ZenMaid vs BookingKoala
Koalas are cute. But you don't want them
running your cleaning business.
We know we're biased (this is our website), but we're not going to pretend ZenMaid is right for everyone. This page is here to help you decide whether ZenMaid or BookingKoala is the better fit for your cleaning business. And we'll make that decision as honest and clear as possible.
Here's what you'll find on this page
A breakdown of what ZenMaid includes by default — and what BookingKoala hides behind $197/month pricing
Real feedback from cleaning business owners who've used both platforms
A fair, focused comparison of where each platform shines (and where it doesn't)
If you're tired of trying to make all-in-one software work for your very-specific, very-real cleaning business... you'll see why ZenMaid was built differently.
Let's get into it.
BookingKoala is a Forest of Features.
And That's Not a Compliment.
Let's start with BookingKoala. It's packed with features like a website builder, SEO stuff, and service scheduling. And on paper, that sounds great. I mean, who doesn't want powerful tools?
BookingKoala is built for every kind of service business: lawn care, massage therapists, cleaning services, probably koala groomers too. And that shows.
Cluttered Interface
Too many options, too much confusion
Overwhelming Setup
Hours of configuration before you can start
Hidden Features
Core features locked behind $197/month paywall
ZenMaid is Built for One Industry: Cleaning
ZenMaid was created by people who actually run cleaning businesses.
Just real cleaning pros who needed better tools and couldn't find them.
So we built them.
What you get with ZenMaid:
Smart Scheduling
Makes sense for recurring cleans, teams, and solo operators
Automated Everything
Reminders, review requests, and follow-ups (included at $19/mo)
Cleaner-Specific Tools
Pay tracking and mobile checklists built specifically for cleaners
Real Support
A support team that actually answers when you need help
You log in.
We set it up for you.
You get back to running your cleaning business.
Features for Cleaning Businesses:
ZenMaid vs. Booking Koala
Fun Fact: Koalas Sleep for 22 Hours a Day.
Some BookingKoala users have reported extended outages.
Anyway…
SMS & email automations
Included
Locked behind upgrade
Cleaner checklists
Included
Not available
PTO & availability tracking
Included (Pro Max)
Not available
Custom booking form
Included
Limited customization
Review request follow-ups
Included
Not included
Cleaner pay reports
Included
Missing
Setup & onboarding
Done for you
Self-serve only
Support
Human & fast
Hit or miss
ZenMaid Is So Easy to Use, Even This Cute Little Koala Could Do It
Okayyy, maybe not the Koala. But every cleaning business owner? Absolutely. Even the ones who self identify as "tech-challenged."
Because unlike BookingKoala, which feels like trying to launch a space shuttle every time you need to send a text reminder… ZenMaid is designed to be simple, intuitive, and calm.
You don’t have to be a computer programmer to get started.
ZenMaid is ready to go in minutes, not weeks. You log in, everything makes sense, and you can set up real automations — without a paid onboarding package or hours of setup videos.
No digging through menus to find what you need.
Scheduling, reminders, client info, and cleaner assignments are laid out exactly how a maid service works — not how a generic service platform thinks it should.
You won’t pay extra just to run your business.
With ZenMaid, you get essential features — like customizable booking forms, easy scheduling, automated reminders, review request emails, cleaner checklists, and invoicing — on day one. BookingKoala users often feel nickel-and-dimed to unlock the basics.
A Big Difference Between ZenMaid and BookingKoala? Focus.
BookingKoala tries to be everything to everyone. And if you're running a spa, a lawn care company, or pressure washing service, maybe that works.
But if you're a residential cleaning business, you don’t need bloated features built for twenty industries. You need software that works the way you work.
ZenMaid was built exclusively for maid service owners. That means every button, every automation, every screen — it's all designed around how cleaning businesses actually run.
And that means:
No complicated dashboards
Everything is designed around scheduling recurring jobs, managing teams, and communicating with clients.
No paying extra for the essentials
Basic automations, cleaner pay tracking, and service rating follow-ups are included in plans starting at $19. BookingKoala locks most of those behind their $197 plan.
No features you'll never use
You won’t waste time trying to decode settings made for HVAC techs or figure out what a “lead magnet widget flow” is — because we don’t have that nonsense.
"I was spending hours inside BookingKoala trying to figure out things I didn’t need. ZenMaid just works."
"ZenMaid didn’t just save time, it showed me how to run my cleaning business better."
"When BookingKoala went down, I lost hundreds. With ZenMaid? Stable, simple, done."
Still Waiting for BookingKoala to Wake Up?
Come Join the Pros.
Migrating from BookingKoala to ZenMaid is as relaxing as a Koala nap.
We’ll do all of this for you:
Move your customer data
Help recreate your automations
Set up your schedule
Walk you through the platform, step by step
And we’ll do it for free.
