Cliniko vs Pabau: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cliniko and Pabau 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: Cliniko wins this matchup. Our overall Practice Management pick is Fresha. Our free Practice Management pick is Virtuagym. Pick Pabau if you need its specific feature set.
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 want all-inclusive features with no extra costs for new functionalities (except SMS)
- • You want transparent and fair pricing based on practitioner count
Pabau
All-in-one practice management software for healthcare businesses to streamline operations and enhance client...
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive all-in-one solution reduces need for multiple tools
- • You want automates time-consuming tasks like scheduling and stock management
| At a Glance | Cliniko | Pabau |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $45/mo1 practitioner | $59/moGrowing business plan |
Best For | Practice Management | Practice Management |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Cliniko or Pabau?
Choose Cliniko if
All-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals.
- You want all-inclusive features with no extra costs for new functionalities (except SMS)
- You want transparent and fair pricing based on practitioner count
Choose Pabau if
All-in-one practice management software for healthcare businesses to streamline operations and enhance client...
- You want comprehensive all-in-one solution reduces need for multiple tools
- You want automates time-consuming tasks like scheduling and stock management
| Feature | Cliniko | Pabau |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 35 reviews | ★4.7/5 978 reviews |
| Categories | Practice ManagementEHR/EMR | Practice ManagementMarketing |
In-Depth Analysis
Cliniko
All-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals.
Cliniko's pricing is fair, especially for smaller practices.
Strengths
- +All-inclusive features with no extra costs for new functionalities (except SMS)
- +Transparent and fair pricing based on practitioner count
- +Unlimited free online chat and email support 24/7
- +Strong emphasis on data security and privacy
- +Free data migration service from other systems
Weaknesses
- -SMS messaging incurs additional costs per message
- -Some features (like Telehealth) require credit card details even during the free trial to prevent abuse
Key features
Pabau
All-in-one practice management software for healthcare businesses to streamline operations and enhance client...
Pabau's pricing structure is somewhat confusing, with the 'Growing business plan' at $59/month being cheaper than the 'Startup Package' at $69/month, despite offering the same features and user/client limits.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive all-in-one solution reduces need for multiple tools.
- +Automates time-consuming tasks like scheduling and stock management.
- +Improves patient experience with online booking and digital forms.
- +Provides valuable business insights through reporting and analytics.
- +Enhances efficiency and reduces errors in financial and inventory processes.
Weaknesses
- -No free tier mentioned, indicating it's a paid solution.
- -Requires integration into existing practice workflows.
Key features
Pricing: Cliniko vs Pabau
| Plan | Cliniko | Pabau |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $45 /mo 1 practitioner | $69 /month Startup Package |
| Tier 2 | $95 /mo 2 to 5 practitioners | $59 /month Growing business plan |
| Tier 3 | $145 /mo 6 to 8 practitioners | Talk to sales Solo plan |
| Tier 4 | $195 /mo 9 to 12 practitioners | Talk to sales Team plan |
| Tier 5 | $295 /mo 13 to 25 practitioners | Talk to sales Medium plan |
| Tier 6 | $395 /mo 26 to 200 practitioners | Talk to sales Group plan |
| Tier 7 | N/A | Contact us Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cliniko pricing and Pabau pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Cliniko
Want the highest-rated option?
Cliniko: 4.8/5 (35 reviews). Pabau: 4.7/5 (978 reviews).
Go with: Cliniko
Value user reviews?
Cliniko: 35 reviews (4.8/5). Pabau: 978 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Pabau
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are practice management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cliniko is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Cliniko
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Pabau
- Larger review base (978 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Cliniko wins this matchup. Our overall Practice Management pick is Fresha. Our free Practice Management pick is Virtuagym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cliniko or Pabau better?
Cliniko is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Cliniko and Pabau used for?
Cliniko: All-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals.. Pabau: All-in-one practice management software for healthcare businesses to streamline operations and enhance client....
What does Cliniko cost vs Pabau?
Cliniko is a paid tool. Pabau is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.