Is Resy Better Than Tablein? A Detailed Look

Feb 14, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Does your current restaurant reservation system truly meet all your needs? 

With so many options available, finding the perfect tool is daunting, but it's definitely achievable. 

In this article, we’ll narrow our focus to two popular and effective choices: Resy and Tablein. 

Maybe you're just starting your search and want a clear side-by-side comparison. Or you could already be using Resy and are curious about what a leading competitor like Tablein has to offer. 

Either way, we'll cover the features, pricing, plans, real user reviews, and more to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Let’s go!

Key Features Comparison

While both Resy and Tablein offer comprehensive reservation systems, they differ in several key areas. 

To unpack these differences, we will compare both systems' key features, starting with taking reservations online. 

Online Booking

For starters, both Resy and Tablein have user-friendly booking widgets that let your guests make bookings 24/7.

But, Resy’s widget customization options are more limited than what you get with Tablein, which allows:

You can take a look at Tablein’s widget below.

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

Both Resy and Tablein seamlessly integrate with your website and social media platforms. 

They also automate guest communication, including:

  • Automated booking confirmations
  • SMS and email reservation reminders
  • Feedback request messages

The only difference is Resy’s two-way texting capabilities that allow back-and-forth communication between the restaurant and its guests.

Reservation and Table Management

Viewing reservations is straightforward in both Resy and Tablein.

Both platforms provide intuitive calendar and schedule views that allow restaurant managers to quickly view all relevant reservation details, such as guest names, reservation times, and special requests.

Resy dashboard
Source: Resy

These systems also let you manually add or modify reservations.

Whether it’s adding guest notes or tags, or changing reservation statuses, everything can be done with just a few clicks, saving time and reducing errors.

Plus, you get fully customizable floor plans with drag-and-drop functionality that lets you recreate your own table setup effortlessly. 

See how simple that is in Tablein:


Source: Tablein

But, Resy does offer some more advanced options here, meant for larger establishments. 

These include automatic table combination optimizations to maximize capacity and customizable pacing controls by floor plan for evenly dispersing covers.

Resy dashboard
Source: Resy

While beneficial for some, these features can add unnecessary complexity and a learning curve, especially for restaurants with a clear floor plan.

On the other hand, Tablein prioritizes simplicity, making it easy for anyone to use.

This is illustrated with our waitlist feature. 

Guests can be added to the waitlist in seconds, and they will receive SMS notifications when a table is ready.

Tablein dashboard

Source: Tablein

Guests on the waitlist are also directly and clearly visible alongside reservations, while Resy requires some additional navigation.

Guest Profiles and CRM

When it comes to customer relationship management (CRM), Resy has the edge with its Guest Intel features, which include VIP booking for select guests, private guest surveys, and analytics.

Resy also benefits from its exclusive American Express partnership, giving restaurants access to a large pool of Amex cardholders and promotional opportunities within the AmEx network.

Resy dashboard
Source: Resy

That’s not to count Tablein out, though. 

Tablein offers a robust guest database that stores key details like the number of visits, guest tags and notes, feedback ratings, and more.

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

This allows you to tailor the guest experience and segment your audience, albeit with more manual control compared to Resy's automated features.

However, Tablein’s guest CRM system is coming soon, so keep an eye out for updates as Tablein continues to expand its capabilities.

Analytics and Reporting

In terms of reports and analytics, Tablein provides detailed data on:

  • Reservations, no-shows & cancellations
  • Average party size & first-time guests
  • Average ratings & guest feedback 
  • Newsletter subscribers data
  • Most booked hours

All this information can be easily viewed in a comprehensive dashboard, such as the one below:

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

Resy offers a similar set of reports but with additional depth in guest reviews and feedback survey data, providing more granular insights into guest sentiment.

It also includes data on average table turn times and waitlist trends, which are particularly useful for high-traffic restaurants looking to optimize table management and minimize wait times.

Mobile Usability Overview

Finally, let’s look at the mobile experience.

Resy has a mobile app for both restaurant owners (ResyOS) and a client-facing one for restaurant discovery and bookings (Resy). 

However, Resy decided to remove its apps from the Google Play Store and has discontinued any further updates for Android.

Resy discontinuing Android App
Source: Reddit

In other words, it’s available only on iOS devices, which is a big downside for Android users.

While Tablein doesn’t offer a standalone app, our system is fully responsive and easily usable on both tablets and mobile devices, which can be added to your app library for quick access. 

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

Tablein currently doesn't offer a restaurant discovery app for clients such as Resy’s.

However, we have a listing site in select markets with plans for future expansion.

Available Integrations

It's important to consider which other tools a reservation system integrates with, as this can significantly expand its functionality and streamline your operations.

Tablein offers integrations with a variety of tools, as shown below.

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

These integrations cover essential functions like booking link sharing across platforms and multiple payment processing options—exceeding those available with Resy.

In fact, while Resy only works with Stripe, Apple, and Google Pay, Tablein offers integrations with:

  • Stripe
  • Paypal
  • Paypal Express
  • Redsys
  • Viva Wallet
  • Paysera

This wider range of payment gateways gives you more flexibility to choose the best option for your business and your patrons.

Tablein also integrates with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and MailerLite, enabling you to import your guest database and set up targeted marketing campaigns.

Where Resy stands out, however, is in its POS integrations with multiple popular systems like Toast and Square.

Resy POS integrations
Source: Resy

These integrations allow seamless data flow between Resy and your POS, syncing sales and guest data, reservation statuses, and more. 

On top of these, Resy also integrates with a limited number of delivery apps, inventory management tools, and restaurant management systems.

As for Tablein, POS integrations are coming soon, along with powerful AI-driven features, so stay tuned for exciting updates!

Customer Support Differences

As with any system, questions or issues can inevitably arise. 

When they do, reliable and accessible customer support is essential. 

On that line, Resy provides several support channels:

  • Helpdesk
  • Live Chat
  • In-app chat
  • Email support

For instance, their help desk has many useful articles, each filled with screenshots and videos of the particular issue to help guide you through the various system features.

Resy dashboard
Source: Resy

Resy also offers 24/7 availability for both live chat and email support, just like Tablein. 

However, Resy’s live chat initially connects users to a chatbot, which directs them to helpdesk articles.

But, if the chatbot cannot resolve the issue, users are connected to a human representative. 

Resy also provides customer support for diners using the Resy platform, though reviews of this service are mostly negative.

When it comes to Tablein, we offer comprehensive self-help resources, allowing you to search for guidance on any system feature.

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

Some of these articles are set up as specific categories that you might find useful. 

For instance, there are articles covering everything from the initial system setup and configuring online bookings to setting up notifications and managing various system settings.

Of course, we offer other customer support options, as shown in the full list below.

Tablein dashboard
Source: Tablein

As you can see, Tablein offers a broader range of support options than Resy, including live chat, phone support, and proactive services that go beyond simple issue resolution.

This extra support can be really helpful, especially if you're new to reservation systems or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of Tablein.

User Feedback and Reviews

As a restaurant owner, you know how much reviews matter when diners choose where to eat.

The same goes for restaurant software—real user experiences can reveal a system’s strengths and weaknesses beyond its feature list.

So, let’s take a look at what customers are saying about Resy and Tablein.

The following table summarizes Resy’s common pros and cons highlighted in customer reviews.

Pros

Cons

Access to a large network of diners

Some usability problems

High customizability

Customer support issues

Strong user data collection

Some features have too much complexity

Great dashboard

 

Strong feature set

 


In general, clients appreciate Resy's extensive diner network, providing increased visibility for their restaurants. 

They also value the platform's robust feature set and customization options, although some find these features overly complex.

But, one negative is Resy’s lackluster customer support, as this reviewer illustrates.

Resy customer review on G2
Source: G2

As mentioned earlier, even the customer-facing Resy app has received negative reviews regarding customer support, suggesting a potential recurring issue.

Now, let's look at Tablein's pros and cons.

Pros

Cons

Ease of use and setup

Lack of some niche customizability options

Great usability

Feature additions needed

Excellent customer support

Some users would like a standalone mobile app

Flexible system

 

Streamlined booking process

 


Usability and intuitiveness are where Tablein shines. 

In fact, as one user puts it on Trustpilot, Tablein is easy to use for restaurant owners, staff members, and even customers.

Tablein customer review on Trustpilot
Source: Trustpilot

But, simplicity doesn't come at the expense of functionality. 

Users appreciate Tablein's streamlined booking process and balanced approach to customization, offering sufficient flexibility without unnecessary complexity.

On the other hand, some users feel that Tablein doesn’t offer enough features and flexibility for their needs, while others say that a standalone mobile app would be a great addition.

In any case, what stands out the most, especially when compared to Resy, is the praise for our customer support, with one user describing it as quick, attentive, and willing to solve challenges.

To summarize, if access to a large diner network and advanced features outweigh usability and support concerns, Resy might be a suitable choice. 

However, if ease of use, excellent support, and a more streamlined experience are key, Tablein is likely the better option.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

A big difference between these two systems is the price tag.

Out of the two, Resy comes at a significantly higher price, with three paid tiers shown below.

Resy pricing plans
Source: Resy

Even with the cheapest tier, starting at $249 per month, you get a highly limited set of features and none of the unique features that make Resy stand out.

Plus, you can make a limited number of reservations from the Resy OS dashboard.

So, if you want the full Resy experience, you'll need to pay more, with prices reaching $899 per month.

Finally, Resy doesn’t have a free trial, although there is a free demo you can book.

Tablein, on the other hand, has a much more affordable price point, with three paid tiers shown below.

Tablein pricing plans
Source: Tablein

All Tablein plans include every feature. 

This is great for smaller restaurants as you get a complete reservation system for a fraction of the cost of Resy's cheapest plan.

If, on the other hand, you don’t want any of the reservation limits and are working with more than 300 reservations a month, you can use our “Success” plan, which has no limitations at all.

And it still costs less than Resy’s cheapest plan!

Plus, Tablein offers a 14-day free trial for any of the plans listed, so you can try our system yourself—without any payment or commitments.

All in all, if budget is a concern, Tablein is the obvious choice. 

But, if you're a large restaurant and need some of the specific features Resy offers, their higher price point might be justified. 

Conclusion

As we've seen, Tablein and Resy are both excellent reservation systems, but they cater to different business needs. 

By now, you should have a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, pricing structures, and how their features compare. 

Whether you're a high-end establishment drawn to Resy's offerings or prefer Tablein's affordability, fully unlocked features, and user-friendly interface, the choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements. 

So, consider your budget, the size of your restaurant, and the features most important to your operations. 

That way, you can choose the system that best supports your success.

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