Bloomily vs Brightwheel: Complete 2025 Comparison
An honest, detailed comparison of Bloomily and Brightwheel childcare management software. We break down features, pricing, and help you choose the right platform for your center.
Choosing the right childcare management software is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your center. It affects your staff's daily workflow, parent satisfaction, and ultimately your bottom line.
In this guide, we'll give you an honest comparison of Bloomily and Brightwheel—including where each platform shines and where it falls short.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bloomily | Brightwheel |
|---|---|---|
| Camp + Childcare in One | Yes | No |
| NFC Tap Check-in | Yes | No |
| All Features in Every Plan | Yes | No |
| Transparent Pricing | Yes | No |
| White-Glove Onboarding | Yes | Varies |
Who is Brightwheel Best For?
Brightwheel is a solid choice if you:
- Run a year-round preschool or daycare only (no camps)
- Have a larger center and budget for higher-tier plans
- Don't need advanced check-in options like NFC
- Are comfortable with feature gating by plan tier
Brightwheel has been in the market longer and has brand recognition. They have a large customer base and a mature product for traditional childcare operations.
Who is Bloomily Best For?
Bloomily is the better choice if you:
- Run both year-round childcare AND seasonal camps (we're built for both from the ground up)
- Want all features included regardless of plan size
- Value transparent pricing without sales calls
- Want modern check-in options like NFC tap-to-check-in
- Prefer white-glove onboarding included with every plan
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Daily Reports
Both platforms offer daily reports with photos, activities, meals, and naps. However, Bloomily's reports are AI-assisted—our system can generate narrative summaries and suggest activities based on developmental domains.
Check-In Options
Brightwheel offers QR codes and PIN entry.
Bloomily offers QR codes, PIN entry, NFC tap-to-check-in (we're the only platform with this), tablet kiosk mode, and geofencing. NFC is faster than QR codes and more secure—parents simply tap their phone to the kiosk.
Camp & Program Management
This is where the platforms differ most significantly.
Brightwheel was built for year-round childcare. If you run summer camps, you'll likely need a separate system (like CampMinder or CampBrain) and manage two platforms, two parent apps, and two billing systems.
Bloomily was architecturally designed for both childcare and camps from the start. One platform, one parent app, one billing system. We support 6 program types: Day Camps, Afterschool, Enrichment Classes, Break Camps, Weekend Programs, and General Classes.
Pricing Transparency
Brightwheel requires you to contact sales for pricing. Tiers vary, and some features are only available on higher plans.
Bloomily publishes pricing on our website. All features are included in every plan—the only difference is capacity. No surprise upsells.
What Our Customers Say
"We switched from Brightwheel because we needed one system for our preschool AND summer camps. Bloomily handles both beautifully. Parents love having one app for everything."
— Sarah M., Director, Little Explorers Academy
The Migration Process
Switching software can feel daunting, but we make it easy:
- We handle data migration — Kids, families, classrooms, everything
- Run both systems in parallel — Take your time during transition
- Included training — Staff typically learn Bloomily in 15 minutes
- Dedicated support — Direct line to our team, not a chatbot
Most centers complete the switch in under a week.
Our Honest Recommendation
If you run a traditional year-round preschool with no plans to add camps or seasonal programs, Brightwheel is a capable option.
But if you run camps alongside year-round care—or might in the future—Bloomily is the clear choice. You'll avoid the headache of managing two systems, and you'll get a more modern platform with features like NFC check-in and AI-assisted reports.
Ready to see Bloomily in action? Get started free or view our pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import my data from Brightwheel?
Yes. We handle full data migration as part of our white-glove onboarding. Kids, families, classrooms—everything transfers over.
How long does switching take?
Most centers complete the transition in under a week. You can run both systems in parallel during the switch.
Is Bloomily really free to try?
Yes. We offer a free pilot period with no credit card required. Contact us to get started.
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