Looking to let clients book appointments through your WordPress website? Trust me, finding the right booking solution can transform how you handle appointments and manage your schedule. While WordPress booking plugins are a popular choice (and we'll look at the top 10 to help you decide), they're not always the perfect fit for everyone.
In fact, we'll also explain why WordPress plugins sometimes come with downsides, and show you how Zeeg offers a plugin-free alternative that you can easily embed on your WordPress site. After all, why deal with plugin hassles when you can get advanced scheduling features without them? But ok, enough about that for now - we’re here to show you the best booking plugins for Wordpress.
Should I use a WordPress booking plugin? Pros and Cons
Let's be honest - WordPress booking plugins might seem like the obvious choice for adding scheduling to your site, but there's more to consider than meets the eye. Sure, plugins have their advantages: they integrate directly with your WordPress dashboard, keeping everything in one place, and yes, they usually let your visitors book meetings without much fuss. Plus, you'll typically get some nice built-in features like calendar views and basic booking forms. That’s great.
But here's the thing - plugins often come with their fair share of headaches. They can slow down your website, need constant updates (and we all know how annoying those can be), and sometimes they just don't play nice with other plugins or your theme. Not to mention they might lack some pretty important features like automated workflows, proper timezone handling, or team scheduling. That's exactly why many people and businesses prefer to embed dedicated scheduling solutions like Zeeg instead. Think about it - all the powerful scheduling features you need without compromising your site's performance or dealing with plugin compatibility issues. (if you stick around until the end of the article, we'll show you why this could be exactly what you're looking for).
How to choose a WordPress booking plugin
Alright, let's get down to business and talk about choosing the right Wordpress booking plugin. Here's the deal - this is not just about finding a calendar with a contact form slapped onto it; your choice needs to actually match your booking needs. I mean, think about it - a photography studio will need very different features than a consulting firm or a spa, right? So, before diving into specific tools, let's just look at some critical things you check first before deciding:
Pricing - If you want to make sure your needs are met, you might have to pay, so make sure to shop around and compare before choosing a plugin - for example, some paid plans will only allow you to use the plugin on one domain, which could be a deal breaker for people managing more websites.
Recent updates - When was the last time the plugin was updated? Regular updates mean active development and security patches. If it hasn't been updated in years or even months, that can be a red flag.
User base - Check how many active installations the plugin has. You can find this in the WordPress plugin directory. A larger user base usually means better stability and support.
Reviews and ratings - Take time to read recent reviews. Pay special attention to how the developers respond to issues and what common problems users face.
Performance impact - This is huge. Test the plugin on a staging site first to see if it slows down your website. Some plugins can really drag down your load times, especially if they're poorly coded.
Once you've cleared these basic checks, here are the key features to consider:
- Ease of use for both you and your clients
- How many domains you can use it on
- Mobile responsiveness
- Payment processing options
- Multiple staff or service scheduling
- Calendar syncing capabilities
- Email notifications and reminders
- Customization options
- Customer self-service features
- Backend management tools
- Support and documentation quality
And remember - simpler isn't always better. Sure, a basic plugin might do the trick if you're just handling occasional appointments. But if you're dealing with multiple staff members, various service types, or need features like automated reminders and payment processing? Well, that's when you might want to consider more robust solutions.
Tip: If you're torn between a few options, try the free versions first (if available) or take advantage of money-back guarantee periods. This way, you can test how the plugin performs on your specific setup before committing.
The best Wordpress booking plugins: Overview
The 10 best Wordpress booking plugins in detail
1. Amelia - Best overall WordPress booking plugin
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Looking for a complete booking solution for your WordPress site? Amelia stands out as the most polished WordPress appointment booking plugin, especially when it comes to user experience and features. What makes it special? Well, it handles everything from simple appointment scheduling to complex booking scenarios without breaking a sweat.
Key features
- Multi-location management with timezone handling
- Native video integration (Zoom, Google Meet) on some paid plans
- WhatsApp and SMS notifications
- Service packages with category organization
- Event waiting lists for popular bookings
- Employee photo galleries and profiles
- Built-in payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, WooCommerce)
What sets Amelia apart is how it handles both simple and complex booking needs. The interface stays clean and easy to use, even with all its features. Small businesses appreciate the straightforward setup, while larger teams can use its multi-location tools and staff management options.
For businesses like salons, clinics, or consulting firms, Amelia checks all the boxes - you get both WhatsApp and SMS notifications to reduce no-shows, employee profiles with photos to build trust, and waiting lists for popular services. Plus, it handles video meetings through Zoom or Google Meet without needing extra plugins, which is perfect for consultants or teachers.
Pros and cons
✅ Clean, modern interface that's easy to use
✅ Handles complex booking scenarios
✅ Good for teams with multiple staff members
✅ Built-in payment processing
✅ Automated notifications and reminders
✅ Free version includes unlimited appointments and employees
✅ Detailed employee management with individual schedules
✅ WhatsApp integration for notifications (rare in booking plugins)
❌ Cart and package features only available in Pro/Elite plans
❌ No Google or Outlook Calendar sync in Starter plan
❌ No Zoom integration on Starter plan
❌ Resource management requires Pro plan or higher
❌ Limited customization options in Starter version
❌ Premium features can get pricey for small businesses
Pricing
Free: Basic scheduling features
Starter: $49/year
Standard: from $69/year
Pro: from $99/year (Most Popular)
Elite: from $269/year
The free plan works for basic scheduling needs, but most businesses choose at least the Starter plan at $49/year for its unlimited appointments and employee features. Standard ($69/year) makes sense when you need payment processing and calendar syncing. The Pro plan ($99/year) is popular for a reason - it hits the sweet spot with features like service packages and WhatsApp integration without breaking the bank. Elite ($269/year) is typically more than most businesses need, unless you're looking for API access or managing multiple domains.
2. Simply Schedule Appointments - Best for simple booking needs
When you need a WordPress appointment plugin that doesn't overcomplicate things, Simply Schedule Appointments fits the bill. It focuses on making appointment scheduling clear and simple - both for you and your clients.
Key features
- 1-click WordPress integration
- Popular page builder compatibility (Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder)
- Time-triggered notifications
- Google Meet and Zoom scheduling
- Multiple bookings in single time slots
- Mailchimp integration for marketing
- Group events and classes booking
What makes Simply Schedule Appointments different is its focus on simplicity. The free version includes features like unlimited appointment types and blackout dates, which helps if you're just starting out. However, you'll quickly notice some limitations - no payment processing or calendar syncing unless you upgrade.
For freelancers, consultants, and small teams, this WordPress scheduling plugin works well if you need basic booking features. The setup process is quick, though the interface might feel too simple for users who need detailed customization. While it integrates with popular page builders, which helps with form placement, some users report that styling options are limited even in paid versions. The clean booking process makes sense for clients, but businesses needing features like recurring appointments or complex scheduling rules might find it too basic.
Pros and cons
✅ Free version includes core scheduling features
✅ Quick setup with helpful wizard
✅ Works with major page builders
✅ Clean, minimal interface
✅ Unlimited appointment types in free version
✅ Good documentation and support
❌ Payment processing requires Professional plan
❌ Some integrations only in higher tiers
❌ Limited customization in basic version
❌ Group bookings need Plus plan or higher
Pricing
Basic: Free
Plus: from $99/year
Professional: from $199/year
Business: from $399/year
The free Basic plan works well for simple scheduling needs, covering unlimited appointments and basic customization. The Plus plan ($99/year) adds essential features like Google Calendar sync and online meetings. Professional ($199/year) brings in payment processing and more integrations, while Business ($399/year) unlocks everything, including team scheduling and resource management. Most small businesses find the Plus or Professional plans hit the right balance of features and cost.
3. WooCommerce Bookings - Best for online stores
If you already use WooCommerce for your online store, their booking plugin integrates directly with your existing setup. It's a native WooCommerce extension, which means you can handle appointments and bookings just like you manage products.
Key features
- Multiple booking types (appointments, rentals, classes)
- Resource management to prevent double-booking
- Timezone-based availability display
- Custom pricing rules for groups and special dates
- Google Calendar sync (60-second updates)
- Automated booking reminders
- Buffer times between appointments
The integration with WooCommerce is both a strength and a limitation. While it works seamlessly with your store's existing payment system and order management, you'll need WooCommerce running to use it. The plugin handles different booking scenarios well - from simple appointments to complex resource management - but some users find the setup process takes longer than standalone booking plugins.
For online stores offering services or rentals alongside products, this plugin makes sense. You can manage everything in one place, and customers can book appointments using the same checkout process they use for products. However, if you're just looking for appointment booking without e-commerce, you might find the WooCommerce requirement unnecessary.
Pros and cons
✅ Perfect integration with WooCommerce
✅ Handles both simple and complex booking rules
✅ Uses familiar WooCommerce interface
✅ Good for products and services together
❌ Higher price point than standalone plugins
❌ Focused on e-commerce, is just a small part of the WooCommerce ecosystem
❌ Requires some WooCommerce knowledge
Pricing
$249/year for a single site Includes updates and support.
4. Bookly - Best for customization
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Bookly comes in both free and pro versions, with customizable booking forms that you can tweak without coding, so as a plugin it’s certainly an attractive option.
Key features
- Unlimited staff and service categories
- Custom form fields and steps
- Integration with multiple payment gateways
- Built-in analytics and reporting
- Google Calendar and Zoom integration
- WPML support for multilingual sites
- WhatsApp and SMS notifications
- Zapier connectivity
- One-time-payment pricing model
The free version of Bookly works well for basic scheduling, but you'll notice some functionality gaps. While you get unlimited appointments and customizable forms, features like payment processing, Google Calendar sync, and WhatsApp notifications require the pro version. What's interesting is their pricing model - instead of yearly subscriptions, they use a one-time payment approach.
For businesses like salons, medical practices, or education centers, Bookly offers specific features for each sector. The booking forms adapt well to different needs - you can add custom fields, change steps, and modify how customers select services. However, some users mention that setting up these customizations takes time to learn, and the interface isn't as modern as newer plugins. Not to mention that some basic stuff for scheduling will require some payment upfront, because of their model of paying per add-on.
Pros and cons
✅ Has a free version
✅ One-time payment for pro version
✅ Unlimited services and staff
✅ Good form customization options
✅ Built-in translation support
❌ Steeper learning curve
❌ Extra features split into add-ons and extra plugins
❌ Interface could use updating
❌ Some basic features need pro version
❌ Limited support period (6 months)
Pricing
Free: Basic booking features
Pro: $89 one-time payment with 6 months support
Add-ons: Various prices for extra features
While the one-time payment might seem attractive compared to yearly subscriptions, remember that you only get 6 months of support. The free version works for basic needs, but most businesses end up needing the pro version for essential features like payment processing and calendar syncing. And the add-on system means you might need to spend more for specific features that you want, and has the the inconvenience of needing more plugins for more features: for example, if you need to connect to Google Calendar, that means on more add-on to buy, and one more plug-in.
5. BirchPress Scheduler - Best for Apple Calendar users
BirchPress focuses on making appointment scheduling work well for service-based businesses. While it doesn't offer a free version, its paid options include features that service providers often need. And it’s mostly designed for Apple Calendar users.
Key features
- Color-coded staff calendars
- iCal feed for external calendar sync
- Custom booking forms per service
- PayPal integration
- Automated notifications
- Multiple staff management
- Holiday blocking
- Minimum booking notice settings
Setting up BirchPress as your WordPress appointment plugin takes some work, but there's a reason many service businesses stick with it. Each staff member gets their own calendar that syncs across your scheduling system, though only through Apple Calendar - no direct Google Calendar connection here.
It’s also worth noting that you'll run into other limitations unless you're on higher-tier plans. Want your clients to reschedule their own appointments? That's a Business plan feature. Need WooCommerce integration for your WordPress booking system? You're looking at the Business+ plan. While the calendar color-coding and holiday blocking work well, some businesses find themselves paying for features that come standard in other WordPress scheduling plugins. Think carefully about what features you actually need before committing.
Pros and cons
✅ Built specifically for service businesses
✅ Good staff management features
✅ Color-coded scheduling
✅ Detailed booking forms
✅ Holiday and buffer time settings
❌ Direct calendar integration with Apple Calendar only
❌ Higher pricing compared to competitors
❌ Limited payment gateway options
❌ Some common features need highest tier
❌ No free version available
Pricing
Personal: $99/year Business: $199/year Business+: $249/year
The Personal plan ($99/year) includes basic features like email notifications and holiday blocking. Most businesses need at least the Business plan ($199/year) for features like customer self-scheduling and PayPal integration. The Business+ plan ($249/year) adds WooCommerce support and access control, but the price might be steep for smaller businesses.
6. Booking Calendar - Best for simple scheduling
One of the oldest WordPress booking plugins still around, Booking Calendar has handled reservations since 2009. This longtime player in the WordPress booking scene focuses mainly on a WP booking calendar-based scheduling - think property rentals, equipment loans, or any service where dates matter more than specific times.
Key features
- Advanced availability calendar
- Season-based pricing options
- Multiple payment gateway support
- Independent booking forms
- Multi-language capability
- Search availability tool
- Advanced costs and rates
- Resource-specific settings
One thing to note about this WordPress scheduling plugin: it takes a different approach to bookings. Instead of focusing on hourly appointments, it emphasizes day-based reservations. The calendar view shows availability clearly with color coding, and visitors can easily check multiple dates. Though the interface might look dated compared to newer options, it handles complex booking rules surprisingly well.
The setup process feels straightforward for basic needs, but things get more complex when you start dealing with seasonal rates or multiple resources. Payment processing comes with Business versions and up, which might push some users toward other WordPress appointment booking plugins for simpler needs.
Pros and cons
✅ Simple and reliable
✅ Long track record of updates
✅ Easy to set up
✅ Strong focus on date-based bookings
✅ Good for multiple properties
✅ Proven track record
✅ Regular updates
❌ Dated interface design
❌ Limited time-slot options
❌ Basic features split across versions
❌ Complex pricing structure
❌ Learning curve for advanced features
Pricing
Free: Basic scheduling features
Personal: from $23.95/year
Business Small: from $44.95/year
Business Medium: from $74.95/year
Business Large: from $104.95/year
MultiUser: from $194.95/year
Understanding Booking Calendar's pricing takes some effort, as features are split across versions in specific ways. The free version works for basic scheduling, but lacks customization options. The Personal plan, on the other hand, adds some form customization and basic settings, while Business Small introduces payment processing and more booking options.
If you want more power, that comes with Business Medium, which unlocks seasonal pricing - crucial for properties with varying rates throughout the year. You'll also get early booking discounts, multiple custom forms, and advanced availability settings. Business Large adds capacity management and multiple bookings for the same dates, making it suitable for properties with multiple units.
Lastly, the MultiUser version has separate admin panels for different users and independent configuration of things like forms or payment gateways. Each tier also adds specific features like deposit handling, multiple time slots per day, and conditional season filters - so check the feature list carefully before choosing.
7. Easy Appointments - Best for multiple locations
Easy Appointments keeps things uncomplicated with a free WordPress booking plugin that covers the essentials. While it might not have all the bells and whistles, it does the job for simple scheduling needs.
Key features
- Two-way Google Calendar sync
- WooCommerce integration
- Twilio SMS notifications
- PayPal payments
- iCalendar attachments
- Multiple locations support
- Custom email templates
- Basic reporting tools
This plugin is also interesting. The free version actually works pretty well on its own, even though it’s quite simple - but has features like location management and custom notifications, which you'd usually pay for.
That said, Easy Appointments isn't trying to compete with the more complex booking solutions out there. The interface feels a bit basic, and you'll notice some limitations in the customization department. But if you just need a straightforward way to let clients book appointments on your WordPress site, it might be what you want.
Pros and cons
✅ Actually useful free version
✅ Simple setup process
✅ Extension-based system
✅ Good location handling
✅ Basic features included free
❌ Basic interface design
❌ Limited customization options
❌ Limited calendar integrations
❌ Extensions add up in cost
❌ Documentation could be better
Pricing
Free: Core plugin with basic features
Support access: $9.99 (one-time)
Starter Extension: $39/year
Pro Extension: $59/two years
The pricing structure here is interesting: you can use the free plugin indefinitely, as it's more capable than you might actually expect, and if you need support, there's a one-time $9.99 fee for forum access.
The Starter Extension lets you add important integrations like Google Calendar sync and WooCommerce. Pro, on the other hand, gives you longer update access and an hour of support.
8. StartBooking - Best for growing businesses
StartBooking positions itself as a WordPress scheduler with three tiers based on team size. Unlike most WordPress booking plugins that offer free versions, this one starts at $79/year with no free option.
Key features
- Classes and group events booking
- Customer self-service portal
- Two-way Google Calendar sync
- Staff availability management
- Custom booking windows
- Zoom integration built-in
- Stripe payments
- Booking reminders and confirmations
Instead of modular features, StartBooking bundles capabilities based on business size. Basic users get core features but miss team tools, while Business adds multi-staff functions. The interface keeps things organized, though setting up complex schedules requires time to learn the system.
Some businesses might find the customer portal useful - it lets clients manage their own appointments. However, common integrations like Zapier and Mailchimp require the most expensive plan, which might not work for smaller budgets. The pricing structure means you can't just pay for specific features you need; you have to upgrade to higher tiers even if you only want one additional tool.
Pros and cons
✅ Organized interface
✅ Client self-management tools
✅ Consistent feature updates
✅ Clear pricing tiers
✅ Built-in payment processing
❌ No free version
❌ Higher entry price point
❌ Limited feature selection in Basic
❌ Common integrations locked to Pro
❌ Must upgrade for single features
Pricing
Basic: $79/year (1 staff member)
Business: $149/year (5 staff members)
Pro: $299/year (10+ staff members)
The Basic plan handles individual scheduling needs but won't let you add team members or create service packages. Business will open up team features and package bookings, though you're limited to 5 staff members. And if you want to pay roughly twice as much, the Pro tier jumps to $299/year - a significant increase that adds Zapier, Mailchimp, and other integrations, plus support for larger teams. It’s worth noting that you can't cherry-pick features between tiers - if you want just one Pro feature, you'll need to upgrade fully regardless of your team size.
9. Booknetic - Best modular plugin for specific scheduling needs
Booknetic takes an à la carte approach to WordPress appointment booking. The base plugin costs $49 as a one-time payment, with additional features available as separate add-ons.
Key features
- Unlimited appointments and locations
- Multi-level service categories
- Basic email notifications
- Visual calendar interface
- Google reCAPTCHA integration
- Break and holiday settings
- Responsive booking forms
- Basic reporting dashboard
This WordPress booking plugin works differently from subscription-based options. The core version includes basic scheduling features, while specific tools like payment gateways or custom forms come as individual purchases. This structure means you only pay for what you need, though costs can add up if you need multiple add-ons.
Users get a decent set of features in the base version - unlimited appointments, staff management, and basic notifications. However, common features like Google Calendar sync ($29), WhatsApp notifications ($19), or WooCommerce integration ($29) require additional purchases. The interface handles both simple and complex bookings, but expect some time learning how different add-ons work together.
Pros and cons
✅ One-time payment for core plugin
✅ Pay only for needed features
✅ Decent free feature set
✅ Regular feature updates
✅ Lifetime updates included
❌ Add-ons increase total cost
❌ Basic features need add-ons
❌ Learning curve with multiple add-ons
❌ Some integrations cost extra
❌ Limited support period (6 months)
Pricing
Core Plugin: $49 (one-time) Add-ons range from $19 to $49 each:
- Payment gateways: $19 each
- Calendar syncing: $29
- Custom forms: $39
- Advanced features: $29-49
The pricing model needs careful consideration. While $49 gets you started, common needs like payment processing ($19 per gateway) or calendar sync ($29) add to the cost. Larger businesses, especially, might find the individual add-on pricing expensive compared to all-in-one solutions. However, smaller operations that only need very specific things might save money with this pick-and-choose approach.
10. WP Simple Booking Calendar - Best for rental properties
WP Simple Booking Calendar focuses on displaying availability calendars on WordPress sites. It just sticks to showing when something is available or not - useful for rental properties or equipment.
Key features
- Availability calendar
- Multiple calendar support
- iCal sync
- Simple interface
- Language options
- Season management
- Basic customization
- Export options
This WordPress booking calendar is quite minimalistic. Instead of handling payments or complex booking rules, it simply shows what dates are available. The system works with external booking sites through iCalendar sync, which helps if you list properties on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
The interface keeps things straightforward - you mark dates as available or unavailable, and visitors see a color-coded calendar. While this simplicity works for basic needs, businesses wanting features like online payments or automated booking confirmation will need to look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
✅ Simple availability display
✅ Easy iCalendar sync
✅ Bulk date management
✅ Multiple calendar support
✅ Clear pricing structure
❌ No payment processing
❌ Limited booking features
❌ Basic customization options
❌ No automated notifications
Pricing
Personal: $39/year (1 website)
Business: $69/year (5 websites)
Developer: $139/year (unlimited websites)
The pricing follows a site-based structure. Each plan includes the same features - the only difference is the number of websites you can use it on. While the Personal plan works for single properties, those managing multiple rentals might need the Business or Developer options. A 14-day refund policy lets you test if this basic approach meets your needs.
Meet Zeeg, a better alternative to WordPress booking plugins
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After reviewing these WordPress booking plugins, it's clear they all have their strengths - but also share common limitations. That's where Zeeg comes in as a plugin-free alternative that you can embed directly on your WordPress site.
Avoid Plugin Headaches
Unlike WordPress plugins, Zeeg won't slow down your site or conflict with other plugins. No updates to manage, no compatibility issues to worry about. Just embed your scheduling page and you're ready to go.
Get your booking page right away
The process to embed your calendar on your website is very simple, and you have different options to use it however you want - you can do it as a full calendar view, as a popup button, or as text link. Once you've created your account on Zeeg, just follow the steps:
- Click on the Scheduling Pages on the left menu, and press "Share" on the calendar you want to embed
- A popup window with several options will open: just make sure to choose the one you'd like to use
Advanced scheduling features
- Self-service booking portal
- Automated workflows with custom automated reminders that reduce no-shows
- Custom booking rules and buffer times
- Team calendar management
- Recurring appointments
- Multiple time zones handled automatically
- Resource allocation to prevent double-booking
- Round-robin scheduling for fair distribution
- Powerful integrations with online calendars (Google, Outlook, Apple), Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Meet, Teams) and payment processing apps (Stripe, PayPal)
- Automated reminders and follow-ups
- Custom forms and intake questions
Built for Security
While plugins store data on your WordPress site, Zeeg keeps everything secure and has end-to-end encryption. It’s safe for people and businesses worldwide - and it’s also GDPR compliant, in case you care about data privacy to the fullest.
Sources: all info was last checked on Nov 20, 2024, and is subject to change:
- Amelia Pricing Page
- Simply Schedule Appointments Pricing Page
- WooCommerce Bookings Pricing Page
- Bookly Pricing Page
- BirchPress Pricing Page
- Booking Calendar Pricing Page
- Easy Appointments Homepage
- StartBooking Pricing Page
- Booknetic Pricing Page
- WP Simple Booking Calendar Pricing Page
