Cliniko vs Kareo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cliniko and Kareo 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cliniko
All-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals.
Best for you if:
- • You need practice management features specifically
- • Comprehensive practice management for allied health.
- • Manages bookings, health records, finances, and reporting.
Kareo
An all-in-one EHR+ platform for private practices, connecting care, billing, scheduling, and marketing.
Best for you if:
- • You need ehr/emr features specifically
- • All-in-one EHR+ platform for private medical practices.
- • Integrates clinical, billing, scheduling, and marketing functions.
| At a Glance |  Cliniko | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Practice Management | EHR/EMR |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Cliniko | Kareo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Practice ManagementPatient Scheduling | EHR/EMRMedical Billing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cliniko and Kareo solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cliniko positions itself as "all-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals." while Kareofocuses on "an all-in-one ehr+ platform for private practices, connecting care, billing, scheduling, and marketing.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cliniko
Cliniko makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Kareo
Kareo is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Kareo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Kareo is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Kareo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Cliniko is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Cliniko
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Cliniko—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cliniko higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Kareo more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cliniko Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Kareo If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cliniko. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cliniko scores higher in our analysis, but Kareo might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cliniko or Kareo better?
Based on our analysis, Cliniko scores higher with high/100. Cliniko ispaid while Kareo is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cliniko to Kareo easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cliniko and Kareo offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cliniko is paid with potential trial.Kareo is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.