--- title: "Brightwheel vs Lillio: The Complete Comparison Chart for Childcare Centers" id: "12563" type: "page" slug: "compare-brightwheel-vs-lillio" published_at: "2025-10-10T00:06:21+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-10T19:38:35+00:00" url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/compare-brightwheel-vs-lillio/" markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/compare-brightwheel-vs-lillio.md" --- # Compare brightwheel vs Lillio ## Why programs love brightwheel over Lillio (formerly HiMama) ## Why programs love brightwheel over Lillio (formerly HiMama) Brightwheel is your all-in-one partner for child care admissions, easy billing, family communication, center management, and more. ## Trusted by millions of educators and families ![brightwheel reviews](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/social-proof-stars.webp "brightwheel reviews")4.9 | 150,000+ reviews - ![Apple Store](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/apple-2.png) - ![Google Play](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/google-play-2.svg) - ![Capterra](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/capterra-2.svg) - ![G2 Leader](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/g2-leader.webp) - ![Cloud 100](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/cloud-100.webp) - ![Capterra Best](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/cap.webp) ## Why programs love brightwheel over Lillio (formerly HiMama) Brightwheel is a **modern, all-in-one** childcare management platform built to meet the demands of today’s early education programs. From its flexible billing capabilities to delivering superior parent experiences, brightwheel consistently outperforms other childcare management tools. Brightwheel offers an **intuitive app, ensures the highest levels of reliability, and fast, quality customer support**, allowing your program to thrive. #### Admissions will be faster and easier - Everything you need for admissions in one place With brightwheel, send and prefill forms, share forms and fillable documents, and [track enrollment](https://mybrightwheel.com/childcare-enrollment-registration/) on one platform. - Message prospective families Never miss a message from a prospective family. Send and receive messages from families interested in starting at your center, right from the app. - More easily fill open spots Brightwheel has robust admissions features and waitlist management so you can fill spots at your program as soon as they open. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/admissionspacket.png "admissionspacket") ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pam.webp "pam") > Using brightwheel’s admissions process is really nice, especially for maintaining waitlists. It’s easy to see how many children are on the waitlist and to group them when they want to start or the age of the child.” > > **Pam M.** > Owner and Executive Director > Aurora, CO ### Discover more resources about admissions and enrollment management: - [7 Ways to Increase Enrollment in Your Childcare Program](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/how-to-increase-enrollment-child-care) - [Childcare Application Forms That Work for Administrators and Parents](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/child-care-application-forms-for-administrators-and-parents) - [How to Prepare for Success with Childcare Enrollment Forms](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/prepare-for-success-childcare-enrollment-forms) #### Families at your program will be happier - Families stay involved Brightwheel keeps families involved with real-time learning updates, progress reports, photos, videos, and two-way communication. - Easier milestone tracking Brightwheel offers student portfolios so teachers can share progress steps towards milestones and developmental goals with families. - More flexible billing options Brightwheel makes it easier for families to divide charges between multiple guardians and agencies, and to [pay invoices](https://mybrightwheel.com/features/billing/) before they’re due. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carousel-Illustration-3.webp "Carousel Illustration 3") ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/marc.png "marc") > The feedback we heard about brightwheel from the parent survey was only positive. On a scale of 1 to 10, brightwheel got a 10.” > > **Marc H.** > Owner at A Strong Start Early Care & Education > Trumbull, CT ### Learn more about family engagement: - [Family Engagement in Early Education](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/how-to-strengthen-parent-engagement-at-preschool-or-childcare) - [Strengthening Relationships with a Preschool Parent Communication App](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/preschool-parent-communication-app) - [10 Family Engagement Activities for Your Childcare Program](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/boost-family-participation-at-your-childcare-center-or-preschool) #### You’ll save teachers more time - Proactive student updates Brightwheel makes it easier for teachers to keep families updated on their child’s development as it happens. - Mobile experience designed for teachers Teachers can easily share each child’s activities and milestones with families on brightwheel’s mobile app. - No extra compliance work for teachers Brightwheel offers [curriculum and activities](https://mybrightwheel.com/experience-curriculum/) that stay compliant with all 50 states’ early learning standards and NAEYC. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tab-1.png "tab-1") ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Crystal.webp "Crystal") > Teachers can now put more focus into their lesson plans, because they’ve saved time and headspace with brightwheel’s easy app.” > > **Crystal** > Area Director at DaVinci Academy > Belvidere, IL ### Explore additional resources about classroom management: - [How to Have Effective Communication with Families at Your Preschool or Childcare Center](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/how-to-manage-parent-communications) - [How to Introduce the Brightwheel App to Your Teaching Staff](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/how-to-introduce-the-brightwheel-app-to-your-teaching-staff) - [An Educator’s Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum Design](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/early-childhood-curriculum) #### Easily stay compliant - Best-in-class security and payment protection Brightwheel keeps payment and personal data protected with the highest security and encryption standards, 24/7 monitoring, and PCI Level 1, the highest financial compliance level. - Easily meet licensing requirements Brightwheel is the easiest way to meet licensing requirements in all 50 states with contactless check-ins, health checks, and room ratios tracking. - Extra support with licensing regulations Brightwheel is committed to helping you navigate compliance and regulations with the largest support team in the early education industry. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/security-product-illustration.webp "security-product-illustration") ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Jennifer-Ryan-1.png "Jennifer Ryan 1") > We don’t need to worry about paper sign-in sheets anymore. When licensing comes in, we just show them the brightwheel check-in report, and it’s all right there. It cleans up our systems and gives us peace of mind.” > > **Jennifer R** > Director > IA ### Learn more about childcare program regulations and compliance: - [Must-Have Childcare Documents for Your Program’s Compliance](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/childcare-documents) - [Annual Policy Review for Childcare Programs: A Comprehensive Guide](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/daycare-policy-updates) - [Risk Management Plan for Childcare Centers](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/risk-management-plan-for-daycare-centers) ## A comprehensive solution for scaling programs Brightwheel is designed to power programs of every size, from single-site programs to [large, multi-location organizations](https://mybrightwheel.com/multisite-centers/) . For programs looking to grow, brightwheel provides powerful, integrated multi-site management tools for scale. This includes organization-level dashboards and reporting, robust financial management, bulk parent communication, centralized admissions pipeline, enterprise-level security, and customizable [user permissions and roles by site](https://mybrightwheel.com/childcare-staff-scheduling-software/) . Customers consistently report brightwheel is faster to onboard, easier for staff to adopt across locations, and more intuitive for daily use. Whether you’re managing two locations or ten, brightwheel delivers visibility and consistency without the complexity. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mandy-Headshot-min.png "Mandy Headshot-min") > Brightwheel has really helped facilitate our day-to-day life and what we do. I love being able to see it on my phone, so no matter where I go I can simply pick up brightwheel and see what’s going on with each student, family and staff member at all 9 locations.” > > **Mandy D** > Chief Operating Officer at Blossom Crew > Chicago, IL ## Fast setup. Real support. *From day one.* Everything in one place—we handle your switch so you can focus on what matters. Under 24 hours Your data, migrated for you. We transfer your rosters and billing rate cards **in less than a day.** Day 1 Meet your 1:1 specialist. Personalized coaching from a **real person** who supports you, live and on your schedule. WEEK 1 & BEYOND Fully live. Parents enrolled, billing running, staff trained—with ongoing top-rated support. [Get a free demo](/demo) ## Brightwheel vs. Lillio: What’s right for you? | | Brightwheel | Lillio (formerly HiMama) | | --- | --- | --- | | Automatic billing and payments | Brightwheel supports automatic billing and payments. | Feature available | | Admissions process and waitlist | Brightwheel supports admissions process and waitlist. | Feature available | | Message prospective families | Brightwheel supports messaging prospective families. | Feature not available | | Student portfolios | Brightwheel supports student portfolios. | Feature not available | | QR code check-in | Brightwheel supports QR code check-in. | Feature not available | | Parent directory | Brightwheel offers parent directory. | Feature not available | | Student and staff scheduling | Administrators and managers are able to manage staff schedules brightwheel. | Feature available | | Overtime and double overtime calculations | Brightwheel supports overtime and double overtime calculations. | Feature not available | | Family communication | Brightwheel supports family communication. | Feature available | | Spanish language available in app and Help Center | Spanish language is available in brightwheel app and Help Center. | Feature not available | | Custom reports | Brightwheel offers custom reports. | Feature available | ## Seamlessly switch from Lillio (formerly HiMama) Easy onboarding trainings Get access to guided training through brightwheel Academy, a comprehensive learning tool to help you, your staff, and families master using brightwheel. Speedy support team Brightwheel has the industry’s largest support team and will ensure that you get quick answers through live chat whenever you need them. Brightwheel’s support team plays a pivotal role in enabling new users to maximize every feature of the software. Roster and rate card upload tool Switching to brightwheel is easy when you upload your student rosters. The brightwheel team will import the roster into your brightwheel account so you have all of the information you need from day one. One simple, transparent price You won’t pay more as you use more features on brightwheel. Your price is based on enrollment capacity and you get access to all features on the platform. ## What educators are saying Read more testimonials in [customer stories](/customers/) ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for our program. It’s the brain of our center and manages everything from signing in and out to billing to maintaining family relationships. Audra T. Executive Director and Owner at Happy Campers Preschool in San Carlos, CA ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel is the best! I am 100% sure the app is helping grow my enrollment, and it helps me be more in control of my center. Kashauna J. Owner of Smarty Pants Learning Center in San Antonio, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Get Brightwheel before you think you need it! It’s been a life-saver for us as new business owners, allowing us to focus on the families and children we serve. Kaitlyn & Kalen S. Owners at Grow Together Learning in Hilliard, OH ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel is user-friendly and saves mounds of time. I enjoy all the tools they give Directors. We love it! Gigi M. Director at Children’s Day Out Preschool in Sweetwater, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel gets an A+ for parent satisfaction. A huge piece families love is how brightwheel brings them into the room. We get so many compliments. Marc H. Owner at A Strong Start Early Care & Education in Trumbull, CT ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel’s customer service is phenomenal. I receive quick answers, and I always tell people to write in to Support. They are so informative. Pam M. Owner and Executive Director in Denver, CO ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)We were the first ones to use brightwheel in our town. Now, every other center has adopted it as their software. It is an amazing all-in-one tool… Worth every penny! Melissa & Logan Owners of Happy Feet Academy in Ellensburg, WA ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)My staff love attending brightwheel webinars. They’re able to learn how to use the system to its fullest potential. I think we are using every single feature on the platform! Alyssa D. Executive Director at McNeilly Center for Children in Nashville, TN ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Having everything on one platform makes it easy for us to train teachers. We use brightwheel to set expectations on the quality we expect. Alicia D. Director at Riverbend Christian School in Austin, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)I LOVE how easy it is to record a payment in billing. We no longer cross our fingers hoping our numbers match! It’s beautiful. Beth C. Director at Shiloh Preschool in Cincinnati, OH ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)We have many grandparents and they love using brightwheel. It’s easy for them to use, and they enjoy interacting with an app that is so user friendly. Beth H. Director at Weekday School in Orlando, FL ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for our program. It’s the brain of our center and manages everything from signing in and out to billing to maintaining family relationships. Audra T. Executive Director and Owner at Happy Campers Preschool in San Carlos, CA ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)95% of families are on track with their payments, thanks to brightwheel! Before, it was really bad. Parents love that they can see exactly how much they owe, right on their phones. Munisha M. Director at Excelsior University for Children in Seabrook, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)We chose brightwheel when we were evaluating different tools because it integrates billing, admissions, and a great visual experience for families. It’s awesome that it’s an all-in-one system. Brandyn B. Co-Founder of Magnolia Forest Preschools in Puget Sound, WA ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel has been a tremendous blessing. I’ve received great feedback from teachers on Messaging because I’m able to step in and help answer questions a teacher might not be as comfortable answering. Cally B. Assistant Director at MBCC Journey in Birmingham, AL ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel is the best! I am 100% sure the app is helping grow my enrollment, and it helps me be more in control of my center. Kashauna J. Owner of Smarty Pants Learning Center in San Antonio, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Get Brightwheel before you think you need it! It’s been a life-saver for us as new business owners, allowing us to focus on the families and children we serve. Kaitlyn & Kalen S. Owners at Grow Together Learning in Hilliard, OH ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel is user-friendly and saves mounds of time. I enjoy all the tools they give Directors. We love it! Gigi M. Director at Children’s Day Out Preschool in Sweetwater, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel gets an A+ for parent satisfaction. A huge piece families love is how brightwheel brings them into the room. We get so many compliments. Marc H. Owner at A Strong Start Early Care & Education in Trumbull, CT ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel’s customer service is phenomenal. I receive quick answers, and I always tell people to write in to Support. They are so informative. Pam M. Executive Director in Denver, CO ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)We were the first ones to use brightwheel in our town. Now, every other center has adopted it as their software. It is an amazing all-in-one tool… Worth every penny! Melissa & Logan Owners of Happy Feet Academy in Ellensburg, WA ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)My staff love attending brightwheel webinars. They’re able to learn how to use the system to its fullest potential. I think we are using every single feature on the platform! Alyssa D. Executive Director at McNeilly Center for Children in Nashville, TN ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Having everything on one platform makes it easy for us to train teachers. We use brightwheel to set expectations on the quality we expect. Alicia D. Director at Riverbend Christian School in Austin, TX ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)I LOVE how easy it is to record a payment in billing. We no longer cross our fingers hoping our numbers match! It’s beautiful. Beth C. Director at Shiloh Preschool in Cincinnati, OH ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)We have many grandparents and they love using brightwheel. It’s easy for them to use, and they enjoy interacting with an app that is so user friendly. Beth H. Director at Weekday School in Orlando, FL ![Quote](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/redesign/quote.svg)Brightwheel has cut out a third of my busy work. Enrollment is now all online, and we no longer have manual processes where families come in and sign paperwork in the office. Kelly R. Director at Good Shepherd Learning Center in Douglassville, PA ## FAQ: Brightwheel vs. Lillio ### What are the main differences between brightwheel and Lillio? Brightwheel offers a comprehensive all-in-one childcare management platform that integrates admissions, billing, family communication, and curriculum tools in one streamlined system. Lillio offers a broad set of features as well, but many programs switching to brightwheel report fewer workarounds, easier oversight, and less toggling between modules. What sets brightwheel apart is its automatic billing and payment system, a robust admissions process complete with waitlist management, and the ability to message prospective families directly. Brightwheel also provides student portfolios, QR code check-in, parent directory, staff scheduling with overtime calculations, and Spanish language support across the app and Help Center ### How does brightwheel’s pricing compare to Lillio pricing? Brightwheel offers simple, all-inclusive pricing based on enrollment capacity, giving you access to all platform features without paying extra as you use more tools. This straightforward pricing model eliminates hidden fees and provides predictable costs for your program. The unified approach means you won’t need multiple software solutions, often making brightwheel more cost-effective in the long run compared to platforms that charge separately for different modules or features. [Request pricing information and see how brightwheel’s all-in pricing benefits your program](https://mybrightwheel.com/pricing/) . ### How does brightwheel’s billing system compare to Lillio’s? Brightwheel’s billing platform is built for childcare programs and designed to remove manual work. You can automate recurring invoices, set up autopay, split payments across multiple payers or subsidy agencies, and even bill based on attendance data—all without spreadsheets or third-party tools. Payments process quickly with next-business-day deposits available, and you maintain full visibility through real-time reports, balance tracking, and seamless exports to tools like QuickBooks. While Lillio offers core billing features like payments and invoicing, brightwheel’s system goes deeper—especially in automation, flexibility, and cash-flow reliability. For providers who want fewer manual tasks and stronger financial clarity, brightwheel offers a more complete solution. ### Can brightwheel handle multi-location childcare programs better than Lillio? Brightwheel is designed to scale with growing programs, offering powerful multi-site management tools including organization-level dashboards, centralized admissions pipeline, bulk parent communication, and customizable user permissions by location. Whether you’re managing two locations or ten, brightwheel provides visibility and consistency without complexity, making it easier to maintain quality standards across all sites while streamlining operations. ### How easy is it to switch from Lillio to brightwheel? Switching from Lillio to brightwheel is easy and stress-free. Our dedicated onboarding team, supported by comprehensive resources in brightwheel Academy, provides personalized training and hands-on support onboarding every step of the way. The onboarding process includes roster and rate card upload tools, making the transition from Lillio seamless. You’ll receive 1:1 coaching to help navigate any questions and ensure your staff feels confident using all platform features. ## Review the latest ECE insights and resources about childcare software - Brightwheel - Blog post ### Why Brightwheel Pricing Reflects Its All-in-One Value for Preschools Explore how brightwheel pricing delivers unmatched value by combining efficient tools for communication, billing, and management in one easy-to-use platform. [Read Now](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/why-brightwheel-pricing-reflects-its-value) - Brightwheel - Blog post ### Brightwheel Premium Pricing: Features, ROI, and Cost Factors Explore brightwheel Premium’s pricing, key features and how this childcare management software delivers a strong ROI. [Read Now](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/how-much-is-brightwheel-premium) - ECE Industry - Blog post ### 5 Common Misconceptions About Switching to Brightwheel Considering brightwheel for your childcare program? Read on to learn more about common misconceptions about making the switch. [Read Now](https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/common-misconceptions-about-switching-to-brightwheel) ## Why brightwheel is the #1 childcare management software ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/easy-to-use.svg)### Save 20 hours per month of administrative work. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/love-it.svg)### 2 out of 3 teachers prefer to work at a program that uses brightwheel. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/manage-with-confidence.svg)### 97% of staff report brightwheel is easy to use. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/easy-to-use.svg)### Save 20 hours per month of administrative work. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/love-it.svg)### 2 out of 3 teachers prefer to work at a program that uses brightwheel. ![Image](https://mybrightwheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/manage-with-confidence.svg)### 97% of staff report brightwheel is easy to use. ### Tour the easiest all-in-one childcare and preschool app