Independent scheduling software comparisons, run from the UKUS edition · Prices checked
UK edition

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Head to head · US edition

SimplyBook.me vs Acuity Scheduling (2026): which should you choose?

Both are built for service businesses. SimplyBook.me has a free plan and more optional features; Acuity has simpler calendar-based pricing and strong packages and intake forms.

Prices as ofUSD as published

Choose SimplyBook.me if

  • You want to start on a free plan
  • You need SMS and WhatsApp reminders and POS
  • You'd like an EU-based supplier

Visit SimplyBook.me

Choose Acuity Scheduling if

  • You sell packages, memberships and gift cards
  • You want intake forms
  • You'd rather pay by calendars (1, 6 or 36) than by bookings and features

Visit Acuity Scheduling

Our verdict Both are strong. Start with SimplyBook.me's free plan if budget matters; choose Acuity if packages and intake forms are central and you're happy to pay from day one.

Side by side

SimplyBook.me vs Acuity Scheduling compared
DetailSimplyBook.meAcuity Scheduling
Best forService businesses such as salons, clinics, tutors and fitness; EU-friendlyService businesses: coaches, therapists, salons and studios
Free planYes: 50 bookings a month, 1 providerNo (7-day free trial)
Entry priceFrom $11.90 per month (annual billing)From $16 per month (annual billing)
Currency and taxPrices in US dollars as published by the vendor. Sales tax may be added depending on your state.Prices in US dollars as published by the vendor. Sales tax may be added depending on your state.
PaymentsStripe, PayPal; POSStripe, Square, PayPal
SMS remindersSMS and WhatsAppFrom Standard
HIPAA optionStandard and aboveBAA on Premium
UK/EU data angleEU company (GDPR)Not checked
TeamsProviders by planCalendars by plan (1, 6, 36)
AI featuresNot checkedAI Booking Assistant (Premium)
MarketplaceNoNo
Open source / self-hostNoNo
Video callsZoomZoom
IntegrationsStripe, PayPal, Zoom, Google and Outlook calendars, QuickBooks and Xero (Premium), ZapierStripe, Square, PayPal, Zoom, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Zapier
Third-party ratingsCapterra 4.6/5 (1,293 reviews)
Third-party figures as listed around 19 October 2026; not our ratings
Capterra 4.8/5 (5,774 reviews)
Third-party figures as listed around 19 October 2026; not our ratings
Strengths
  • Very flexible: a large menu of optional 'custom features'
  • Point of sale, SMS and WhatsApp reminders
  • Useful free plan
  • HIPAA option on Standard and above
  • Intake forms, packages, memberships and gift cards
  • Takes payments through Stripe, Square or PayPal
  • HIPAA BAA available on Premium
Weaknesses
  • Booking caps on each plan
  • The custom-feature slot model can be confusing to compare
  • The admin interface is busy
  • No free plan
  • SMS reminders only from the Standard plan
  • Interface feels dated next to newer tools
  • US-centric: USD pricing only
VisitVisit SimplyBook.me Visit Acuity Scheduling

Plans and prices

SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me plans
PlanAnnual billing (per month)Monthly billingUnitTax
Basic$11.90$13.90per monthSales tax may apply
Standard$24.90$29.90per monthSales tax may apply
Premium$49.90$59.90per monthSales tax may apply

Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling plans
PlanAnnual billing (per month)Monthly billingUnitTax
Starter (1 calendar)$16$20per monthSales tax may apply
Standard (6 calendars)$27$34per monthSales tax may apply
Premium (36 calendars)$55$69per monthSales tax may apply

What each costs for a team

Monthly list cost by team size
ToolFree plan1 person3 people5 peopleBasis
SimplyBook.meYes: 50 bookings a month, 1 provider$11.90
Basic
$11.90
Basic
$11.90
Basic
billed annually
Acuity SchedulingNo (7-day free trial)$16
Starter (1 calendar)
$27
Standard (6 calendars)
$27
Standard (6 calendars)
billed annually

Monthly list price for the cheapest paid plan that covers that many people, calculated from published per-user, per-staff or per-calendar prices (arithmetic only, no discounts). Tools priced per location or per calendar cost the same within the plan's limits. Free plans may cover you instead; see each tool's limits.

Questions people ask

Which is cheaper, SimplyBook.me or Acuity Scheduling?

SimplyBook.me: From $11.90 per month (annual billing). Acuity Scheduling: From $16 per month (annual billing). Check how each one charges (per seat, per calendar or per location) using the team cost table on this page.

Do SimplyBook.me and Acuity Scheduling have free plans?

SimplyBook.me: Yes: 50 bookings a month, 1 provider. Acuity Scheduling: No (7-day free trial).

Related

Full reviews: SimplyBook.me · Acuity Scheduling

Sources

Prices and features as recorded on November 2, 2026 from these pages (research pass 26 October to 2 November 2026). Prices change: check the vendor's page before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.