Both use an iPad. One is built for your kind of business.

Both FrontDesk and The Receptionist use an iPad as a check-in kiosk. FrontDesk is purpose-built for appointment-based service businesses — therapy, salons, and medical offices — with a provider-selection flow that sends instant push notifications to the specific staff member a client selects. The Receptionist covers a broader set of visitor management workflows including host notifications by SMS, call, and Slack. FrontDesk starts at $50/month; The Receptionist starts around $65/month.

FrontDesk starts at $50/month for one location with unlimited providers. The Receptionist typically starts around $65/month for their basic iPad plan. Both offer multi-location pricing. FrontDesk also includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

Yes. When a client checks in and selects their provider, FrontDesk sends an instant push notification to that provider's iPhone or Android device. The Receptionist can notify hosts by SMS, phone call, email, or Slack. FrontDesk's push notification approach is ideal for providers who are in session with another client and need a silent, unobtrusive alert.

The Receptionist offers SMS and phone-call host notifications, Slack notifications, NDA and document signing workflows, badge printing on some plans, and package management. FrontDesk does not currently support badge printing, NDA signing, or Slack integration.

FrontDesk is specifically designed for appointment-based service businesses like therapy practices. The check-in flow is built around selecting a therapist or counselor, and the resulting push notification lets providers stay focused in session until their patient is in the waiting room. The custom branding studio lets practices match the kiosk to their office aesthetic. For these use cases, FrontDesk tends to be a simpler and more focused solution.