Which is the best appointment scheduling software?

Attempting to sample all the available software options and subsequently selecting the most suitable one is an arduous and nearly unattainable task. Comparable to purchasing an automobile, it’s impossible to test drive every vehicle before committing to a purchase.

While you might argue that there is no clear solution, we firmly believe that it is possible to discover the ideal app by applying universal purchasing principles to filter our options according to our requirements.

Our methodology for determining the best appointment scheduling software in the market involved limiting our analysis to applications that consistently appear on the first page of Google search results.

Appointment scheduling software that are part of this study

SimplyBook.me has a usage-based pricing model, which is different from all of the other apps compared here. They allow you to pick a specified number of features in each pricing plan. They support customers by email, chat, and help documentation. They have mobile apps. The primary target audience is the health and wellness industry.
Setmore comes from a design oriented parent company and it shows. They have good mobile apps, and the web app UI is one of the better ones in the market. Setmore supports customers with help documentation, email, and live chat support. Their pricing plan is one of the simplest.
Calendly needs no introduction. Their minimal user interface is the main attraction, and their community and support are active. They do not cover all scheduling use cases—for example, classes. They have mobile apps and plug-ins make it easy to share your schedule.
Appointy also covers many use cases in the service industry. Unlike other apps, they have features that enable at-home/house-call type services. Also, they have many options to filter out unwanted bookings. They support customers via email, chat, and help documentation. They integrate with Square POS, have mobile apps, and offer custom development.
Acuity Scheduling is a flexible and versatile app that can meet many appointment scheduling cases. Their primary audience is the health and wellness industry. They offer a seven-day free trial. The help documentation is good, and they support customers by email and chat. They don’t offer a free plan.
10to8 Scheduling is another app that is good for scheduling use cases. They offer a 30-day trial period and supports their customers by email. Users have rated the app positively. 10to8 is not very strong when it comes to integrations.
Square Appointments is part of the Square platform which offers software and hardware products for service based businesses. It is a standalone product that can be used on its own or in conjunction with other Square products, such as Square Point of Sale and Square Invoices, to help businesses streamline their operations.

Here is how we conducted the study:

We created a plot comparing 75 appointment scheduling features with the maximum available plan for $25 for each app. The application that provides the highest number of features for $25 is considered the most cost-effective option.

What prompted us to settle on $25 as our price? Our research shows that customers are satisfied with paying that amount monthly to simplify their scheduling. Additionally, one can enjoy a decent to luxurious breakfast in any location around the globe using that sum, indicating that it is a reasonable price. Despite Square Appointments’ base package costing $29, we made an exception and included them.

Support quality was assessed by testing out various apps after creating a needs versus budget comparison. By interacting with the support team and utilizing available help documentation, we were able to gauge the reliability and level of assistance provided. It’s crucial to have sufficient support, otherwise even the most cost-effective product will be difficult to use, prompting users to seek out alternative options at a higher price point.

The experience a user has with an app is a subjective matter, but it can still impact their decision to continue using it. The app’s design, navigation, ease-of-use, consistency, or other aspects can play a role in this. Although these characteristics cannot be rated, they can only be experienced. Through our study, we identified a specific group of apps which offer a superior user experience compared to others.

Before declaring the results, let’s go through some of the interesting findings from our study.

Identify your needs first to choose the best app: do you require scheduling as a part of your business or is it your entire business? Calendly is among the best app choices for a sales manager who wants to automate customer appointments with their team. Its features are suitable for sales teams, and the app setup does not consume the whole day for sales managers.

If your earnings rely on appointments in the service sector, it is important to consider platforms such as Setmore, Acuity, Appointy, 10to8, Square Appointments, or SimplyBook.me.

Calendly vs Acuity Scheduling—finally, an answer!

The app developed by Acuity’s founder was inspired by the needs of his mother’s massage practice, while Calendly’s founder had a background in sales. This difference is evident in the approach taken by each app; Acuity aims to provide a solution for numerous appointment scheduling scenarios, whereas Calendly is designed with sales and recruitment teams in mind. Consequently, Calendly manages to offer comprehensive capabilities without becoming overly complex, whereas Acuity incorporates a multitude of features that may hinder usability. While both apps can perform the same functions, Calendly can accomplish these tasks more expeditiously than Acuity can.

The eight best appointment scheduling software ranked

Acuity Scheduling
10to8 Scheduling
Calendly
Zoho Bookings
Appointy
Setmore
SimplyBook.me
Square appointments

This definitive list of the top appointment scheduling software was devised from analyzing the needs versus budget data. By conducting your own analysis, you can arrive at identical findings, which ensures that the list remains objective and free from subjective views.

BONUS: Appointment Scheduling Software with Website Integration

ChiDesk

An all-in-one cloud-based software solution, ChiDesk offers appointment scheduling, employee management, point of sale, marketing functionality and online booking, making it perfect for spas, salons, fitness and medical practitioners.

Acuity Scheduling

Enable your customers to schedule appointments, classes, or packages, complete intake forms, synchronize appointments with their calendars, obtain confirmation and reminder notifications, and automatically reschedule, cancel, and make payments for appointments without any additional hassle such as email or phone communication.

Bitriz24

With over 12 million businesses using it, Bitrix24 is the top appointment scheduling platform that’s available for free. It can be accessed via the cloud, mobile devices, and open source editions.

GymMaster

Thousands of businesses count on GymMaster gym software for their health club and gym management needs. This user-friendly system was created in collaboration with gym owners and includes features like 24/7 door access, robust membership management, flexible billing, and many other benefits. Schedule your complimentary demo now.

SimplyBook.me Enterprise

For companies that need advanced booking management systems for both internal and external bookings, SimplyBook.me enterprise solutions are perfect. This system facilitates efficient appointment management with customizable features and support for multiple languages.

SimplyMeet.me

With its reliable, user-friendly and speedy scheduling solution, SimplyMeet.me offers a free tool for individuals who want to organise their online and onsite meetings. As we aim to grow alongside our users, this solution will remain free of charge indefinitely.

Mailchimp

Mailchimp provides users with the ability to create, send, and analyze email and ad campaigns, including email templates, landing pages, and a mobile application, thus serving as a marketing automation platform.

Wix

Wix is a platform for building and managing websites that offers complete flexibility. You can create professional-looking websites using a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, or explore the full potential of your creativity by developing your own customized web applications.

Vagaro

Increase your efficiency and save time with Vagaro Salon, Spa & Fitness Appointment Scheduling Software. Easily schedule appointments from your computer or access the app to manage clients on-the-go. You can also send automatic reminders and emails, and securely handle payments. Prices begin at $25 per month, and you are given a complimentary one-month trial period.

Calendly

Calendly is an industry-leading meeting scheduling software for teams of all sizes. With powerful administrative tools and enterprise-grade security and compliance, Calendly is trusted by more than 50,000 organizations worldwide. Request a demo or signup for free.

My PT Hub

The top-rated online platform for personal training is My PT Hub, which enables fitness experts to design and monitor tailored workout and diet regimens for their customers.

Fresha

Fresha is the world’s leading online booking software for the beauty and wellness industry. Boost your sales and attract new clients with an all-in-one subscription-free solution for salons, spas, barbers and therapists.