One of the main goals of a service business owner is to streamline the most common tasks within their appointment-based business. There are many tools and WordPress plugins that aim to help manage the entire booking process, so the choice might not seem easy at first. That’s exactly why we’ve decided to deliver you the very best WordPress booking plugins designed to help you streamline your scheduling management.

Of all the WordPress booking plugins, some serve a specific purpose or niche. Hence, you will need to invest some time exploring your options to find the one that suits you the most.

This article will provide you with an overview of the best WordPress booking plugins out there, so you can make an informed decision.

If you wish to turn your website into a complete online booking system, read on.

Important WordPress Appointment Plugin Features

When you are deciding on a WordPress booking plugin, you need to look for certain features. Some features work best for specific kinds of businesses. For example, therapist practices want to allow customers to schedule with any of their therapists. A dentist will want to be able to offer specific time slots and services.

Still, most business owners will look for the following things:

1. The most important thing is that you can offer a booking form on your website. In the best of cases, that should include a booking calendar.
2. Another useful feature is receiving payments online. PayPal or Stripe integrations would be best.
3. Some WordPress booking plugins offer a membership portal. Clients can log in there and manage bookings.
4. Notifications, either by email or by text message, upon booking and right before the appointment.
5. A good price. You can get anything if you pay for it but you also need to think of your budget. Many premium options include continuous priority support and updates.

This is only a small list of some of the most requested features of WordPress booking plugins. Each booking plugin is different, so check what each one offers.

This article will help you to do that. Check this list of the best WordPress booking plugins and see which one matches your needs.

Pay special attention to the critical features of each booking system. Think about what you need before you start reading, so you don’t get distracted by the amazing things some offer. In that way, you can narrow down your options.

The Best WordPress Booking Plugins

• Amelia
• Events Manager
• Booked
• WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments
• WP Simple Booking Calendar
• Appointment Hour Booking
• StartBooking
• Booking Calendar
• Team Booking
• BirchPress Scheduler
• Salon Booking System
• Bookly
• Booking Activities
• Simply Schedule Appointments

Recommended: Amelia

Amelia has transformed the online booking experience for both business owners and their clients.

This powerful booking plugin helps you improve your client experience, streamline your booking management, and boost your business’s efficiency. That’s why it’s definitely the best choice if you wish to take your service business to the next level.

Let us break down its incredible features and benefits that’ll make you want to give it a shot.

Amelia’s features

• Simple & Intuitive Interface: Amelia is a breeze to use. With its clean and well-organized dashboard, you’ll master it in no time. Both you and your clients will appreciate the seamless booking process.
• Customizable Design: You can tailor Amelia to match your brand’s look and feel. It comes with a variety of customizable elements, ensuring your booking system aligns with your business’s style.
• Flexible Scheduling: Kiss scheduling conflicts goodbye! Amelia’s smart scheduling system allows clients to book available time slots with ease, while you maintain full control over your calendar.
• Email & SMS Notifications: Keep your clients and staff in the loop with automated reminders. Amelia sends out customizable email and SMS notifications, reducing no-shows and improving client satisfaction.
• Multiple Services & Locations: Running a business with multiple services or locations? No problem! Amelia can handle it all, streamlining your booking management process.
• Payments Integration: Amelia supports popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, making it convenient for clients to pay for their appointments securely and instantly.
• Detailed Reporting: Stay on top of your business performance with Amelia’s insightful reports. Track revenue, appointments, and employee performance, all from one place.
• Outstanding Support: Whenever you need help, Amelia’s dedicated support team is just a message away. They’re responsive, friendly, and committed to helping you make the most of this fantastic plugin.

Amelia pricing ranges from $79 for one domain to $249 for unlimited domains.

The best thing? Amelia comes with no hidden costs or extra charges, as everything you need is already included in the price.

Give Amelia a try and witness the difference it can make in your service business.

Events Manager

Events Manager is a framework that brings together four different core modules. These modules are:

1. Bookings
2. Calendars
3. Event management
4. Locations

These core modules cooperate to form one seamless management experience for bookings and events.

With the Events management module, you can make sites for your upcoming meetings and other events.

You can add a payment option to your bookings that requires your potential clients to make a down payment to confirm their booking. The Location module will allow you to add a map widget to your website to indicate your location or the location of your event. The Calendar is useful if you want to highlight the starting date of your event.

This WordPress booking plugin offers the following features:

• Event restrictions that you can customize and that will appear as checkboxes. For example, you can ask your guest to wear a certain kind of clothing.
• It is compatible with various SEO optimizers. This will make your content visible in search engines.
• The portfolio structure lets website visitors see events from different locations.
• The shortcodes allow easy addition of your events to your website content.
• You can see all bookings on the dashboard screen. From there, you can approve or reject requests and you can export all information.

There is a premium version called Events Manager Pro. The price lies between $89 and $599 per year.

Booked

Booked is a WordPress booking plugin that offers a wide range of customization options. This booking calendar is perfect for businesses that offer different types of products and services.

Booked lets you add more than one booking form on a single website. Each booking form is customizable and has its own booking calendar. You can also assign different administrators for each of these booking calendars to manage them.

This WordPress booking plugin has some interesting front-end management options. This is very handy because each of the calendar admins has full control without having to access the WordPress admin panel.

There are many other nice features of this booking plugin for WordPress:

• An online payment system using WooCommerce.
• Booking does not require users to register to be able to book.
• Shortcodes and widgets help you to add your calendar to your website.
• Booking shows full responsiveness and adapts to any device.
• Perfect integration with Outlook, Google Calendar, and iCal.

A regular Booked license costs $49. The regular subscription includes six months of support by the developer.

WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments

The WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments plugin is a logical choice if you also run an eCommerce store.

WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments lets clients book appointments or rentals and make reservations. An interesting feature is that you can set up recurring appointments and non-adjacent bookings.

Time slots are customizable to your situation. Clients can then choose their preferred time using the calendar on your WordPress site. WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments is the best option for WooCommerce store owners. The user experience is robust both for the user and the customers.

Some of its major features include the following:

• It converts WooCommerce shop items into services that clients can book.
• Easy setup of longer bookings, which is practical for rentals.
• Full customization for advanced calendar options. That allows you to match your calendar with the overall design of your website.
• The calendar display prevents you from making double bookings.

WooCommerce Bookings and Appointments is free for download. You can find it on the developer’s website or in the WordPress plugin directory. The premium version includes some extra features. For example, the paid version includes Google Calendar syncing and staff management. Depending on your situation, the prices range from $99 to $259 per year.

WP Simple Booking Calendar

The next WordPress booking plugin is WP Simple Booking Calendar. It is one of the most popular WordPress plugins and it lets you streamline your booking process via your website. You can offer your rental properties and clients can book as soon as something is available.

There is a free version that includes a booking calendar and different display options for your WordPress site. The paid version includes many other features, including advanced customization, editing, and publishing.

Have a look at this list of the features of the WP Simple Booking Calendar:

• Full-featured booking calendar.
• Data backup and data restore options.
• Support for Gutenberg Block.
• Bookings for holiday homes.
• Language support.
• Simple user interface.

The WP Simple Booking Calendar premium version includes:

• Syncing with other booking sites, such as Booking.com and Airbnb
• Unlimited booking forms

This option is great if you are looking for a free version and you don’t care about the premium options. Have a look at this WordPress booking calendar for renting your office space, vacation home, or other items. A drawback of this booking plugin is that it does not accept online payments.

WP Simple Booking Calendar has different pricing levels:

• Free version
• Premium versions with pricing ranging from $39-$139 per year

Appointment Hour Booking

This WordPress booking plugin is for businesses in the service industries. It works great for, for example, someone with a therapist business. Appointment Hour Booking will help anyone with a strict schedule.

Managing requests is fast and easy. You can do this from within the dashboard, where you can also set availability.

So, when clients check when they can book an appointment, they can select the exact time that you are available. You can make different calendars for different services or employees.

Appointment Hour Booking has a printing feature that allows you to get paper copies of your calendar. That may be a useful option for some. It could serve as a backup for when you are offline or as a quick reference.

Appointment Hour Booking features:

• Automated booking management to avoid double bookings.
• Printable booking forms for customers.
• Blocking holidays and other specific dates.
• An online calendar that is easy to use and customize. You can add it anywhere on your WordPress site.
• RTL support so you can offer your booking calendar in over 50 languages.

Appointment Hour Booking offers a free version. The premium versions have prices ranging from less than €6 to €18.

StartBooking

This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a robust WordPress booking plugin. Download and installation are simple and fast and the plugin takes care of all your booking needs.

StartBooking has a clean user interface where customers can choose their preferred service from a list. Furthermore, they can see the times and dates that you are available. The plugin for WordPress asks bookers for all the relevant information so that you are ready to help them. That makes StartBooking an ideal option for business owners in the service industry. It makes the booking process more professional and more reliable.

There is a Stripe integration for online payment processing. You can ask for an advanced payment during the booking process.

Some of StartBooking’s best features include:

• Assign specific staff members to an appointment.
• Unlimited bookings and appointments.
• Seamless integration with Google Calendar.
• Detailed booking reporting. Each month you can see what you are doing.
• Customization options for bookings and services views.
• Full customization options that allow you to configure your bookings the way you like.

Pricing options range from $25-$28 per month.

Booking Calendar

Booking Calendar offers a versatile set of features and is one of the most popular WordPress booking plugin options. You can control almost everything from the admin panel.

One great feature is that you can filter bookings based on different parameters, like the type or the hour of the day. Those that manage hotel bookings will like the multi-day booking options.

A benefit of the Booking Calendar plugin is that it prevents double bookings. You will always get the most up-to-date information, so you can see what dates are available or taken. The plugin lets you manage unlimited appointments per day.

Some other important features of this WordPress booking plugin are:

• Back-end appointment management.
• Customizable email reminders for visitors and admins.
• You can export your calendars in the ICS format. That is useful for synchronizing with other booking platforms. You can sync with Google Calendar, Airbnb, and Booking.com.
• Support for different languages.
• Shortcodes for easy publication on different websites.

You can download the booking plugin straight from the WordPress plugin directory. There is a free version of the booking system with limited functionality.

You can also opt for the paid license which gives you further control over your bookings and other features. You can get a license starting at $31.60 and going up to $259.60.

Team Booking

This booking system is robust, simple, and innovative. It has some outstanding features for a lower price, compared to some of the other booking plugins.

Team Booking has a complete set of features for booking appointments, events, rooms, services, etcetera. A handy feature is that it is compatible with Google Calendar. With continuous syncing, you can always rest assured that your information is up to date. Also, you will find integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.

Through this booking system, you will be able to offer all the products and services that your business offers. Besides, you can allow customers to choose by whom they want to be attended. The booking calendar plugin sends out customized email notifications and confirmations. And for those that are interested in it, there is a custom developer API.

Other relevant features include:

• Three-way Google Calendar sync.
• Customizable booking forms.
• Discounts and promotions.
• Online payments.
• Cooperate as a team.
• Online meetings.

You can find Team Booking at CodeCanyon. The price is $39.

BirchPress Scheduler

This modern booking plugin for WordPress allows you to make and publish a booking calendar. You can put it anywhere on your website. It works best for smaller businesses, especially salons, spas, and studios.

There is no free version of the BirchPress Scheduler plugin. But the features it offers are worth the money. Its main features are staff bookings and online payment processing.

The time slots are customizable as to time and duration. In this booking plugin, you can also add prices for your services.

Some interesting features that will help your schedule appointments are:

• Automatic email notifications.
• Custom restrictions on availability.
• Complete booking management.
• Form editor.
• Integrations for Android, Google Calendar, iPhone, and Outlook.
• Bookings for groups.
• Staff assignments.
• Integrations for PayPal and WooCommerce.

BirchPress Scheduler works great for businesses in the service industry. It is a powerful premium booking plugin. It manages a team of staff members. Pricing starts at $99 and goes up to $249.

Salon Booking System

The Salon Booking System plugin for WordPress is there to help salons, spas, and similar businesses. Still, it is a flexible booking plugin that works for many other businesses as well. For example, sporting facilities, and repair shops will enjoy it too.

There is a front-end booking form that clients can use. At the back end there is two-way Google Calendar synchronization so you are always up to date. Salon Booking System allows you to customize the way your booking forms look to match your branding.

The booking plugin offers a wide range of options for your booking forms with choices at different levels. New customers can use their Facebook credentials to sign up and start booking.

But there are more features of this excellent Salon Booking System. Here are some of them:

• SMS notifications, as well as through business WhatsApp.
• Email notifications, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Robust revenue management and reports.
• Use the built-in calendar or sync with your Google Calendar.

Prices for this salon booking system plugin for WordPress range from €69 to €399 per year.

Bookly

The Bookly WordPress booking plugin has a broad range of features for booking and scheduling appointments. Its goal is to help you increase sales and it works for all kinds of businesses, even event ticketing.

The Bookly admin interface is easy to work with. It has separate tabs for different functionalities. Functionalities include appointment management, customers, services, and staff. A handy dashboard shows you your upcoming bookings.

To motivate your clients you can add a progress bar so they can see how much longer before they can complete their booking.

Here are some more good features of this booking system:

• Design that is responsive and customizable.
• Filter option for bookings.
• Automatic email notifications for staff and customers.
• WPML compatible with translation.
• CSS code for a booking form.

All these features come in the free version. Most small businesses will be ok with those tools and the single service that you can offer. The paid version will allow you more and include more advanced features.

The license cost $89 and includes lifetime updates and six months of customer support.

Booking Activities

Booking Activities is a free WordPress booking plugin. There are many add-ons that you can buy to expand its functionality.

It has an editor that shows you in real-time what your booking form will look like. You can change almost any part of the process. The editor has a drag-and-drop interface which makes it very easy to use, even for beginners.

You can group events and create package deals for your clients. A tour company, for example, could use it to schedule city tours for a weekend. There are many options. Your creativity is the limit.

Have a look at the list of features below:

• Cart expiration
• Schedule repeating events.
• Export as iCal and CSV files.
• Event grouping
• Customizable forms
• One-click booking
• Custom permission management.
• Shortcodes
• Unlimited booking calendars, activities, events, and bookings.
• WYSIWYG editor (What you see is what you get).

This is one of the few free WordPress booking plugins but you can purchase premium add-ons.

Simply Schedule Appointments

Simply Schedule Appointments supports unlimited users and appointment bookings. This applies to all their plans. It is very practical for everyone that wants to streamline their organization.

The free version of Simply Schedule Appointments contains many features. You can customize email notifications and get a scheduling widget that you can match with your branding. It also includes time slots, time frames, and blackout dates.

Other important features are:

• Advanced scheduling options
• Blackout dates
• Customizable email notifications and styles
• Easy interactive setup
• Intuitive user interface
• Unlimited appointment categories

You can get the cheapest paid subscription at $99 per year. This includes updates and support. It is a great recommendation if you offer training seminars and similar events.

The lowest tier misses a couple of important features. It does not have integrations for online payment portals or email and SMS notifications. You get these with the Professional ($199) and Business ($299) subscriptions.

Best WordPress Appointment Booking Plugins: The Verdict

When making a final decision on the best WordPress booking plugin for your needs, always consider information from reputable sources and review websites. There, you’ll usually find the most reliable and up-to-date information about the plugin you are thinking of purchasing.

One such reputable source is Wplift.com. Among other reviews, they left a stellar review about Amelia, our first choice when it comes to scheduling appointments. This review concluded that Amelia is one of the best WordPress appointment booking plugins you can find today.

Trustpilot should be your next station, as it’s one of the most reputable and reliable review sites that contains thousands of real user comments. For instance, Amelia got plenty of positive reviews there, stating that the plugin is easy to work with and does an excellent job at scheduling appointments. Also, users found customer service to be superb, responsive, and attentive – all essential if you’re looking for a WordPress booking plugin you can truly rely on.

FAQ on WordPress booking plugins

What’s a WordPress booking plugin, and why do I need one?

Well, buddy, a WordPress booking plugin is like your very own online appointment assistant. It lets people book appointments or make reservations directly on your website.

If you have a business where clients need to schedule appointments or make reservations, this nifty little tool will save you a whole lot of time and hassle, trust me.

Are all WordPress booking plugins basically the same?

No way, Jose! WordPress booking plugins come in different flavors, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

Some are geared towards specific industries like hotels, while others are more general-purpose. So, you gotta do your homework and choose the one that best suits your needs.

How do I choose the right WordPress booking plugin for my website?

Great question! First off, think about what you need from a booking plugin. Consider factors like integration with other tools, customization options, and ease of use. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Then, check out reviews, demo the plugins, and compare features to find the perfect match.

Are there any free WordPress booking plugins out there?

You betcha! There are indeed some free WordPress booking plugins that you can try out. Just keep in mind, though, that free options often have limitations and might not offer the full range of features you need. But hey, it’s worth a shot if you’re just starting out or on a tight budget.

Will a booking plugin slow down my website?

Now, that’s a valid concern. Some plugins can affect your site’s performance. However, well-developed booking plugins are usually optimized for speed and won’t cause a noticeable slowdown. Just make sure to do your research and choose a reputable plugin with good reviews.

Can I accept online payments with a WordPress booking plugin?

Oh, absolutely! Most WordPress booking plugins allow you to integrate with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square.

That way, your clients can pay for their appointments or reservations right on your website. Just double-check that the plugin you choose supports your preferred payment method.

Are WordPress booking plugins mobile-friendly?

In this day and age, they better be! Most reputable booking plugins are responsive and work seamlessly on mobile devices.

That means your clients can book appointments on the go, from their smartphones or tablets. Just make sure to test the plugin on various devices before committing to it.

What if I need to make changes or cancel an appointment?

No sweat! Most WordPress booking plugins offer features to modify or cancel bookings.

You can set up cancellation policies, send automated notifications, and even sync with your favorite calendar app. It’s all about making life easier for you and your clients.

Can I customize the booking form to match my website’s look and feel?

Totally! Many WordPress booking plugins offer customization options to make the booking form blend in seamlessly with your site.

You can tweak colors, fonts, fields, and more. Some plugins even have advanced customization features, so you can create the perfect booking experience for your clients.

What about support and updates for my WordPress booking plugin?

Support and updates are super important when it comes to plugins. You want to make sure the plugin you choose is well-supported and regularly updated for compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.

Most premium plugins come with dedicated support, while free options might have limited or community-based support. Just do your research and make sure you pick a plugin that won’t leave you hanging!

Conclusion on the Best WordPress Booking Plugins

This information should provide everything you need to choose the right appointment booking plugin for your needs. All the examples on the list above are easy to use and efficient and could work for you.

The best WordPress booking plugins depend on your needs and those of your business. Consider each one of these plugins and their features carefully. Without a doubt, you will find something that you like. Just keep in mind that reliability, flexibility, functionality, and scalability are key characteristics of a good booking plugin. And Amelia has them all.

If you enjoyed reading this article about the best WordPress booking plugins, you should check out the following:

• WordPress Plugins for Dentist Websites
• WordPress Plugins for Real Estate,
• WordPress Plugins for Gym Websites