Comparison

Waitly Waitlist & Reservations vs Simple Host

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Waitly Waitlist & Reservations

Manage guest lists and reservations for your business. Send instant text alerts when tables are ready, and allow guests to check themselves in via QR code. Supports multiple locations and real-time syncing across devices.

Highlights
  • Instant guest texting
  • Reservation management
  • QR code self check-in
  • Two-way messaging
  • Real-time multi-device syncing
  • Manage multiple locations
Features
Read full description

Features: • Add guests to your waitlist and text them instantly • Take reservations from Google, your website, and in the Waitly app • Reserve with Google • Personalize text messages to your guests • Two-way messaging lets guests reply to your texts • Self check-in: guests can scan your QR code and add themselves to the waitlist from their phone • Real-time syncing between multiple devices • Track walkouts and cancellations • Guests can view estimated wait times from mobile phones without installing an app • In-app support when you need help • Manage multiple locations with ease. Each restaurant gets its own waitlist and reservations, all under one account. More Information: www.waitly.com Questions or feedback? support@waitly.com Terms of Use https://www.waitly.com/terms

About

Simple Host

Streamline restaurant operations with an all-in-one platform for managing reservations, tables, and guest relationships. This app offers online booking, intelligent table management, and direct guest communication to enhance service and efficiency.

Highlights
  • Online reservations and waitlist management
  • Intelligent table and floor plan management
  • 2-way guest messaging and automated reminders
  • Digital guestbook for building profiles
  • Real-time operational statistics
  • Secure cloud backup and multi-device sync
Features
Read full description

Elevate your restaurant operations with an all-in-one platform that connects your team, tables, and guests seamlessly. From managing reservations to building lasting guest relationships, handle everything in one powerful app. Online Reservations and Waitlist Accept reservations 24/7 with automated booking management. Smart waitlist system for walk-ins with accurate wait times. Real-time availability updates across all platforms. Intelligent Table Management Visual floor planning with drag-and-drop table assignments. Optimize seating arrangements based on party size. Track table turnover and maximize capacity. 2-Way Guest Conversations Direct messaging with guests for confirmations and updates. Send automated reminders and follow-ups. Handle special requests and dietary preferences seamlessly. Reservation Planning Advanced booking calendar with daily, weekly, and monthly views. Anticipate busy periods with historical data insights. Manage special events and private dining efficiently. Digital Guestbook Build comprehensive guest profiles automatically. Track visit history, preferences, and special occasions. Create personalized experiences for returning guests. Powerful Statistics Real-time analytics on bookings, no-shows, and capacity. Peak hours analysis and revenue tracking. Data-driven insights to optimize operations. Secure Cloud Backup Automatic data synchronization to the cloud. Never lose critical reservation information. Access your data from anywhere, anytime. Smart Push Notifications Instant alerts for new bookings and cancellations. Staff notifications for VIP guests and special requests. Customizable alerts for different team members. Multi-Device Sync Seamless synchronization across phones, tablets, and computers. Multiple staff members can work simultaneously. Changes reflect instantly on all connected devices. Perfect For: Fine dining establishments managing high-value reservations. Busy restaurants optimizing table turnover. Restaurant groups coordinating multiple locations. Any venue prioritizing guest experience and operational efficiency. Why Restaurant Owners Choose Us: Stop juggling between phone calls, paper books, and disconnected systems. Our unified platform ensures every team member has the information they need to deliver exceptional service. Build stronger guest relationships while streamlining operations. Join thousands of restaurants already transforming their reservation management. Terms of Use: www.simplehostapp.com/termsofuse Policy Privacy: www.simplehostapp.com/policy

Screenshots

Waitly Waitlist & Reservations4 screens
Simple Host4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Waitly Waitlist & Reservations at 27 against Simple Host's 9. On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Waitly Waitlist & Reservations sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $49.00 per month and Simple Host sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Waitly Waitlist & Reservations against 4.7 for Simple Host. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 9 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of Waitly Waitlist & Reservations's written reviews are positive against 83% of Simple Host's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Waitly Waitlist & Reservations versus Simple Host: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWaitly Waitlist & ReservationsSimple Host
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (27 ratings) — better4.7 (9 ratings)
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews83.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings27 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size85 MB112 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArisota Software LLCpetrit kojtari

Customer experience

Waitly Waitlist & Reservations

All ratings27 ratings
Positive92.6%
Neutral3.7%
Negative3.7%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral11.1%
Negative11.1%

Simple Host

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Waitly Waitlist & Reservations

Subscriptions4
  • Waitly Premium14 Days trial$49.001 Month
  • Waitly Professional14 Days trial$99.001 Month
  • Waitly Premium Yearly1 Month trial$479.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Waitly Professional Yearly1 Month trial$989.001 Year
10 purchases

Simple Host

Subscriptions5
  • Table Management7 Days trial$29.991 Month
  • Subscription$39.991 Month
  • Basic$49.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Professional$69.991 Month
  • VIP$99.991 Month
One-time5
  • 100 Messages$4.99
  • 100 Discounted Messages$4.99
  • 1000 Messages$39.99
Show 2 more
  • 1000 Discounted Messages$39.99
  • 2500 Messages$99.99

Questions

Is Waitly Waitlist & Reservations free?
Waitly Waitlist & Reservations is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Simple Host free?
Simple Host is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Waitly Waitlist & Reservations or Simple Host?
Waitly Waitlist & Reservations is rated higher. Waitly Waitlist & Reservations averages 4.7 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while Simple Host averages 4.7 from 9 ratings.
Do Waitly Waitlist & Reservations or Simple Host have ads?
Neither Waitly Waitlist & Reservations nor Simple Host shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Waitly Waitlist & Reservations or Simple Host?
Waitly Waitlist & Reservations ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Host every 3 weeks. Most recently, Waitly Waitlist & Reservations was updated on October 24, 2026 and Simple Host on October 3, 2026.

Other comparisons