Absenca vs PTO by Roots
Absenca vs PTO by Roots
PTO by Roots (Roots) is a focused Slack-first time-off bot. Absenca covers the same Slack flow but adds Microsoft Teams, a full web app, a shared calendar, accruals, TOIL and reporting — free for up to 15 people, then a flat $0.75/user. If your team isn't only in Slack, here's the comparison.
In short
If Slack is the only place your team lives and a lightweight bot is all you want, PTO by Roots's focus is a genuine strength. But if you want the same Slack flow plus Microsoft Teams, a real web app, calendar, accruals, TOIL and reporting — on a usable free tier and lower flat price — Absenca is the closer fit, with CSV import to switch in minutes.
Which is the better fit?
Choose Absenca
Teams that want the Slack PTO flow plus Microsoft Teams, a real web app, accruals and reporting — on a usable free tier and a lower flat price.
Choose PTO by Roots
Slack-only teams that want the lightest possible time-off bot and nothing more.
Absenca vs PTO by Roots at a glance
| Absenca | PTO by Roots | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Up to 15 users, full features | Trial only |
| Paid price | $0.75 / user / mo | ~$3+ / user / mo (some plans on request) |
| Chat bots (Slack / Teams / Google Chat) | Slack + Teams + Google Chat | Slack only |
| Full web app (calendar & wallchart) | Yes, full web app | Limited — Slack-centric |
| Google & Outlook calendar sync | Yes | Yes |
| Approval workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Accruals, carry-over & seniority | Advanced (monthly/quarterly, tiers, pro-rata) | Basic |
| TOIL (time off in lieu) | Full TOIL tracking | No |
| Public holidays (190+ countries) | Yes, auto-import + .ics | Limited |
| Bradford Factor analytics | Yes | No |
| Reports (CSV / XLSX / PDF / scheduled) | Full + scheduled | Basic |
| Leave attachments (doctor's notes) | Yes | No |
| HRIS integrations (ADP, BambooHR, Workday) | No — leave-focused, with API & webhooks | Yes |
| EU data residency | EU data residency | Varies (US-based) |
| Migrate from PTO by Roots | CSV bulk import | — |
PTO by Roots (as of 2026): no permanent free plan — a free trial, then billed per user per month, with public listings citing pricing from roughly $3/user/mo and some plans quoted on request. Absenca: free for up to 15 users, then $0.75/user/mo (Pro up to 50, Custom Pack beyond). Competitor figures are based on publicly available information as of 2026 and may have changed.
Thinking of switching from PTO by Roots?
Absenca's built-in import wizard brings your people and leave balances across, so moving is painless. Read the full breakdown on our PTO by Roots alternative page, or just try it free for up to 15 people — no credit card.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Absenca and PTO by Roots?
PTO by Roots is a Slack-first time-off bot. Absenca offers the same Slack experience plus a Microsoft Teams bot, a full web app, a shared calendar, accruals, TOIL and reporting — so it fits teams that aren't only in Slack.
Is Absenca cheaper than PTO by Roots?
Generally yes — PTO by Roots has no permanent free plan and public listings cite pricing from roughly $3/user/month. Absenca is free for up to 15 users, then a flat $0.75/user.
Does Absenca work outside Slack?
Yes — Absenca has a full web app and a Microsoft Teams bot in addition to Slack, so the whole team can use it however they work.
Can I move from PTO by Roots to Absenca?
Yes — Absenca supports CSV import so you can bring your people and balances across in minutes.
Other comparisons
Comparison based on publicly available information about PTO by Roots as of 2026. Features and pricing change — please check PTO by Roots's website for the latest details.