Acuity Scheduling vs Square Appointments: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Acuity Scheduling and Square Appointments 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 is our overall pick for meeting scheduling workflows. Pick Square Appointments if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Best for you if:
- • Professional scheduling by Squarespace
- • Self-service booking for clients
Square Appointments
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Provides free online booking and scheduling for appointments and classes.
- • Integrates payment processing, automated reminders, and no-show protection.
| At a Glance |  Square Appointments | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $16/moEmerging | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Meeting Scheduling | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Acuity Scheduling or Square Appointments?
Choose Acuity Scheduling if
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
- Payment integration
- Client portal
- Customizable
Choose Square Appointments if
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
- Booking software
- Square integration
- Fair pricing
| Feature | Acuity Scheduling | Square Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 6,154 reviews | ★4.4/5 281 reviews |
| Categories | Meeting SchedulingForm Builders | Meeting SchedulingPayment Processing |
In-Depth Analysis
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Strengths
- +Payment integration
- +Client portal
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -No free tier
- -Complex setup
Key features
Square Appointments
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
Strengths
- +Booking software
- +Square integration
- +Fair pricing
- +Good features
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Square ecosystem
- -Per-staff pricing
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Feature gaps
- -Support varies
Key features
Pricing: Acuity Scheduling vs Square Appointments
| Plan | Acuity Scheduling | Square Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $16 Emerging | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $27 Growing | $29/month/location monthly Plus |
| Tier 3 | $49 Powerhouse | $69/month/location monthly Premium |
| Tier 4 | Free Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Acuity Scheduling pricing and Square Appointments pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Square Appointments has a free tier. Acuity Scheduling is paid only.
Go with: Square Appointments
Want the highest-rated option?
Acuity Scheduling: 4.8/5 (6,154 reviews). Square Appointments: 4.4/5 (281 reviews).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
Value user reviews?
Acuity Scheduling: 6,154 reviews (4.8/5). Square Appointments: 281 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Acuity Scheduling is paid. Square Appointments is freemium. Square Appointments lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are meeting scheduling tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Acuity Scheduling is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Acuity Scheduling
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (6,154 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Square Appointments
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Acuity Scheduling is our pick. Square Appointments has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity Scheduling or Square Appointments better?
Acuity Scheduling is rated in our evaluation. Acuity Scheduling is paid and Square Appointments is freemium.
What are Acuity Scheduling and Square Appointments used for?
Acuity Scheduling: Appointment scheduling by Squarespace. Square Appointments: Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software..
What does Acuity Scheduling cost vs Square Appointments?
Acuity Scheduling is a paid tool. Square Appointments is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.