Shopify booking apps vs WooCommerce plugins

Shopify booking apps vs WooCommerce plugins

Jul 22, 2025

Shopify booking apps vs Woo plugins: find the best for your service business

Choosing the right platform to handle online bookings can make or break your service-based business. Whether you’re running a salon, gym, tutoring service, or equipment rental business, having a reliable booking system is key to managing appointments, avoiding scheduling conflicts, and improving customer experience.

In this guide, we’ll compare Shopify booking apps and WooCommerce booking plugins to help you decide which solution works best for your needs in 2025.

Choosing the right platform to handle online bookings can make or break your service-based business. Whether you’re running a salon, gym, tutoring service, or equipment rental business, having a reliable booking system is key to managing appointments, avoiding scheduling conflicts, and improving customer experience.

In this guide, we’ll compare Shopify booking apps and WooCommerce booking plugins to help you decide which solution works best for your needs in 2025.

Booking on Shopify: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Built-in eCommerce environment

  • Seamless integration with your online store

  • Apps built for speed and mobile-first experience

  • Native payment support via Shopify Checkout

  • User-friendly interface and setup

  • Secure hosting included

❌ Cons

  • Less customizable than open-source platforms

  • Monthly app subscriptions can add up


Booking with WooCommerce: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Highly customizable with open-source flexibility

  • Wide range of free and premium plugins

  • Greater control over hosting and features

  • Ability to self-host and avoid monthly fees

❌ Cons

  • Requires more technical knowledge

  • Hosting, security, and backups are your responsibility

  • Plugins may conflict with each other or your theme

  • Slower load times if not optimized

Booking App Options: Shopify

Here are a few popular Shopify booking apps for 2025:

1. Cowlendar

  • Zoom + Google Calendar integration

  • Multi-location and staff booking

  • Deposits, upsells, and SMS/email reminders

  • Clean, mobile-optimized interface

2. Appointly

  • Simple, lightweight option for small service providers

  • Includes Google Calendar sync and basic booking tools

  • No support for Zoom or POS

3. Easy Appointment Booking

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Great for solo service businesses

  • Lacks deep integrations or multi-location support


Booking Plugin Options: WooCommerce

Here are popular WooCommerce booking plugins:

1. WooCommerce Bookings (by WooCommerce)

  • Official plugin, built-in calendar

  • Supports group bookings and time slots

  • No Zoom or payment deposit options out-of-the-box

2. Amelia

  • Clean UI and powerful back-end

  • Multiple services, employees, and locations

  • Requires self-hosting

3. Bookly

  • Easy setup, customizable forms

  • Add-ons for payments, Zoom, SMS

  • Paid tiers required for full functionality



Feature Comparison Table

Feature

Shopify (Cowlendar, Appointly, etc.)

WooCommerce (Amelia, Bookly)

Google Calendar Integration

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Zoom Support

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Deposit

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Multi-location

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Mobile-friendly UI

✅ Optimized

⚠️ Depends on theme

POS Integration

✅ Yes (Shopify POS)

❌ Not available

Hosting & Security

✅ Included

❌ Self-managed

Which Should You Choose?

If you want:

  • A plug-and-play experience

  • A fast, secure, hosted solution

  • Deep integration with your Shopify store

  • Low-maintenance calendar and Zoom setup

Go with Shopify + Cowlendar or Appointly.

If you:

  • Want full control over customizations

  • Already use WordPress or WooCommerce

  • Don’t mind managing your own hosting

WooCommerce plugins like Amelia or Bookly may suit you better.

Final Recommendation

Both platforms can support bookings, but Shopify offers a smoother, more scalable experience for merchants who want a fast start and minimal upkeep. WooCommerce is powerful but demands more time, technical skills, and plugin management.

For 2025, Shopify + Cowlendar or other reliable apps like Appointly and Easy Appointment Booking deliver a clean, modern booking experience that’s perfect for growing service businesses.

👉 Try Cowlendar on the Shopify App Store and simplify your bookings today.

Use Cowlendar for Free

Use Cowlendar for Free

Use Cowlendar for Free

Built for Shopify

Ready to Upgrade Your Booking Experience?

Ready to Upgrade Your Booking Experience?

Transform Your Product into a Service, All Within Minutes—Start for Free.

Use Cowlendar for Free

Use Cowlendar for Free

Use Cowlendar for Free