Marai vs SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is a generalist booking platform with a broad plugin system. Marai is an appointment management software specialized for service businesses in Spain, with a WhatsApp AI bot and advanced client management. Two different approaches to the same problem.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick verdict
Choose Marai if you want a ready-to-use system with a WhatsApp AI bot, CRM with reliability scoring, check-in, included loyalty features and native Spanish support. Choose SimplyBook.me if you prefer a modular platform where you activate only the features you need through plugins, and don't need WhatsApp or advanced client management.
| Feature | Marai | SimplyBook |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp AI bot | ✓ | ✗ |
| WhatsApp reminders | Included | External plugin |
| Email reminders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Native Spanish | ✓ | ✗ |
| Booking portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client CRM | ✓ | Basic |
| Reliability score | ✓ | ✗ |
| QR / kiosk check-in | ✓ | ✗ |
| Forms (11 types) | ✓ | Basic fields |
| Digital signature | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multi-professional | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-location | ✓ | Higher plans only |
| Payments (Stripe) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loyalty | Included | ✗ |
| GDPR (EU servers) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Calendar sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spanish-zone support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free plan | Yes, forever | Yes (50 bookings/month) |
Plugins vs all-inclusive
SimplyBook.me works with a plugin system (they call them "custom features"). The basic plan includes a limited number of active plugins, and each additional feature may require activating an extra plugin or upgrading. This gives flexibility, but also complexity: you need to explore and configure each plugin individually.
Marai includes all features natively in each plan. There are no plugins to activate or additional configurations. When you upgrade, you unlock more capacity (more professionals, more locations, AI bot), but the features are there from day one.
WhatsApp: AI bot vs external plugin
SimplyBook.me allows sending WhatsApp notifications, but requires setting up an external plugin and, in many cases, a separate WhatsApp Business API account. There is no conversational bot: the client receives the message but cannot reply to book or modify their appointment.
Marai includes a WhatsApp bot with artificial intelligence that understands natural language, 24/7. The client writes "I want to change my appointment to Thursday" and the bot handles it automatically. Available in Pro (300 AI msgs/year) and Business (1,000 AI msgs/year). If exhausted, add-on packs are available from €19. Reminders are sent via WhatsApp and email.
CRM and client management
SimplyBook.me has a basic CRM that stores contact information and booking history. For more advanced features like custom fields or segmentation, you need additional plugins.
Marai includes a CRM with per-client reliability scoring (based on no-shows, late cancellations and confirmations), intake forms with 11 field types and digital signature, QR or kiosk check-in, and loyalty programs with points and memberships. All built-in as standard.
Language and local support
SimplyBook.me is an international platform headquartered in Cyprus. Its interface is available in multiple languages including Spanish, but it is a translation from English. Documentation and technical support are primarily in English, and the support team does not operate in the Spanish time zone.
Marai is built in Spanish from day one. The interface, client-facing messages, documentation and support are all natively in Spanish. The team operates in the Spanish time zone (CET/CEST) and data is stored on European servers complying with GDPR.
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)
- Business: €99/month (15 professionals, 5 locations, SSO)
- All features included in every plan.
- Free: €0 (50 bookings/month, limited plugins)
- Basic: ~€10/month (100 bookings, 3 plugins)
- Standard: ~€30/month (500 bookings, 8 plugins)
- Premium: ~€60/month (2000 bookings, unlimited plugins)
- Advanced features require additional plugins.
Where does SimplyBook.me win?
SimplyBook.me has a catalog of more than 50 plugins and is a mature platform with years in the market. If you need a very specific feature that is only covered by a particular plugin (such as integrations with uncommon third-party software), SimplyBook.me may have it. It also includes a booking page builder with customizable themes, and its entry-level plan is cheaper than Marai's Starter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate from SimplyBook.me to Marai easily?
Does SimplyBook.me have a WhatsApp AI bot?
Which is cheaper, Marai or SimplyBook.me?
Is SimplyBook.me available in Spanish?
Does Marai have a plugin system like SimplyBook.me?
Coming from SimplyBook.me?
Migration is simple. Export your clients from SimplyBook.me and import them into Marai with a CSV file (available from Starter). No plugins to configure, no hidden costs. Set up your business in minutes and start receiving WhatsApp bookings the same day.
No credit card. Cancel anytime.