absence-Alternative: 7 Tools Compared
Are you looking for an absence alternative because you want to compare integrations, pricing structures, and features of absence.io, or have you already gathered your own experiences with absence? In this overview, you will learn about 7 relevant tools, find out the most important decision criteria for absence alternatives, and see how functions and prices compare.
In this article, you will learn:
- What really matters when choosing alternative absence management tools
- How common absence management tools differ in an absence.io comparison
- What features are essential for a complete holiday and absence management system
- How to find the right alternative based on long-term demands
August 1, 2025
Reading time: 6 Minutes
Content Manager at absentify
Contents
Key decision criteria when choosing the best absence alternative
Basic differences between software for vacation and absence planning
Features that a vacation and absence planning software should offer
#1 absentify
#2 Clockin
#3 timebutler
#4 Personizer
#5 ZEP
#6 timetape
#7 timetac
Here's how you find your absence alternative
Is absentify the right absence alternative for you?
absence-Alternative – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Key decision criteria when choosing the best absence alternative
Before choosing an absence alternative, the cornerstones of your absence management should be clearly defined. Look for easy integration, transparent costs, and features that your team really needs.
Integration in Microsoft 365
Alternative absence management tools must integrate directly with Teams and Outlook to synchronize requests and absences without detours.
User management
Your tool should use Entra ID or LDAP to automatically import users without manual user maintenance.
Approval workflows
Defined process stages and deputy regulations ensure that sick leave notifications and the employee vacation management are processed promptly.
Pricing structure
Compare transparent licensing models and keep an eye on hidden fees – from basic rates to premium packages.
Privacy
GDPR compliance, data sovereignty, and secure storage (ideally within your own Microsoft 365 environment).
Basic differences between software for vacation and absence planning
Comparisons show that while many providers deliver the basic functions, they differ in the extent of integration and in the workflow options:
In the absence.io comparison, the main differences are:
Permission reconciliation
Some tools rely on manual maintenance of user accounts and groups, while others use LDAP or API connections.
Workflow Variants
Providers should offer simple release levels, multi-stage processes, or escalation rules with deputy functions.
Scope of Integration
Some providers only integrate the Outlook calendar, while others support Teams tabs, Slack bots, or SharePoint lists.
Price transparency
Not all absence alternatives clearly indicate prices and potential additional fees from the start.
Privacy
Pay attention to GDPR compliance, data sovereignty, and encrypted storage, which is offered by some providers in addition to standard cloud encryption.
Features that a vacation and absence planning software should offer
Each of the presented absence tools should cover a complete set of features to support daily operations in the Teams Admin Center and the Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
- Set types of absence: Vacation requests, sick leave, and work-from-home days with specific allotments and return dates.
- Multi-level approval workflows: approvals through department heads, HR, and deputies including escalation rules.
- Automatic calendar entries & OOO messages: Appointments in the Outlook calendar and status messages in Teams without manual steps.
- Clear Dashboard: Live overview of all requests, approvals, and outstanding items in the Teams Admin Portal.
- SharePoint Integration & Reporting: Export absence data to lists and prepare for Power BI analyses.
- Self-service for users: Submit approval requests directly in Teams or via a web portal and view the status.
- Transparent pricing: Clear rates without hidden fees and agile plans for growing teams.
#1 absentify
Absentify automatically connects your Entra ID with Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint to manage absences without manual steps. The platform offers multi-level approval workflows, automatic calendar entries, and an easily accessible dashboard – ideal for IT admins who need clear processes and transparent costs.
absentify strengths
- Enter ID-Sync: Automatic synchronization of users and groups, without CSV import or manual maintenance.
- Fast Workflow: Multi-level approvals with deputy and escalation rules.
- Broad Microsoft 365 integration: Absences in Outlook calendars, Teams status, and SharePoint lists.
- Privacy guarantees: GDPR-compliant encrypted storage within your Microsoft 365 environment.
Functions
- Types of absence (vacation, sickness, home office) with quotas
- Configurable approval processes directly in the Teams Admin Portal
- Automated Out-of-Office Messages via Graph API
- Live Dashboard in Teams and Power BI Connector for detailed reports
- Bulk actions and conflict management for user modifications
absentify Plans & Pricing
Absentify offers four plans that grow with your team and cover all the essential features:
¹Prices exclude taxes, annual payment recommended (up to 30% discount).
#2 Clockin
Clockin is a German vacation and time tracking software that enables requests directly in Teams chat and combines time tracking and absences in one system.
Strengths
- Chatbots for vacation and sickness notifications
- Color-coded team calendars
- Automatic reminders for pending requests
- Combined vacation and work time tracking
Functions
- Application via Teams Bot
- Multi-level approval
- PDF and Excel exports
- Mobile Web-App
Plans & Pricing
Clockin offers three user-based pricing plans (prices excl. VAT) that can be adjusted for one, twelve, and 24 months of duration:
¹Prices are valid for a one-month term.
#3 timebutler
Timebutler is a German tool for automating absence messages and absence planning, which integrates seamlessly into Outlook and Teams.
Strengths
- Automatic OOO (Out of Office) messages
- Teams‑Status‑Sync
- Agile templates
- Quick setup
Functions
- OOO On/Off according to schedule
- Teams Status Change
- Multiple templates
- Graph API Integration
Plans & Pricing
Timebutler offers a free basic model and advanced plans starting at €2.49 per user per month. A 30-day trial is available.
#4 Personizer
Personizer is a German HR tool with integrated absence management and an optional vacation module.
Personizer Strengths
- LDAP-Sync for user management
- Multi-level approvals
- Calendar and chat notifications
- Integrated Dashboard
Functions
- Types of absences with quotas
- Deputy Rules and Escalation
- Outlook Calendar Sync
- Role and permission management
Personizer Prices
Personizer offers the option to book personnel files, vacation planners, and time tracking in any plan, as well as a 14-day free trial period. Prices depend on the selection of all three options.
*Prices for 20 employees, monthly payment, and all features
#5 ZEP
ZEP is a project and time management software established in Germany with an integrated vacation planner.
Strengths
- Project and vacation planning in one system
- Role-based permissions
- Mobile app for on the go
- Calendar overview by projects
Functions
- Leave requests via web portal
- Multi-level approvals
- Outlook Synchronization
- Export via CSV and API
Prices
ZEP offers modular plans that are tailored to project sizes:
#6 timetape
timetape provides a visual absence overview directly in Microsoft Teams with color codes and quick search.
Strengths
- Color-coded calendars in Teams
- Quick search for team members
- Simple vacation requests in chat
- Automatic status update
Functions
- Leave requests via Teams app
- Live tab overview
- Export via Excel
- Reminders when quotas are exhausted
Prices
timetape offers a 30-day trial period as well as a 10% discount on annual payment:
#7 timetac
timetac combines absence and access management with LDAP sync and real-time reports.
Strengths
- LDAP and API synchronization
- Access Profile Management
- Real-time Reports
- Escalation rules
Functions
- Absence planning and access in one tool
- Multi-level approvals
- Outlook‑Connector
- CSV export and API
Prices
timetac can be tested for free for 14 days and offers the possibility to save 2 months with annual payment.
- Monthly costs per module and user:
- Time tracking: 4.40€
- Project time tracking: 8.40€
- Holiday management: 2.80€
- Basic fee:
- Monthly: 17.50€
- (Includes technical operation, maintenance, updates, support, and app usage)
- Note:
- All prices are net.
- The costs consist of the basic fee plus the sum of the module usage fees.
Here's how you find your absence alternative
In addition to a pure feature comparison, it's worth considering long-term requirements. Therefore, pay attention to these three points:
Further tips:
- Determine how quickly your team should grow and what budget you are willing to allocate.
- Determine which support and service features are necessary for you.
- Find out in expert forums or through customer reviews how providers respond to personal requests.
If you consider these aspects, you will find an absence management system that simplifies your processes, reduces manual steps, and supports your team in the long term.
Is absentify the right absence alternative for you?
Are you looking for a system that fully automates absence synchronization via your Entra ID, maps multi-level approval workflows, and makes all data available in Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint? Then book your free demo of absentify now and see for yourself how quickly your absence processes can be integrated into Microsoft 365.
No credit card required - Enjoy unlimited access with our free plan. You can upgrade or cancel at any time
absence-Alternative – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What makes a recommendable absence alternative stand out?
A solid alternative offers automatic user and group synchronization, multi-level approval workflows, and easy integration with Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. Moreover, a transparent pricing structure without hidden fees and GDPR-compliant data storage is essential.
How do I compare the costs of absence.io with other absence management tools?
Consider basic fees, additional costs for API access or Power BI connectors, and potential discounts for annual subscriptions. Make sure to check whether essential features (calendar sync, team status, reporting) are included in the most affordable plan or require separate licensing.
Which absence-alternative tools offer open APIs and self-service portals?
Many providers offer REST APIs that allow you to automatically manage users, absences, and reports, and provide self-service portals so that employees can independently submit requests. Check in advance if the documentation is comprehensive and a sandbox environment is available for testing.
How important is the Microsoft 365 integration when considering an alternative to absence?
A deep integration with Microsoft 365 ensures that absences are automatically reflected in Outlook calendars, Teams status, and SharePoint lists without the need for manual user intervention. Without this integration, additional maintenance effort and increased susceptibility to errors may occur.
What reporting options do alternative absence tools offer?
Standard features include CSV and Excel exports, live dashboards in the Admin Portal, and Power BI connectors for interactive analysis. Some tools supplement this with SharePoint lists or API interfaces to create customized reports in third-party systems.
Would you like to simplify your absence management?
Find out how absentify can optimize your HR processes, save you time, and reduce errors. Easily manage employee absences in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Start now for free