Scheduling Hero vs CleanerPlanner
CleanerPlanner has been around for 15+ years. We're the new kid. Here's an honest comparison.
The TL;DR
Choose Scheduling Hero if you:
- ✓Want a genuine free forever plan
- ✓Send lots of SMS (free vs separate TextLocal)
- ✓Need route optimisation (CleanerPlanner doesn't have this)
- ✓Prefer mobile-first over desktop-first
- ✓Want simpler, modern interface
Choose CleanerPlanner if you:
- •Need desktop/web access
- •Need team features now (our team plan is coming soon)
- •Use GoCardless for direct debit
- •Prefer established software with long track record
- •Need to import from WCP, George, or Aworka
Feature-by-feature comparison
All information current as of December 2024.
| Feature | Scheduling Hero | CleanerPlanner |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Free or NZ$23.99 | From £19/month |
| Free tier | Yes (forever, unlimited) | No (30-day trial only) |
| Team plan | Coming soon | £49/month (5 users) |
| SMS messaging | Free (uses your phone's plan) | Via TextLocal (separate account) |
| Route optimisation | NZ$23.99/month (Premium) | Not available |
| Scheduling & calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Customer database | Yes | Yes |
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes (with PDF emails) |
| Recurring jobs | Yes | Yes (rounds) |
| Expense tracking | Yes (with receipts) | Yes |
| Accounting integrations | Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent (Premium) | Xero, Sage |
| Payment links | Yes (free) | Yes |
| GoCardless | No (Stripe only) | Yes (Pro plan) |
| Works offline | Full database offline | Yes (mobile app) |
| Mobile app | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Desktop/web access | Mobile only | Full web app |
| Mailchimp integration | No | Yes (Pro plan) |
| Dropbox backup | No (cloud sync instead) | Yes (Pro plan) |
| Data import | Spreadsheet import | WCP, George, Aworka, Excel |
| Support response | Email support | Quick (typically < 1 hour) |
| Setup time | 60 seconds | 5-15 minutes |
Why window cleaners switch to Scheduling Hero
1. Free tier to get started
CleanerPlanner starts at £19/month after a 30-day trial. Scheduling Hero lets you try everything free forever, upgrade to Premium (NZ$23.99/month) only when route optimisation and cloud sync become worth it.
2. Route optimisation included
CleanerPlanner doesn't offer route optimisation—you have to plan routes manually. Scheduling Hero Premium includes automatic route optimisation that saves most users 2+ hours per day.
3. Built-in SMS (no TextLocal needed)
CleanerPlanner requires a separate TextLocal account for SMS. Scheduling Hero uses your phone's native SMS—no setup, no extra cost, no per-message fees.
4. Mobile-first design
CleanerPlanner was built for desktop and adapted for mobile. Scheduling Hero was designed from day one for your pocket. Every tap and swipe is optimised for one-handed use in a customer's driveway.
When CleanerPlanner is the better choice
We're honest about our limitations. CleanerPlanner might be better if:
You need team features now: CleanerPlanner's Team plan (£49/month) supports 5 users today. We're building team features, but they're not ready yet.
You need desktop access: CleanerPlanner has a full web app. Scheduling Hero is mobile-only.
You use GoCardless: CleanerPlanner integrates directly for direct debit. We only support Stripe.
You're migrating from WCP, George, or Aworka: CleanerPlanner has built-in import for these systems.
You want Mailchimp integration: CleanerPlanner Pro integrates with Mailchimp for email marketing.
Common questions
Can I import my CleanerPlanner data?
Yes. Export your customer list from CleanerPlanner and import the spreadsheet into Scheduling Hero. Most users complete the migration in 1-2 hours. We recommend running both apps in parallel for a week during transition.
Why doesn't CleanerPlanner have route optimisation?
CleanerPlanner focuses on scheduling and round management rather than route planning. Some users pair it with SmartRounds for route optimisation. Scheduling Hero includes route optimisation in Premium.
Is CleanerPlanner more established?
Yes, significantly. CleanerPlanner has been around for 15+ years and is widely used in the UK window cleaning community. They have excellent customer service. Scheduling Hero is newer but growing rapidly, with a focus on mobile-first design and affordability.
Is this comparison biased?
Yes, we obviously prefer you choose Scheduling Hero. But everything here is factually accurate as of December 2025. CleanerPlanner is reliable, proven software—especially for teams. We're just better for solo operators who want simple, free-to-start, mobile-first tools.
Looking for a CleanerPlanner alternative?
If you want route optimisation and free SMS without the £19/month starting cost, Scheduling Hero's worth a look. We're mobile-first, free to start, and include features CleanerPlanner doesn't offer.
Download freeStart free today
No credit card. No time limit. See if it's right for your window cleaning business.
Download freeFree forever. Upgrade to Premium (NZ$23.99/month) only when you need cloud sync and route optimisation.