WooCommerce Bookings – and why it’s so popular?
WooCommerce Bookings is popular because it transforms your WooCommerce store into a fully functional booking platform. Ideal for businesses like salons, hotels, consultants, and rental services, it allows customers to book appointments, rentals, or services directly from your website. Key features include customizable booking slots, buffer times between appointments, pricing rules based on time or group size, and email notifications. Its seamless integration with WooCommerce ensures a smooth user experience and efficient management for store owners.
WooCommerce Bookings Free vs WooCommerce Bookings Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Version | Pro GPL Version |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Management | ✅ Basic | ✅ Full |
| Flexible Booking Slots | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Buffer Time Between Bookings | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Pricing Rules | ❌ Limited | ✅ Advanced options |
| Integration with WooCommerce | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Group Booking Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Price | ✅ Free | ✅ Free via GPL |
Summary:
The Pro GPL version offers more advanced features like group bookings, flexible pricing, and better customization for a more professional booking system, while the free version is quite limited.
Can you get WooCommerce Bookings Pro for free?
Yes, you can get WooCommerce Bookings Pro for free through GPL-licensed sources.
The GPL version includes all premium features, such as group bookings, flexible pricing, and booking management, without needing a paid license. However:
- ✅ Full access to features
- ❌ No official support
- ❌ No automatic updates
It’s perfect for those who don’t mind managing updates manually and can work without official support.
Best free or budget–friendly alternatives to WooCommerce Bookings Pro
If WooCommerce Bookings Pro doesn’t meet your needs or budget, here are some free or cost-effective alternatives:
| Plugin Name | Free Version | Pro Option | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Calendar | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Flexible booking forms, multiple languages |
| WP Simple Booking Calendar | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Lightweight, simple booking for appointments |
| YITH Booking and Appointment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Ideal for small businesses, easy to use |
| Appointment Hour Booking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Customize working hours, integrate with Google Calendar |
These plugins provide solid booking solutions without breaking the bank, perfect for small businesses or those just starting out.
What is WooCommerce Bookings Pro General Public License?
The GPL (General Public License) allows you to use, modify, and distribute WooCommerce Bookings Pro freely, under these terms:
- ✅ Use on unlimited sites
- ✅ Access to full source code
- ✅ Modify the plugin to suit your needs
- ❌ No official support
- ❌ No automatic updates
The GPL version gives you all the pro features, but you’ll need to handle updates and support independently.
WooCommerce Bookings Pro GPL vs WooCommerce Bookings Pro: What’s the difference?
| Feature | WooCommerce Bookings Pro GPL | Official WooCommerce Bookings Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Free | ❌ Paid |
| License | ✅ GPL (open-source) | ✅ Commercial |
| Updates | ❌ Manual | ✅ Automatic |
| Support | ❌ No official support | ✅ Official support |
| Features | ✅ Full features | ✅ Full features |
Summary:
The GPL version gives you all the premium features for free but lacks official support and automatic updates. The official version provides regular updates and support but comes at a cost.
WooCommerce Bookings Pro Version History and Timeline
- v1.0.0 – Initial Release
Launched with essential booking features for WooCommerce stores, including simple appointment booking. - v2.0.0 – Flexible Pricing & Buffer Times
Introduced the ability to set pricing rules based on time slots, and added buffer times between appointments for better scheduling. - v3.0.0 – Group Bookings & Advanced Features
Added support for group bookings, multiple services, and improved calendar synchronization. - v4.0.0 – Enhanced Mobile Experience
Optimized for mobile devices, providing a smooth experience for users on the go. - v4.8.0 – Latest Version
Improved integration with third-party plugins and WooCommerce features, including new notification options.