As a small or medium business owner, you're likely wearing multiple hats and juggling countless tasks. Managing appointments shouldn't be a time-consuming chore. Whether you run a hair salon, a medical practice, or offer consulting services, choosing the best appointment scheduling app for your needs can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we'll explore the top scheduling apps designed with small businesses in mind. We'll look at how tools like Zeeg can help you avoid the back-and-forth of booking appointments, minimize no-shows, and offer your customers the convenience they expect in today's digital world. From feature-rich platforms to straightforward, user-friendly options, we've got you covered. Let's find the perfect appointment software to help your small business thrive.
Benefits of Online Booking Systems for Small Businesses
For small businesses, online booking systems are game-changers. They're not just fancy digital calendars – they're powerful tools that can reshape how you run your business, talk to customers, and, of course, grow your company. Nowadays everyone wants things quick and easy, so these scheduling automation systems can give you an edge over the competition. They're the bridge between what customers want and how efficiently you can deliver. And by using online booking, you're not just trying to look tech-savvy – you're setting up a system that can help your business grow, make your customers happier, and give you a clearer picture of how your business is doing. But let's break that down on the main improvements that you can get with a good scheduling system:
- Time savings. Imagine reclaiming all those hours spent on the phone or answering emails to schedule appointments. Online booking systems handle this task, freeing you and your team to focus on serving customers and growing your business.
- Customer satisfaction. Giving clients the ability to book appointments anytime, anywhere is a significant advantage. They'll appreciate the flexibility, potentially leading to more bookings and increased loyalty.
- Reduced no-Shows. We all know the frustration of no-shows. With automated reminders via text or email, you can significantly cut down on missed appointments. It's good for your schedule and your income.
- Improved organization. When your booking system syncs with your calendar, you get a clear overview of your day-to-day operations. This bird's-eye view helps you manage time and resources more effectively.
- Insightful Data. Many booking platforms offer built-in analytics. These insights can be invaluable, helping you understand peak booking times, popular services, and other trends to guide your business decisions.
- 24/7 Availability. Your online booking system works around the clock. Clients can schedule appointments at any hour, ensuring you never miss an opportunity due to business hours.
- Professional Image. A well-designed, easy-to-use online booking system adds a touch of professionalism to your business. It shows clients you value their time and are up-to-date with technology – a small detail that can make a big impression.
How we chose the best appointment booking software for small business
Picking the best scheduling app for your small business can be tricky. That's why we've done some groundwork, looking at a variety of options and focusing on what really matters to small business owners. We know every business is different, so we considered tools that can potentially fit various needs, from hair salons to consulting firms. Remember, not every app will excel in all these areas, but these were the key factors we kept in mind during our evaluation:
- Adaptability: We checked how customizable each app is, considering whether it could fit different business types.
- Payment options: We looked into how each app handles payments or deposits at booking time, as this can be crucial for many small businesses.
- Integrations: We considered how well each app might work with other tools you're likely using, like calendar platforms or other business software.
- Cost-effectiveness: We examined the pricing structures, looking for options that could suit various budgets and business sizes.
- Ease of use: We thought about the user experience, both for you and your clients, considering how straightforward and hassle-free the booking process might be
The best online booking software for small businesses
- Zeeg: Best GDPR compliant and affordable scheduling tool
- Calendly: Best for simplicity and ease of use
- SimplyBook.Me: Best for service-based businesses with multiple offerings
- Google Calendar appointment scheduler: Best for Google Workspace users
- Microsoft Bookings: Best for Microsoft 365 users
- Doodle: Best for group meetings
- HubSpot Meeting Scheduler: Best for sales teams and CRM integration
- Thryv: Best for business management
- Acuity: Best for health and wellness businesses
- Setmore: Best for teams on a budget
Best appointment software for small business: Overview
Best scheduling apps for small business: In-depth analysis
1. Zeeg: best for GDPR compliance and businesses in Europe
Zeeg stands out as a reliable scheduling solution tailored for businesses prioritizing data privacy and GDPR compliance. Developed in Europe, this appointment software for small business offers a full suite of features, like sleek, customizable booking pages and solid integrations, while ensuring your data stays protected on European servers.
Key features
- GDPR-compliant data handling and storage
- Customizable booking pages with branding options
- Automated workflows for reminders and follow-ups
- Integration with popular calendar platforms
- Multi-language support for international businesses
- Online payment processing
Zeeg’s efforts on data security (without compromising on functionality) are one of its core strengths. For small businesses operating in Europe or those serving European clients, this scheduling app offers peace of mind, alongside powerful booking tools. The platform has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up custom booking pages aligned with your brand identity, not to mention the automated workflows, reminders and follow-ups, or customized routing forms, which will help your small business handle appointments much better.
When it comes to integrations, this tool connects with all the essentials. Users can sync their Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Apple Calendar to Zeeg with no issues; for virtual meetings, Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams integrations are available; and Stripe and Paypal handle payment processing. But there’s more integrations, like Zapier, Salesforce, HubSpot, Webhooks, etc.
While Zeeg may not be as well-known as some global competitors, it's gaining popularity among privacy-conscious businesses. Its feature set, coupled with its strict adherence to European data protection standards, makes it a top scheduling tool for small businesses seeking a reliable, efficient and compliant scheduling solution.
Pros and cons:
✅ Fully GDPR-compliant (stores data on European servers)
✅ Pretty affordable price when compared to the options in the market
✅ User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
✅ Excellent customization options on your booking page (e.g., custom fields, branding elements)
✅ Strong focus on data privacy (end-to-end encryption)
✅ Automated workflows that make scheduling efficient
✅ Great integrations (Zapier, Google Calendar, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, PayPal, etc.)
❌ Less name recognition compared to other global brands
❌ No app for now, just desktop and mobile versions
Pricing:
Zeeg has a good free plan that lets you create your on-brand booking page for two scheduling pages, allowing your customers to easily book meetings with you. It’s pretty neat. But there are more options in case you need it:
- Free: Basic features for individuals or new businesses
- Professional: €7/user/month (billed annually) or $12 (billed monthly)
- Business: €9/user/month (billed annually) or $16 (billed monthly)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing - For large organizations with specific requirements
Each paid plan comes with a 14-day free trial. The Professional plan is often sufficient for most small businesses, offering features like custom branding, unlimited appointments, and integrations with the most important tools that your business will need. But - as your company grows - the Business plan will add more team management features and other advanced customization options.
2. Calendly: best for simplicity and ease of use
Let's talk about Calendly - the name that probably pops into your head when someone mentions scheduling tools. There's a reason for its popularity: it's dead simple to use. No fancy bells and whistles here, just straightforward scheduling that gets the job done. It might not be the fanciest tool in the shed, but when it comes to easy scheduling, Calendly is good.
Key features:
- One-click scheduling links
- Seamless calendar integrations
- Customizable booking rules
- Team scheduling options
- Basic automation and reminders
Calendly's strength lies in its simplicity. For small businesses that need a straightforward solution to improve their appointment booking process, it's a good option. Its clean design and functionality mean you can have your booking page up and running in minutes.
The tool plays well with major calendar services, allowing integrations with Google or Office 365. Video conferencing? Check - with Zoom, Google Meet, and GoToMeeting in the mix. However, Calendly doesn't integrate with iCloud users.
While it may not offer the most advanced features on the market, Calendly is particularly popular among consultants, coaches, and service providers who need a reliable, easy-to-use scheduling tool. Nonetheles, Calendly's simplicity can be a limitation for some users. The customization options on lower-tier plans are limited, which might not suit businesses looking for a highly branded experience. Additionally, as teams grow, the per-user pricing model can become costly.
Pros and cons:
✅ Very user-friendly, with a quick setup takes minutes
✅ Clean, professional booking pages with customizable color schemes
✅ Ok free plan with unlimited 1:1 meetings
✅ Wide range of integrations (Google Calendar, Office 365, Zoom, etc.)
❌ Doesn’t integrate with iCloud
❌ Limited customization options on lower-tier plans (e.g., having to keep Calendly logo on free plan)
❌ Can become costly for larger teams
Pricing
Calendly pricing offers a free solution, yet limited, although you can get more features in the most advanced plans:
- Free: $0/month
- Standard: $10/user/month (billed annually), or $12/user/month (billed monthly)
- Teams: $16/user/month (billed annually) or $20/user/month (billed monthly)
- Enterprise: from $15,000
Calendly's free plan is a good booking software for small businesses, offering unlimited one-on-one meetings. However, there are some limitations, like the fact that you’ll have to keep its logo on your page. The Standard plan already adds more customization options and integrations, while the Team plan includes team scheduling and more advanced features. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a cheaper and more featured-rich option, there are great alternatives to Calendly.
3. SimplyBook.Me: Best for service-based businesses with multiple offerings
SimplyBook.Me can also be a great online booking software for small businesses that caters particularly well to service-based industries. There are some limitations, but if you run a salon, a fitness studio, or offer professional services, this platform might provide the tools you need.
Key features:
- Customizable booking website
- Multiple service types and locations
- Client management system
- Integrated POS and payment processing
- Marketing tools (coupons, gift cards, etc.)
- HIPAA compliance
- Custom intake forms
- QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Xero Integrations
SimplyBook.Me is known for its flexibility in handling various service types. From one-on-one appointments to group classes or workshops, the platform adapts to different booking needs.
Like the other tools, you can also create a booking website that really reflects your brand, complete with your logo, color scheme, and add custom features. Overall we feel that Simplybook.me has a good level of customization.
But the tool is also quite good when the topic is other addons. The problem is that, for a small business, it might become somewhat expensive. Examples? They have really nice marketing features like promotional coupons, gift cards, loyalty system, or a thing called Instagram photo sharing. That’s good indeed. But most of those perks don’t come for the first paid plan.
The same goes for the HIPAA compliance. Although US small businesses in the medical field might find it a great scheduling tool, they should take into consideration that this is something available only for higher-end pricing plans. And let’s also add that Simplybook.me isn’t the easiest to be onboarded with. It might take a while until you’re all set up and mastering your scheduling system. Additionally, the mobile app functionality is limited compared to the web version.
Pros and cons:
✅ Highly customizable booking website
✅ Built-in marketing tools (email campaigns, loyalty programs, etc.)
✅ Strong client management features (detailed client profiles, booking history)
✅ HIPAA compliant
✅ Integrates with accounting tools, which can be a great help
❌ The tool is quite complex and might take a while until you’re comfortable with it
❌ Limit of bookings on every single plan, which might feel like a tight restriction
❌ The basic plan lets you book up to 5 employees, which is an ok number for small businesses, but might not be enough
Pricing:
While SimplyBook.Me offers a free plan, it's limited to 50 bookings per month, which may not be sufficient for busier businesses.
- Free: $0/month (up to 50 bookings)
- Basic: $8.25/month (billed annually) or $9.90 (billed monthly)
- Standard: $24.90/month (billed annually) or $29.90 (billed monthly)
- Premium: $49.90/month (billed annually) or $59.90 (billed monthly)
The free plan is great for those just starting out. But your needs grow (and you won’t need to grow a lot), you’ll need the Basic plan, which offers more features and has up to 100 bookings per month. The Standard plan increases this to 500 bookings, while the Premium plan provides unlimited bookings and access to all features.
Honest opinion? Overall, we think that Simplybook.me is a great scheduling solution with lots of different features if your business is thriving. But if it's a smaller company, or if your cash flow needs some more time, consider other options.
4. Google Calendar appointment scheduler: Best for Google Workspace users
Already knee-deep in the Google ecosystem? Then the Google Calendar appointment scheduler might be right up your alley. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done. Think of it as the dependable, no-nonsense friend in your business toolkit. You won't find tons of fancy features, but if you're looking for something that just works and plays nice with your existing Google setup, this scheduler has got your back.
Key features:
- Direct integration with Google Calendar
- Customizable appointment types
- Automatic time zone detection
- Easy embedding on websites
- Video conferencing integration (Google Meet)
- Free for Google Workspace users
Google Calendar known for being one the best digital calendars out there. Google's scheduler is no different, being all about simplicity and integration. It's not the fanciest tool, perhaps, but it does the job for businesses with straightforward scheduling needs. You can create bookable slots right in your Google Calendar, and clients can reserve them without any extra software.
The real magic happens when you use other Google tools. Need a video call? It'll automatically add a Google Meet link. Worried about time zones? The scheduler handles that too. Plus, you're getting Google's security and reliability as part of the package.
But here's the rub: if you're looking for bells and whistles, you might be disappointed. The customization options are pretty basic - you can change some colors and text, but that's about it. And if you're not a Google Workspace user, well, you're out of luck entirely.
Pros and con:
✅ Seamless integration with Google Workspace
✅ Simple and intuitive interface
✅ Built-in video conferencing with Google Meet
❌ Limited customization options
❌ Fewer advanced features compared to dedicated scheduling apps
❌ Requires Google Workspace subscription
Pricing:
Google Calendar Appointment Scheduler is included in Google Workspace subscriptions only from the Business Standard plan on. The Business starter plan doesn’t have it.
- Business Starter: $6/user/month (Appointment Scheduler not included)
- Business Standard: $12/user/month
- Business Plus: $18/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
While the Appointment Scheduler is available only with the Business Standard tier and above, this might feel a stretch for some small businesses.
To be fair, this tool works pretty well if you’re a small business looking for something fast that works. It’s Google, after all, and you can get your scheduling running in a heartbeat. But will it help you drive more leads? Will it optimize your scheduling the best that you can? And are you getting the most for that type of price? If those are important questions for you, then consider other options.
5. Microsoft Bookings: Best for Microsoft 365 users
If Microsoft 365 is your bread and butter, Microsoft Bookings might be what you want. It's not trying to be the best looking tool, let' assume that. But it sure knows how to integrate seamlessly with your Outlook calendar and Teams meetings, and how to make things efficiently. Got a small team offering different services? Bookings can juggle that without much effort.
Key features:
- Integration with Outlook Calendar and Teams
- Customizable booking page
- Automated email notifications
- Staff scheduling and management
- Mobile app for on-the-go management
Microsoft Bookings is all about making life easier for Microsoft 365 users. If you live in Outlook and Teams, you'll feel right at home. The tool syncs perfectly with your existing calendar and communication setup, which can save you a ton of time and headaches.
One cool feature is its staff management capabilities. If you've got a team offering different services, Bookings can handle all the scheduling complexities. It's also got a customer-facing booking page that you can spruce up to match your brand.
But let's be real - Bookings isn't trying to compete with the feature-packed dedicated scheduling apps out there. It's more about providing a solid, no-nonsense solution for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem. If you're looking for super advanced features or you're not a Microsoft 365 user, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros and cons:
✅ Easy integration with Microsoft 365 suite
✅ Basic plan for up to 300 employees
✅ User-friendly interface for staff and customers
✅ Built-in video conferencing via Teams
✅ Staff management features
❌ Limited customization options compared to specialized tools
❌ Requires Microsoft 365 subscription
❌ Some users report occasional syncing issues with other personal calendars
Pricing:
Contrary to Google’s tools, Microsoft Bookings is included in all pad plans:
- Business Basic: $6/user/month (billed annually) or $7.20 (billed monthly)
- Business Standard: $12.50/user/month (billed annually) or $15.00 (billed monthly)
- Business Premium: $22/user/month (billed annually) or $26.40 (billed monthly)
All plans include Bookings, but for most small businesses, the Business Standard plan hits the sweet spot. You get Bookings plus desktop versions of Office apps. If you're in a field with strict security requirements, the Premium plan might be worth a look for its advanced features.
Overall, Bookings is a great option if you’re planning to run your company on Microsoft. Again, it won’t be a specialized tool for scheduling - see it more like a complement that can do the basics. If that’s what you want, then no need to look more. But even if you have a Microsoft plan and would like to improve your scheduling game, there’s other offers out there that can do this for you and integrate easily with Outlook calendar.
6. Doodle: Best for scheduling group meetings
Ever tried to schedule a meeting with multiple people? It's like herding cats. That's where Doodle comes in handy. This tool turns the nightmare of group scheduling into an easy task. On other things, it might feel short. But Doodle has one main job, which it does pretty well: finding a time when everyone can meet.
Key features:
- Poll-based scheduling
- Group event coordination
- Custom branding (on higher tiers)
Doodle is a great tool when it comes to wrangling multiple schedules. Its poll system lets you suggest several time slots, and participants can vote on what works for them. It's simple, but it gets the job done. While Doodle isn't trying to be an all-in-one scheduling powerhouse, it's got a few tricks up its sleeve. The Bookable Calendar feature for 1:1 meetings is a nice touch, making it more versatile than you might expect.
But let's be clear: if you're looking for advanced features like payment processing or deep CRM integration, Doodle isn't your tool. It's more about solving one problem really well: finding a time when everyone can meet.
On the plus side, Doodle plays nice with most calendar apps, and its time zone handling is a lifesaver for international teams. The free version is pretty generous, though you'll have to put up with ads.
Pros and cons:
✅ Easy to use (create a poll in under a minute)
✅ Efficient for group scheduling (up to 100 participants per poll)
✅ No account needed for participants to vote
❌ Limited features compared to full-service scheduling apps
❌ Basic free version includes ads and just just one 1:1
❌ Some users find the interface a bit dated
Pricing:
- Free: $0/month
- Pro: $6.95/month (billed annually) or $14.95 (billed monthly)
- Team: $8.95/user/month (billed annually) or $19.95 (billed monthly)
The free plan includes basic polling features with ads, but there’s only one 1:1 included. So, there are very few scenarios where the free version is enough. If you’re a small or a medium business, you probably need the Pro plan, which removes ads and offers custom branding and calendar integration. And the Team plan adds other admin features and user management.
7. HubSpot Meeting Scheduler: Best for bigger sales teams and CRM
Here's the deal with HubSpot's Meeting Scheduler - it's not just about booking meetings, it's about improving your sales process. If you're already looking for a CRM tool as well, their scheduler will fit into your workflow perfectly. It's got all the scheduling basics covered, though it won't be the most complete. But where Hubspot really flexes its muscles is in how it ties everything back to your customer relationships.
Key features:
- Deep integration with HubSpot CRM
- Group meeting scheduling
- Round-robin meeting assignment
- Customizable booking page
- Automated follow-up emails
- Calendar integration (Google, Office 365)
Like many others’, HubSpot's scheduler isn't just about booking meetings - it's also about improving your sales process. In this case, that means complete integration with HubSpot's CRM system, which ends with every scheduled meeting becoming a part of your customer relationship workflow.
The customizable booking page is a nice touch, letting you keep your branding consistent, and the automation features are there too. So, all in all, it’s a good scheduler tool, and no basic needs are really left out. But the biggest strength of Hubspot, as we already hinted, lies on its marketing features. You have a website builder, an AI content writer, and other things building on top of a good sales software. The scheduler is just one more.
The downside? It could be a lot to take in (and to spend), especially if you're a small business. But let’s have a look.
Pros and cons:
✅ Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM
✅ Powerful features for sales teams
✅ Customizable booking pages
✅ Automated workflows
❌ Can be more limited for businesses not using HubSpot CRM
❌ It could have syncing issues with external calendars
Pricing:
Hubspot’s pricing structure is actually a bit more complicated than others, given the amount of features you can get. But if you go for something more basic, which already includes the scheduler, then these are the options for smaller teams:
- Free tools: $0/month
- Hub Starter: $15/user/month (billed annually) or $20 (billed monthly)
- Starter Customer Platform: $15/user/month (billed annually) or $20 (billed monthly)
- Hub Professional: $90/user/month (billed annually) or $100 (billed monthly)
If you want just one meeting link, the free version is enough. Simple. But if you want just a few more, the next thing available is the Sales Hub Starter or the Starter Customer Platform, which might seem rather expensive. You get up to 1,000 links without the Hubspot branding, but you get charged at least $15 per seat every month. Not the cheapest, if you’re scaling your business.
8. Thryv: Best for business management
Thryv also tries to combine other resources way beyond scheduling. This tool juggles many things at the same time, like customer management, marketing, and payment processing. It's like the Swiss Army knife of business tools. If you're looking for a specialized scheduling tool, maybe not the best. If you want an all-in-one tool beyond appointment booking (even if basic), then Thryv might be your thing.
Key features:
- Automated reminders and follow-ups
- Payment processing and invoicing software
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Other marketing tools (email, social media)
- Customer communication hub
- HIPAA compliant
Thryv is another of these complete tools that offer lots of business management and marketing features to its customers. Similar to HubSpot, in a way. The appointment scheduling comes more as a part of a larger business management suite, and it allows clients to book appointments online 24/7, reducing phone tag and freeing up your time. It also comes with automated reminders to help cut down on no-shows, while the follow-up system can help you maintain relationships with clients after their appointments.
What sets Thryv apart is their other tools. You can process payments, send invoices, manage customer information, and even run marketing campaigns all from the same platform. If you’re a medium business, this is probably for you. If you have still less than 50 employees, you might want to reconsider, as you might not need all other benefits that Thryv can give.
Thryv's comprehensive nature might be overkill if you're only looking for a simple scheduling tool. There’s a learning curve that comes with the tool, and the pricing might be higher than standalone scheduling apps.
Pros and cons:
✅ Integrated CRM with scheduling
✅ Great marketing and communication tools
✅ Payment processing included
✅ Mobile app for on-the-go management
❌ Can be complex for those needing only basic scheduling
❌ Pricing may be higher than standalone scheduling tools
Pricing
- Basic: $0/month (up to 5 users)
- Plus: $20/month
- Professional: $30/month
It's worth noting that while the price point may be higher than some dedicated scheduling tools, Thryv offers a much broader range of features beyond just appointment booking. For medium businesses looking to consolidate multiple tools into one platform, Thryv could potentially offer good value.
9. Acuity Scheduling: Best for health and wellness businesses
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Acuity Scheduling offers a good solution for health and wellness professionals. With features like HIPAA compliance, package offerings, and gift certificates, it addresses many industry-specific needs. While it offers a wealth of features that can handle complex scheduling scenarios, this depth might be more than some businesses require.
Key features:
- HIPAA-compliant scheduling (on higher tiers)
- Intake forms and waivers
- Multiple time zone support
- Embeddable scheduling buttons
- Client self-service portal
- Packages and gift certificates
Acuity Scheduling is like the Swiss Army knife of appointment booking for health and wellness providers. Need HIPAA compliance? Check. Want to offer packages or gift certificates? No problem. Looking to let clients reschedule their own appointments? You got it.
One of Acuity's strengths is its ability to handle complex scheduling scenarios. If you've got multiple staff members offering different services at various locations, Acuity can keep it all straight. The client self-service portal is a real time-saver, letting clients manage their own appointments without you having to lift a finger. But all these features come with a trade-off. Acuity can be a bit overwhelming if you're just looking for basic scheduling. It's also pricier than some of its simpler competitors, which might be a consideration for smaller businesses.
Pros and cons:
✅ Comprehensive features for health and wellness businesses
✅ HIPAA compliance available
✅ Robust client management tools
✅ Flexible scheduling options
✅ Strong integration capabilities
❌ Can be overwhelming for businesses with simple scheduling needs
❌ Higher learning curve compared to some competitors
❌ More expensive than some basic scheduling tools
Pricing:
Acuity Scheduling offers four main tiers, and there’ no free option included, just a 7-day free trial:
- Emerging: $16/month (billed annually) or $20 (billed monthly)
- Growing: $27/month (billed annually) or $34 (billed monthly)
- Powerhouse: $49/month (billed annually) or $61 (billed monthly)
- Enterprise: custom
If you’re just starting your business, the Emerging plan will cover your basic needs. You get 1 calendar, payment processing, follow-ups and reminders, and unlimited appointments. Seems good, right? The issue with Acuity is that the minimum that you can get is already pretty expensive. Tools like Calendly or Acuity are well known, but that comes with a higher rice. Whether other tools, like Zeeg, let you have the same for way less money (or less, for no cost at all).
10. Setmore: Best for teams on a budget
If you're running a small business and watching your pennies, Setmore could be just the ticket for your scheduling needs. Its free plan, which includes appointment management for up to four staff members, offers good value for those just starting out or operating on a tight budget. While it may not have all the advanced features of some premium options, Setmore covers the essentials of scheduling with a user-friendly interface.
Key features
- Customer booking page
- Social media integration
- Staff logins and calendar management
- Basic email and SMS reminders
- Payment integration (on paid plans)
Setmore's claim to fame is its generous free plan. You get 200 appointments and calendar management for up to 4 staff members without paying a dime. True. And that's pretty hard to beat if you're just starting out or running a lean operation.
The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy for both you and your customers to navigate. You can customize your booking page to match your brand, which is a nice touch. On the paid plans, you get some extra perks like payment processing and video conferencing integration.
Also, similarly to most tools in this list, Setmore covers the essentials on integrations. You can sync with Google Calendar, Office 365, Zoom or Google Meet, and process payments through Square or Stripe. They've even thought about social media, with Facebook and Instagram integrations for booking.
However, Setmore isn't without its limitations. If you're looking for advanced features or deep customization options, you might find it lacking. The free plan, while generous, doesn't include online payments or SMS reminders. And if you need CRM integration, you'll need to use Zapier (only available on paid plans) to fill the gap.
But overall, the app is great for small businesses who need basic scheduling and don’t want to pay much for it. And all of that with a clean and easy to use interface.
Pros and cons:
✅ Free plan covers calendars for 4 users
✅ User-friendly interface
✅ Cheap plans compared to some competitors
✅ Integration with social media
❌ Limited customization options compared to some competitors
❌ Reporting and analytics might fall short
Pricing:
Setmore offers a free plan and two paid tiers, and you can ask for a full refund after 30 days. These are the plans available:
- Free: $0/month
- Premium: $5/user/month (billed annually) or 12$ (billed monthly)
- Pro: $5/user/month (billed annually) 9$ (billed monthly)
Free plan includes 200 appointments for up to 4 staff members, which seems good. But if the four people have a lot of meetings, maybe that’s not enough. If you want a paid plan, prices are still quite affordable, as long as you pay annually.
Bottom line: what’s the best scheduling tool for small businesses?
Selecting the right scheduling app can significantly improve your small business operations, saving time and enhancing customer satisfaction. But knowing what’s the right one for you will depend on a few things. Whether you prioritize GDPR compliance with Zeeg, need the simplicity of Calendly, or require the health-focused features of some other tools, there's a solution out there for every small business.
Consider your specific needs, budget, and growth plans when selecting a scheduling app. Many of these platforms offer free trials, so do try to test a few before making your final decision. If possible, go for the ones with longer trial periods, because 7 days might be short to come to any conclusions. Remember, the best scheduling software for small business is the one that integrates well with your existing workflows and helps you serve your customers more effectively.
Frequent questions about the best scheduling tools
Is Calendly the best scheduling app?
Calendly is popular, but it's not necessarily the best for every small business. Its simplicity works well for basic scheduling needs, but some companies require more advanced features. The ideal app depends on your specific requirements, team size, and integration needs. Consider alternatives like Zeeg, Acuity, or SimplyBook.Me for comparison.
Does Google have a scheduling tool?
Yes, Google offers the Google Calendar Appointment Scheduler. It's integrated with Google Workspace and allows users to create bookable appointment slots in their Google Calendar. This free scheduling app for small business users of Google Workspace includes features like automatic time zone detection and website embedding for easy online booking.
What is the most commonly used scheduling system?
Calendly is widely considered the most common scheduling system due to its user-friendly interface. However, Google Calendar is also extremely popular, especially among Google Workspace users. The choice often depends on business size and industry. Other frequently used systems include Acuity Scheduling, Zeeg, and Microsoft Bookings for online appointment scheduling.
What is comparable to Calendly?
Several online booking software options are comparable to Calendly. If you want full GDPR compliance and security, Zeeg offers a great solution, ideal for European businesses or those prioritizing data privacy. Not to mention that it covers iCloud integration, unlike Calendly. Acuity Scheduling, on the other hand, is great for health and wellness sectors, while SimplyBook.me works well for service-based companies like salons or auto shops.
Sources - all pricing information was verified on October 15, 2024, directly from the official websites of each tool. Please note that prices and plans may change over time, so it's advisable to check the most current information before making a decision:
- Calendly pricing page
- SimplyBook.Me pricing page
- Google Workspace pricing
- Microsoft Bookings pricing
- Doodle pricing page
- HubSpot Meeting Scheduler pricing
- Thryv pricing page
- Acuity Scheduling pricing page
- Setmore pricing page
