vsCarely vs ShiftCare — which is right for your NDIS practice?
Both platforms help NDIS providers run their practice. But they take different approaches. Here’s an honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Carely
Carely is a business operations platform built for small NDIS providers (2–10 staff). It focuses on CRM, marketing automation, unified communications, scheduling, invoicing, and workflow automation.
ShiftCare
ShiftCare is an established NDIS platform used by 6,500+ businesses across Australia. It’s strong in rostering, shift management, and NDIS claiming. ShiftCare has recently positioned itself as an AI-powered NDIS platform.
ShiftCare is primarily a rostering and care management platform. Carely is primarily a participant acquisition and business operations platform.
Feature comparison
What each platform does well — and where the gaps are.
| Feature | Carely | ShiftCare |
|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS & OPERATIONS | ||
| CRM & contact management | ✅Full CRM with custom fields, tags, segmentation | ⚠️Client records (care-focused, not full CRM) |
| Unified inbox (SMS, email, social) | ✅SMS, email, Facebook, Instagram, Google Business | ❌ |
| Marketing automation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Landing pages & forms | ✅ | ❌ |
| Google review automation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Workflow automation builder | ✅ | ⚠️Limited automation |
| Online booking | ✅ | ⚠️Booking through client portal |
| Invoicing & payments | ✅ | ✅Invoicing with NDIS line items |
| AI features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Team calendars | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pipeline management | ✅ | ❌ |
| Phone system & call recording | ✅ | ❌ |
| Zapier/Make integrations | ✅5,000+ app connections | ⚠️ |
| CLINICAL & FIELD OPERATIONS | ||
| Rostering & shift management | ❌ | ✅Full rostering, shift scheduling, timesheets |
| NDIS bulk claiming (PRODA) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Clinical notes | ❌ | ✅Progress notes, care plans |
| Mobile app (iOS/Android) | ❌Web-based (mobile responsive) | ✅Dedicated iOS and Android app |
*Carely is web-based and mobile-responsive. ShiftCare has a dedicated native app for iOS and Android — an advantage for field support workers.
Pricing comparison
ShiftCare’s per-user model vs Carely’s flat fee — the maths changes as your team grows.
| Team Size | Carely ($197/mo flat) | ShiftCare ($9/user/mo, min 5) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 staff | $197/month | $45/month |
| 10 staff | $197/month | $90/month |
| 20 staff | $197/month | $180/month |
| Setup fee | None | None |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Month-to-month |
ShiftCare is cheaper for small teams on raw subscription price. However, ShiftCare doesn’t include marketing automation, unified inbox, or CRM functionality — you’d need separate tools for those, adding to your total cost. Factor in the full stack before comparing prices.
ShiftCare minimum 5 users ($45/month floor). ShiftCare pricing as of March 2026 — confirm current pricing at shiftcare.com.
Honest assessment
Where ShiftCare is stronger
Giving credit where it’s due
Where Carely is stronger
Which is right for you?
Choose ShiftCare if…
Choose Carely if…
Can you use both?
Yes. Some providers use ShiftCare for rostering and claiming alongside Carely for CRM, marketing, and client communication. Zapier and Make integrations can connect the two platforms, keeping your data in sync.
Ready to see Carely in action?
Book a 30-minute demo and see how Carely works for your practice.