Side by side
AMES vs Harness
Both stand on music lesson scheduling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
AMES connects bookings, payments, attendance, and parent communication for class-based activity providers. Its Standard plan charges a transaction fee on successful payments, while some payment and service costs are separate.
Visit AMES Free plan Web
Harness brings lesson scheduling, student and family access, and financial tracking together for instructors. The Hobby plan has a five-student cap, while Professional costs $15 a month and adds unlimited students and billing tools.
Visit HarnessThe facts
| AMES | Harness | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Professional: $15 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | amessolutions.io | harnesscalendar.com |
| On music lesson scheduling software | #3 of 24 | #7 of 24 |
AMES: what it does well
- Class schedules include occupancy visibility and waitlists.
- Parents can book replacement sessions subject to availability rules.
- Accepts card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Direct Debit.
- Includes a free plan and free trial.
- Helps import member data and configure the system.
What to know first
- Payment-provider processing fees are separate.
- SMS, phone services, and metered AI have separate charges.
- Custom terms apply at 10,000 or more members.
Harness: what it does well
- Shared links let students schedule or reschedule.
- Families can view lessons, notes, and invoices.
- Tracks attendance, payments, income, and expenses.
- Student profiles include history and payment balance.
- Professional includes unlimited students.
What to know first
- Free Hobby plan supports up to 5 students.
- Professional costs $15 a month.
- Stripe stores full payment card details.
- Deleted account backups may remain for up to 30 additional days.