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WooCommerce Bookings vs Amelia vs Bookly – Which Booking Solution Should You Use?

If you run a service-based business—like a salon, consultancy, or events company—adding a booking system to your WordPress site can save you time and increase conversions. Three of the most popular options are WooCommerce Bookings, Amelia, and Bookly. All three handle online appointments, but they differ in flexibility, pricing, and features. Let’s compare them so you can pick the best booking solution for your needs.


WooCommerce Bookings – The official WooCommerce extension for scheduling appointments. Works seamlessly with WooCommerce products and payments. Great for shops already invested in WooCommerce.


Amelia – A powerful standalone WordPress booking plugin with a modern interface, advanced employee/service management, and Google Calendar integration. Ideal for businesses with staff and multiple locations.


Bookly – A flexible booking plugin with a modular system of add-ons. Popular for its affordability and customization, especially for small to medium businesses needing specific booking features.


Quick Comparison
WooCommerce Bookings = Best for WooCommerce stores and product-based bookings.
Amelia = Best for service businesses with staff, calendars, and multiple locations.
Bookly = Best for budget-friendly, modular bookings with flexible add-ons.



Verdict
Choose WooCommerce Bookings if you already run a WooCommerce store and want native booking integration.
Choose Amelia if you need a professional, feature-rich system for managing services, staff, and appointments.
Choose Bookly if you want a cost-effective booking solution that you can extend with specific add-ons.



WooCommerce Bookings vs Amelia vs Bookly: Feature Comparison

CategoryWooCommerce BookingsAmeliaBookly
IntegrationSeamless with WooCommerceStandalone, integrates with Woo + Google CalendarStandalone, add-ons expand integrations
Employee/Staff Management⚠️ Limited (requires extensions)✅ Advanced staff, roles, schedules✅ Staff management via add-ons
Service & Location SupportBasic services, one location✅ Multiple services & locations✅ Multiple services, locations with add-ons
Recurring Appointments⚠️ Limited✅ Yes✅ Yes (Pro/add-ons)
Calendar Integration⚠️ Basic✅ Google & Outlook calendar sync✅ Google Calendar (add-on)
Payment OptionsAll WooCommerce gatewaysPayPal, Stripe, WooCommercePayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce (add-ons)
Ease of UseFamiliar for WooCommerce usersModern, user-friendly UIEasy, but add-ons can complicate setup
Pricing💲 Higher (official Woo plugin)💲 Mid-range one-time license💲 Base plugin + paid add-ons
Best ForWooCommerce product-based bookingsService providers, agencies, staff-heavy businessesBudget users needing flexibility



Quick Takeaway
Use WooCommerce Bookings if you’re deeply tied to WooCommerce and want native booking.
Use Amelia if you need a complete solution for managing staff, services, and calendars.
Use Bookly if you prefer a modular, budget-friendly booking system.
 

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