Comparison

Simple Host vs Bento Book Lite

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

Head to head
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

About

Bento Book Lite

This app helps restaurants manage reservations and waitlists to maximize bookings and guest relationships. It allows for easy viewing and management of incoming parties, accepting reservations from various sources, and leveraging guest data.

Highlights
  • Manage incoming parties
  • No per-cover booking fees
  • Accept reservations via website, Google, and phone
  • Utilize guest data for relationship building
  • Quote wait times for waitlisted guests
Read full description

Reclaim the entire guest relationship with BentoBox’s first-party restaurant reservations system. With smarter reservations and waitlist working on your behalf, you can maximize covers and accept more bookings with ease. - View and manage incoming parties - No per-cover booking fees - Accept bookings for reservations through your website, through Reserve with Google and by phone - Tap into guest data to build stronger relationships - Quote wait times to guests on your waitlist

Screenshots

Simple Host4 screens
Bento Book Lite3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bento Book Lite at none against Simple Host's 10. Bento Book Lite also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Simple Host's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads and device support 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. Simple Host sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Bento Book Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Bento Book Lite holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Host has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Host ships an update every 3 weeks, Bento Book Lite every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Simple Host versus Bento Book Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple HostBento Book Lite
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (9 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size112 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerpetrit kojtariBentoBox CMS, Inc

Customer experience

Simple Host

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

Bento Book Lite

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

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
None

Bento Book Lite

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simple Host free?
Simple Host is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bento Book Lite free?
Bento Book Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Simple Host or Bento Book Lite?
Bento Book Lite is rated higher. Simple Host averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Bento Book Lite averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Simple Host or Bento Book Lite have ads?
Neither Simple Host nor Bento Book Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple Host or Bento Book Lite?
Simple Host ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bento Book Lite every 2 months. Most recently, Simple Host was updated on October 3, 2026 and Bento Book Lite on September 26, 2026.

Other comparisons