Acuity Scheduling vs SimplyBook.me 2026
Acuity Scheduling offers more advanced automation, custom branding, and integrations at a higher price point, while SimplyBook.me provides a simpler, more affordable solution with strong core scheduling features suitable for small businesses and solopreneurs.
Acuity Scheduling
Premium online scheduling and appointment software by Squarespace with advanced automation and integrations.
Growing service-based businesses, agencies, and professionals requiring advanced automation, custom branding, and API integrations for seamless workflow management.
SimplyBook.me
Budget-friendly appointment scheduling platform with essential features for small businesses and solopreneurs.
Solopreneurs, small salons, fitness trainers, consultants, and small service businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling solution without complex automation needs.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryAcuity Scheduling offers more advanced automation, custom branding, and integrations at a higher price point, while SimplyBook.me provides a simpler, more affordable solution with strong core scheduling features suitable for small businesses and solopreneurs.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Acuity Scheduling if you need advanced automation, custom branding without third-party URLs, API integrations, and are willing to invest in a premium scheduling platform for growing businesses. Choose SimplyBook.me if you're a solopreneur or small business seeking an affordable, straightforward scheduling solution with solid core features and want to minimize software costs.
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Choose Acuity Scheduling if
Growing service-based businesses, agencies, and professionals requiring advanced automation, custom branding, and API integrations for seamless workflow management.
Choose SimplyBook.me if
Best pickSolopreneurs, small salons, fitness trainers, consultants, and small service businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling solution without complex automation needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Starting Price (Monthly):✓ SimplyBook.me wins($6/month vs $15/month)
- Payment Processing Fees:2.9% + $0.30 per transaction vs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Custom Domain Hosting:✓ Acuity Scheduling wins(Included on all plans vs Paid add-on ($20/month))
Key Facts & Figures
23 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Acuity Scheduling | SimplyBook.me | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time to Launch(minutes) | 15-30 minutes | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Cost(USD) | $16 | $0/month (free tier) | |
| No-Show Reduction (Typical)(%) | ~25% (via reminders) | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price (USD)(USD) | $16 | — | — |
| Available Integrations(count) | 500+ (via Zapier + native) | — | — |
| Setup Time to First Booking (minutes)(minutes) | 30-60 minutes | — | — |
| Third-Party Integrations(integrations) | 500+ via Zapier | 50+ | |
| Mobile App Platforms(count) | iOS and Android | 2 (iOS, Android) | |
| Starter Plan Price(USD/month) | $15 (Standard) | — | — |
| Setup Time to First Booking(minutes) | 15-25 minutes | — | — |
| Zapier Integration Count(integrations) | 150+ apps | — | — |
| Mid-Tier Plan Price(USD) | $55 | — | — |
| Available API Integrations(count) | 500+ | — | — |
| Average Setup Time(days) | 1-2 days | — | — |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 14 days | — | — |
| Payment Processing Fee(%) | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | |
| Native Integrations(count) | 150+ | 80+ | |
| Supported Languages(count) | 8 | 18 | |
| Notification Channels(integrations) | 4 (SMS, email, WhatsApp, push) | 3 (SMS, email, WhatsApp) | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD/month) | $15 | $6 | |
| Maximum Monthly Price (Premium Tier)(USD) | $99 | $75 | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | 14 days | |
| No-Show Reduction Rate (with reminders)(percent) | 40% | 40% |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $15/monthStarting Price (Monthly)$6/month(winner)
- 2.9% + $0.30 per transactionPayment Processing Fees2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Included on all plans(winner)Custom Domain HostingPaid add-on ($20/month)
- Available on paid plans(winner)API AccessNot available
- Built-in campaigns included(winner)Email Marketing IntegrationBasic email reminders only
- Unlimited on all plansMaximum Team MembersUnlimited on all plans
- iOS and Android native appsMobile App AvailabilityiOS and Android native apps
- Starting Price (Monthly)
Acuity Scheduling
$15/month
SimplyBook.me
$6/month(winner)
- Payment Processing Fees
Acuity Scheduling
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
SimplyBook.me
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Custom Domain Hosting
Acuity Scheduling
Included on all plans(winner)
SimplyBook.me
Paid add-on ($20/month)
- API Access
Acuity Scheduling
Available on paid plans(winner)
SimplyBook.me
Not available
- Email Marketing Integration
Acuity Scheduling
Built-in campaigns included(winner)
SimplyBook.me
Basic email reminders only
- Maximum Team Members
Acuity Scheduling
Unlimited on all plans
SimplyBook.me
Unlimited on all plans
- Mobile App Availability
Acuity Scheduling
iOS and Android native apps
SimplyBook.me
iOS and Android native apps
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Acuity Scheduling | SimplyBook.me |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fees Per Payment(percentage + fixed) | 2.2% (Stripe external) | — |
| Starting Monthly Cost(USD) | $16 | $0/month (free tier)(winner) |
| Transaction Fee (Online Payments)(%) | None (3rd party) | — |
| Starting Monthly Price (USD)(USD) | $16 | — |
| Free Tier Availability(text) | No (14-day free trial only) | — |
Show 8 more attributesStarter Plan Price(USD/month) $15 (Standard) — Payment Processing Fee (if applicable)(percent + USD) 2.2% + $0.30 (native Acuity processing) — Mid-Tier Plan Price(USD) $55 — Payment Processing Fee(%) 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction Free Plan Available Perpetual (1 service) 30-day trial only Starting Monthly Price(USD/month) $15 $6 Maximum Monthly Price (Premium Tier)(USD) $99 $75 Payment Processing Fee (Per Transaction)(percent + fixed) 2.2% + $0.50 — | ||
| Setup Time to Launch(minutes) | 15-30 minutes | — |
| Setup Time to First Booking(minutes) | 15-25 minutes | — |
| Native Mobile App Available(platforms) | Web-based only | — |
| Maximum Staff Accounts(users) | Unlimited | — |
| Maximum Appointment Capacity (Pro Plan)(monthly) | Unlimited | — |
| Multi-Location Support(locations) | Yes (via platform) | — |
| Maximum Clients(unlimited) | Unlimited | — |
| Waitlist & Cancellation Policy Support(yes/no) | Yes | — |
| Inventory Management | No | — |
| Maximum Calendars (Scheduling Types)(count) | Unlimited | — |
Show 18 more attributesCustom Form Fields(count) Unlimited — Email Automation Capabilities(level) Advanced (25+ templates, conditional logic, delays) — Built-in POS System No (integration required) — Native Inventory Management No — Client Booking Page Customization Advanced CSS/HTML editing — Intake Form Conditional Logic Yes (all plans) — API Access Availability Yes (Professional tier, $59/month) — Email Marketing Tools Included(boolean) No — Sales Pipeline Management Basic (not primary focus) — Appointment Booking Customization(level) Highly specialized (primary function) — Form Customization Level Advanced (conditional logic, branching) Basic (static forms) Mobile App iOS and Android iOS and Android Custom Domain Included Yes, on all plans No, $20/month add-on Mobile Apps Available iOS and Android native apps iOS and Android native apps Included Staff Members (Basic Plan)(count) Unlimited — Built-in CRM Capability(scope) Basic (contacts only) — Loyalty Program / Retail Management(included) No (requires add-on) — No-Show Reduction Rate (with reminders)(percent) 40% — | ||
| No-Show Reduction (Typical)(%) | ~25% (via reminders) | — |
| Native Payment Processing | Yes (Stripe, PayPal, Square) | — |
| Available Integrations(count) | 500+ (via Zapier + native) | — |
| Native Integrations(count) | 150+(winner) | 80+ |
| Setup Time to First Booking (minutes)(minutes) | 30-60 minutes | — |
| Average Setup Time(days) | 1-2 days | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | 14 days(winner) |
| White-Label/Rebranding Options(level) | Full (complete removal of branding) | — |
| Payment Processing Fees(%) | 2.9% + $0.30 | — |
| Third-Party Integrations(integrations) | 500+ via Zapier(winner) | 50+ |
| Zapier Integration Count(integrations) | 150+ apps | — |
| Mobile App Platforms(count) | iOS and Android | 2 (iOS, Android) |
| Automated Marketing Tools | Basic (via integrations) | — |
| Built-in Email Marketing | Full campaign builder included | Reminders only |
| Available API Integrations(count) | 500+ | — |
| API Access | Available on paid plans | Not available |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 14 days | — |
| Free Trial/Freemium Period(days) | Unlimited freemium | — |
| Supported Languages(count) | 8 | 18(winner) |
| Notification Channels(integrations) | 4 (SMS, email, WhatsApp, push)(winner) | 3 (SMS, email, WhatsApp) |
| Custom Domain Support(available) | Yes (all plans) | — |
| Mobile App Staff Features(scope) | Booking view only | — |
Show 8 more attributes
Show 18 more attributes
Pros & Cons
14 pros·6 cons across both
Acuity Scheduling
Pros
- Advanced workflow automation with conditional logic and smart scheduling rules
- Custom domain hosting included on all plans with no subdomain branding
- Native API access for custom integrations and development
- Built-in email marketing and SMS campaigns for client engagement
- Unlimited staff members across all pricing tiers
- Advanced reporting and business intelligence dashboard
- Group bookings and packages support
Cons
- Higher starting price at $15/month compared to competitors
- Steeper learning curve for complex automation features
- Limited free trial compared to SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me
Pros
- Most affordable option starting at $6/month with full features
- 14-day free trial with no credit card required
- Simple, intuitive interface requiring minimal training
- Strong customer support with live chat availability
- Customizable booking page with color and branding options
- Automated email and SMS reminders included
- Multi-location support on all plans
Cons
- Custom domain hosting requires paid $20/month add-on (Acuity includes it)
- No API access limits custom integrations and development
- Limited email marketing capabilities compared to Acuity
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
SimplyBook.me is significantly cheaper, starting at $6/month compared to Acuity's $15/month. However, if you need a custom domain, SimplyBook.me charges an additional $20/month, bringing the total to $26/month—more expensive than Acuity. For pure scheduling without custom domain needs, SimplyBook.me is the most affordable option.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
- W
Acuity Scheduling on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Premium online scheduling and appointment software by Squarespace with advanced automation and integrations.
- W
SimplyBook.me on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Budget-friendly appointment scheduling platform with essential features for small businesses and solopreneurs.
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