What it is
Virtual queue software replaces the paper sign-in sheet and the physical line. A customer joins by scanning a QR code, tapping a link, or using an on-site kiosk. The product keeps the order, estimates the wait and sends a message when it is time to come in. Staff see the queue on a dashboard and can call, skip or remove people.
This category covers 23 published products. It sits between the other categories in the catalog: many of these tools also appear under appointments, healthcare, restaurant or retail and public services, because the same queue mechanics apply. Some, such as Qmatic and Wavetec, are enterprise queue systems with no public pricing, while others, such as NextMe, ScanQueue and Waitlist Me, publish prices and offer a free plan.
Key features to compare
The data records which features each product confirms with evidence. Across the 23 products in this category:
- Self check-in kiosk and Wait time estimates: confirmed by all 23.
- Multi-location management and Analytics & reporting: confirmed by 22.
- SMS notifications, Public live wait board and Appointment booking: confirmed by 21.
- Join the waitlist remotely: confirmed by 20.
- Customer feedback surveys and QR code check-in: confirmed by 18.
- Public API and Multi-language guest messages: confirmed by 14.
- Single sign-on (SSO): confirmed by 9.
- POS integration: confirmed by 8.
- Two-way SMS: confirmed by 6.
- Reservations and Table management / floor map: confirmed by 4 each.
Because kiosk check-in and wait estimates are close to universal, they rarely separate products. The features that vary more are two-way SMS (guests can reply to messages), POS integration, SSO and the public API. A feature that is not confirmed in the data is not necessarily absent from the product; it means no source confirmed it.
How pricing works in this category
Pricing in this category splits three ways.
- Published prices: 16 of the 23 products publish pricing. Where a starting price is recorded, monthly figures run from GBP 14.99 to $869, and some are priced per location or per team member rather than per account.
- Free plans: 6 products record a free plan that includes the waitlist, among them NextMe, ScanQueue, Waitlist Me and Waitwhile. Free plans are usually capped by monthly visits or locations.
- Demo-only: 7 products publish no prices. Their listings say “Book a demo for pricing”.
Seven products also record a free trial. By buying style, 13 products are Self-serve (public pricing and signup without sales, some with a custom or enterprise plan through sales), 3 are Sales-assisted (public pricing, but self-serve signup is not confirmed) and 7 are Sales-led (no public pricing). SMS and message volume are often billed separately from the subscription, so compare what each plan includes.
How to choose
- Start with the setting. A single shop with a counter and a phone has different needs from a hospital network or a government office. The larger systems tend to be Sales-led and add SSO, multi-language messages and branch-level analytics.
- Decide how guests join. If guests must join from the street or car park, check that remote joining is confirmed. If you need a counter-top screen, check the kiosk option and the public wait board.
- Check messaging. If guests need to reply, for example to say they are running late, look for two-way SMS and read the SMS pricing.
- Match the buying style to your process. Self-serve products can be tried the same day. Sales-led products need a demo before you see a price.
- Look at update activity and market presence. Each listing shows these labels with their basis, such as the number of app store updates in the last 12 months.
Use the filters on this page to narrow by free plan, buying style or feature, then open the individual listings to compare the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a virtual queue and a waitlist?
The terms overlap. In this catalog a virtual queue is a digital line for walk-in visits, usually joined by QR code, kiosk or link and managed by staff. Waitlist products in other categories add table management, appointments or enrollment forms.
How many virtual queue tools publish their pricing?
Of the 23 products in this category, 16 publish pricing on their own pricing page and 7 ask visitors to book a demo for pricing. Six of the 16 record a free plan that includes the waitlist.
Do these tools work without a kiosk or tablet?
All 23 confirm a self check-in kiosk option, and 18 confirm QR code check-in, so guests can join from their own phone. 20 confirm joining remotely, which lets someone join the line before arriving.
Are SMS messages included in the price?
It varies by product. Some price SMS as prepaid credits, some include a monthly allowance and some bundle it into the plan. Check the SMS terms on each listing and on the vendor's pricing page before comparing plan prices.
