Visitor management system comparison

LobbyBase vs VMFree

A side-by-side view of workflow fit, rollout signals, pricing posture, review evidence, and published product data.

Comparison summary

What is different?

LobbyBase has published signals around A single vendor for visitor check-ins plus space/desk booking and want a quick trial and deployment, Combined visitor management and space booking in one platform (visitor + desk/room booking + analytics), and Free 30-day trial with no credit card required and fast, no-training setup. VMFree has published signals around A low-cost or free starter system for schools, small offices or events that prioritises simple roll-call and badge printing, Select VMFree if having UK-hosted data and Cyber Essentials Plus certification is important and sufficient to meet your procurement baseline, and Permanently free base tier with tablet app and fire report included (vendor emphasizes free-forever plan). Use the side-by-side metrics below to compare workflow depth, pricing posture, deployment fit, hardware needs, review evidence, and industry coverage.

Choose LobbyBase when

  • A single vendor for visitor check-ins plus space/desk booking and want a quick trial and deployment.
  • Combined visitor management and space booking in one platform (visitor + desk/room booking + analytics).
  • Free 30-day trial with no credit card required and fast, no-training setup.
  • Organizations seeking an integrated visitor-and-space solution for offices, campuses or residential lobbies
  • Teams wanting rapid deployment and a trial before purchase

Choose VMFree when

  • A low-cost or free starter system for schools, small offices or events that prioritises simple roll-call and badge printing.
  • Select VMFree if having UK-hosted data and Cyber Essentials Plus certification is important and sufficient to meet your procurement baseline.
  • Permanently free base tier with tablet app and fire report included (vendor emphasizes free-forever plan)
  • UK cloud hosting with described Cyber Essentials Plus certification
  • Simple browser-based setup plus Android app for mobile/tablet sign-in

LobbyBase fit considerations

  • 9% uptime.
  • Check mobile platform support and kiosk/hardware options if needed.
  • Which plan structure best matches your number of locations, visitor volume, and rollout timeline?
  • Which privacy, compliance, and record-retention requirements matter most for your organisation?
  • Which existing workplace, identity, messaging, or access systems should this connect with?

VMFree fit considerations

  • Vendor states there are no integrations available — may limit workflows that need directory, access control or calendar sync
  • Feature set is oriented to visitor tracking and badges; advanced workforce/location tracking (geotracking) is not supported
  • Integration needs — VMFree currently reports no integrations (API, directory or calendar sync).
  • Data retention and export capabilities across tiers (30 days vs multi-year).
  • Security certification describes and contractual guarantees for UK data residency.
MetricLobbyBaseVMFree
Recommended score90/10093/100
Ongoing free accessFree trial publishedPublished ongoing free plan
Visitor workflow depth0 specialised workflow signals0 specialised workflow signals
Customer review sentimentNo review score listedNo review score listed
Evidence confidencemediummedium
Published evidence1 vendor page analysed13 vendor pages analysed
Best forReception and front-desk teams looking to modernize check-ins (visitor experience and host notifications), Workplace operations teams seeking desk and meeting-room booking with occupancy insights, Security teams needing document capture and compliance tracking for visitors, Facilities teams managing deliveries, digital logbooks and audit trails, IT/ops buyers who want a cloud solution with API/integration optionsReception modernisation and paperless check-in, Organisations needing simple emergency roll-call, Schools requiring visitor/staff tracking, SMEs wanting a low-cost/freemium trial, Sites needing contractor sign-in oversight
Comparison positioningLobbyBase positions itself as an integrated visitor-and-space management solution for workplaces with emphasis on speed of deployment and an analytics-backed approach.VMFree positions itself as a UK-hosted, freemium visitor management solution targeting organisations that need a low-cost, easy-to-deploy sign-in system with emergency reporting.
Best-fit signalsChoose when you need a single vendor for visitor check-ins plus space/desk booking and want a quick trial and deployment.Choose VMFree when you need a low-cost or free starter system for schools, small offices or events that prioritises simple roll-call and badge printing., Select VMFree if having UK-hosted data and Cyber Essentials Plus certification is important and sufficient to meet your procurement baseline.
Pricing informationPublic site advertises a free 30-day trial and 'Start Free Trial' with no public list pricing or tiers on the cited overview page.Vendor states the base version is free forever and paid premium subscriptions are available; listed prices exclude VAT.

LobbyBase

lobbybase.com

  • Combined visitor management and space booking in one platform (visitor + desk/room booking + analytics).
  • medium confidence
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VMFree

www.vmfree.co.uk

  • Permanently free base tier with tablet app and fire report included (vendor emphasizes free-forever plan)
  • Integration needs — VMFree currently reports no integrations (API, directory or calendar sync).
  • medium confidence
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How to use this comparison

Metrics are calculated consistently from public vendor information, review sources and product data. Data availability varies by vendor, so consider your own security, operational, regional and budget requirements before deciding which system fits.

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