Square Appointments vs Acuity Scheduling: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Square Appointments and Acuity Scheduling 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: Square Appointments wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick. Pick Acuity Scheduling 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:
Square Appointments
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want booking software
- • You want square integration
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Best for you if:
- • You want payment integration
- • You want client portal
| At a Glance | Square Appointments | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $16/moEmerging |
Best For | Meeting Scheduling | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Square Appointments or Acuity Scheduling?
Choose Square Appointments if
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want booking software
- You want square integration
Choose Acuity Scheduling if
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
- You want payment integration
- You want client portal
| Feature | Square Appointments | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 262 reviews | ★4.7/5 6,173 reviews |
| Categories | Meeting SchedulingPayment Processing | Meeting SchedulingForm Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
Square Appointments
Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.
Square Appointments offers a generous Free tier for single-location businesses, making it highly accessible.
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
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Acuity's pricing is fair, offering a good range of features across its tiers.
Strengths
- +Payment integration
- +Client portal
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -No free tier
- -Complex setup
Key features
Pricing: Square Appointments vs Acuity Scheduling
| Plan | Square Appointments | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $16 Emerging |
| Tier 2 | $29/month/location monthly Plus | $27 Growing |
| Tier 3 | $69/month/location monthly Premium | $49 Powerhouse |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Free Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Square Appointments pricing and Acuity Scheduling 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?
Square Appointments: 4.5/5 (262 reviews). Acuity Scheduling: 4.7/5 (6,173 reviews).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
Value user reviews?
Square Appointments: 262 reviews (4.5/5). Acuity Scheduling: 6,173 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Square Appointments is freemium. Acuity Scheduling is paid. 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: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Square Appointments
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Acuity Scheduling
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (6,173 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Square Appointments wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square Appointments or Acuity Scheduling better?
Square Appointments is rated in our evaluation. Square Appointments is freemium and Acuity Scheduling is paid.
What are Square Appointments and Acuity Scheduling used for?
Square Appointments: Manage appointments, staff, and services with free online booking and scheduling software.. Acuity Scheduling: Appointment scheduling by Squarespace.
What does Square Appointments cost vs Acuity Scheduling?
Square Appointments is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Acuity Scheduling is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.