SBM Portal vs Acuity Scheduling
A practical comparison of scheduling-focused software and a broader booking, customer-record, and billing workflow.
Overview
Acuity is a scheduling platform with strong booking-page customization, payment options, staff/location calendars, and Squarespace integration. SBM Portal combines scheduling with invoicing, work orders, industry-specific records, and payment processing through your own Stripe or Square account.
Choose Acuity for a polished scheduling page, Squarespace integration, and a low-cost entry plan. Choose SBM Portal for operational workflows that continue after the appointment: customer and asset history, work orders, invoices, and payment collection.
Feature comparison
| Feature | SBM Portal | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking | Customer self-serve 24/7 | Available |
| Payments and invoicing | Work-order invoices via your Stripe or Square; manual Interac | Payments via Stripe, Square, PayPal, or Venmo |
| SMS reminders | Included from Growing, subject to allowance | Included from Standard, subject to availability |
| Staff and locations | Branches with hours, availability, and conflict checks | Separate calendars by employee or location |
| Customer records | History plus vehicles, pets, and work records | Client profiles and scheduling history |
| Industry workflows | VIN decoding, digital inspections, work orders | Scheduling, forms, packages, memberships, and gift certificates |
| Pricing | From $29.99 CAD/month | Starter: $16/month; Standard: $27/month; Premium: $55/month, all USD |
| Evaluation | 14-day free trial, no credit card | 7-day free trial, no credit card |
Reviewed October 30, 2026. Acuity details and current prices: official Acuity pricing. SBM Portal prices come from the active plans table and can change; see current plans.
Where Acuity is stronger
- Scheduling-page customization and Squarespace integration
- Lower entry price in USD
- Payment support through Stripe, Square, PayPal, or Venmo
- Packages, memberships, gift certificates, and client intake forms
Acuity is more than a basic calendar: its Standard and Premium plans include text reminders, multiple staff/location calendars, and useful scheduling automation. If those are your main requirements, it belongs on the shortlist.
Where SBM Portal fits better
- Work orders and invoices are connected to the appointment and customer record
- Auto shops can use VIN decoding, digital inspections, and vehicle history
- Pet and other industry-specific records stay attached to the customer
- Choose Stripe or Square for customer payments, with Interac e-Transfer proof review
- Branch time zones and booking conflict checks support more complex operations
What SBM Portal does not replace
SBM Portal is not a Squarespace website builder, and it should not be treated as a like-for-like replacement for every Acuity scheduling, form, and customization feature. Evaluate the booking experience itself as well as the workflow after the appointment.
Migrating from another scheduling system
- Export customers and services, then map them to the supported import fields.
- Review imported contact details, service names, durations, and prices.
- Configure branches, staff availability, services, and booking rules before sharing the booking link.
- Connect your Stripe or Square account and test one booking, reminder, invoice, and payment.
- Reconcile upcoming appointments and open invoices before moving customers completely.
Contact us before migrating if you need to preserve complex schedules, historical appointments, or open invoices.