tilkbook vs Acuity Scheduling: which is better in 2026?

Acuity Scheduling is Squarespace-owned and has a strong following among small service businesses already on Squarespace sites. tilkbook is a newer alternative that ships modern booking + a built-in voice receptionist. This page compares the two on pricing, integrations, and the workflows that matter to service businesses.

How does tilkbook compare to Acuity Scheduling?

Feature tilkbook Acuity Scheduling
Free tier Yes No — 7-day trial only
Per-staff service menus Yes Yes
Group classes Yes — Pro Yes — Growing plan
Package bundles On roadmap Yes
Squarespace site embed Via script tag Native (same company)
AI phone receptionist Built-in No
API access Pro and above Powerhouse plan

Where tilkbook wins

  • Built-in AI phone receptionist for missed calls
  • Modern dashboard with sub-second response
  • Comprehensive JSON-LD schema and SEO-first public pages

Where Acuity Scheduling wins

  • Tight Squarespace integration for sites already on Squarespace
  • Larger app marketplace today (60+ integrations)
  • Established review base on G2, Capterra, Trustpilot

When to pick each one

Pick tilkbook if…

You want a free tier, an AI receptionist for missed calls, or a modern dashboard. You are not on Squarespace.

Pick Acuity Scheduling if…

Your website is already on Squarespace, you need package bundles today, or you have an existing Acuity workflow you do not want to migrate.

Stub. Refresh feature table quarterly. Acuity pricing changes frequently; check the live Acuity site before each refresh.

Frequently asked questions

Does tilkbook have a free tier like Acuity?

tilkbook has a free tier; Acuity does not. Acuity offers a 7-day trial and then requires a paid plan. tilkbook's free tier covers unlimited bookings for a single service.

How does tilkbook compare to Acuity on Squarespace integration?

Acuity is owned by Squarespace, so native integration is a clear win for them. tilkbook embeds on Squarespace sites via the standard script tag — functional but not as deep as Acuity's built-in checkout flow.

Can I import my Acuity calendar into tilkbook?

Yes. Acuity exports services, clients, and appointment history to CSV. tilkbook imports those CSVs directly. Acuity-specific features (package bundles, gift certificates) need to be reconfigured manually.