Acuity Scheduling vs Setmore: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Acuity Scheduling and Setmore comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Acuity Scheduling wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick. Pick Setmore if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Best for you if:
- • You want payment integration
Setmore
Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $16/mo Emerging | Free Free plan |
Category | Meeting Scheduling Form Builders | Meeting Scheduling Productivity |
Rating | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.6 6,173 reviews | 4.6/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.5 1,229 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Pro is per staff calendar, even if that person has no login (Setmore pricing FAQ: each staff calendar is a user). |
Choose Acuity Scheduling or Setmore?
Choose Acuity Scheduling if
- You want payment integration
- You want client portal
Choose Setmore if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments
- You want annual billing saves 58% compared to monthly at just $5/user/month
- Budget matters (Free vs $16/mo)
In-Depth Analysis
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Acuity's pricing is fair, offering a good range of features across its tiers.
Strengths
- Pro: Payment integration
- Pro: Client portal
- Pro: Customizable
Weaknesses
- Con: No free tier
- Con: Complex setup
Key features
Setmore
Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling
Setmore Free is $0 for up to 4 users.
Watch out
Pro is per staff calendar, even if that person has no login (Setmore pricing FAQ: each staff calendar is a user).
Strengths
- Pro: Generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments
- Pro: Annual billing saves 58% compared to monthly at just $5/user/month
- Pro: Two-way calendar sync prevents double-booking across platforms
- Pro: Built-in video meetings eliminate need for separate conferencing tools
- Pro: Multi-channel booking from website, social media, and QR codes
Weaknesses
- Con: Free plan limited to 200 appointments per month
- Con: SMS reminders only available on the paid Pro plan
- Con: Live receptionist add-on restricted to US-based businesses only
- Con: No native invoicing or advanced billing beyond appointment payments
- Con: Limited customization options for the booking page design
Key features
Pricing: Acuity Scheduling vs Setmore
| Plan | Acuity Scheduling | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $16 Emerging | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $27 Growing | $12 month Pro |
| Tier 3 | $49 Powerhouse | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Free Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Acuity Scheduling pricing and Setmore pricing.
Key Takeaways
Acuity Scheduling
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Larger review base (6,173 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Setmore
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Acuity Scheduling wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick. Setmore has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity Scheduling or Setmore better in 2026?
Acuity Scheduling wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick. Pick Acuity Scheduling for meeting scheduling workflows (main strength: payment integration). Pick Setmore for meeting scheduling workflows (main strength: generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments).
What are Acuity Scheduling and Setmore used for?
Acuity Scheduling: Appointment scheduling by Squarespace. Setmore: Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling.
What does Acuity Scheduling cost vs Setmore?
Acuity Scheduling's paid plans start at $16/mo (Emerging). Setmore's paid plans start at Free (Pro).
What's the main difference between Acuity Scheduling and Setmore?
Acuity Scheduling's main strength: payment integration. Setmore's main strength: generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments.