
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




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.
Users
Invoices per month
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.
Limited customization, with a set of permissions based on the role
Simple, flat pricing with no hidden fees
50% off for 6 months
30-day free trial
Yes, including New Client automation, Invoice automation, Pre-appointment,
Post-appointment and Recall automation
Limited to post-appointment messages
Yes, for telehealth there is a limit of 4 people total (including the practitioner)
Yes, but the information doesn’t auto-fill fields on the client profile
Only 2 templates (initial and standard consultation)
Yes, but doesn’t match waitlist clients with new openings in the calendar
The invoice draft is created automatically, but needs to be manually issued
Has Reports & Analytics, but no Dashboard
Initial setup course targeting account owner, not available to all users
Yes, including Client Details, Client Tasks, Appointments, Clinical & Admin Notes, Services, Products, Referrers and Referrals, Contacts, Communications, and more.
*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.)
















