BookThatApp vs Cowlendar

BookThatApp vs Cowlendar

Jul 23, 2025

Compare BookThatApp and Cowlendar to find the best booking app for Shopify.

Choosing the right booking app can transform your Shopify store from a static product listing into a dynamic service-based powerhouse. In 2025, service businesses ranging from pet groomers to yoga instructors rely on seamless appointment scheduling to provide a top-tier customer experience. Two of the most talked-about apps in this space are BookThatApp and Cowlendar. But which one is right for your business?

This guide offers a deep dive into their features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing the right booking app can transform your Shopify store from a static product listing into a dynamic service-based powerhouse. In 2025, service businesses ranging from pet groomers to yoga instructors rely on seamless appointment scheduling to provide a top-tier customer experience. Two of the most talked-about apps in this space are BookThatApp and Cowlendar. But which one is right for your business?

This guide offers a deep dive into their features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

What Is BookThatApp?

BookThatApp is one of the oldest and most comprehensive booking tools for Shopify. Developed by Zetya, it's built to serve a variety of use cases — from appointments and classes to rentals and events.

👉 Install BookThatApp on the Shopify App Store

Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of booking types (appointments, rentals, classes, tours)

  • Recurring bookings available

  • Strong inventory management

  • Custom form builder for collecting customer information

Cons:

  • Dated user interface

  • Complex setup for beginners

  • Zoom and Google Calendar integrations not native

  • Limited design customization without custom coding

What Is Cowlendar?

Cowlendar is a modern, Shopify-native booking app that prioritizes ease of use and deep feature integration. It is built specifically for Shopify and designed to work without complicated configurations or coding knowledge.

👉 Install Cowlendar on the Shopify App Store

Pros:

  • Clean and fast interface that feels like Shopify

  • Zoom and Google Calendar integration

  • Built-in support for deposits, upsells, and no-show fees

  • Works natively with Shopify POS

  • Ideal for solo providers, multi-staff teams, and multi-location businesses

Cons:

  • Most powerful features require the Pro plan

  • Still relatively new compared to legacy apps

Feature

BookThatApp

Cowlendar


Appointment Booking

✅ Yes

✅ Yes


Class Scheduling

✅ Yes

✅ Yes


Rentals & Equipment

✅ Yes

⚠️ Not primary use case


POS Integration

❌ No

✅ Yes


Zoom Integration

❌ Requires workaround

✅ Built-in


Google Calendar Sync

❌ Requires workaround

✅ Built-in


Deposits & Upsells

✅ With setup

✅ Native Support


Custom Forms

✅ Yes

⚠️ Basic custom fields


Admin Dashboard

⚠️ Functional, but dated

✅ Modern and clean


Onboarding Experience

❌ Steep learning curve

✅ Fast and easy


Use Case Scenarios

BookThatApp Is Ideal For:

  • Rental businesses managing inventory

  • Event organizers needing group registration

  • Users comfortable with more complex configurations

Cowlendar Is Ideal For:

  • Service providers offering in-person or virtual appointments

  • Teams working across multiple locations

  • Shopify merchants needing POS and calendar integrations

Real Customer Experience

Many users of BookThatApp appreciate its flexibility but mention that setup often requires developer assistance or a steep learning curve. Some also report that managing more advanced features like equipment rental with time-based pricing can become complex.

Cowlendar users often highlight the app's clean UI and Shopify-native logic. Many mention that setup takes minutes and the integrations with Zoom and Google Calendar feel effortless. Support is frequently praised for being responsive and open to feature requests.

Pricing Overview

Plan

BookThatApp

Cowlendar

Free Plan

❌ No

✅ Yes (basic plan)

Starter Plan

✅ Starts at $19/mo

✅ $9.99/mo

Advanced Features

✅ Higher tiers

✅ Included in Pro plan

Final Verdict: Cowlendar vs BookThatApp

If you're looking for an all-in-one Shopify-native app with modern features, fast setup, and strong integration with Zoom, POS, and calendars, Cowlendar is the clear winner for 2025.

However, if you need complex rental logic, custom forms, or are comfortable configuring advanced settings yourself, BookThatApp may still serve your needs well.

✅ For modern appointment-based businesses → Cowlendar

✅ For inventory-heavy rental operations → BookThatApp

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