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: Free for individuals
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Multiple payment options
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- 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 free scheduling tool from Square. Best for businesses already using Square for payments.
Pros
- Free for individuals
- 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
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Square | Acuity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes (1 user) | No | Square |
| POS Integration | Native | Via Stripe | Square |
| Flexibility | Square only | Multiple options | Acuity |
| Customization | Basic | Advanced | Acuity |
| Multi-staff | Paid | All plans | Tie |
“After comparing Square Appointments and Acuity Scheduling, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
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
Is Square Appointments or Acuity Scheduling better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Square Appointments is best for square pos users. Acuity Scheduling is best for service businesses and consultants. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Square or Acuity?
Square Appointments pricing: Free (1 person) / $29+/month/location. Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month. Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Square to Acuity?
Yes, you can switch between these platforms, though there's no direct migration tool. You'll need to recreate your event types, update booking links on your website and email signature, and reconnect calendar integrations. Plan for 1-2 hours of setup time.
What are the main differences between Square and Acuity?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Square Appointments's strengths include: Free for individuals, POS integration. Acuity Scheduling's strengths include: Multiple payment options, Strong customization. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Square and Acuity?
SchedulingKit offers a compelling alternative that combines the best features of both platforms. With a generous free tier and powerful features like automated reminders, intake forms, and team scheduling, it's worth considering if neither option fully meets your needs.
Free scheduling with payment flexibility
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
14-day free trial • No credit card required