Softwr

Parenting & Family · head to head

TimeTree vs Brightwheel

TimeTree logo

TimeTree

Parenting & Family

Shared calendar for groups

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Brightwheel logo

Brightwheel

Parenting & Family

The all-in-one childcare app

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which TimeTree and Brightwheel actually diverge.

Attributes where TimeTree and Brightwheel differ
AttributeTimeTreeBrightwheel
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20142015

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

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 TimeTree

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

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

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

TimeTree

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

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

TimeTree

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TimeTree review.

Brightwheel

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

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

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on TimeTree

More on Brightwheel

Keep looking

Other head to heads