Key highlights:
- WordPress appointment plugins automate scheduling, reduce no-shows and accept online payments directly through your site.
- Integration with Google Calendar and CRM tools keeps your availability updated in real-time.
- WooCommerce-compatible plugins enable deposit payments, group bookings and flexible pricing options.
- Automated email and SMS reminders improve customer experience and minimize missed appointments.
- The best WordPress booking plugin should offer customizable forms, payment processing and availability management.
You need an efficient way to manage bookings without endless back-and-forth emails or phone calls. A WordPress appointment booking plugin transforms your site into a 24/7 booking system where clients check availability, book appointments and pay online.
From salons to consulting firms, fitness centers to rental businesses, these plugins streamline scheduling while enhancing customer experience.
This guide explores the best WordPress appointment plugins, their key features and how they integrate with tools like Google Calendar to help you choose the perfect solution for your business.
What is a WooCommerce bookings plugin?
A WooCommerce bookings plugin integrates with your WooCommerce store to handle appointments, reservations and scheduling. These plugins offer eCommerce functionality like deposit payments, variable pricing based on duration or group size and automated payment processing.
You can set booking rules, manage availability and create different rates for various services – all while accepting secure online payments through your existing WooCommerce checkout.
Also read: How to Build Your Ecommerce Website on WordPress
Best WordPress appointment and booking plugins for 2025
Choosing the right WordPress appointment plugin can significantly impact how efficiently you manage your bookings and serve your clients. The market offers various solutions, from simple calendar tools to comprehensive scheduling systems with advanced features.
Some excel at staff management, while others focus on payment processing or multi-location support.
To help you navigate these options, we’ve compiled a comparison of the top WordPress scheduling plugins available today. This table highlights each plugin’s strengths, pricing and key capabilities so you can quickly identify which appointment booking system aligns with your business requirements.
| Plugin | Best for | Starting price | Key strength | Google Calendar sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YITH Booking & Appointment | Complex scheduling needs | Premium | Advanced customization options | Yes |
| WooCommerce Bookings | WooCommerce stores | $249/year | Official WooCommerce integration | Yes |
| Amelia | Service businesses with multiple locations | $59/year | Modern interface & automation | Yes |
| Bookly | Salons & health practices | Free (Pro from $89) | Comprehensive feature set | Yes |
| WP Simple Booking Calendar | Rental properties & basic scheduling | Free | Lightweight & simple | Yes |
| MotoPress Appointment Booking | Staff-based services | $49/year | Real-time booking & staff management | No |
| Booking Package | Flexible appointment durations | Free (Pro available) | Minute-level scheduling precision | No |
| Simply Schedule Appointments | Quick setup needs | Free (Pro from $99) | Interactive setup wizard | Yes |
Each plugin brings unique advantages to the table. Whether you prioritize affordability, feature depth or ease of use, you’ll find a solution that fits your workflow. Let’s explore each option in detail to understand what makes them stand out.
1. YITH Booking and Appointment for WooCommerce
YITH WooCommerce Booking and Appointment is a powerful and customizable WordPress plugin for recurring appointments. It is ideal for businesses that require advanced booking features, such as setting variable booking slots, managing group bookings and syncing with Google Calendar.
This solution helps you accept bookings seamlessly while offering flexible appointment booking forms that adapt to different service types.
Best for: Businesses with complex scheduling requirements, variable service durations and WooCommerce stores needing advanced booking customization.
Key features:
- Customizable booking forms for different services
- Google Calendar sync to avoid double booking
- Options for group bookings, recurring bookings and complex scheduling
- Integrated online payment gateways and support for deposit payments
- Flexible booking slots and booking duration options
Pros:
- Highly customizable with extensive configuration options
- Seamless WooCommerce integration for payment processing
- Supports complex booking scenarios and business rules
- Regular updates and dedicated support team
Cons:
- Premium pricing may be high for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Requires WooCommerce to function
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2. WooCommerce Bookings by WooCommerce
WooCommerce Bookings is the official booking plugin from WooCommerce, offering a reliable and streamlined solution for handling bookings and appointments. This WordPress scheduling plugin is highly customizable, making it ideal for a variety of industries that require scheduling flexibility.
It allows you to manage appointments efficiently while processing payment details through your existing WooCommerce checkout.
Best for: WooCommerce store owners who need reliable, officially-supported booking functionality with guaranteed compatibility.
Key features:
- Complete integration with WooCommerce for easy payment processing
- Customizable booking resources (like rooms or staff) and availability rules
- Flexible booking duration and cost options
- Offer multiple services like group bookings and accommodation bookings
- Integration with Google and Outlook Calendar sync
Pros:
- Official WooCommerce product ensures compatibility
- Robust resource management capabilities
- Well-documented with extensive support resources
- Works seamlessly with other WooCommerce extensions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to alternatives
- Requires WooCommerce to operate
- Interface may feel less modern than newer competitors
3. Amelia Booking Plugin
The Amelia WordPress booking plugin is a highly regarded WordPress appointment plugin that offers a modern, intuitive interface and robust booking features. It’s trendy among businesses with complex scheduling needs and multiple services.
This plugin enables you to accept appointments with automated email notifications and helps WordPress users schedule organized appointments across multiple locations.
Best for: Service-based businesses with multiple locations, staff members or services requiring a modern booking interface with automation.
Key features:
- Google Calendar sync for real-time availability updates
- Automated reminders and email notifications
- Support for multiple services and locations
- Recurring appointments and customizable appointment forms
Pros:
- Beautiful, user-friendly interface for both admins and clients
- Powerful automation features reduce manual work
- Excellent customer support and documentation
- Works independently or with WooCommerce
Cons:
- Annual license renewal required for updates
- Some advanced features only available in higher tiers
- Can be resource-intensive on shared hosting
Also read: How to Send a Reminder Email – Best Practices & Templates
4. Bookly
Bookly is a flexible WooCommerce appointments plugin with a comprehensive set of booking and scheduling features. Preferred as an excellent salon booking system plugin, it is also suitable for health practices and other service-based businesses.
The booking panel interface allows you to book multiple services while managing customer data securely.
Best for: Salons, spas, health practices and service businesses that need staff scheduling, SMS notifications and flexible payment options.
Key features:
- Fully customizable appointment booking forms
- Google Calendar sync for automatic updates
- Support for group bookings and multiple booking slots
- SMS and email notifications for booking reminders
- Payment options including PayPal, Stripe and WooCommerce integration
Pros:
- Free plugin version available with solid core features
- SMS notification capability included
- Extensive add-ons for specialized needs
- Staff management and commission tracking
Cons:
- Many features require purchasing separate add-ons
- Interface can feel cluttered with numerous options
- Some users report occasional plugin conflicts
5. WP Simple Booking Calendar
WP Simple Booking Calendar offers an efficient, easy-to-use solution for businesses with straightforward scheduling needs. This WordPress scheduling plugin features unlimited booking calendars and is ideal for rental properties, meeting rooms and other services where a simple booking calendar is enough. The booking widget can be easily embedded on any page.
Best for: Property rentals, vacation homes, meeting rooms and businesses that need basic availability display without complex booking workflows.
Key features:
- Easy-to-use appointment calendar interface
- Option to show availability and book specific dates
- Google Calendar sync for easy availability management
- Basic booking notifications and bookings calendar customization
- Lightweight design for fast performance
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward setup
- Lightweight with minimal impact on site speed
- Affordable pricing structure
- Perfect for basic booking needs
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to competitors
- Basic styling options
- No built-in payment processing
- Not ideal for service-based appointment scheduling
6. MotoPress Appointment Booking
MotoPress is geared toward service-based businesses like salons, clinics and consulting services, providing real-time booking and extensive staff management tools. This is one of the best WordPress plugins for businesses that need to create recurring events and manage staff schedules efficiently.
Best for: Service businesses with multiple staff members requiring individual schedules, real-time booking and comprehensive employee management.
Key features:
- Real-time scheduling and instant appointments online
- Staff management and schedules
- Mobile-friendly design with drag and drop builder functionality
- Automated email reminders and follow-ups
- Multiple service and location support
- Recurring bookings and group sessions
- Customizable booking form
Pros:
- Excellent staff management capabilities
- Real-time booking without approval delays
- Mobile-responsive interface
- One-time purchase option available
Cons:
- No Google Calendar sync in standard version
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Learning curve for advanced features
7. Booking Package
Booking Package offers a straightforward solution for booking appointments, services, events or renting rooms. You can set up different appointment durations and accept online payments with this versatile appointment booking system.
Best for: Businesses needing precise appointment timing control with intervals as short as one minute and simple payment processing.
Key features:
- Create flexible appointment duration times that can be set at even one-minute intervals
- Accept payments with PayPal and Stripe
- Send appointment confirmation emails
- The booking system can be added to any page or post with a shortcode
Pros:
- Free version available
- Extremely flexible time slot configuration
- Easy shortcode implementation
- Lightweight and fast
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic interface design
- Fewer integrations than premium alternatives
- Support response times can vary
8. Simply Schedule Appointments
Simply Schedule Appointments is quick and easy to set up. It offers seamless integration with your WordPress website. What makes this WordPress appointment booking plugin stand out is the ability to set appointment booking limits and set a minimum time between appointments.
Best for: Businesses that prioritize quick setup, user-friendly interface and need integration with Google Calendar, Zoom and email marketing tools.
Key features:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Create different appointment types
- Set up blackout dates to prevent appointment booking on specific days
- Interactive setup wizard
- Integrates with Google Calendar, Zoom and MailChimp
- Accept online payments with Stripe and PayPal
- Integrates with popular page builder plugins
Pros:
- Extremely easy to set up with guided wizard
- Clean, modern interface
- Excellent integration ecosystem
- Free version with useful features
Cons:
- Advanced features require pro version
- Limited customization in free version
- No SMS notifications in basic plan
- Staff management only in higher tiers
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Key features to look for in WordPress appointment plugins
When selecting the best WordPress booking plugin, it’s essential to consider the features that matter most to your business. Here are some must-have functionalities:
1. Seamless bookings calendar integration
For many businesses, integrating with Google Calendar is crucial for staying organized. A plugin with Google Calendar sync lets you automatically update your availability and avoid conflicts with other appointments. Plugins supporting Google Calendar events can ensure your schedule is always accurate.
2. WooCommerce integration for payments
If you’re running a WooCommerce store, a WooCommerce bookings plugin is a powerful addition. These plugins allow you to accept online payments directly on your site’s checkout booking page, making it easy for customers to confirm their bookings. Many WooCommerce booking plugins offer advanced features like deposit payments, multiple bookings and accommodation bookings for more complex scheduling needs.
3. Customizable booking forms and booking page
A well-designed booking form collects essential information while providing a smooth user experience. Many WordPress appointment plugins include customizable options for booking requests, customer bookings and group bookings. This customization allows you to create a branded and professional booking experience tailored to your clientele.
4. Availability management and booking approvals
Managing your availability is critical to avoiding overbookings and ensuring a smooth booking experience. Look for plugins that offer flexible availability rules, including minimum and maximum duration for bookings and the ability to set cancel bookings and unavailable dates. Some plugins also allow for booking approvals, giving you control over which bookings are confirmed.
5. Email notifications and reminders
Communication is crucial for appointment-based businesses. Choose a plugin that offers email notifications for booking confirmations, reminders and cancellations. This can significantly reduce no-shows and improve customer satisfaction by keeping clients informed about their booking details.
How a WordPress appointment plugin transforms business
A WordPress appointment plugin transforms your business by automating scheduling and eliminating the back-and-forth of phone calls or emails. Clients can check availability, book appointments and select specific team members directly from your WordPress site. This self-serve approach reduces administrative work while improving customer experience.
Automated email and SMS reminders reduce no-shows and keep your schedule predictable. Payment processing enables upfront deposits, ensuring steady cash flow and minimizing cancellations.
Google Calendar sync gives your team real-time schedule visibility, while recurring booking options foster customer loyalty. The result is a seamless, professional booking experience that streamlines operations and drives revenue growth.
Final thoughts
The right WordPress appointment booking plugin depends on your business needs, budget and required features. Whether you prioritize WooCommerce integration, staff management or Google Calendar sync, there’s a solution that fits your workflow.
Consider your booking complexity, payment requirements and integration needs before choosing. A WordPress scheduling plugin with customizable forms, automated reminders and secure payment processing will transform your site into an efficient booking system that enhances customer satisfaction and grows your business.
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FAQs
Important features include customizable booking forms to gather client-specific details, automated reminders to reduce no-shows and secure payment processing options like Stripe or PayPal for seamless transactions. Also, look for bookings calendar sync (such as with Google Calendar) to keep your schedule updated and flexible booking durations and slots to fit various services.
Yes, reputable scheduling plugins prioritize security by using encryption, secure servers and regular data backups. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR is also essential to ensure client data is protected and that privacy standards are met.
Many appointment schedulers support integrated payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal or WooCommerce Payments, enabling clients to make secure payments at the time of booking. This feature streamlines the process, allowing for upfront payment and reducing cancellations by securing commitment.
Absolutely. Most appointment schedulers provide automated email and SMS reminders, which inform clients of their upcoming appointments. This proactive communication helps reduce no-shows, as clients receive timely reminders that keep appointments top of mind.
Yes, many schedulers offer options for recurring bookings, allowing clients to book weekly, monthly or other repeat appointments without needing to rebook each time. Some also enable clients to schedule multiple appointments in one session, which is convenient for ongoing services or classes.
Most WordPress appointment plugins offer seamless integration with popular tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, MailChimp and CRM software. This integration ensures your appointments sync across platforms, reducing manual data entry and keeping your team informed in real-time.
Free WordPress scheduling plugins typically offer basic booking functionality suitable for small businesses with simple needs. Premium versions unlock advanced features like automated SMS reminders, payment processing, staff management, custom branding, priority support and integrations with multiple calendars and third-party tools.
Yes, the best WordPress booking plugin options support multiple locations and staff members. You can assign specific team members to services, set individual availability schedules and allow clients to choose their preferred staff member or location during the booking process.
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