Simple Host vs Waitlist Me: 2025 Comparison
Which waitlist app is right for your restaurant? A head-to-head comparison of features, pricing, and user experience.
Simple Host Team
December 5, 2025
Waitlist Me is a well-known name in restaurant waitlist software. But how does it compare to Simple Host? We'll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Waitlist Me
Established waitlist app
- • Multiple business types supported
- • Basic free tier available
- • Web and iPad app
- • Limited floor plan features
Simple Host
Restaurant-focused solution
- • Built specifically for restaurants
- • Full-featured at every tier
- • Works on iPad, Android, and web
- • Advanced floor plan editor
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Simple Host | Waitlist Me |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | 7-day trial | Limited free version |
| Basic/Standard | $49.99/mo | $24.99/mo (Pro) |
| Full Featured | $69.99/mo (Pro) | $39.99/mo (Premium) |
| SMS Included | Limited/paid | |
| Online Reservations | Pro plan | Premium plan |
Pricing Note
While Waitlist Me has lower base prices, their free and lower tiers have significant limitations. To get comparable features to Simple Host Pro (like online reservations), you'll likely need their Premium tier. Simple Host includes rollover SMS (250-1,000/month depending on plan) while Waitlist Me limits SMS on lower tiers.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Simple Host | Waitlist Me |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Waitlist | ||
| SMS Notifications | ||
| Online Reservations | ||
| Two-Way Texting | Premium only | |
| Visual Floor Plan Editor | Limited | |
| Drag & Drop Table Assignment | ||
| Server Section Management | ||
| Guest Database/CRM | ||
| Restaurant-Specific Design | Generic (multi-industry) | |
| Public Wait Time Display |
Key Differences
1. Restaurant Focus vs Multi-Industry
Waitlist Me serves many industries: salons, healthcare, retail, and restaurants. This means the interface is more generic. Simple Host is built exclusively for restaurants, with features like server sections, kitchen timing, and floor plan management designed specifically for dining operations.
2. Floor Plan Capabilities
Simple Host includes a full visual floor plan editor where you can design your restaurant layout, manage tables visually, and assign guests by dragging them to tables. Waitlist Me has more basic table management without the same visual control.
3. Server Section Management
Simple Host lets you create and manage server sections, rotating assignments automatically or manually. This helps balance workloads and ensures fair distribution of tables. Waitlist Me doesn't have this built-in functionality.
4. SMS Pricing Model
Simple Host includes rollover SMS with all paid plans (250/month Basic, 500/month Pro, 1,000/month VIP) — unused SMS roll over to the next month. Waitlist Me limits SMS on lower tiers and may charge per-text or require credits on their free/basic plans, which can add up quickly for busy restaurants.
Pros and Cons
Waitlist Me
Pros
- Free tier available for testing
- Lower entry price point
- Works for multiple business types
Cons
- Generic interface not restaurant-focused
- Limited floor plan features
- SMS costs can add up
- No server section management
Simple Host
Pros
- Built specifically for restaurants
- Advanced floor plan editor
- Server section management included
- Rollover SMS included (250-1,000/month)
- Works on iPad, Android, and web
Cons
- No permanent free tier
- Higher starting price ($49.99/mo)
The Bottom Line
Choose Waitlist Me if you want a free option to start, run a non-restaurant business, or just need basic waitlist functionality without floor plan management.
Choose Simple Host if you're running a restaurant and want purpose-built features like visual floor plans, server sections, and drag-and-drop table management. The slightly higher price includes tools that can significantly improve your host stand operations.
See Simple Host in Action
Try our 7-day free trial and experience the difference a restaurant-focused app makes.