Square Appointments vs Acuity Scheduling
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Square Appointments excels at: POS integration
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Multiple payment options
- Acuity Scheduling wins 2 out of 5 categories
- Square Appointments is best for: Square POS users
- Acuity Scheduling is best for: Service businesses and consultants
Quick Overview
Square Appointments
Square Appointments is a scheduling tool from Square. Best for businesses already using Square for payments.
Pros
- POS integration
- Payment processing
- Multi-location
- Staff management
Cons
- Tied to Square ecosystem
- Processing fees
- Limited outside Square
- Basic customization
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity by Squarespace is a powerful scheduling platform. Best for service businesses wanting flexibility.
Pros
- Multiple payment options
- Strong customization
- Not tied to one POS
- Advanced features
Cons
- No free plan
- No built-in POS
- Dated interface
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Square | Acuity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No (discontinued) | No | Tie |
| POS Integration | Native | Via Stripe | Square |
| Flexibility | Square only | Multiple options | Acuity |
| Customization | Basic | Advanced | Acuity |
| Multi-staff | Paid | All plans | Tie |
“We spent weeks going back and forth between Square Appointments and Acuity Scheduling. Both had trade-offs we weren't happy with. A colleague recommended SchedulingKit and it turned out to be the best fit — similar features at a fraction of the cost with a much simpler setup.”
Our Verdict
Square Appointments is great if you're already in the Square ecosystem. Acuity offers more flexibility but no free plan. SchedulingKit gives you flexibility with a free forever plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall, Square or Acuity?
In our feature-by-feature comparison, Acuity Scheduling came out ahead in 2 of 5 categories. That said, Square Appointments is specifically built for square pos users, so it can be the better choice if that matches your use case. There is no single "best" — it depends on your priorities.
What does Square cost compared to Acuity?
Square Appointments pricing: $29+/month/location (free tier discontinued). Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month. Watch for extras — SMS reminders, payment processing, and additional team seats often add 30-50% to headline prices on both platforms.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Square?
Users commonly cite tied to square ecosystem and processing fees. If square pos users is not your primary need, those limitations may outweigh its strengths.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Acuity?
The most frequent complaints about Acuity Scheduling include no free plan and no built-in pos. For teams that need pos integration, these gaps can be deal-breakers.
Can I switch from Square or Acuity to SchedulingKit?
Yes. You will need to recreate your event types and update booking links on your website and email signature, but calendar connections carry over through standard integrations. Most users complete the switch in under an hour. Our migration guides cover the process step by step.
Further Reading
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