ZenMaid vs. Xiva: Which Offers Better Value for Solo Cleaners?

Managing a solo cleaning business comes with unique challenges—handling appointments, invoicing, and payments while delivering top-notch service to clients. The right software can help you streamline these tasks, but how do you choose between two leading options, ZenMaid and Xiva?

In this comparison, we’ll explore how these platforms stack up and why Xiva’s free mobile app with built-in payment processing offers unmatched value for solo cleaners.

Why Pricing is Key for Solo Cleaners

For solo cleaners, affordability and simplicity are critical. Subscription fees and hidden costs can quickly eat into your profits, especially when paired with additional third-party transaction fees. That’s where Xiva’s pay-as-you-go model stands out—you only pay for what you use, and everything is built into the app.

ZenMaid, on the other hand, uses subscription-based pricing for its scheduling and management tools. Payment processing requires integration with third-party providers like Stripe or PayPal, which may add extra fees on top of your subscription.

ZenMaid Pricing: A Free Plan with Important Considerations

ZenMaid offers a free plan, which provides basic scheduling and client management tools. This plan is ideal for businesses just starting out or those with minimal operational needs. However, it’s worth noting that the free plan doesn’t include advanced features such as automated reminders, custom branding, or advanced reporting. To access these additional features, users must upgrade to a paid plan, starting at £37/month for one cleaner.

For businesses that wish to accept card payments, ZenMaid requires integration with a third-party payment processor like Stripe or Square. While these integrations expand functionality, they also come with separate transaction fees, typically ranging from 1.4% to 2.9% + a fixed fee per transaction (depending on the provider and card type). These fees are not included in ZenMaid’s subscription costs and must be managed independently within the external processor.

Xiva: A Free App with Easy, Fast, Secure Payments

Xiva is a completely free app tailored specifically for solo cleaners, offering everything you need to manage your business in one place. Unlike platforms that require separate payment processors and manual integrations, Xiva includes built-in payment processing, eliminating extra setup and simplifying how you get paid.

With Xiva, your payments are secure, fast, and ready to go from the moment you start using the app. No additional services or technical configurations are required, making it an ideal solution for busy solo cleaners.

Xiva’s Pay-As-You-Go Pricing:

• UK Consumer Cards: 1.7% + £0.20 per transaction
• Other Cards: 2.7% + €0.20 per transaction

This straightforward pricing means you only pay for what you use—no subscription fees, hidden charges, or complex setups.

Key Features That Make Xiva Stand Out:

1. Built-In Payment Processing: Save time and avoid the hassle of managing third-party integrations.
2. Secure and Reliable Transactions: Industry-leading security ensures peace of mind for you and your clients.
3. Fast Payment Processing: Receive funds quickly to keep your cash flow steady.
4. Effortless Scheduling and Invoicing: Manage appointments and send professional invoices directly from the app.
5. Real-Time Insights: Track earnings and business performance with ease.

ZenMaid vs. Xiva: A Feature Comparison

Why Choose Xiva as a UK Solo Cleaner

Xiva is purpose-built for solo cleaners, with tools and pricing that suit their specific needs. Here’s why it’s becoming the go-to choice for small cleaning businesses:

1. Completely Free to Download
   The Xiva app is free to use, with no subscription fees—just a small transaction cost when you process payments.
2. All-in-One Platform
   With payment processing built into the app, there’s no need to set up or manage third-party integrations like Stripe or PayPal.
3. Pay Only When You Earn
   No monthly fees mean you only pay when your business is active, keeping costs manageable and predictable.
4. Designed for Mobile
   Xiva is optimised for mobile devices, letting you manage your business on the go—perfect for solo cleaners.
5. Secure and Reliable
   Xiva prioritises secure, fast payments, giving you confidence in every transaction.

Real-Life Cost Comparison: ZenMaid + Square/Stripe vs. Xiva

Key Differences Between Xiva and ZenMaid + Square/Stripe

1. Ease of Setup
   • ZenMaid + Square/Stripe: Requires you to set up a separate payment processor (like Square or Stripe) and manually integrate it with ZenMaid, including configurations for invoicing and recurring payments.
   • Xiva: No external setup needed. Payment processing is built-in, so you can start accepting payments immediately.
2. Hassle-Free Recurring Payments
   • ZenMaid + Square/Stripe: Recurring payments must be configured directly in Square or Stripe, adding extra work outside of ZenMaid.
   • Xiva: Handles payments and invoicing seamlessly within one app.
3. All-In-One Simplicity
   • ZenMaid + Square/Stripe: Separate tools mean juggling multiple accounts, subscriptions, and support systems.
   • Xiva: Combines scheduling, invoicing, and payments into one app, reducing complexity.
4. Lower Total Costs
   • While Square’s transaction fees (1.75%) are slightly lower than Xiva’s (1.7% + £0.20), the additional ZenMaid subscription (£37/month) makes the total cost significantly higher.
   • For 20 transactions at £50 each:
     • ZenMaid + Square/Stripe Total: £54.50
     • Xiva Total: £20.40

Which Platform Offers Better Value?

ZenMaid’s free plan is a good starting point for solo cleaners who only need basic scheduling. However, as soon as payments come into play, Xiva’s built-in processing and pay-as-you-go fees make it the better choice. With no monthly costs, no third-party integration fees, and tools designed for solo operators, Xiva keeps things simple and affordable.

Ready to Simplify Your Business?

Xiva’s free app and built-in payment processing make it the perfect solution for solo cleaners. Whether you’re managing appointments, payments, or invoices, Xiva helps you work smarter without unnecessary costs. Download Xiva today and experience the easiest way to manage your cleaning business.