- SimplyBook.me alternatives side by side
- Ten booking tools to compare with SimplyBook.me
- A built-in option to check first
- Reminders, marketing and consent
- What to compare between SimplyBook.me alternatives
- Setting up online booking that clients use
- Which SimplyBook.me alternative suits which business
- Why a smaller booking tool can be the right choice
- My plain advice on replacing SimplyBook.me
- Frequently asked questions
A good SimplyBook.me alternative lets clients book appointments online, sends reminders, takes payments if you need them and keeps client details organised. Check staff scheduling, reminders by text and email, payments, booking website options and industry features. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers setting up bookings well.
SimplyBook.me describes itself on its own site as an online booking system with a booking website or widget for your own site, letting clients schedule appointments, get reminders and pay online around the clock, with a free version and features for many industries. It's popular with salons, clinics, studios and tutors.
These are ten SimplyBook.me alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from simple scheduling tools to salon software. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. For a wider look at booking sites, see my guide to booking websites for small businesses.
SimplyBook.me alternatives side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free plan you can keep. Trial only means a free trial with no ongoing free tier. No means the site states neither. Free plans usually limit staff, bookings or features.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointy | Booking software | Appointments with a free plan | Yes |
| GlossGenius | Beauty business platform | Booking and client management for beauty | Trial only |
| Koalendar | Scheduling tool | Simple booking pages | Yes |
| Mangomint | Salon and spa software | Running a busy salon or spa | Trial only |
| Picktime | Booking software | Appointments, classes and staff | Yes |
| Salonized | Salon software | Booking for stylists and small teams | Trial only |
| Setmore | Appointment scheduler | Appointments, reminders and payments | Yes |
| Square Appointments | Appointment software | Bookings tied to card payments | Yes |
| TidyCal | Scheduling tool | Simple booking with payments | Yes |
| YouCanBookMe | Scheduling tool | Customisable booking pages | Yes |
Ten booking tools to compare with SimplyBook.me
Appointy
Best for: Service businesses who want online appointments with a free starting tier.
GlossGenius
Best for: Beauty and wellness professionals who want booking and client tools in one app.
Koalendar
Best for: Solo professionals who want a clean booking page with calendar sync.
Mangomint
Best for: Salons and spas who want booking, client records and front desk tools.
Picktime
Best for: Small businesses who want appointments and classes with a free plan.
Salonized
Best for: Hair and beauty salons who want booking and reminders for their team.
Setmore
Best for: Service businesses who want reminders and payments with a free plan.
Square Appointments
Best for: Businesses already taking payments with Square who want bookings joined up.
TidyCal
Best for: Freelancers who want straightforward booking pages and payments.
YouCanBookMe
Best for: Consultants and coaches who want flexible booking pages with a free plan.
A built-in option to check first
Before you sign up for any booking app, check what you already have. Google's Calendar help explains how to create an appointment schedule, and for eligible Google Workspace accounts Calendar automatically generates a booking page based on your availability that doesn't show times when you're busy. Some appointment schedule features need an eligible Workspace or Google One subscription. For simple one-to-one bookings, that might be all you need.
That works well for consultants and coaches. Salons, clinics and studios usually need more, such as staff rotas, services with different lengths and client histories, which is where dedicated booking software earns its place.
Reminders, marketing and consent
Booking tools often send reminders by text and email, and many can send offers too. The ICO's guide to PECR says marketing emails and texts to individuals need specific consent, apart from the soft opt-in for previous customers. Keep reminders about a booked appointment separate from promotional messages, and ask permission before adding clients to offers. This isn't legal advice.
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What to compare between SimplyBook.me alternatives
- Staff scheduling with different hours and services.
- Reminders by text and email.
- Payments and deposits to cut no-shows.
- Booking website or widget for your own site.
- Client records and notes.
- Industry features such as classes, packages or forms.
Setting up online booking that clients use
- List your services with clear names and lengths.
- Set staff hours and buffers so nobody's rushed between appointments.
- Add a short cancellation policy that's easy to find.
- Turn on reminders so clients don't forget.
- Put the booking button on your website, social profiles and email signature.
Which SimplyBook.me alternative suits which business
- Salons and spas often need dedicated salon software.
- Consultants and coaches may only need a booking page.
- Shops taking card payments may want bookings tied to payments.
- Studios and tutors want classes and packages.
Why a smaller booking tool can be the right choice
Smaller booking tools often focus on one kind of business, such as salons or solo consultants, and fit that work closely. Check reviews from businesses like yours, test the client booking flow and confirm you can export client details if you ever move.
If AI booking assistants interest you, my guide to AI appointment scheduling shows how one profession approaches it.
Do you make an appointment booking tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing SimplyBook.me
Choose based on your industry first: salon software for salons, simple scheduling for one-to-one services. Then test the booking from a client's phone. If it takes more than a minute to book, keep looking.
Frequently asked questions
What does SimplyBook.me do?
Its own site describes an online booking system with a booking website or widget, reminders and online payments, plus a free version.
Can I take deposits with booking software?
Many tools support deposits or payments at booking. Check which payment providers they use.
Do I need consent to text clients?
Appointment reminders differ from marketing, but the ICO says marketing texts to individuals need consent or the soft opt-in. This isn't legal advice.
Is there a free booking option?
Several tools have free plans, and Google Calendar offers appointment schedules for some accounts.
What do salons need that others don't?
Usually staff rotas, services of different lengths, client histories and front desk features.
Can clients book through Instagram?
Many tools give you a booking link to add to your profile. Some integrate more directly.
How do I reduce no-shows?
Reminders, deposits and an easy reschedule link all help.
Can booking software handle classes and groups?
Many tools support classes with a set number of places. Check that group bookings and waiting lists work the way you'd like.
Will clients need to create an account to book?
Usually not. Most tools let clients book with just their name and contact details, which keeps it quick.
Can I sync bookings with my own calendar?
Most tools sync with Google, Outlook or Apple calendars, so personal plans block out booking times automatically.
