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NextUp vs Waitwhile
Looking for a Waitwhile alternative for a walk-in shop? Here's how NextUp compares on price, texts and what's included, and when Waitwhile might suit you better.
| Feature | NextUp | Waitwhile |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/month for your first location, $19 for each additional one | $31/month (Starter) |
| Free plan or trial | No free plan: a 14-day free trial of everything, no card needed | Yes: 1 location, up to 50 visits a month |
| Texts | 1,000 per location every month, then $0.05 each | Bought separately, as prepaid message credits |
| Built for | Walk-in shops: barbershops, salons, tattoo, auto service, repair, grooming | Many industries: restaurants, retail, healthcare, government and more |
Waitwhile figures are from Waitwhile's pricing page, checked September 2026. Prices change, so check theirs for today's. Waitwhile is a trademark of its owner; NextUp isn't affiliated with it.
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 Waitwhile might fit better
Honestly: Waitwhile may suit you better if you need appointments and waitlists across many kinds of business, or your volume fits their free plan (up to 50 visits a month).
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.