Comparison · 2026

PlanSeats vs TablePlanner
Cloud vs Desktop Seating Software

TablePlanner and PerfectTablePlan are solid desktop tools: but they're showing their age. PlanSeats brings seating charts into the modern era: cloud-based, cross-platform, and always up to date.

No downloads · Works on Mac, Windows, tablet

Why Desktop Software Is Holding You Back

Platform Lock-in

Windows-only means Mac users are stuck. Tablets? Forget it.

No Collaboration

Share floor plans via email, wait for feedback, re-import. Painful.

Device Dependency

Your seating chart lives on one computer. At the venue without your laptop? Out of luck.

Desktop seating software worked great in 2010. In 2026, you need cloud-based tools that work everywhere, collaborate in real-time, and update automatically.

Cloud-Based vs Desktop Seating Software

TablePlanner (also known as PerfectTablePlan) represents an older generation of seating software: powerful desktop applications that require downloading, installing, and running on a specific computer. In 2026, this approach has significant limitations compared to cloud-based tools like PlanSeats.

The platform restriction is the most obvious difference. TablePlanner is Windows-only: Mac users are excluded entirely. Tablets and phones? Not supported. Your seating chart lives on one computer, which means at the venue without your laptop, you're out of luck. PlanSeats runs in any browser on any device.

Cloud-based architecture enables features that desktop software fundamentally can't provide: real-time collaboration where multiple planners edit simultaneously, shareable links that let vendors view without downloading anything, automatic updates that deliver new features without manual installation, and cloud backups that protect your work.

TablePlanner does have one advantage: its auto-assign algorithm is mature and well-regarded. PlanSeats Pro's auto-assign is coming soon. If algorithmic seating assignment is essential today, TablePlanner delivers: but you're locked to one Windows computer and can't collaborate in real-time.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

See how PlanSeats stacks up against TablePlanner / PerfectTablePlan on the features that matter most.

Feature
PlanSeats
TablePlanner
PlatformPlanSeats runs anywhere with internet. TablePlanner requires Windows installation.
Cloud (any browser)
Desktop (Windows)
Mac SupportPlanSeats works on Mac. TablePlanner is Windows-only.
Tablet SupportAccess PlanSeats on iPad or Android tablets. Desktop software doesn't run on tablets.
Installation RequiredPlanSeats requires no download. TablePlanner requires installation.
Drag-and-Drop Floor PlansBoth tools offer visual floor plan editors.
Guest List ManagementTrack guests and details in both platforms.
Dietary TrackingBoth support meal preference and dietary tracking.
Auto-Assign SeatingTablePlanner has mature auto-assign. PlanSeats Pro auto-assign is in development.
Coming soon
PDF ExportBoth export print-ready PDFs.
Real-Time CollaborationPlanSeats Pro supports simultaneous editing. Desktop software can't collaborate in real-time.
Shareable LinksShare PlanSeats charts via link. Desktop software requires file transfer.
Automatic UpdatesPlanSeats updates automatically. Desktop software requires manual downloads.
Manual
Cloud BackupPlanSeats saves to cloud. TablePlanner stores files locally (risk of data loss).
Local files
Free TierPlanSeats has a permanent free tier. TablePlanner offers only time-limited trials.
Trial only

Pricing Comparison

Transparent pricing so you know exactly what you're getting.

PlanSeats Free

$0/month
  • 1 event, up to 20 guests
  • Up to 4 tables
  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Guest management
  • PNG/CSV export
  • No credit card needed
Most Popular

PlanSeats Planner

$8.99/month
  • 1 event, unlimited guests
  • Unlimited tables
  • Seating rules & auto-assign
  • Bulk CSV import
  • Guest categories & tags
  • Professional PDF exports

TablePlanner

$50-100(one-time)
  • Windows desktop software
  • One-time purchase
  • Auto-assign algorithm
  • Local file storage
  • No cloud features
  • Manual updates

When PlanSeats Is the Better Choice

See the specific scenarios where PlanSeats outshines TablePlanner.

Mac Users

Finally, seating software that works on your computer. No Windows required.

Multi-Device Planners

Laptop at the office, tablet at venues. Your seating charts follow you everywhere.

Collaborative Teams

Work with colleagues and clients in real-time instead of passing files back and forth.

Always Up-to-Date

New features appear automatically. No downloads, no update cycles, no waiting.

PlanSeats vs TablePlanner: FAQ

Ready to plan your seating chart?

Add your tables, import your guests, and share the chart with your partner, planner or venue.

Free plan for your first event, no credit card.