Marai vs Setmore
Setmore is a good free option for managing basic appointments. Marai is designed for service businesses in Spain that need WhatsApp with AI, advanced CRM and local support. They are tools for different stages.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick verdict
Choose Marai if you need clients to book and confirm via WhatsApp, want a CRM with reliability scoring, digital check-in, forms with signature, and Spanish support with EU data storage. Choose Setmore if you're looking for a free, simple calendar for up to 4 professionals, don't need WhatsApp or advanced features, and English support isn't a problem.
| Feature | Marai | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp AI bot | ✓ | ✗ |
| WhatsApp reminders | ✓ | ✗ |
| Email reminders | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS reminders | ✗ | Paid |
| CRM with reliability | ✓ | ✗ |
| QR / kiosk check-in | ✓ | ✗ |
| Intake forms | 11 types + signature | ✗ |
| Booking portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-professional | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-location | Up to 5 (Business) | ✗ |
| Google Calendar sync | Starter+ | ✓ |
| Apple Calendar sync | ✗ | ✓ |
| Online payments (Stripe) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Native mobile app | ✗ | ✓ |
| Native Spanish | ✓ | ✗ |
| GDPR (EU servers) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free plan | Yes (1 prof, 50 apts) | Yes (4 prof, unlimited) |
The fundamental difference
Setmore is a US-based online booking platform designed to offer a simple, accessible calendar. Its free plan supports up to 4 professionals with unlimited appointments, making it an attractive way to get started.
Marai is built from the ground up for service businesses in Spain. Beyond scheduling, it includes a WhatsApp AI bot, a CRM with client reliability scoring, digital check-in, intake forms with signature, and native GDPR compliance. It is a complete management platform, not just a calendar.
WhatsApp: where Setmore falls short
Setmore offers email and SMS reminders (SMS at extra cost). It has no WhatsApp integration, either for sending reminders or receiving bookings.
Marai includes a WhatsApp bot with artificial intelligence that understands natural language, 24/7. Available in Pro (300 AI msgs/year) and Business (1,000 AI msgs/year). The client writes "I want an appointment Thursday at 10" and the bot handles the booking automatically. If messages run out, add-on packs are available from €19. Reminders are sent via WhatsApp and email, with open rates above 90%.
CRM and client management
Setmore stores basic client data (name, email, phone), but does not offer an advanced CRM. There is no reliability score, no no-show history, and no intake forms prior to the appointment.
Marai includes a full CRM with a reliability score that automatically calculates each client's attendance rate, late cancellations and no-shows. It also offers intake forms with 11 field types and digital signature, QR or kiosk check-in, and loyalty programs with points and rewards.
Language, support and GDPR
Setmore has its interface translated into Spanish, but it is a translation, not a native product. Support is primarily in English, and data is stored on US servers. This can be a problem for businesses handling sensitive data under European regulations.
Marai is built in Spanish from day one. Support is in Spanish, data is stored on EU servers, and the system natively complies with GDPR and the Spanish LOPDGDD, including consent management and the right to erasure.
Pricing comparison
- Free: €0 (1 professional, 50 clients, 50 appointments/month)
- Starter: €29/month (2 professionals, unlimited clients)
- Pro: €59/month (5 professionals, AI bot, check-in)
- Business: €99/month (15 professionals, 5 locations, SSO)
- No commissions per booking or payment.
- Free: $0 (up to 4 professionals, unlimited appointments)
- Pro: ~$12/month (1 user, online payments, SMS)
- Team: ~$9/month per user (Pro features)
- SMS and premium features at extra cost.
Where does Setmore win?
Setmore's free plan is one of the most generous on the market: 4 professionals with unlimited appointments at no cost. It also has a well-rated native mobile app, Apple Calendar sync (in addition to Google), and a clean, easy-to-use interface. If your business only needs a basic cloud calendar, without WhatsApp, advanced CRM or strict GDPR requirements, Setmore is a solid and economical option.
Frequently asked questions
Is Setmore really free?
Can I migrate from Setmore to Marai?
Why do I need WhatsApp if Setmore already sends emails?
Does Setmore comply with GDPR?
What advantage does Marai have over Setmore's free plan?
Coming from Setmore?
Migration is simple. Export your clients from Setmore and import them into Marai by CSV (available from Starter). Set up your business in 5 minutes and start receiving WhatsApp bookings the same day. No installation required.
No credit card. Cancel anytime.