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Clients may plan meetings or appointments with services or companies such as spas, salons, sales teams, and consultants using an appointment scheduling app.
The best appointment scheduling applications are simple to use, accessible on iOS and Android and allow employees and customers to manage appointments.
Basic appointment apps range in price from $0 to $50 per month, while complete company management applications with integrated appointment scheduling may cost between $50 and $500 per month.
How We Rated Them
To determine which applications were the best for arranging appointments, we looked at whether they were available as a mobile app for all devices (iOS and Android). After that, we put the applications to the test to see how easy they were to use and what tools and capabilities were accessible to employees and customers. Of course, price matters, and although there are a lot of free appointment scheduling services out there, they’re generally rather restricted.
Acuity takes the top rank in our best appointment scheduling app list because it has a lot of features in all of its plans, is simple to use (and configure), and connects with a lot of the applications and calendars you’re probably already using.
40% of the overall score
Appointment Scheduling and Management Software
30% of the overall score
All of the applications on our list are accessible for mobile devices, including iOS and Android. Calendar sync for Google, Outlook and Microsoft 365 is a must-have feature in an appointment scheduling software, and some even support iCloud.
15% of the overall score
Appointment scheduling applications are generally inexpensive, and several offer free options. Apps that don’t bind you into long-term contracts and provide several options so that your offered services may expand with your workforce getting more recognition.
15% of the overall score
The subjective nature of ease of use, value, and striking features are all factors to consider. So we only gave these sections a passing grade, but we wanted to highlight some of the applications’ unique features and discuss their relative ease of use (at least in our experience and that of other users via reviews).
Percentages based on the total score
Acuity
4.62 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Syncs with the majority of calendars
- There are no limits on the number of appointments you may make, including courses, groups, and videos.
- Appointment reminders by email and SMS
- Intake forms are included.
What Isn’t There
- There is no free plan available.
- Only high-tier plans get text reminders.
Key Features
- Fees range from $15 to $50 per month, with yearly reductions available.
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Google Calendar, iCloud, and Microsoft 365 are all supported calendars.
- Stripe, Square, and PayPal are all accepted payment methods.
- 4.9/5 on the Apple App Store
- 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store
Acuity is a robust appointment scheduling tool that can be used by almost any small company that depends on client appointments. Because Squarespace bought Acuity Scheduling and renamed it Squarespace Scheduling, new users will need to create a Squarespace Scheduling account. Although, as of this writing, the Acuity scheduling applications are still available in app stores under the Acuity name.
There are two Acuity apps: one for customers to schedule and manage appointments, and another for you to manage your appointments. Your app gives you real-time access to your schedule, allowing you to make new appointments on the move (and not bump pending appointments). You may also use the app to manage your personal time (by blocking off hours when you are unavailable). You may also choose to get alerts anytime you receive a new booking.
Acuity received a 4.62 out of 5 rating in our review. Because Acuity is now Squarespace Scheduling, it also includes an online booking widget that you can include on your website to allow customers to self-book and/or pay courses, seminars, private sessions, interviews, and more.
Cons
Acuity is a simple to use solution, however, it is not particularly versatile or adaptable. Deposits, different user access levels, and service add-ons are among the more configurable add-on options available on SimplyBook.me. SimplyBook.me allows you to pick and select the features you want, while Acuity’s UI and feature set are more inflexible.
Square Appointments
4.30 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- For one individual, it’s free.
- Accept payments, including prepayments and cancellation costs, via the app.
- It’s simple to use, and it comes with a client-facing automatic message feature.
- Reservation of resources
What Isn’t There
- Customization options are limited.
- Integrations are limited.
Key Features
- Monthly costs range from $0 to $90.
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Google Calendar is one of the calendars that is supported.
- Payments accepted: Square Payments
- 4.9/5 on the Apple App Store
- 4.1/5 on the Google Play Store
Individuals may utilize Square Appointments’ free plan, which is simple to use, filled with essential features, and accessible on both iOS and Android. An online booking website, automatic text and email appointment reminders, extensive customer profiles, and an automated message tool are all free tools that allow customers to make and reschedule appointments at any time.
Square Appointments allows you to link with Google Calendar, personalize your availability, and manage customers all from inside the app. Recurring customers is a recent Square Appointments feature that allows you to retain a card on file for your regulars. You may also use the technology to receive prepayments or swipe cards in person.
Square Appointments received a 4.3 out of 5 rating in our review. It has a few noteworthy features that make it a strong match for salons and spas seeking an appointment POS, such as integrated commission reporting, resource booking, multi-staff appointments, loyalty programs, and messaging/marketing campaigns, and it delivers the greatest value for people.
Cons
Due to its free plan and integrated payment processor, Square Appointments is an excellent choice for someone just starting out with a single company. However, unlike Acuity, it does not handle class or group appointments. Square Appointments is a fairly restrictive alternative if you’re already using other tools you enjoy, like as CRMs, calendars, or another payment processor, since it only interfaces with other Square products.
SimplyBook.me
4.19 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Assign reservations to certain employees.
- Clients may make reservations using Facebook.
- Client alerts may be customized.
- HIPAA privacy and intake forms are also accessible.
What Isn’t There
- Monthly appointments have a limit.
- Some fundamental functions come at an additional fee.
- If you’re on the free plan, you won’t get a client app.
- SimplyBook.me ads are only deleted in the top-tier plan.
Key Features
- Monthly rates range from $0 to $59.90.
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Google Calendar and Outlook are two calendars that are supported.
- Stripe, PayPal, Square, and 31 additional payment methods are supported.
- 3.6/5 on the Apple App Store
- 4.3/5 on the Google Play Store
SimplyBook.me’s plan structure and specific features set it distinct from other appointment booking applications. The higher your plan’s price, the more personalized features you’ll receive. The free plan, for example, includes one custom feature; the standard plan includes eight custom features; and premium customers have limitless custom features.
This is an economical appointment scheduling tool if you operate a healthcare firm that needs HIPAA compliance. You also have access to all of the available integrations, as well as discounts and gift card options. Your booking site may also be customized with your logo. SimplyBook.me’s finest feature, however, is that customers may schedule appointments through Facebook or Instagram. SimplyBook.me and Setmore are the only options on our list that have incorporated social media booking. Square Appointments includes an Instagram integration.
SimplyBook.me has a 4.19 out of 5 rating on our list because it contains a number of unique features that even our top appointment scheduling software, Acuity, lacks, such as SOAP notes and Facebook appointment booking integration. SimplyBook.me, on the other hand, charges for a number of fundamental functions, such as SMS reminders, which are included in other appointment apps’ subscriptions.
Cons
The free plan has a lot of limitations. Only 50 appointments may be scheduled each month. Consider Acuity, Setmore, Calendly, or Square if you want to make limitless appointments. Square Appointments has built-in SMS and email appointment reminders.
Setmore
Overall rating: 4.14 out of 5
What We Enjoy
- There is a free plan available for up to four employees.
- All plans include unlimited appointments.
- All plans have their own booking portal.
- Integrates with social networking, video applications, and customer relationship management systems (CRMs).
What Isn’t There
- Only with a premium subscription can you get automatic appointment reminders.
- There are no intake forms available.
Key Features
- Fees range from $0 to $9 per month (per user)
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Google and Microsoft 365 calendars are supported.
- Square, Stripe, and PayPal are all accepted payment methods.
- 4.7/5 on the Apple App Store
- 4.4/5 on the Google Play Store
Setmore is a popular appointment scheduling tool for a variety of small companies. Its most remarkable feature is that the free plan permits up to four team members and unlimited appointments. In the free plan, most other apps, like Square, restrict you to one team member.
In our review, Setmore received a 4.14. It allows you to arrange a variety of appointments, including lessons and one-click video chats. It also connects with tools such as Salesforce and Zoom, making it ideal for software organizations; and all subscriptions provide unlimited appointments (unlike SimplyBook.me, which also offers a free plan but is capped at 50 monthly appointments).
Cons
A few connections, such as iCloud Calendar, are missing from Setmore. Plus, unlike SimplyBook.me, Booker, and Acuity, Setmore lacks intake forms, making it difficult to obtain customer information unless you use another platform and then apply the information to your client list in Setmore (or your CRM). Setmore, on the other hand, is simple to use and very inexpensive for small groups. Setmore, like SimplyBook.me, has social media connections, allowing clients to book directly from your Facebook or Instagram profile.
Calendly
3.76 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Simple to use
- Compatibility with video editing software
- All plans include automatic email reminders.
- Invite a group of individuals to a meeting.
- Appointments are available at any time.
What Isn’t There
- Only the most expensive plans include text reminders.
- The app may be sluggish.
- There is no telephone assistance.
Key Features
- Monthly costs range from $0 to $12.
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Google Calendar, iCloud, and Microsoft 365 are all supported calendars.
- Stripe and PayPal are two of the payment options available.
- 3.9/5 on the Apple App Store
- 3.9/5 on the Google Play Store
Calendly is perhaps the most well-known app for arranging meetings. It has four distinct options, including one that is completely free and simply restricts you from working with teams or multiple calendars. You’ll need to subscribe to a premium plan if you wish to add more than one calendar for scheduling reasons. Calendly’s premium plans, on the other hand, are among the most cost-effective on our list.
Calendly received a 3.76 out of 5 rating in our review. The software allows you to give someone a scheduling link through email or text, and they may select the time and day that works best for them on your booking site. Calendly’s capacity to establish numerous meeting kinds is one of its most appealing features. Tutors, recruiting teams, work meetings, and consultants, for example, who need to provide 30-minute or 60-minute video or in-person meetings may find it useful.
Cons
Calendly is easy to use yet has a lot of features, which is why it made our list. We did observe that the program loaded slowly at times and lacked consistency. Both Acuity and Square provide better customer reviews, unlimited appointments, and automatic reminders.
Booker
3.74 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Feature-rich
- POS, customer administration, and reporting are all included.
- Forms for intake are available.
- Included in the marketing tools were
What Isn’t There
- A scheduler that is too expensive
- The cheapest package has a relatively restricted number of options.
- There is no free plan or trial available.
- Apps seem to have a lot of bugs.
Key Features
- Monthly rates range from $129 to $549.
- iOS, Android, and a web browser are all supported.
- Outlook and iCloud calendars are supported.
- Payments accepted: Mindbody, TSYS, and Elavon
- 4 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store
- 3.2/5 on the Google Play Store
Among the finest appointment scheduling applications, Booker is a bit of an outlier. It’s more of an all-in-one salon or spa suite of applications that happen to include booking, which might be due to Mindbody’s acquisition of Booker for scheduling in 2018. If you’re ready to pay the high price, it might be ideal for a full-service salon or spa with various employees, appointment kinds, and customers to handle.
Booker received a 3.74 out of 5 rating from us. The Booker app seems to operate better on iOS than Android, from what we’ve seen. It’s convenient to be able to manage your schedule, make payments, and apply discounts all from your mobile device.
Because Booker has a limited number of integrations, it isn’t as helpful as other appointment schedulers for salons and spas, such as Setmore. You must also commit to using the app for at least a year, which is a large sum of money upfront for something that may or may not work for you (and no free trial to test it out before signing on the dotted line).
Cons
The biggest disadvantage of Booker is its high price. Consider Square Appointments if you need a more economical appointment and business management solution for your spa or salon. SimplyBook.me is a more cheap solution for healthcare and wellness organizations, especially those who need HIPAA compliance. It also provides additional healthcare-specific features, such as HIPAA compliance and SOAP notes.
Conclusion
Clients and appointments are two clear demands shared by freelancers, hairdressers, car shops, and software enterprises. Both of these requirements need the use of the best appointment scheduling software. An entrepreneur may save a lot of time by being able to access, schedule, and change appointments via a phone app.
Because of its cost, flexibility, and feature-rich plans, Acuity is one of the most popular appointment scheduling applications. It may be used by practically any small company that depends on clients scheduling appointments or meetings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best scheduling apps for small businesses?
The best scheduling apps for small businesses are Zapier, Trello, and Google Calendar.
