--- title: "brightwheel Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is brightwheel the right School Management solution for you? Explore 3257 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- brightwheel 4.7 (3257) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated July 21st, 2026 # Reviews of brightwheel Ease of use 4.6 Customer Service 4.6 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews TB Tamika B Teacher AssistantChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Features like attendance tracking, parent engagement tools, and learning assessments empower educators to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, making it easy for teachers and parents to stay connected.“ November 2, 2024 MC Madolyn C AdministrationChild Day Care Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “The feature that I least like about brightwheel is that it is a little difficult to update your deposit account if you do happen to change banks.“ November 17, 2024 GL Gilberto L Senior ConsultantBanking, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “With features like real-time communication, student progress tracking, and payment management, this platform simplifies the day-to-day life of teachers and administrators.“ November 8, 2024 Nicholas B Senior AccountantConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “This code doesn't change, however, for a parent who doesn't do the primary drop offs and pickups, I found myself struggling to remember the code at times.“ August 19, 2024 GL Gilberto L Senior ConsultantBanking, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The platform has simplified many aspects of school management, such as communicating with parents, tracking attendance, and organizing events.“ November 8, 2024 BB Brittney B Marketing Project CoordinatorComputer Software, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “They have a message for messaging admins but you don’t get to see who those people are so when I send a message I never know who sees it and just assume everyone does.“ September 15, 2024 Logan H DirectorChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I love how I can use it to quickly communicate with parents about schedules, behaviors, and how any staff member can see the communication“ August 2, 2025 JR Jessica R Lead TeacherChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It's not clear how you make a template, or if that would even be helpful. And there aren't any example templates or template tutorials so you can see what that would look like.“ October 29, 2024 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 3257 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Logan H. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Love this! " August 2, 2025 5.0 Pros I love how I can use it to quickly communicate with parents about schedules, behaviors, and how any staff member can see the communication Cons I cannot think of any big or even consistent cons of using this program aside from having to educate new staff on how to use it Alternatives considered [LineLeader by ChildcareCRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/129630/Child-Care-CRM/) Reason for choosing brightwheel It is more user friendly and has better features Review Source BB Bonnie B. Digital Systems Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brightwheel for the win" June 15, 2026 5.0 Brightwheel has knocked it out of the park, making implementation so simple, and the UI is fabulous. Pros Brightwheel does a great job of onboarding organizations and ensuring we're setup for success. It's also very very affordable. It's easy to use for teacher's either from the app or from the browser. Adding students, updating their information is very simple, and teachers being able to share photos from the day or activities with the parent/guardian is simple. Cons We do wish that Brightwheel would integrate with our CRM, but we understand that most organizations on Brightwheel are solely childcare organizations. Alternatives considered [Tadpoles](https://www.capterra.com/p/118895/Childcare/) Reason for choosing brightwheel Tadpoles UI wasn't great, hard to navigate. That was one of the key pieces for us in making a selection. We needed this to be very easy for our teachers to use and our moms as well so that it be adopted. Switched from [Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/) The UI was difficult and our staff just quit using it because it was so difficult. Review Source JB Joyce B. Administrator Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great parent interface and easy for everyone to navigate, parents and teachers!" November 12, 2024 3.0 I was very happy with the parent interaction and the easy with the billing. If we were looking to increase our classroom visibility i.e. updates, photos etc. I would have continued to use this application. Pros Brightwheel is a very parent-oriented app. It is extremely user friendly. It has extensive capabilities when it comes to daily reports and updates for the child. It allows parents easy access to staff and to have a in real time picture of the child's day. From a teacher standpoint it is easy and intuitive to use. On the tuition side of things, parents have access to all of their tuition payment records and can schedule payments independently of the school. Posting payments is simple for the administration. Cons I would be very helpful if the data could be used for other purposes and easily adapted to such things a roll call list, classroom rosters. emergency lists etc. While you can export the data to excel spread sheets it would be very helpful if they provided pre-configured options for these necessary reports. Review Source TB Tabitha B. Daycare Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "No App Beats BrightWheel" June 12, 2026 5.0 Great! It tracks everything I need, allows parents to see everything their child does, and allows for quick communication. Pros Brightwheel is easy to use and has an aesthetic format for their platform that makes functionality better. Cons The price is competitive but for a good reason. Brightwheel is one of the best softwares I’ve used for my daycare. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) After being introduced to Brightwheel, I liked the functionality much better. Review Source BJ Belineda J. Family support resource Specialist Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parent Review " August 21, 2025 4.0 I love the app! I know the teachers and admin have to make efforts to utilize the features more but maybe a way to make it easier can make the difference. Pros I like that I am able to see videos and pictures of my child. I like the message option for all staff or just admin. It makes it easier as parents work throughout the day can feel connected to their children. Cons I wish there were ways teachers can upload or include moments in the classroom without feeling tied to a tablet. And the pay function I wish was easier to use. I don’t like putting my card info and have my account withdrawn and I was prepared for yet. Switched from [ProCARE Portal](https://www.capterra.com/p/140862/ProCARE-Portal/) The switch was made because of ease and even though it was pricer the school chose to stay with Brightwheel because of the ease and features. Review Source OG Olivia G. Teacher Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Happy teacher :) and happy parent :)" April 23, 2026 5.0 Extremely positive. I was scared about making the switch to brightwheel but I really am glad we made the switch now. Pros I love how easy brightwheel is to use. Other apps that I’ve used before have not been this way to use. It is cheaper than what my company was using before and I love that. It’s so easy to manage my students and see where they are at all times. I’ve never come across any bugs or issues. I love that I can easily use it on my phone or my computer if I have more time. It’s very easy to share pictures with parents and other staff. I’ve never needed to reach out to customer support so no advice there! Cons I actually really love brightwheel. I haven’t come across anything that I would change about it. It’s been a breath of fresh air after the other app I came from. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) We made the switch because brightwheel is Cheaper and easier to use. Review Source MBK Mary Beth K. Enrollment Manager Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Reveiw of Bright Wheel features and Reports " February 6, 2025 5.0 Overall great product. Families, Teachers and admisistrators love the communication feature, thanks for allowing families to be soo connecected to their child's teachers and their child day Pros easy of making reports, and communication between home and program Cons The new adminstration feature. The prior feature allowed me to delete documents from a family list if it was not applicable or if they were unable to complete online but instead in person. The families are having difficutly moving throught the enrollment process, the way it is set up now. I would love for Bright Wheel to give providers some power to delete and or go back to the previous feature of adminsitaion that was based on forms Another con is the ablity to make reports based on enrollment start and end dates, this would better assist my program in pulling reports based on dates, for our funders. I currently have to pull everyone from active and inactive to a spread sheet only to delete what I do not need based on enrollment and end dates. This is time consuming for me Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) BW offers me and my program the features we need to collect data for our funders. Review Source SM Sanaa M. Teacher Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Convenient Childcare Management App" November 26, 2025 5.0 Pros Brightwheel is a highly convenient childcare and student management platform. It includes features like photo sharing, announcements, direct message, and more. It can be downloaded as an easily accessible app on both mobile devices and computers. Cons Brightwheel does not store photos for free, requiring users to pay to access photo galleries from the past. Switched from [Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/) It was a company requirement that all staff switch from Lillio to Brightwheel in 2025. Review Source KO Kaleigh O. Floater Teacher Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brightwheel Review" February 22, 2025 5.0 Overall, I love using brightwheel and think that it is an amazing and well organized system. It is easy to edit, submit, and view all data entered into the daily logs. Pros I love the ease of using the app and all the detail that I am able to share with the users. Brightwheel provides a lot of specific options so that daily logs are concise and organized. Cons I wish that there were specific categories that I could select when writing a note. (Just because I like things to have a specific label). Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) My company heard about brightwheel and another organization recommended it to us. Review Source RT Renae T. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brightwheel excellence" August 3, 2026 5.0 Brightwheel has made the daily management of my daycare so simple and efficient. I can do child scheduling, employee scheduling, time tracking, billing all in one place. Pros Brightwheel is a fantastic App that is simple to use and is wonderful for student management, employee management and communication with parents. Cons I really enjoy using Brightwheel but if I could change something I would want it to allow scheduling to have options of every other day or week. Review Source CK Cissy K. Assistant and Enrollment Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "We are proud to use Brightwheel!" April 14, 2025 5.0 The more we use Brightwheel, the easier it gets. They make improvements constantly. They even accept suggestions! Pros We love that everything we need to run our preschool is in one tool. Attendance, billing, messaging parents, scheduling... it's all there in one place. Cons It took me a little too long to learn the financial process... but I'm old school! I strongly suggest practicing for an extended length of time before actually using the financials. Review Source PD Pat D. Treasurer Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "brightwheel is a must have for a growing school" May 22, 2025 5.0 brightwheel has made payment and form collection so much easier to manage and collaboration seamless Pros brightwheel is the easiest platform to get forms and payment information out to parents and store in one spot Cons brightwheel doesn't have the best user interface so makes it harder to navigate. A strong mobile app could help Review Source AL Andrea L. Owner adProvider Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best App for Family and Group Childcare" March 12, 2025 5.0 Extremely positive and happy overall I highly recommend for all childcare educators Pros I can't say one thing. I love that it allows me to send parents info and pictures and videos in real time. I also love that it gives me a record when I want to look back and check on something (for instance a child's absences due to sickness). Lastly, I LOVE that I don't have to worry about collecting paper checks as parents pay directly to my bank on the app. Cons I wish there was a way to record staff absences and whether or not they were absences with or without pay. Review Source JG Joan G. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Director/ Owner" March 20, 2025 5.0 For myself it has made my job easier and has given me many tools that help my facility offer a better program to parents, and staff. Pros The communication between parents and staff Cons That it didn't have the option of electronical signature but it's know they do offer ir through some programs from the state. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) because of the system brightwheel offers Review Source AM Annie M. Physician Assistant Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brightwheel Review" February 28, 2025 5.0 this app is easy to use and navigation is self explanitory Pros this app allows you to receive updates form your child's school as well as communicate directly with teachers Cons not all aspects of brightwheel are accessible without paying a fee Review Source AL Arielle L. Contract Specialist Government Administration Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Simple and Clean" April 17, 2025 5.0 We use it for our daycare, it’s a good program and it makes it easy to pay and check invoices. Pros I like the interface, it’s easy to navigate and view all areas I need to see. Straightforward and clean. Cons If you only have one child I would prefer to not have to click into that child. Review Source KM Kim M. Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great preschool program" November 22, 2024 5.0 The representatives are helpful and knowledgeable about the product. Brightwheel is always adding new features. Pros Streamlined billing, attendance, records. Cons It did take some practice to learn how to use all of the features, but the representatives and online tutorials were helpful. Review Source LK Lindsey K. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "fantastic app " November 15, 2024 5.0 10 i totally agree with this app its by far the easiest app to follow Pros easy to login and easy documentation for parents to keep up with everyday events. Cons That a teacher can not remove old students from the list Review Source BJ Braedon J. Personal Trainer Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Brightwheel Review" December 30, 2024 5.0 Overall satisfied with my experience. Competency behind the app matters. Pros Kept me informed and up to date with my child. Cons I wouldn't say it was a problem with brightwheel, but the operators at the daycare. Review Source CL Christina L. Director and Teacher Political Organization Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "I Love Brightwheel!" October 26, 2024 5.0 My job is so much easier with Brightwheel and my files are organized!! Pros Children's Attendance Record Staff Time Cards Parent Communication Online Payment Option Cons Nothing that I can think of, I love everything about Brightwheel! Review Source CZ Cynthia Z. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Technology & Quality" October 30, 2024 5.0 Love it! it's convenient and easy to use. Pros Having the children's and staff information at our fingertips! Cons Not being able to use the same email for staff that have signed up through other centers. It's inconvenient! Not being able to change admin messages to alerts. Review Source KP Kaylynn P. Learning and Development Operations Specialist Consumer Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I like brightwheel." November 14, 2024 5.0 Positive experience overall. I would recommend using. Pros All in one tool. Easy to navigate. Clean UI/UIX. Cons Tool can be glitchy at times. Some updates will publish/share delayed. Review Source PK Patty K. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Previous Brightwheel User" October 14, 2024 4.0 I loved Brightwheel! It was easy to set up and use. Parents liked it and also found it super easy to use! Pros It was easy to set up and use! The parents and staff in our center also found it easy to use and enjoyed sharing information in this way! Cons The cost was a little higher than similar products. Review Source KF Kathryn F. Administrative Assistant Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Brightwheel Review" October 27, 2024 5.0 Overall I believe Brightwheel is worth the cost for businesses and customers to communicate in one place. It can replace emails and phone calls/texts and allows all communication to go through the app. Pros Brightwheel is an online system that allows daycares to communicate with parents, send photos, and updates. It’s used as an app on your phone and is very conformant to use. Cons It can be expensive for schools and daycares to purchase and execute. Review Source KH Kim H. Parent Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great Informational Tool" November 25, 2024 5.0 It is easy to set up and easy to use. The app works great on cell phones, too. Pros Ability to receive real time information. Cons So far I have not found any cons to this application. Review Source