Overview
| NextMe | Yelp Guest Manager |
|---|---|
| NextMe is a virtual waiting room and queue platform for restaurants, clinics, retail, government and live events. Founded in Chicago in 2015. | Yelp Guest Manager is Yelp’s waitlist, reservations and table management system for restaurants. Yelp launched it in 2021. |
Features
Both handle the walk-in waitlist and two-way texting. NextMe adds a branded virtual waiting room, QR check-in and kiosk check-in at no extra cost, and works on any device and in any industry. Yelp Guest Manager adds a floor plan, and a waitlist guests can join from Yelp, Google and Apple Maps.
| Feature | NextMe | Yelp Guest Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Waitlist | Yes | Yes |
| QR Code Check-in | Yes | Not listed |
| Kiosk Check-in | Yes Included | $99 a month add-on |
| Two-Way Texting | Yes | Yes |
| WhatsApp Notifications | Yes Every plan | Not listed |
| Virtual Waiting Room With Your Own Content | Yes | Not listed |
| Works Beyond Restaurants | Yes | No |
| Any Device, Including Android | Yes | iPad only |
| Waitlist on Yelp, Google and Apple Maps | No | Yes |
| Reservations and Bookings | Yes | Yes |
| Table Assignment | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Floor Plan | No | Yes |
Pricing
Prices are per location per month, as published in October 2026. Both are cheaper billed annually. Yelp charges no cover fees.
| Plan | NextMe | Yelp Guest Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Yes 14 days | Up to 60 days free, through a demo |
| Free | Yes 100 SMS a month | No |
| Entry | Starter: $59.99, 3,000 SMS a month | Basic: $159, up to 500 covers a month |
| Mid | Business: $99.99, 5,000 SMS a month | Plus: $349, unlimited covers |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Support
NextMe offers live chat on every paid plan, phone support on Custom, and hands-on help for live events, including onsite technicians. Yelp offers personalized onboarding and ongoing support for Guest Manager customers.
Conclusion
NextMe is the stronger fit for most businesses: a fraction of the price, kiosk check-in included, a virtual waiting room that turns the wait into engagement, and a platform that works on any device and in any industry. Yelp Guest Manager suits full-service restaurants that rely on Yelp for diners and want reservations and a floor plan in the same system.
Weighing more than two apps? We compared the best waitlist apps side by side.
If you’re a current Yelp Guest Manager customer, we can move you to NextMe and import your existing data. Reach out to us to learn more.
