Setmore is a generous free scheduler from the United States. It is fine until you need EFTPOS, GST-ready reporting, payroll, or a receptionist that answers the phone at 7pm. Mahi Time is built here, prices in NZD with an AUD guide, and ships the AI receptionist as part of the product.
Setmore suits a solo operator or a tiny team that needs a free online calendar, does not take card payments through the booking tool, and can live with US-centric defaults.
AI first, because it is the gap none of the incumbents have closed. Then price, then the local details.
Setmore's Live Receptionist is a US-only add-on at US$99 a month and books nothing itself. Mahi Time's AI phone receptionist and webchat answer, check availability and book, in NZ and AU, for NZ$129 (approx A$119) and NZ$49 (approx A$45).
How the AI receptionist worksWindcave EFTPOS in New Zealand, Stripe in both countries, GST on every invoice, and regional public holidays handled on the calendar.
Setmore has no payroll and no native Xero. Mahi Time includes both, plus revenue per staff member and retention reports.
Setmore gives API access on Pro only. Mahi Time's REST API, webhooks and MCP server are included for every workspace.
Setmore is genuinely cheaper on licence cost. The gap is what you have to bolt on around it. Prices from setmore.com/pricing, checked 31 October 2026.
Setmore prices checked 31 October 2026 on the vendor's public pricing page. Mahi Time prices exclude GST; AUD figures are an approximate guide, billing is in NZD.
| Feature | Mahi Time | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Published. NZ$109 (approx A$100) flat | Free, or US$5 per user annually |
| Commission on bookings | None, ever | None |
| AI phone receptionist that books | Built in, NZ$129 (approx A$119) | Live Receptionist US$99, US only |
| AI webchat that books | Built in, NZ$49 (approx A$45) | No |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, platform MCP server | No |
| Public REST API | Yes, public REST + webhooks | Pro plan only |
| Built and supported in NZ and AU | Built in NZ, NZ and AU hours | US based |
| Xero | Included | Via Zapier |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | No |
| EFTPOS and payments | Windcave EFTPOS (NZ), Stripe (NZ + AU) | Square or Stripe online |
| Feature | Mahi Time | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Flat NZD with AUD guide | Free, or USD per user |
| AI phone receptionist | Built in, NZ and AU | Human answering service, US only |
| AI webchat that books | Built in | No |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes | No |
| Public REST API | Every plan | Pro only |
| SMS reminders | 100 per month included | Pro only, availability varies by country |
| EFTPOS terminal | Windcave (NZ) | No |
| GST and public holidays | Native | Generic |
| Xero | Included | Via Zapier |
| Payroll and timesheets | Included | No |
| Import from this platform | CSV importer with Setmore column mapping | n/a |
See the full table against every platform on the Why Mahi Time page.
Export customers from the Customers page and appointment history from Settings > Booking Page > Reports. Our importer recognises Setmore's columns and brings customers and upcoming bookings across; services are quick to rebuild or can be read from your Setmore booking page.
Importer source to pick: Setmore. Settings > Import data, mapping preview, unmatched staff warning, run. Re-runs update rows instead of duplicating them.
If a free calendar does the job, keep it. Businesses move when they start losing calls, need EFTPOS and GST reporting, want payroll in the same tool, or want an AI receptionist that books. Mahi Time is NZ$109 (approx A$100) a month for all of that.
Yes. Setmore emails you a CSV of customers and lets you export appointments from its Reports screen. Upload both at Settings > Import data. The guide is at /migrate/setmore.
No permanent free plan. You get the whole product free for 21 days with no card, then one flat price.
Yes. Australian and New Zealand numbers are both supported, and the receptionist speaks in your business name with your services and prices.
No card. Import your data, forward your phone to the AI receptionist, and see which one your clients prefer.
