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Cliniko vs Zanda: The Best Cliniko Alternative for Allied Health Practitioners

Why users look for a Cliniko alternative

Running a health practice means juggling clients, notes, scheduling, billing, and more. Some practitioners choose Cliniko for practice management because it’s well-known in the industry. But over time, it can feel limiting. With rigid workflows and no ISO 27001 security certification, growing allied health practices may start to look elsewhere..

If you’re here looking to replace Cliniko, Zanda is software that adapts to changing needs. Zanda is designed for the way you work—whether you’re managing a solo psychology practice or coordinating multiple physical therapy clinics. We help reduce the admin load, offer free data migration, and provide responsive support that solves problems before they slow you down.

Cliniko vs Zanda: Top highlights

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Affordable from the start

Cliniko’s pricing model doesn’t leave much room for small practices. Even if you’re running a one-person clinic, you pay $45/month—with no discounts for new customers, and no starter-level flexibility. We believe $45/month is more than solo practitioners should be paying for a subscription.

Zanda was built with solo and growing practices in mind. Our starter plan gives you everything you need to manage your practice for just $14.50/month (including a 50% discount) during your first six months. We also offer flexible pricing as you add more practitioners, so you’re never paying for what you don’t use.

Time-saving automation for daily tasks

Skip unnecessary workarounds. Cliniko covers the basics, but key features like auto-filling patient forms, advanced note templates, or smart waitlist functionality are either missing or limited. Even simple tasks like populating client data from intake forms or sending automated invoices require extra steps, costing you time.

Zanda gives you more of the time-saving features you need. In-platform AI with secure transcription and note-writing, a built-in Practice Operations Manual, communication automations, and advanced scheduling features are all included. No patchwork setups—just functionality that helps your day run more efficiently.

Built-in communication tools

Stop losing time to fragmented messaging. Cliniko has no built-in SMS chat or unified inbox, so your team can’t reply directly to clients within the system. It also doesn’t connect replies to appointment records or statuses, which means more admin, more double-checking, and more room for error.

Zanda simplifies how you stay in touch. Our two-way SMS chat and consolidated message history let you manage everything in one place. Replies automatically sync with appointments, so the schedule stays accurate and nothing slips through the cracks. It’s smarter communication that directly supports your workflow.

Practice Operations Manual

Zanda brings clarity and consistency to your practice with a built-in Practice Operations Manual. With over 100 ready-to-use policies, it helps you reduce risk, meet compliance standards, and align your team. Edit, add, or archive documents as needed—everything stays accessible and secure.

Meet Zanda–Built for allied health success

If you’re considering leaving Cliniko, Zanda makes it easy to switch. Our all-in-one practice management platform is purpose-built for allied health professionals, whether you’re practicing solo or expanding your team. Upgrade to a HIPAA-compliant Cliniko alternative that gives you more clarity, more control, and more confidence in your daily operations.

40k+

Users

100k+

Invoices per month

650k+

Client notes a month

Cliniko vs Zanda at a glance*

Review this clear comparison of Zanda and Cliniko to see where they differ and decide which platform better suits your practice.

Security
Zanda
Cliniko
Global Security Certification with ISO 27001
Yes
No
Regional security compliance (eg HIPAA, GDPR)
Yes
Yes
2FA Login
Yes
Yes
Customizable client data restrictions by user
Yes

Limited customization, with a set of permissions based on the role

Pricing
Pricing Transparency

Simple, flat pricing with no hidden fees

Yes
Introductory Offer

50% off for 6 months

30-day free trial

Starter Plan for New Practices
Yes
No
Core functionality
AI Scribe
Yes
No
AI Note Refine
Yes
No
AI Letter Refine
Yes
No
Online self-scheduling in Client Portal
Yes
Yes
Communication Automations

Yes, including New Client automation, Invoice automation, Pre-appointment,
Post-appointment and Recall automation

Limited to post-appointment messages

Telehealth
Yes
Yes
Group appointments (in-person or telehealth)
Yes

Yes, for telehealth there is a limit of 4 people total (including the practitioner)

Automated SMS & Email Reminders
Yes
Yes
Bulk Messaging
Yes
Yes
2-way SMS chat
Yes
Yes
Online Intake Forms
Yes

Yes, but the information doesn’t auto-fill fields on the client profile

Treatment Note Templates
Yes

Only 2 templates (initial and standard consultation)

Calendar Management
Yes
Yes
Waitlist Functionality
Yes

Yes, but doesn’t match waitlist clients with new openings in the calendar

Automated Invoice & Payments
Yes

The invoice draft is created automatically, but needs to be manually issued

Integrated Online Payments
Yes
Yes
Dashboards, Reports & Analytics
Yes

Has Reports & Analytics, but no Dashboard

Specialty-specific Templates
Yes
No
Secure Document Storage
Yes
Yes
Session Packs
Yes
Yes
Learning & Support
Customer Success Team Available 7 Days a week
Yes
Yes
Proprietary Academy to onboard all users quickly
Yes

Initial setup course targeting account owner, not available to all users

Customizable Note & Communication Templates
Yes
Yes
Free Data Import Service

Yes, including Client Details, Client Tasks, Appointments, Clinical & Admin Notes, Services, Products, Referrers and Referrals, Contacts, Communications, and more.

Yes
Practice Operations Manual
Yes
No
12-month Money Back Guarantee
Yes
No

*This comparison article reflects information available as of August 2025.

Pricing, Value, and Feature Advantage: Zanda vs Cliniko

Pricing & Value: More Affordable Practice Management

Highlight the transparent Pricing Model: Zanda offers clear plans with no hidden fees. For example, “an equivalent account on Zanda can be significantly more affordable than on Cliniko”

This means immediate savings while maintaining all key features.

  • Includes All Core Features: Even Zanda’s base plan includes essentials like telehealth, reminders, and support. IF Cliniko charge extra for add-on modules or higher-tier plans to get the same functionality.
  • Scales as You Grow: Whether you’re a solo practitioner or a multi-clinic group, Zanda’s pricing scales gently. Additional practitioners or locations can be added without the exponential jump in cost that you might see with Cliniko’s pricing structure.

Features & Flexibility: Zanda vs Cliniko

Focus on Zanda being an All-in-one software which includes billing & payments, scheduling, client management, etc.
Other things to call out if they’re missing from the Cliniko:

  • Broad Feature Set: Zanda combines appointment scheduling, client portal, electronic health records, billing, and even telehealth in one platform. If Cliniko has limited feature set.
  • Zanda allows custom forms, treatment note templates, and discipline-specific settings. For example, physiotherapists can use pre-loaded SOAP note templates, and psychologists can customize intake forms – all within Zanda. If Cliniko may offer generic templates, but fewer options tailored to allied health specialties.
  • Updates and New Features: Zanda’s team consistently rolls out updates and new features based on user feedback. You’ll benefit from improvements without extra costs. (If Cliniko has been slow to update or missing recent trends like telehealth, mention how Zanda proactively added these.)

Compliance & security:
Certified protection for modern practices

Built for privacy-first care, Zanda is a secure alternative to coreplus that meets global healthcare compliance standards. ISO 27001 certified and compliant with The Privacy Act, HIPAA, and more, it safeguards patient data and supports practices that value security.

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Rigorous Security Standards

We’re dedicated to providing a safe digital environment that meets and often exceeds industry best practices and regulatory standards. Every step of our data migration process is designed to prevent unapproved access or data leakage.

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Expertise Meets Security

Each data migration team member understands the sensitivity of the information they handle. They adhere to a strict code of conduct and follow rigorous security protocols to ensure the confidentiality and safety of your data.

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Compliance

Zanda complies with global data protection standards, including ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and Australia’s Privacy Act. We align our data handling practices with these protocols, providing an extra layer of assurance about our commitment to data security.

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Data Integrity

As we transfer your data, we work to maintain its accuracy and consistency. Post-migration, we conduct thorough quality checks to verify the integrity of the imported data.

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Continuous Improvement

We believe in continuous improvement and adaptation. As technology evolves and new threats emerge, we adjust our security measures accordingly.

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The Zanda Difference

When you make the move to Zanda, you’re opting for a superior practice management system with unparalleled data security.

What Practitioners Are Saying

Affordable for a one-person self-employed physio, great integrations with exercise programmes. The client portal is outstanding good to use and my clients love it! Would recommend definitely.
Dom Hallam Physiotherapy
Great customisable practice software! Plus, the customer service team is very responsive.
Lauren Hancock,
Psychologist/Director,
Hancock Psychology
Ability to send text message directly to clients from the dashboard is a great tool to have, helps to prevent a lot of missed appointments.
Steph
Easy to access when working remotely. It syncs with Xero making bookkeeping very convenient.
Lauren Miko,
Smart Talk Speech Pathology
Has made life as a solo practitioner so much easier! Enabling clients to schedule their own appointments and having control over the time frames for booking and cancellation.
Louise B.,
Principal Clinical Psychologist
I love using Zanda because I’ve been able to automate a lot of simple tasks. For example, when someone schedules their very first appointment, they automatically get an email w/ links to complete the intake forms specific to them. Automating as much as you can saves so much time & just makes me happy thinking about it.
Frances W.
Love how responsive PD is to suggestions and assistance. Love the waiting list function. Love the reports which can be pulled for monthly stats.
Emily Lively,
Lively Eaters
Zanda solves a lot of problems – we’re very happy. Very customisable. Great customer support from the onset.
Andy MacKellar,
Ships Physio

Hands-on migration
support & onboarding

The transition from Cliniko to Zanda is quick and fully supported. Our team takes care of your data transfer, guides you through onboarding, and helps configure your account. We don’t make you wait or figure it out alone.

Free data import service

Transfer your practice data securely and accurately. We’ll take care of the import so nothing gets left behind.

Data Import

Personalized Onboarding

Book a walkthrough with our team to get set up correctly. We’ll tailor the process to fit your clinic’s needs.

Book a Time

Responsive Support

Get help promptly from a team that understands allied healthcare. Our Customer Success Team is dedicated to helping your practice thrive.

Contact Us

Zanda Academy

Learn at your own pace with step-by-step guides and videos. Get practical help with features, workflows, and time-saving tips.

Academy

Professions we serve

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Psychology

Designed for psychologists and clinical mental health professionals.

Zanda provides psychologists with secure, compliant tools to manage client records, simplify communication, and run remote sessions with ease.

  • Client Notes & Progress Tracking
  • Client Portal
  • Telehealth Integration
  • Claiming & Billing
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Counselling

Supporting counselors, psychotherapists, therapists, and social workers.

Zanda provides counselors with a secure and easy-to-use platform for efficient client management, enhanced communication, and impactful care.

  • Secure Client Notes
  • Appointment Scheduling & Reminders
  • Telehealth Integration
  • Client Invoicing & Payments
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Physiotherapy

Serving physiotherapists, and movement specialists

Zanda helps physiotherapists zip through their to-do lists with time-saving tools for appointment management, clinical notes, and exercise programs.

  • Appointment Reminders & Online Scheduling
  • Clinical Notes Templates
  • Physitrack Integration
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Speech Pathology

Supporting speech therapists, pathologists, and language specialists.

Zanda provides speech therapists with efficient tools for session management, assessments, and tracking client milestones.

  • Configurable Forms & Assessments
  • Group Session Coordination
  • Integrated Billing & Invoicing
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Occupational Therapy

Efficient tools for occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists.

Zanda helps practitioners stay on top of appointment management, client documentation, and billing with an all-in-one system that’s easy to use.

  • User-Friendly Calendar & Bookings
  • Treatment Notes & Documentation
  • HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth
  • Automated Invoicing & Payments
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Allied Health

Occupational therapists, homeopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, and more.

Zanda helps allied health professionals thrive with specialized tools to manage sessions, track progress, and process payments.

  • Clinical Notes & Templates
  • Group Session Management
  • Automated Invoicing
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Osteopathy

The right tools for osteopaths and musculoskeletal health professionals.

Zanda makes practice management simple with flexible scheduling, secure documentation, and automated billing, ensuring smoother practice operations.

  • Multi-Location Calendar
  • Custom Notes & Body Charting
  • HIPAA-Compliant Zoom Telehealth & Client Portal
  • Integrated Invoicing & Payments
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Social Work

Designed for social workers, case managers, and behavioral health professionals.

Zanda provides client-centered tools for appointment coordination, documentation, and communication, ensuring smooth workflows and more effective support services.

  • One-Click Calendar Management
  • Access Notes from Anywhere
  • HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth
  • Custom Forms & Invoicing
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Massage Therapy

Practice management for massage therapists and bodywork practitioners.

Zanda makes it easy to organize appointments, track treatment progress, and handle billing for efficient practice operations.

  • Online Booking & Reminders
  • Custom Notes & Progress Tracking
  • Secure Client Management
  • Intuitive Invoicing & Payments
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Chiropractic

Efficient tools for chiropractors and spinal health professionals.

Zanda helps chiropractors simplify patient management with easy scheduling, secure documentation, and hassle-free billing—all in one platform.

  • Drag-and-Drop Calendar
  • Custom Treatment Notes
  • HIPAA-Compliant Intake Forms
  • Integrated Invoicing & Payments
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Mental Health

Designed for therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

Zanda equips mental health practitioners with secure tools for client management, telehealth, documentation, insurance claiming, and documentation.

  • HIPAA-Compliant Zoom Telehealth
  • Custom Treatment Notes
  • Online Booking & Reminders
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Podiatry

Supporting podiatrists and foot health specialists.

Zanda helps podiatrists stay organized with seamless appointment coordination, secure documentation, and integrated billing—keeping the focus on patient outcomes.

  • Intuitive Calendar & Bookings
  • Custom Treatment Notes
  • HIPAA-Compliant Zoom Telehealth
  • Flexible Invoicing & Payments
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Nutrition

Practice management for nutritionists, dietitians, and wellness practitioners.

Zanda improves scheduling, documentation, and billing with tools built to support client progress and coordinate daily tasks.

  • Intuitive Calendar & Bookings
  • Custom Notes & Progress Tracking
  • HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth
  • Flexible Invoicing & Payments
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Naturopathy

Simplified admin for naturopaths and holistic wellness practitioners.

Zanda helps naturopaths manage client appointments, records, and payments with ease, ensuring a well-organized workflow.

  • Drag-and-Drop Calendar
  • Custom Notes & Session Tracking
  • Client Portal & Telehealth
  • Integrated Invoicing & Payments
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Homeopathy

All-in-one system for homeopaths and holistic health practitioners.

Zanda simplifies practice management with easy scheduling, secure client records, and integrated billing, reducing admin work for a smoother workflow.

  • Flexible Calendar & Bookings
  • Custom Treatment Notes
  • HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth
  • Automated Invoicing & Payments
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Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Simplified admin for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners.

Zanda reduces admin workload and improves efficiency for holistic health practitioners with easy calendar management, secure documentation, and seamless billing.

  • User-Friendly Calendar & Bookings
  • Custom Treatment Notes
  • HIPAA-Compliant Zoom Telehealth
  • Integrated Invoicing & Payments
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Personal Training

Supporting personal trainers, fitness coaches, and strength specialists.

Zanda includes streamlined scheduling, online payments, and secure client management.

  • Easy Scheduling & Automated Reminders
  • Configurable Note Templates
  • Client Portal & Zoom Integration
  • Invoicing & Payments
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Ready to Switch from Cliniko? Try Zanda on a free trial!

Switching from Cliniko is straightforward. Zanda offers certified ISO compliance, lower costs, full migration support, and functionality that works the way you do. Try it free and experience the best alternative to Cliniko for allied health professionals who want more control and less admin in their day.