TimeToBook vs Timely
Both platforms help salons manage bookings and reduce no-shows. The difference? What you pay.
The short version
Timely is a well-established salon platform with a wide feature set. TimeToBook does the same core job — calendar, online booking, SMS reminders — at a fraction of the price. If you need enterprise reporting and complex marketing tools, Timely may suit you. If you need reliable booking software without the price tag, TimeToBook is the better fit.
Pricing comparison
What you actually pay each month, based on team size.
| Team size | TimeToBook | Timely (Build) | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 staff | Free | £25/mo | £25/mo |
| 2 staff | £7/mo | £50/mo | £43/mo |
| 3 staff | £14/mo | £75/mo | £61/mo |
| 5 staff | £28/mo | £125/mo | £97/mo |
| 10 staff | £63/mo | £250/mo | £187/mo |
Timely pricing based on their Build plan. Prices exclude GST/VAT.
Feature comparison
The features that matter for most salons.
| Feature | TimeToBook | Timely |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking page | ||
| Calendar management | ||
| SMS reminders | ||
| Email reminders | ||
| Client management | ||
| Staff scheduling | ||
| Multi-staff support | ||
| Client self-cancellation | ||
| Free solo plan | ||
| No commission fees | ||
| No contracts | ||
| POS / payment terminal | ||
| Marketing automation | ||
| Payroll integration |
Where they differ
Pricing model
Timely charges £25–£42 per staff member per month, with no free tier. TimeToBook starts free for solo stylists, with additional staff at just £7/month each. For a 5-person salon, that's the difference between £125/month and £28/month.
Simplicity vs feature count
Timely has grown into a comprehensive business management suite with POS, payroll, marketing automation, and more. If you need all of that, it may be worth the premium. TimeToBook focuses on the three things every salon needs: a calendar, online booking, and reminders. Less complexity means less to learn and less to pay for.
Company ownership
Timely was founded in New Zealand but was acquired by EverCommerce, a US-based corporation. TimeToBook is independently run with close ties to the NZ salon community. That means quicker responses to local needs and pricing that reflects the NZ market, not Silicon Valley expectations.
Device compatibility
TimeToBook is web-based and works on any device with a browser — phone, tablet, or desktop. No app download required. Timely has a dedicated app, but users report frequent crashes on Android devices and limitations on non-Apple hardware.
Choose TimeToBook if you…
- Want simple booking, calendar, and reminders
- Are a solo stylist or small team (1–10 staff)
- Want to keep costs low as your team grows
- Prefer straightforward software with no learning curve
Choose Timely if you…
- Need built-in POS and payment terminal integration
- Want marketing automation and advanced reporting
- Need payroll integration
- Are a large salon chain with complex requirements
Ready to save on salon software?
Free for solo stylists. £7/month per additional staff. No contracts.