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Parenting · head to head

Brightwheel vs TimeTree

Brightwheel logo

Brightwheel

Parenting

The all-in-one childcare app

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TimeTree logo

TimeTree

Parenting

Shared calendar for groups

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Brightwheel pricing is quote-only, driven by enrolment capacity and number of locations, and requires filling in a multi-step form to obtain; TimeTree synchronization sometimes lags when changes are made across devices simultaneously
  • They diverge on capability: Brightwheel covers Daily activity reports, TimeTree covers Shared calendars.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brightwheel and TimeTree actually diverge.

Attributes where Brightwheel and TimeTree differ
AttributeBrightwheelTimeTree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
Founded20152014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Parenting).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Brightwheel

  • Daily activity reports
  • Parent messaging
  • Photo and video sharing
  • Attendance tracking
  • Billing & invoicing
  • Staff time tracking
  • Learning assessments
  • Check-in/check-out

Only in TimeTree

  • Shared calendars
  • Event comments
  • Photo attachments
  • Keep memos
  • Notifications
  • Google Calendar
  • Apple Calendar
  • Outlook

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brightwheel

  • Childcare centre attendance and check-innot TimeTree
  • Parent communication with photos and daily reportsnot TimeTree
  • Billing and tuition collection from familiesnot TimeTree
  • Staff scheduling and ratio trackingnot TimeTree
  • Learning assessments and developmental recordsnot TimeTree

TimeTree

  • Schedulingnot Brightwheel
  • Appointment bookingnot Brightwheel
  • Time trackingnot Brightwheel
  • Resource managementnot Brightwheel
  • Team coordinationnot Brightwheel

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brightwheel

  • Pricing is quote-only, driven by enrolment capacity and number of locations, and requires filling in a multi-step form to obtain
  • No transaction or payment processing fees are disclosed anywhere on the pricing page

TimeTree

  • Synchronization sometimes lags when changes are made across devices simultaneously
  • Web version feels like an afterthought with limited functionality
  • iPad app is not properly optimized, showing phone-sized interface on larger screens
  • Limited recurring event options, cannot schedule for every second Tuesday or repeat until specific date
  • Free version displays disruptive ads that can block the screen

Pricing, plan by plan

Brightwheel

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Messaging
    • Daily reports
    • Photo sharing
  • Plus$100/month
    • All Free features
    • Billing & payments
    • Staff management

TimeTree

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TimeTree review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Brightwheel if

  • You need daily activity reports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want parent messaging.
Brightwheel review

Choose TimeTree if

  • You need shared calendars.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want event comments.
TimeTree review

Questions people ask

Is Brightwheel or TimeTree better?
Neither clearly leads. Brightwheel starts at Free and TimeTree at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brightwheel or TimeTree?
Brightwheel starts at Free and TimeTree at Free.
Does Brightwheel or TimeTree run on more platforms?
Brightwheel runs on Web, Ios, Android. TimeTree runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Brightwheel for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Brightwheel best used for?
Brightwheel is most often used for childcare centre attendance and check-in, parent communication with photos and daily reports, billing and tuition collection from families, staff scheduling and ratio tracking. Of those, childcare centre attendance and check-in and parent communication with photos and daily reports are not what TimeTree is typically brought in for.
What can Brightwheel do that TimeTree cannot?
Brightwheel covers Daily activity reports, Parent messaging, Photo and video sharing, Attendance tracking. TimeTree covers Shared calendars, Event comments, Photo attachments, Keep memos. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Brightwheel: How does Brightwheel determine pricing?

Brightwheel uses a custom pricing model based on your program's enrollment capacity, number of locations, and center status. Customers complete a questionnaire to receive customized pricing quotes.

Source
TimeTree: What platforms does TimeTree support?

TimeTree is available on iOS, Android, and web (calendar.timetreeapp.com). The app has no native desktop application.

Source
Brightwheel: Is there a trial or special offer for Brightwheel?

Brightwheel promotes a limited-time offer: Get 3 months free of Professional Development with qualifying new accounts. Users must submit pricing request forms for additional details.

Source
TimeTree: Does TimeTree sync with Google Calendar?

Yes, TimeTree offers two-way Google Calendar sync at no cost to all users, including the free tier.

Source
TimeTree: How much does TimeTree cost?

The core app is free but ad-supported. TimeTree Premium removes ads and adds attachments and extra views for $4.49 per month or $44.99 per year.

Source
TimeTree: Can I leave comments on TimeTree events?

Yes, TimeTree treats every event as a shared space where family members can leave comments, attach notes and memos, and have discussions directly on the event.

Source
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