SimplyBook.me vs Setmore: which should you choose?
Quick answer: SimplyBook.me is built for service-businesses, while Setmore suits small-business. For most users SimplyBook.me is the stronger default, but Setmore can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
If you're weighing SimplyBook.me against Setmore, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| SimplyBook.me | Setmore | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Booking | Booking |
| What it's known for | Feature-rich booking system for service businesses with a marketplace of custom features (POS, deposits, memberships, intake). | Free-forever appointment booking with a generous free tier (up to 4 users, 200 appts/mo) and inexpensive Pro upgrade for SMS and video. |
| Pricing | Free (50 bookings/mo, 1 provider); ~$13.9/mo Basic, ~$29.9/mo Standard, ~$59.9/mo Premium; Enterprise custom | Free (up to 4 users, 200 appts/mo); ~$5/user/mo Pro (annual, ~$12 monthly); Team & Enterprise custom |
| Best audience | Service businesses (salons, clinics, studios) needing feature depth and payment/deposit control. | Small service businesses and solo providers wanting a capable free booking tool with a cheap upgrade. |
| Best for | service-businesses, feature-depth | small-business, free-tier |
| Entry price | Free | Free |
| Biggest strength | Very deep feature set via modular custom features. | Unusually generous free plan (4 users, 200 appts/mo, payments included). |
| Main caveat | Free plan capped at 50 bookings/mo, 1 provider, 1 custom feature. | SMS reminders and video appointments require Pro. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
SimplyBook.me key features
- Booking system with 70+ optional custom-feature modules
- Deposits, memberships, coupons, waitlists, intake forms
- Built-in POS system
- Recurring bookings and multiple providers
Setmore key features
- Free-forever plan for up to 4 users, 200 appointments/mo
- Branded booking page and email confirmations/reminders
- SMS reminders and recurring appointments (Pro)
- One-click video meeting links (Pro)
Pricing tiers side by side
SimplyBook.me plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 50 bookings/mo, 1 provider, 1 custom feature |
| Basic | ~$13.9/mo | 100 bookings, 3 custom features, 5 providers, POS/deposits |
| Standard | ~$29.9/mo | 500 bookings, 8 custom features, 15 providers |
| Premium | ~$59.9/mo | 2,000 bookings, unlimited custom features, 30 providers |
Setmore plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | up to 4 users, 200 appts/mo, payments, email reminders |
| Pro | ~$5/user/mo (annual), ~$12 monthly | unlimited appts, SMS, video, 2-way sync, no branding |
| Team/Enterprise | custom | larger teams |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where SimplyBook.me wins
A modular booking platform where 70+ add-on features (POS, deposits, memberships) let you build exactly the system you need.
- Very deep feature set via modular custom features.
- Lower tiers include POS/deposits/tips that rivals gate higher.
That makes it the stronger pick for service businesses (salons, clinics, studios) needing feature depth and payment/deposit control.
Where Setmore wins
A free-forever booking tool that supports up to 4 users and payments out of the box.
- Unusually generous free plan (4 users, 200 appts/mo, payments included).
- Inexpensive Pro tier (~$5/user/mo annual).
That makes it the stronger pick for small service businesses and solo providers wanting a capable free booking tool with a cheap upgrade.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose SimplyBook.me if you fit its core audience — service businesses (salons, clinics, studios) needing feature depth and payment/deposit control.
- Choose Setmore if you fit its core audience — small service businesses and solo providers wanting a capable free booking tool with a cheap upgrade.
FAQ
Is SimplyBook.me better than Setmore?
SimplyBook.me is the stronger default for most users, but Setmore can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between SimplyBook.me and Setmore?
SimplyBook.me is a modular booking platform where 70+ add-on features (POS, deposits, memberships) let you build exactly the system you need. Setmore is a free-forever booking tool that supports up to 4 users and payments out of the box.
Which is cheaper, SimplyBook.me or Setmore?
Both SimplyBook.me and Setmore offer a free tier, so the real comparison is the paid plans above — pick based on the storage, features and limits you actually need.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for SimplyBook.me and Setmore: