# NextMe vs. Yelp Guest Manager

> NextMe vs Yelp Guest Manager: pricing, kiosks, hardware, the guest experience and who each one is for, compared side by side so you can pick the right fit.

Source: https://nextmeapp.com/yelp-guest-manager/

Compare

NextMe and Yelp Guest Manager both run waitlists that text guests when it’s their turn, so they’re often compared by restaurants. Here’s how they differ on price, features and who they’re built for. This comparison comes from the NextMe team, so we’ve stuck to facts you can check, including where Yelp Guest Manager is the better fit.

## TL;DR

-   **Pricing.** NextMe has a free plan and paid plans from $59.99 a month. Yelp Guest Manager starts at $159 a month ($129 billed annually), with its kiosk a $99 a month add-on.
-   **Any business.** NextMe works for restaurants, clinics, retail, government and live events. Yelp Guest Manager is built for restaurants.
-   **Any device.** NextMe runs on any browser, tablet or phone, with native iOS and Android apps. Yelp Guest Manager runs on iPad.
-   **Guest experience.** NextMe’s [virtual waiting room](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/) runs your own content, offers and sponsor messages while guests wait. Yelp sends a text when the table is ready.

## Overview

| [NextMe](https://nextmeapp.com/) | [Yelp Guest Manager](https://business.yelp.com/restaurants/products/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](https://nextmeapp.com/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](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/waitlist-and-queue-management/best-waitlist-apps-compared/) 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](https://nextmeapp.com/contact-us/) to learn more.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextMe cheaper than Yelp Guest Manager?

Yes. NextMe has a free plan, and its paid plans are $59.99 and $99.99 a month. Yelp Guest Manager starts at $159 a month ($129 billed annually) for up to 500 covers, and its Plus plan is $349 ($279 billed annually). Yelp’s guest-facing kiosk is a $99 a month add-on, while NextMe’s kiosk check-in is included.

### Can I use Yelp Guest Manager outside restaurants?

Yelp markets Guest Manager to restaurants only. NextMe runs queues for restaurants, clinics, veterinary practices, retail, government offices and live events.

### Do I need an iPad for Yelp Guest Manager?

Yes. Yelp Guest Manager runs on iPad, and Yelp includes one with every plan. Its kiosk needs a second, guest-facing iPad. NextMe runs in any web browser, on any tablet or phone, with native iOS and Android apps alongside it.

### Does Yelp Guest Manager have a virtual waiting room?

Yelp texts guests when their table is ready, but it doesn’t list a branded page for guests while they wait. NextMe’s [virtual waiting room](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/) shows guests their place in line alongside your own content, offers and sponsor messages.

### Can I switch to NextMe from Yelp Guest Manager?

Yes. We support data migrations from existing vendors using CSV exports. Our team moves your key data and workflows into NextMe, with most migrations done within 3 to 5 business days.