Alternatives

Resos vs ResDiary

Trade ResDiary for a booking system with no per-cover fees.

In this article
  1. What makes Resos different
  2. Where ResDiary shines
  3. When Resos might be the better fit
  4. Switching is easier than you think
  5. Try both and see what fits
  6. Frequently asked questions about switching from ResDiary

Like ResDiary, we handle table reservations, guest management, no-show prevention, and automated communications–all without per-cover fees. Where we differ is in our approach to pricing and complexity. Resos is designed to be intuitive from day one, with a clean interface that staff can learn quickly. Setup takes minutes, and there’s no sales call required to get started.

What makes Resos different

Both platforms help you manage reservations without commission fees, but Resos emphasizes simplicity over feature depth. When you log in, you see your bookings and table availability immediately. Adding a new reservation is straightforward–no need to navigate through complex configuration options or spend time learning an intricate system.

We also believe in affordable, transparent pricing. While ResDiary’s plans start around £89/month with limits on covers and additional charges for add-ons (£35/month each for features like SMS, gift vouchers, or event management), Resos starts with a free plan, with paid plans from €23/month. Both platforms offer optional add-ons, but our base pricing remains significantly lower.

Our approach to customer service follows the same philosophy. Every restaurant gets access to fast, free, and friendly support – whether you’re on the free plan or unlimited.


Our Banc restaurant in Porthmadog started using the resOs booking system last week, previously we were using Resdiary which is not as good as resOs.

The resOs system is actually really, really good. I managed to set up the tables and opening times without too much difficulty. All our team are now using resOs without any complaints of ‘change’.

Steve Pickering, Banc restaurant, UK


Where ResDiary shines

Let’s be fair: ResDiary offers capabilities we don’t. Their system is deeply established in the UK hospitality market with strong integrations across EPOS, PMS, and marketing platforms. For larger venues and groups that need extensive customization options and complex yield management controls, ResDiary’s depth can be valuable.

ResDiary also offers Dish Cult, their diner discovery platform, which can provide additional exposure for restaurants. Their recent AI features (ResDiary Evo) offer automated guest tagging and review summaries that can save time for busy operators.

For multi-site restaurant groups that need detailed control over booking rules, table allocation, and venue-specific configurations, ResDiary’s comprehensive feature set may be worth the additional complexity and cost.

When Resos might be the better fit

Resos tends to work well for restaurants that:

  • Want simple, affordable pricing with a lower starting point
  • Prefer a system that’s quick to learn and easy for staff to use
  • Don’t need complex yield management
  • Value responsive customer support throughout their journey
  • Are looking for a more affordable alternative without sacrificing core functionality

Switching is easier than you think

Worried about losing your booking history and guest data? We’ve built an import tool that makes migrating from ResDiary (or any other system) straightforward. You can bring over your existing reservations and guest information so you’re not starting from scratch. Your regulars stay in the system, their preferences intact, and your team keeps the context they need to deliver great service.

Most restaurants complete their migration in a single session. If you run into any questions, our support team is happy to walk you through the process–no extra charge, no premium support tier required.

Try both and see what fits

The best way to decide between any reservation systems is to try them yourself. Resos offers a free plan with 25 bookings per month, so you can test the full system with real operations before committing. Run it alongside your current setup for a few weeks and see which workflow feels more natural for your team.

Many restaurants find that Resos’s simplicity helps staff get up to speed faster. When someone needs to check a booking or manage the waitlist, they can do it without extensive training. The interface guides them through the process naturally.


Frequently asked questions about switching from ResDiary

How does Resos compare to ResDiary for managing reservations?

Both platforms handle reservations without per-cover commission fees. The main differences are complexity and pricing structure. ResDiary offers extensive customization and yield management tools with higher base pricing and add-on costs. Resos focuses on simplicity with more affordable entry-level pricing. Both include table management, automated reminders, and guest communication tools.

Can I use Resos alongside ResDiary?

Yes. Many restaurants run multiple systems during a transition period or to compare workflows. Since Resos has a free plan, there’s no risk in testing it alongside your current setup.

Can I import my bookings and guest data from ResDiary?

Yes. Our import tool lets you bring over your existing reservations and guest information from ResDiary or other systems. You won’t lose your booking history or have to rebuild your guest database from scratch.

What features does Resos include?

Resos provides table management, visual floor plans, online bookings, waitlist management, no-show tracking, prepayment options, automated SMS and email reminders, guest profiles, Google Reserve integration, and multilingual support. Some advanced features are available as optional add-ons.

How does pricing work?

Resos offers a free plan (25 bookings/month), Basic from €23/month (350 bookings), Plus from €43/month (750 bookings), and Unlimited from €63/month. There are no per-cover fees or commissions. Optional add-ons for features like Google reservations, waitlists, and online payments range from €3.99 to €11.99/month.

Is Resos difficult to set up?

Most restaurants are up and running within an hour. You can add your floor plan, set your booking rules, and embed the booking widget on your website the same day. No sales calls, lengthy contracts, or complex onboarding required.

What about customer support?

We offer fast, free support to all restaurants regardless of plan. Our team takes the time to understand your specific needs rather than pointing you to documentation. Many restaurants that switched from ResDiary specifically mention our support as a key reason for moving.

Does Resos have a diner discovery platform like Dish Cult?

Resos doesn’t operate a diner marketplace. Our focus is on providing restaurants with excellent tools to manage their own bookings. Guests book through your website, Google, or social channels–giving you direct relationships with your customers.

Does Resos integrate with Google?

Yes. Resos integrates with Reserve with Google, allowing guests to book directly from Google Search and Google Maps. We also integrate with Facebook and Instagram for social bookings.

Does Resos work in the UK?

Absolutely. Resos works worldwide, including full SMS and notification support for UK restaurants. Our booking interface supports multiple languages, and we have many happy customers across the UK.

How do I get started?

Sign up at resos.com and set up your first tables. The process takes a few minutes, no credit card required for the free plan. You’re already here – why not give it a try?


How to get started

Ready to switch? Take more bookings, run smoother service.

Sign up for free
Step 1

Sign up for free

Create your account in seconds. No credit card required.

Set up your restaurant
Step 2

Set up your restaurant

Add your opening hours, areas, and floor plan using our easy drag-and-drop editor.

Take your first booking
Step 3

Take your first booking

Add your booking link to your website and social media. No coding required.