NextUp vs Waitlist Me
Looking for a Waitlist Me alternative for a walk-in shop? Here's how NextUp compares on price, texts and what's included, and when Waitlist Me might suit you better.
| Feature | NextUp | Waitlist Me |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/month for your first location, $19 for each additional one | $34.99/month (Premium) |
| Free plan or trial | No free plan: a 14-day free trial of everything, no card needed | Yes, without text notifications |
| Texts | 1,000 per location every month, then $0.05 each | 1,000 a month on Premium, then $0.02 each |
| Built for | Walk-in shops: barbershops, salons, tattoo, auto service, repair, grooming | Restaurants, salons, retail and other businesses |
Waitlist Me figures are from Waitlist Me's pricing page, checked September 2026. Prices change, so check theirs for today's. Waitlist Me is a trademark of its owner; NextUp isn't affiliated with it.
- NextUp$67
- Waitlist MePremium: a separate subscription for each location$104.97 $37.97 more
Each app's published monthly price, before taxes and texts; theirs as listed on their own pricing pages, checked September 2026. Prices change: check theirs for today's.
Everything in every NextUp plan
- Customers join from a QR code or your link on their phone: no app, no account
- A text confirming their spot, and one when it's their turn
- A now-serving TV display for your waiting area
- A door tablet for walk-ins without a phone
- A staff screen to call, start and finish visits
- Your services and prices, and who each customer asks for
- Your trade's own words, your logo and colors
- Insights: busiest days and hours, waits, top services
When Waitlist Me might fit better
Honestly: Waitlist Me may suit you better if you send a lot of texts beyond your allowance (theirs are $0.02 each), or a list without text notifications is enough.
NextUp does one thing: the walk-in line at a shop, from the QR code at the door to the TV on the wall, at one price per location.
Compare other waitlist appsTry it on a Saturday
14 days free, every feature, no card needed. Set up a location in about two minutes.