MakeTheQueue vs ScanQueue
ScanQueue does QR-code-based queuing well, but MakeTheQueue offers a more complete solution with SMS, displays, and kiosk mode on every paid plan, with a free plan to start.
No credit card required · Free plan included
Our honest take
ScanQueue is a focused, straightforward product that does QR-code-based queue management well. As an Australian company, they've built a solid product for events and venues in the APAC region. However, their feature set is narrower than MakeTheQueue: limited analytics, no two-way SMS, no waiting room display mode, and because the company is based in Australia, its support hours may not overlap with US or European business hours.
Why people switch from ScanQueue
Narrow feature set focused heavily on QR codes
ScanQueue's product revolves around QR code scanning. If you need broader queue management features like appointment scheduling, waiting room displays, or two-way SMS, you'll find them lacking.
Support hours may not match yours
ScanQueue is based in Australia, so its support hours may not overlap with US or European business hours. Requests sent during your workday may not get a response until the next morning.
Basic analytics and reporting
ScanQueue offers basic queue stats but lacks the detailed analytics (peak hours, service breakdowns, daily trends) that help businesses optimize their operations.
No two-way customer communication
ScanQueue focuses on the check-in flow but doesn't offer two-way SMS messaging. Staff can't chat with customers in the queue, and customers can't ask questions or provide updates.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
Pricing
Free plan to start, then flat monthly paid plans with every core feature, including analytics. The Business tier adds CSV exports and white labeling. No per-event pricing.
Plans roughly $30-60/month depending on features and volume. Event-based pricing may apply for temporary setups. Generally affordable but with fewer features per dollar.
QR code experience
QR code self-join is one of several ways customers can join, alongside web links, kiosk mode, and staff-added entries. QR codes are included but not the entire product.
QR codes are the core product. The scanning and check-in flow is well-designed and optimized for quick event entry. If QR-based check-in is your only need, ScanQueue does it cleanly.
Feature completeness
Full suite on every paid plan: SMS notifications, two-way messaging, appointment scheduling, kiosk mode, waiting room displays, custom branding, analytics, REST API. CSV exports come with Business.
QR check-in, basic queue management, simple notifications. Missing two-way SMS, appointment scheduling, waiting room displays, and detailed analytics.
Event support
MakeTheQueue handles event queues through its standard QR code and queue management features. No event-specific ticketing or scanning features.
ScanQueue is strong for events. Their QR scanning is fast, they handle high-volume check-ins well, and the product is designed for temporary queue setups.
Support and time zones
US-based support during US business hours. Email and in-app support included on every plan, priority support on Business.
Australia-based support. Because of the time zone gap, ScanQueue's support hours may not overlap with US or European business hours, so responses can land the next day.
Which one is right for you?
Choose MakeTheQueue if...
- You need more than just QR code check-in, like SMS, appointments, displays, and analytics
- You're a US or European business that wants support during your business hours
- You want two-way SMS so customers can communicate with staff
- You need a waiting room display mode for TVs
- You want appointment scheduling alongside walk-in queue management
Choose ScanQueue if...
- You only need QR code scanning for event check-ins and nothing else
- You're based in Australia or APAC and want local support
- You run high-volume events where fast QR scanning is the priority
Competitor pricing and feature details as of June 2026, per each vendor's published pricing page. Verify current details with the vendor.
Frequently asked questions
ScanQueue's paid plans run roughly $30-60/month, and MakeTheQueue has a free plan plus flat-rate paid plans. MakeTheQueue's paid plans include two-way SMS, appointment scheduling, kiosk mode, and display screens, features ScanQueue doesn't currently offer. Current prices are on our pricing page.
For pure QR-code event check-in, ScanQueue's scanning experience is well-optimized. For events where you also want a full queue with SMS notifications, display screens, and analytics, MakeTheQueue is more complete.
Possibly. ScanQueue is based in Australia, so its support hours may not overlap with US business hours. Requests sent during your workday may not be answered until your next morning. Check their current support options before committing.
Yes. QR code self-join is a core feature of MakeTheQueue. Customers scan a QR code, enter their name, and join the queue, no app download required. The difference is that MakeTheQueue also includes SMS, appointments, displays, and analytics alongside QR codes.
ScanQueue can handle basic daily queuing, but it's designed primarily for event check-ins. For daily small business queue management with SMS, appointment scheduling, and analytics, MakeTheQueue is the better fit.
Simple pricing. Start free, upgrade when you need more.
Start on Starter with every core feature from day one, or pick Business for analytics, exports, and multi-location. Full Business trial on every new account.
Start Free Trial