Cliniko vs TherapyNotes: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cliniko and TherapyNotes 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 TherapyNotes if you need EHR/EMR.
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
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- • You want streamlines administrative tasks
| At a Glance | Cliniko | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $45/mo1 practitioner | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Practice Management | EHR/EMR |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Cliniko or TherapyNotes?
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
- Your work is practice management-shaped, not EHR/EMR-shaped
Choose TherapyNotes if
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- You want streamlines administrative tasks
- Your work is EHR/EMR-shaped, not practice management-shaped
| Feature | Cliniko | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 35 reviews | ★4.6/5 1,069 reviews |
| Categories | Practice ManagementEHR/EMR | EHR/EMRPractice Management |
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
TherapyNotes
The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite of tools for behavioral health
- +Streamlines administrative tasks
- +User-friendly interface
Weaknesses
- -The platform does not offer a free trial, requiring a subscription commitment to evaluate the full feature set.
- -The lowest-tier subscription plan is limited to a single user, which may not be cost-effective for small group practices.
- -While offering a client portal, the extent of customization options for branding or specific practice needs within the portal is not explicitly detailed, potentially limiting personalization.
Key features
Pricing: Cliniko vs TherapyNotes
| Plan | Cliniko | TherapyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $45 /mo 1 practitioner | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $95 /mo 2 to 5 practitioners | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $145 /mo 6 to 8 practitioners | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $195 /mo 9 to 12 practitioners | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $295 /mo 13 to 25 practitioners | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $395 /mo 26 to 200 practitioners | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cliniko pricing and TherapyNotes pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TherapyNotes has a free tier. Cliniko is paid only.
Go with: TherapyNotes
Want the highest-rated option?
Cliniko: 4.8/5 (35 reviews). TherapyNotes: 4.6/5 (1,069 reviews).
Go with: Cliniko
Value user reviews?
Cliniko: 35 reviews (4.8/5). TherapyNotes: 1,069 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: TherapyNotes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cliniko is paid. TherapyNotes is freemium. TherapyNotes lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Cliniko is a practice management tool. TherapyNotes is in EHR/EMR. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Cliniko is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Cliniko
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
- Our pick for this comparison
TherapyNotes
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (1,069 reviews)
- Better fit for EHR/EMR
The Bottom Line
Cliniko wins this matchup. Our overall Practice Management pick is Fresha. Our free Practice Management pick is Virtuagym. TherapyNotes has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cliniko or TherapyNotes better?
Cliniko is rated in our evaluation. Cliniko is paid and TherapyNotes is freemium.
What are Cliniko and TherapyNotes used for?
Cliniko: All-in-one practice management software for allied health professionals.. TherapyNotes: The leading EHR/EMR for behavioral health practices..
What does Cliniko cost vs TherapyNotes?
Cliniko is a paid tool. TherapyNotes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.