SimplyBook alternative with automation included
Cicini vs SimplyBook.me — reminders, payments, and client management as standard, with cleaner UX and predictable pricing.
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Choosing the right booking platform
SimplyBook.me is a capable, highly configurable booking system with a large library of optional features and templates for many industries. If you enjoy assembling a setup from individual modules, it gives you a lot of dials to turn.
The trade-off is how those modules are delivered. SimplyBook.me limits how many "custom features" each plan can use — for example, a small number of feature slots on lower tiers — and core extras like SMS, WhatsApp, and a personal SMS gateway are bought separately as credit packs and add-ons. Many users also note a learning curve and a calendar that can feel hard to navigate.
Cicini takes the opposite approach: a cleaner interface and the everyday essentials — automated reminders, full-price Stripe checkout, client profiles and notes, and a client CRM — included in the plan rather than rationed by slot or topped up by credits. Deposits and intake forms are on the roadmap.
How Cicini and SimplyBook.me differ
SimplyBook.me is built around a marketplace of custom features. Power is there if you want it, but you decide which features fit your plan's slots, and you add credits when you need SMS or WhatsApp messaging. Costs are flexible by design — and harder to predict.
Cicini is built around a connected operation. Online booking, staff scheduling, Google outbound calendar sync (beta), Stripe checkout, automated reminders, and client records work together out of the box. You are not choosing between essential features or watching a credit balance — the automation that reduces no-shows and saves staff time is simply on.
The difference is not capability — it's whether automation comes included or assembled.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Capability | Cicini | SimplyBook.me |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking page | ||
| Free plan available | Yes — up to 30 bookings/mo | Yes — up to 50 bookings/mo |
| Feature access model | Included in plan | Limited custom-feature slots per plan |
| Monthly booking caps | Unlimited on paid plans | Capped per tier (e.g. 100 / 500 / 2,000) |
| Automated email reminders | Yes — all plans | Yes — basic email reminders |
| SMS / WhatsApp reminders | Included on paid plans | Sold as separate credit packs |
| Online payments & deposits | Full/deposit Stripe + gift cards (paid plans) — packages/memberships on roadmap | Available, often via add-ons / setup |
| Multi-staff scheduling | Yes — individual availability | Yes — provider limits per tier |
| Two-way Google / Outlook / Apple sync | Google sync + FreeBusy busy-block (beta) — Outlook/Apple on roadmap | Limited — common user complaint |
| Client profiles & notes | Yes — full client CRM | Basic client records |
| Intake forms | On roadmap | Via custom feature slot |
| Waitlist management | On roadmap | Limited |
| Multi-location support | On roadmap | Limited |
| Custom domain | Included on paid plans | Paid add-on |
| API & webhooks | API keys + webhooks (Pro+) — limited quotas on Pro | Yes |
| HIPAA compliance support | HIPAA-compliant security · BAA / Health tier on Enterprise roadmap | Limited |
SimplyBook.me plans, slots, and credit pricing change over time — check their site for current details. This comparison reflects their published model at the time of writing.
When businesses choose Cicini
When businesses choose Cicini
- They want automated reminders, payments, and client records included — not unlocked one feature slot at a time
- They prefer flat, predictable pricing over a subscription plus SMS and add-on credit packs
- They keep hitting monthly booking caps and want unlimited bookings on a paid plan
- They want a cleaner, faster interface with less of a setup learning curve
- They want Google outbound sync today with two-way and Outlook/Apple sync on the roadmap
- They want full-price Stripe checkout at booking (deposits on roadmap) without extra tools
Explore the full picture on our appointment scheduling software overview, or see plans on the transparent pricing page.
Switching from SimplyBook.me
Switching from SimplyBook.me
Because automation and payments are built in, there are no feature slots to budget and no credit packs to top up before you go live. Our team can help you map your existing setup across during the move.
Get migration supportPredictable pricing, built to scale
Predictable pricing, built to scale
Higher tiers add SMS reminders and limited API keys/webhooks. Enterprise adds SSO, white-label packaging, and HIPAA/BAA on the roadmap — not AI scheduling. You grow into capacity without re-architecting your booking stack.
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Contact our teamFrequently asked questions
Is Cicini a good SimplyBook.me alternative?
Yes. Cicini is a strong SimplyBook.me alternative for service businesses that want automation, payments, and client management included rather than unlocked one feature slot at a time. Where SimplyBook.me limits you to a set number of custom features per plan, Cicini ships reminders, Stripe checkout, client notes, and staff scheduling as core parts of the product.
How does Cicini pricing compare to SimplyBook.me?
Cicini uses simple, predictable plans: Free at $0, Starter at $19/mo, Professional at $49/mo, and Enterprise custom. SimplyBook.me starts low but layers on paid add-ons — SMS and WhatsApp credit packs, a personal SMS gateway, a custom domain, and per-feature slot limits — so the real monthly cost can climb. With Cicini, the plan price is the price.
How much does SimplyBook.me cost?
SimplyBook.me publishes tiered plans with add-ons for SMS, custom domains, and extra feature slots — so total cost varies by configuration. Cicini uses flat plans (Free, $19 Starter, $49 Professional) with core features included, which makes monthly costs easier to predict as you grow.
Is SimplyBook.me free?
SimplyBook.me offers a limited free tier with caps on bookings and features. Cicini also starts free with online booking and email reminders. Paid Cicini plans add SMS, Stripe checkout, and higher limits with a 30-day free trial and no credit card required to start.
What are the downsides of Calendly?
Calendly is excellent for simple meeting links but can feel limited for service businesses that need staff scheduling, payments, and client workflows in one place. Teams often add separate tools for payments and operations. Cicini bundles those workflows — see our Calendly comparison for a full feature-by-feature view.
Are appointment reminders and SMS included with Cicini?
Email reminders are included on every Cicini plan. SMS reminders are included on paid plans as part of automated workflows. With SimplyBook.me, SMS and WhatsApp messages are typically purchased as separate credit packs on top of your subscription, which makes ongoing costs harder to predict.
Can I take payments at booking with Cicini?
Cicini connects to Stripe for full-price checkout at booking on paid plans. Deposits and partial payments are on the roadmap. Prepayment at booking helps cut no-shows without managing extra credits or plugins.
How hard is it to switch from SimplyBook.me to Cicini?
Most teams move in a day. You recreate your services and staff, connect Google Calendar (beta), embed your booking page, and turn on reminders and payments. Our support team helps with migration so you do not lose bookings during the move. Start with the 30-day free trial — no credit card required.
See the difference in practice
Start a free trial or book a demo to see how Cicini compares when you want automation and payments included from day one.
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