Scheduling Hero vs Aworka
Both apps are built for round-based businesses. One's free forever. Here's how they compare.
Looking for an Aworka alternative?
Aworka's affordable and simple, but there's no free tier and it lacks modern features like route optimisation. Scheduling Hero offers a genuine free forever plan with free SMS messaging, and Premium features like route optimisation for just A$21.99/month.
The TL;DR
Choose Scheduling Hero if you:
- ✓Want a genuine free forever plan (not a trial)
- ✓Send lots of SMS messages (free vs separate TextLocal account)
- ✓Want route optimisation (A$21.99/month)
- ✓Prefer modern app design and features
- ✓Are just starting out or testing software
Choose Aworka if you:
- •Prefer very simple, straightforward software
- •Don't need route optimisation at all
- •Rarely send SMS messages
- •Prefer established software with long track record
- •Happy paying £10-12/month from day one (after 6-week trial)
Feature-by-feature comparison
All information current as of December 2024. Aworka pricing excludes VAT.
| Feature | Scheduling Hero | Aworka |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Free or A$21.99 | £10-12 (+VAT) |
| Free tier | Yes (forever, unlimited) | No (paid only) |
| Free trial | Unlimited free tier | 6 weeks |
| SMS messaging | Free (uses your phone's plan) | Via TextLocal (separate account) |
| SMS cost | Free | ~3-5p/message (TextLocal) |
| Scheduling & calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Customer database | Yes | Yes |
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring jobs | Yes | Yes (round-based) |
| Expense tracking | Yes (with receipts) | Yes |
| Accounting integrations | Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent (Premium) | Xero, QuickBooks |
| Payment links | Yes (Stripe) | Limited |
| Online payments | Stripe integration | Basic payment tracking |
| Works offline | Full database offline | Yes (offline capable) |
| Mobile app | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Desktop/web access | Mobile only | Mobile only |
| Route optimisation | A$21.99/month (Premium) | No |
| Map view | Yes (with pins) | Basic map |
| Multi-user support | Coming soon | No |
| Support | Email support | Email only |
| Setup time | 60 seconds | 2-5 minutes |
Why users switch to Scheduling Hero
1. Free tier to get started
Aworka has a 6-week trial, then it's £10-12/month (+VAT) from day one. Scheduling Hero lets you use it free forever. Upgrade to Premium (A$21.99/month) only when route optimisation and cloud sync become worth it.
2. SMS doesn't cost extra
Aworka requires a separate TextLocal account for SMS, charging 3-5p per message. At 10 messages per day, that's £15-30/month on top of your subscription. Scheduling Hero uses your phone's native SMS—completely free from your existing plan.
3. Route optimisation available
Aworka doesn't offer route optimisation—you plan your rounds manually. Scheduling Hero includes it in Premium (A$21.99/month). Tap 'optimise' and your jobs reorder to save petrol and time.
4. Modern payment options
Scheduling Hero offers Stripe payment links. Aworka has basic payment tracking but limited online payment integration.
When Aworka is the better choice
We're honest about our limitations. Aworka might be better if:
You prefer ultra-simple software: Aworka's interface is very straightforward and focused on round-based businesses. If you don't want modern features and prefer simplicity above all else, Aworka might suit you better.
You don't send SMS messages: If you rarely text customers, the SMS cost difference doesn't matter. In this case, Aworka's £10-12/month might suit your needs.
You don't need route optimisation: If you plan your rounds manually and don't want the feature, then Aworka's lack of route optimisation won't bother you.
You want longer track record: Aworka's been around longer and has an established user base in UK/IE service businesses. We're newer, though growing fast.
Common questions
Can I import my Aworka data?
Yes. Export your customer list from Aworka as a spreadsheet (CSV or Excel), then import it into Scheduling Hero. Most users complete the migration in under an hour. We recommend running both apps in parallel for a week during the transition to ensure nothing's missed.
Is Aworka's SMS cheaper than Scheduling Hero's?
Aworka requires a separate TextLocal account for SMS, which charges per message (typically 3-5p each). Scheduling Hero uses your phone's native SMS—completely free from your existing phone plan. If you send 10 messages per day, that's £15-30/month saved with Scheduling Hero.
Why doesn't Scheduling Hero have route optimisation on the free tier?
Route optimisation uses third-party mapping services that cost money per request. We keep the free tier genuinely free by making it a Premium feature (A$21.99/month). Aworka doesn't offer route optimisation at all, so you'd need to plan routes manually on both free Scheduling Hero and paid Aworka.
Is Aworka more established?
Yes. Aworka has been around longer and has a solid user base, particularly in UK/IE window cleaning and gardening communities. They've built reliable, simple software. Scheduling Hero is newer but growing rapidly, with a focus on modern features and a genuine free forever tier for solo operators.
Is this comparison biased?
Yes, we obviously prefer you choose Scheduling Hero. But everything here is factually accurate as of December 2025. Aworka is solid software—simple, affordable, and reliable. We're just better value for solo operators who want free SMS, modern payment options, and a genuine free forever plan.
Start free today
No credit card. No time limit. No commitment. See if it's right for your business.
Download freeFree forever. Upgrade to Premium (A$21.99/month) only when you need cloud sync and route optimisation.