Quick verdict
How these two tools differ.
SimplyBook.me gives you custom forms, multiple staff and services, and templates for salons, fitness, and local businesses. You get more control over the booking experience than Setmore, often at a lower price than Acuity. The tradeoff is that setup can take longer and the interface is functional rather than sleek.
Setmore focuses on getting you live quickly: free tier for solo use, simple paid plans that add staff and payments. It’s a good fit when you don’t need heavy customization and want to minimize cost.
If you value customization and are willing to configure, SimplyBook.me delivers more for the price. If you want the fastest path to a working calendar with minimal spend, Setmore is the better fit.
Comparison summary
Best for customization
SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me offers more forms and templates for the price.
Best for free start
Setmore
Setmore has a free tier for solo practitioners.
Quick decision guide
Which product fits your situation.
Choose SimplyBook.me if:
- You want custom forms and industry templates (salon, fitness, etc.).
- You have multiple staff and services and want one place to manage them.
- You’re okay with more setup in exchange for more control.
Choose Setmore if:
- You want to start free or with minimal monthly cost.
- You need simple booking with reminders and optional payments.
- You prefer less configuration and a quicker go-live.
Ratings comparison
How we score each product.
| Category | SimplyBook.me | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Pricing & value | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Ease of use | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Service-business fit | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Feature comparison
Side-by-side feature check.
SupportedPartial supportNot available
| Feature | SimplyBook.me | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar sync | Google, Outlook, Apple | Google, Outlook, Apple |
| Booking link / embed | Shareable link and embed | Shareable link and embed |
| Reminders & notifications | Email and optional SMS | Email and optional SMS |
| Team / multi-staff | Team plans | Multi-staff support |
| Custom booking forms | Custom forms and templates | Basic customization |
| Industry templates | Salon, fitness, etc. | General |
| Free tier | No free plan | Free for solo |
Pricing comparison
What to expect to pay.
SimplyBook.me plans typically start around $8/month; Setmore has a free plan and paid plans from around $9/month. SimplyBook.me often undercuts Acuity for similar customization; Setmore undercuts both when you use the free tier or a low-cost paid plan. Choose based on whether you need SimplyBook.me’s extra customization or Setmore’s free start.
Pros and cons
Strengths and trade-offs.
SimplyBook.me
Pros
- Custom forms and industry templates.
- Multi-staff and multi-service.
- Competitive pricing for the feature set.
Cons
- Setup can take longer.
- UI less polished than top brands.
Setmore
Pros
- Free tier for solo use.
- Recurring appointments and staff scheduling.
- Simple to get started.
Cons
- Less flexible than SimplyBook.me for complex flows.
- Fewer industry-specific options.
Best for
Which tool fits your situation.
Best for customization on a budget
SimplyBook.me is best if you want custom forms and industry templates without paying Acuity-level prices.
Best for free start & simplicity
Setmore is best if you want to start free and need straightforward booking for one or a few staff.
Alternatives
Other options we review.
More polished and more intake/packages; higher price.
Read review →CalendlySimpler and more recognizable; less customization.
Read review →More comparisons
Read full reviews
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FAQs
Quick answers.