BookingMachine vs Setmore
Setmore is an appointment scheduler with a generous free plan: up to four users and unlimited appointments. Its paid plan adds deposits, text message reminders and Google review requests, and it takes payment through Square, Stripe or PayPal.
BookingMachine is built around the price of a job. The customer answers a few questions, sees what it will cost, books and pays a deposit, and later receives an invoice and a review request. If your prices are fixed and you want a free calendar for a small team, Setmore is hard to beat. If your price depends on the job, BookingMachine does what a fixed price list cannot.
| Feature | BookingMachine | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, with a monthly booking limit | Yes, up to 4 users and unlimited appointments |
| Paid plans from | $18 a month | $5 per user a month, billed annually |
| Online payments | Paid plans, through Stripe | Through Square, Stripe or PayPal |
| Deposit at booking | Yes, on paid plans | Pro plan |
| Price that changes with the customer's choices | Yes, shown live in the booking form | Not listed on their pricing page |
| Reminders | By email | Email on both plans, text messages on Pro |
| Quotes | Yes | Not listed on their pricing page |
| Invoices | Yes | Not listed on their pricing page |
| Review requests after the job | Yes, with photos and video | Google review requests on Pro |
Setmore details are taken from the Setmore pricing page, checked on 11 October 2026. Plans and prices change, so confirm with Setmore before you decide. BookingMachine prices are on our pricing page.
Choose BookingMachine if
- Your price varies with the job and you want the customer to see it as they book.
- You send quotes and invoices and want them tied to the booking.
- You want reviews with photos or video that you can show on your own website.
Choose Setmore if
- You want a free scheduler for up to four people with no limit on appointments.
- You need reminders sent by text message.
- You want to take payment through Square or PayPal instead of Stripe.
Questions
Is Setmore really free?
Its pricing page lists a free plan for up to four users with unlimited appointments. Deposits, text message reminders and Google review requests are on the paid Pro plan.
Does BookingMachine send text message reminders?
Not at present. Confirmations and reminders go by email. If text reminders are essential to you today, Setmore offers them on its paid plan.
Which is better for a business that quotes per job?
BookingMachine. It works the price out from what the customer tells it, such as the size of the job or the extras they want, and can send a formal quote that converts into a booking.
Keep reading
Try it on your own bookings
Set up your services and prices on the free plan and see how BookingMachine handles a real booking before you pay for anything.