG?

All three are major players in healthcare workforce and scheduling software
Decision makers frequently search for alternatives and comparisons
A detailed comparison helps your audience choose wisely and positions your site as authority
This type of content tends to attract backlinks (vendors, HR blogs, hospital IT decision-makers)

🏥 Overview: Smart Square, QGenda & UKG

Smart Square (by symplr / formerly AMN Healthcare)

Smart Square is a scheduling and staff-planning solution focused on healthcare environments. It uses predictive analytics, open-shift management, integration with EMR systems, forecasting, and offers strong compliance & reporting. Capterra+3symplr+3symplr+3

In 2025, Smart Square was acquired by symplr, expanding its enterprise capabilities across operations. symplr+2Clearlake Capital Group+2

Smart Square is also recognized in the Best in KLAS category for scheduling for nurses & staff. symplr+1

QGenda

QGenda is purpose-built for provider and clinical scheduling in healthcare, with modules for automated scheduling, credentialing, coverage management, and real-time scheduling adjustments. G2+3AVIA Marketplace+3Subscribed.FYI+3

It is praised for its mobile experience, user interface, and healthcare-specific rules. G2+2Subscribed.FYI+2

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

UKG is a broader HCM and workforce management platform that includes scheduling modules. It offers integrated solutions for HR, payroll, talent, time & attendance, and workforce scheduling. AVIA Marketplace+3SelectHub+3G2+3

In comparisons, UKG often wins on comprehensive HR features, but some users find the automated scheduling module less intuitive compared to specialist tools like QGenda. G2+1

✅ Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at key features across Smart Square, QGenda, and UKG:

Feature / Capability	Smart Square	QGenda	UKG
Core Focus / Strength	Healthcare scheduling with predictive analytics, integration	Clinical scheduling, provider-centric, rules engine	Full HR / HCM suite with scheduling built-in
Predictive Forecasting & Analytics	Strong capabilities (forecasting over 120 days) Capterra+2symplr+2	Moderate, some rule-based forecasting	Good analytics but broader focus
Scheduling Automation & Rules Engine	Supports rule automation, open-shift management Software Advice+2symplr+2	Highly customizable rule-based scheduling, often praised for flexibility	Available but sometimes considered less intuitive than specialized tools G2+1
Mobile Experience	Has a mobile app (Smart Square Go) with scheduling & alerts Google Play+2AMN Healthcare+2	Strong mobile access, praised in user reviews G2	Robust mobile capabilities in broader UKG platform
Integration & Ecosystem	Integrates with HRIS, EMR, payroll systems GetApp+2Capterra+2	Integrations with clinical systems, EHRs, credentialing systems	Deep ecosystem ties with HR, payroll, benefits modules
Compliance & Credentialing	Good (designed for healthcare)	Strong healthcare credentialing modules	Strong compliance in HR/ labor law domain
Ease of Use / UI	Well-regarded in healthcare settings	Often praised for intuitive UI G2	Powerful, though some users cite steeper learning curve in scheduling module G2+1
Support & Customer Success	Backed by symplr’s enterprise capabilities	Strong support reputation G2+1	Large enterprise support, but can be less specialized in scheduling support
Pricing Model & Scalability	Healthcare-oriented pricing (enterprise, module-based)	Modular pricing often per provider / user	Suite model; scheduling is part of larger HCM cost
Best Use Case / Ideal Users	Hospitals & health systems needing healthcare scheduling first	Clinical groups, medical centers, provider-heavy organizations	Organizations needing unified HR + scheduling across many functions

⚖️ Pros & Cons of Each System

Smart Square

Pros:

Strong predictive analytics and forecasting tailored to healthcare
Deep integrations with hospital systems
Good for larger health systems with complex scheduling rules
Recognized industry reputation (Best in KLAS) symplr+2symplr+2

Cons:

May lack breadth of HR or payroll features found in full HCM suites
Learning curve for rule configuration
As part of a larger suite (symplr), there may be bundling that increases cost

QGenda

Pros:

Highly configurable and focused on clinical workflows
Intuitive UI + mobile experience praised by users G2
Strong support for credentialing & compliance
Scalability in provider scheduling

Cons:

Less robust in HR/payroll functions compared to UKG
Cost can escalate with many modules
May need integrations for full HR capability

UKG

Pros:

Complete HR + scheduling platform, reduces vendor fragmentation
Strong in payroll, benefits, workforce analytics
Enterprise-grade support and stability

Cons:

Scheduling module may not be as specialized or intuitive as QGenda for healthcare clinics G2+1
More expensive upfront for smaller units that only need scheduling
May include excess features that small units don’t need

🏁 Which One Should You Choose?

Your best choice depends on your priorities:

Need deep healthcare scheduling, forecasting, and integration with hospital IT?
→ Smart Square is a strong fit.
Focus mostly on provider scheduling, clinical workflows, and intuitive UI?
→ QGenda may outperform in that niche.
You want an all-in-one HR + scheduling + payroll platform?
→ UKG might make sense if you value consolidation and efficiency.

Often, large hospital systems adopt Smart Square for nursing and staff scheduling, and may use UKG for the broader HR suite; QGenda is often preferred in more specialized clinical or physician scheduling contexts.