Software pricing
Ashby
Free software. No subscription or per-child software fees.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
A limited free version and eligible state-funded access are described publicly. Eligibility and included features vary.
Brightwheel sourceAshby and Brightwheel at a glance
Choosing childcare software? Compare everyday tools, pricing options, and what to check before switching. Brightwheel details below are drawn from its own public pages, with links so you can review them yourself.
Ashby
$0 software
No subscription or per-child software fees. Optional online payments cost $1.99 per successful collection, plus Stripe processing fees.
See Ashby’s full pricingBrightwheel
Plans to explore
Brightwheel offers custom pricing, a limited free version, and state-funded access for eligible programs. Check which option fits your school.
Explore Brightwheel pricingCompare your everyday essentials
Both products cover core childcare workflows. This overview summarizes public information; it is not a claim that every feature is included in every plan or works the same way.
| What matters to your school | Ashby | Brightwheel |
|---|---|---|
| Software pricing | Free software. No subscription or per-child software fees. Ashby details | A limited free version and eligible state-funded access are described publicly. Eligibility and included features vary. Brightwheel source |
| Online payments | $1.99 per successful online collection, plus Stripe processing fees. Free to record cash and checks. Ashby details | Online billing and payment processing are available. Confirm processing rates and other payment charges for your plan. Brightwheel source |
| Attendance | Check-in, check-out, and attendance records. Ashby details | Lists check-in and check-out, digital signatures, and attendance reporting. Brightwheel source |
| Family communication | Family messaging, daily reports, and consent-based photo sharing. Ashby details | Lists family messaging, activity updates, and photo and video sharing. Brightwheel source |
| Enrollment | Inquiries, waitlists, and enrollment workflows. Ashby details | Lists waitlists, enrollment, and digital forms. Brightwheel source |
| Tuition billing | Tuition plans, invoices, and autopay. Ashby details | Lists tuition plans, invoicing, and autopay. Brightwheel source |
Online payments
Ashby
$1.99 per successful online collection, plus Stripe processing fees. Free to record cash and checks.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
Online billing and payment processing are available. Confirm processing rates and other payment charges for your plan.
Brightwheel sourceAttendance
Ashby
Check-in, check-out, and attendance records.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
Lists check-in and check-out, digital signatures, and attendance reporting.
Brightwheel sourceFamily communication
Ashby
Family messaging, daily reports, and consent-based photo sharing.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
Lists family messaging, activity updates, and photo and video sharing.
Brightwheel sourceEnrollment
Ashby
Inquiries, waitlists, and enrollment workflows.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
Lists waitlists, enrollment, and digital forms.
Brightwheel sourceTuition billing
Ashby
Tuition plans, invoices, and autopay.
Ashby detailsBrightwheel
Lists tuition plans, invoicing, and autopay.
Brightwheel sourceCompare the whole cost
For Ashby, 40 successful online collections mean $79.60 in Ashby fees, plus Stripe processing fees. That is a collection example, not an estimate based on the number of children.
Parents pay fees by default in Ashby. Schools can choose who pays the Ashby fee and who pays Stripe processing. Review payment costs and fee settings.
For Brightwheel, check your plan or quote for software costs, processing rates, included features, and any free-access eligibility. Compare both the school’s costs and the fees families would pay.
Sources, with the details in reach
Reviewed September 19, 2026. Brightwheel information comes from its own public pages. Ashby information links to our published pricing and product pages.
Plans, fees, features, and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with each provider before choosing. A feature not covered here should not be read as unavailable.
This comparison is published by Ashby. Ashby is not affiliated with or endorsed by Brightwheel. Brightwheel’s name is used only to identify the product being compared; its trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Plan your move before switching
Check which records your current provider can export. Keep a copy of past attendance, invoices, and payment statements, then review Ashby’s supported spreadsheet fields before importing child and family records.
An import does not move your payment processing account or automatically recreate every past record. Review your opening balances and tuition plans before sending new invoices.
Follow the switching checklist, review spreadsheet imports, and compare the full payment costs.
Start free — no demo
Create your account and set up your program at your own pace. Software is free. Optional online payments cost $1.99 per successful collection, plus Stripe processing fees.