Scheduling tools have become essential for businesses and individuals looking to streamline appointments, reduce no-shows, and improve client experiences.
Setmore is a well-known player in this space, offering an easy-to-use platform for booking management. However, it’s not the only option out there and it doesn’t always address every specific scheduling demand.
That's why we've put together this list of eight Setmore alternatives, each tailored to different needs and use cases. If you're thinking about switching from Setmore but aren't sure which option is right for you, our buyer's guide will help you make the best choice.
Read on!
Setmore is an online appointment scheduling tool that helps businesses streamline bookings with a customizable booking page, automated reminders, and real-time updates across devices.
It integrates with platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, and Google Meet, allowing businesses to accept payments, host virtual appointments, and manage their schedules efficiently.
In terms of pricing, Setmore fits a range of needs, from solo users to teams, with three straightforward plans:
One of the most obvious reasons why users enjoy using Setmore is the fact that it offers a simple, no-frills solution to meeting scheduling. Its easy-to-use interface and fast-responding support team mean you can focus on your work, not on figuring out a tricky booking system setup.
In Nick’s words:
I love working with Setmore. If I have questions, they answer quickly, and the system is very simple. This is really the go-to for startups.”
The difference with Setmore is also its flexibility. Whether it’s setting time off, adding breaks, manually adjusting appointments, or tracking your income, the platform offers intuitive tools for seamless management.
Unlike other scheduling apps, Setmore adapts to your workflow, simplifying day-to-day operations without unnecessary complexity. As one user shared:
Creating services and customizing your business is very straightforward, and all the options you can configure or toggle are designed with real business needs in mind.”
While many users appreciate Setmore, others find its limitations frustrating.
One source of frustration? Appointment management, especially when handling variable service durations and accurate income tracking.
For professionals who charge hourly, rigid scheduling systems can create unnecessary hassle. As self-employed small business owner Karmyn put it:
I need flexible scheduling. If I work 8 hours at $40 per hour, the system should reflect that—rather than making me add the same client 8 times.”
Another common issue among Setmore users is its alleged increasing bugginess. Longtime users have reported frequent glitches, especially on the backend, which disrupt scheduling and overall efficiency.
One verified reviewer described the issue as ‘buggier than ever':
After four years, the software feels buggier than ever. Backend issues keep popping up, and when I call support, I have to explain myself over and over. It needs serious tweaking.”
Some users also find Setmore’s features rather limiting, especially when it comes to managing multiple services at once. The lack of organizational tools, such as search functions or collapsible menus, can make navigation cumbersome. According to Alex:
Setmore can be a little too simple at times. It would be a huge help to have a user-facing search function or drop-down tabs to hide services since we offer so many.”
You'll get fully customizable booking pages and a super intuitive booking experience with YouCanBookMe.
You’ll get the most out of the tool if you're an enterprise user with Calendly.
You’ll get useful customer booking data round the clock with SimplyBook.me.
Best overall |
Runner-up |
Ideal for robust online payments |
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YouCanBookMe (YCBM) |
Calendly |
SimplyBook.me |
| Perfect for small businesses, YCBM offers a versatile scheduling solution with automated notifications and impressive customization options. | Best for enterprise teams, Calendly offers a smooth scheduling solution with advanced team coordination and automated features. | Best for accepting online payments, thanks to extensive integrations with popular payment processors such as Stripe, PayPal, Square, Alipay, Worldpay, Mollie, and PaySafeCard. |
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Tool |
What makes it stand out |
Best for |
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A highly customizable and affordable scheduling tool designed for ease of use. |
Small businesses that need a booking system that feels tailor-made for them. |
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Known for its clean interface and seamless scheduling, widely used by enterprise teams. |
Large teams or enterprises managing complex meeting schedules. |
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Enables businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, manage customer data with a built-in CRM, and take bookings via social media. |
Service providers looking for an all-in-one scheduling, payment, and client management solution. |
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Seamlessly integrates scheduling with Square’s POS system, combining payments, staff management, and client scheduling in one place. |
Businesses that need a scheduling tool with built-in payment processing and POS integration. |
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Simplifies group scheduling with polls, helping teams find the best meeting time. |
Teams or individuals looking for a quick way to coordinate availability. |
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A scheduling tool with unlimited appointments, multi-location support, and email notifications. |
Businesses or solopreneurs with very tight budgets who still want a functional meeting scheduler. |
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Combines scheduling with marketing tools, allowing businesses to send automated emails, collect reviews, and track client retention. |
Businesses looking for a scheduling tool that also helps with customer engagement and marketing. |
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Offers built-in client management and payment processing for appointment-based businesses. |
Service providers who need an all-in-one scheduling and management solution. |
YouCanBookMe (YCBM) stands out as a scheduling tool designed for professionals who value custom branding, automated workflows, and calendar syncing.
It's ideal for small businesses and solopreneurs like coaches, consultants, financial advisors, and beauticians aiming to simplify client meetings and consultations while cutting down on the administrative burden of organizing appointments and coordinating calendars.
With personalized booking pages, payment integration, and automated reminders, YCBM delivers a seamless client experience and keeps you fully in control of your calendar.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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YCBM has great features that make setting up a meeting painless. I am such a fan of the feature that allows me to share one link with many people so I can set up a conversation with them at an event. Even complex processes such as automated messaging after a meeting is booked can be customized by the user.” - Verified User in Higher Education
While both YouCanBookMe and Setmore offer online scheduling solutions, their core strengths serve different types of users—and for most professionals and teams, YouCanBookMe comes out on top.
YouCanBookMe is built for businesses that need flexibility, customization, and power under the hood. With robust automation features, deep branding options, unlimited API access, and multi-calendar syncing, it’s ideal for consultants, client-facing professionals, and internal teams alike. It also supports internal scheduling use cases that Setmore doesn’t handle as well—such as staff check-ins, cross-team meetings, and B2B calls.
Unlike Setmore, YouCanBookMe supports round-robin scheduling, making it a go-to for sales and support teams who want to automatically distribute meetings across teammates.
Setmore, on the other hand, is a more structured scheduling tool with a focus on service-based businesses. It includes built-in class booking, basic team management, and video call integrations—features well-suited for B2C companies like salons or fitness studios. However, its lack of advanced features like API access, round-robin scheduling, or iCloud integration make it less ideal for more complex or internal business needs.
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Forever free plan |
✅ |
✅ |
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Google Meet integration |
✅ |
✅ |
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Unlimited API access |
✅ |
❌ |
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Custom booking page |
✅ |
✅ |
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Chrome extension |
✅ |
❌ |
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Round-robin scheduling |
✅ |
❌ |
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Apple iCloud integration |
✅ |
❌ |
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40+ languages supported |
✅ |
❌ |
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Zoom integration |
✅ |
✅ |
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Email and SMS reminders |
✅ |
✅ |
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Block bookings based on booker email address |
✅ |
❌ |
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Accept payments |
✅ |
✅ |
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Team management |
✅ |
✅ |
Calendly simplifies scheduling by cutting out the hassle of back-and-forth emails. It streamlines meetings for small teams, and large companies through calendar integrations, automated reminders, and efficient workflows.
Extensive CRM, payment, and marketing integrations make Calendly ideal for enterprise businesses aiming to improve scheduling efficiency and enhance client communication.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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I use Calendly to book meetings quickly and conveniently at the convenience of others. Back-and-forth meeting availability wastes time, but Calendly lets me easily access my calendar so others can book what works best for them.” - Amanda Duron, VP of Brand and Engagement
When comparing Setmore vs. Calendly, it’s clear that both scheduling solutions focus on different priorities.
Calendly is ideal for professionals, sales teams, and large organizations that need automated scheduling integrated with CRM, marketing, and sales tools. It’s best for businesses that rely heavily on lead routing and workflow automation.
Setmore is a more user-friendly scheduling tool that focuses on class bookings, team logins, and video call integrations. It’s well-suited for service-based businesses that don’t need extensive automation but want a reliable, easy-to-use booking platform.
SimplyBook.me is a feature-rich scheduling platform designed for businesses that need online appointment booking, automated reminders, and integrated business management tools. It supports multiple booking channels, including websites, social media, and Google Business Profile.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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My overall experience with this app has been wonderful! Nothing malfunctions, booking always goes well!!“ - Heaven Leigh S, Licensed Cosmetologist
SimplyBook.me and Setmore both provide online scheduling, but they target different types of users.
SimplyBook.me caters to businesses seeking advanced features, including customizable booking options, multi-location scheduling, and detailed client management tools. It’s best suited for businesses needing memberships, classes, and payment integrations.
Setmore offers a simpler setup with user-friendly booking pages, built-in payment tools, and straightforward scheduling.
Square Appointments lets customers easily view your availability and book appointments online at any time. It keeps your schedule accessible, attracts new clients, and simplifies booking management—even after hours.
Designed for service-focused businesses, Square combines scheduling, payments, POS integration, and client management in one seamless platform.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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I love that my customers are able to easily see what times I have available and schedule when it works for them. The system also follows up for me with a reminder about their upcoming appointments which has cut my cancelation rates down significantly.” - Robyn H, Child Day Care Services
Square Appointments works best for service-based businesses needing integrated payments, deposits, and clear cancellation policies built into the scheduling flow.
Setmore focuses on flexible booking, class scheduling, and virtual appointments—ideal for businesses that prefer simplicity and don’t require advanced payment or POS integrations.
Doodle is an easy-to-use scheduling tool designed for individuals and teams to coordinate meetings without the hassle of back-and-forth emails.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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I mainly use Doodle to schedule a meeting time that works best for all team members; I send out a Doodle link which takes members to a few meeting options. Upon voting for their preferred times/dates, I can easily select the most suitable option. Currently, I am conducting interviews with over 200 fellows across Africa. I use Doodle to schedule interview times with each of them, across time zones.” - Smeetha Singh, Project Coordinator
Doodle and Setmore serve different scheduling needs. Doodle is geared towards internal team meetings, offering group polling and automated reminders to make scheduling collaborative and efficient.
In comparison, Setmore is built for service-based businesses, providing custom booking pages and payment processing for client appointments.
Picktime is an all-in-one appointment scheduling tool designed for businesses looking to streamline their booking process while managing multiple locations, teams, and resources. It offers free and affordable plans that include invoicing, online payments, sales tracking, and customer management.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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Really useful, easy to use for the clients booking in, and easy for me to manage too. The customer service is so helpful, and the online videos are simple and easy to access.” - Claire H, Sports Massage Therapist
Picktime and Setmore both make online scheduling easier, but they’re built for different types of businesses. Picktime is ideal for those needing detailed scheduling, resource management, invoicing, and multi-location oversight—especially useful for teams managing meeting spaces, equipment, or larger staff groups.
Setmore, on the other hand, focuses on simpler online booking and class scheduling. It’s a better fit for small businesses or solo professionals looking for a user-friendly, straightforward scheduling solution.
Appointy is a simple, no-fuss scheduling platform that helps businesses book appointments, stay organized, and attract customers. With automated reminders, social media integrations, and online payments, it’s got all the essentials—without the technical headaches.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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It's easy to use and takes out the hassle of the management of appointments. It's easy to integrate into many different calendars and it just works.” - Hayley G, Product Manager
Appointy offers advanced scheduling features, including marketing tools, multi-location management, and detailed client insights—but at a higher cost. Setmore, in contrast, provides a simpler, budget-friendly scheduling solution with video call integrations and customizable booking pages.
Acuity Scheduling is an online scheduling tool designed to help businesses automate appointment bookings, manage availability, and accept payments with ease. Whether you offer one-on-one services, classes, consultations, or events, Acuity provides a seamless booking experience that integrates with your existing online presence.
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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I use Acuity Scheduling to manage all of my 1-1 client meetings, consultations and podcast recordings. Before using Acuity, I was having to go back and forth with clients and podcast guests to find a time that would work on our calendars - now I can simply send them my link and they are able to seamlessly book a time that works for them.” - Caitlin Sloan, Founder & CEO
Both Acuity Scheduling and Setmore help businesses manage appointments online, but each caters to different needs.
Acuity offers advanced customization, automated workflows, and strong integrations—ideal for service providers who want full control, polished branding, and built-in payments. Setmore, on the other hand, is a more basic option with simple tools for scheduling and booking.
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Considering Acuity Scheduling? Explore Acuity vs. Calendly and Acuity vs. Cal.com for in-depth overviews of how these scheduling tools compare. |
The right scheduling tool can take a lot off your plate, but not every platform is built the same. If Setmore isn’t quite cutting it—whether you need more customization, better automation, or a booking system that actually feels like part of your brand—YouCanBookMe can be an option worth exploring.
It’s easy to use, fully customizable and makes scheduling super easy for you and your clients.
Try it for free today—no credit card required!