Joan vs. deskbird
Why Joan is the #1 Deskbird Alternative
Deskbird is software-only, which means you still need to buy tablets for room and desk visibility. Joan is a full workplace platform that gives you the choice: use it as software-only or add Joan’s purpose-built wireless displays for maximum visibility and adoption.
Software-only tools leave gaps you can’t ignore.
Deskbird works as booking software, but without displays or built-in visibility, teams end up with cluttered calendars, missed bookings and low adoption. Here’s what usually holds companies back:
Extra tablet costs
Deskbird does not offer its own displays, so you need to buy and maintain consumer tablets for room visibility. That adds expense and complexity without solving adoption.
Slow and complex rollouts
Software that looks simple on paper often gets stuck during setup, especially when IT has to handle tablets, mounts and integrations.
Low adoption across teams
If people can’t see availability instantly, they won’t trust the system. That leads to double bookings, ghost meetings and wasted space.
comparing features
Joan vs. Deskbird
Core features
Room, desk, visitor, parking
Localized Interface
Wireless devices (E‑ink)
Hardware flexibility
Calendar integration
Offline mode
Custom branding
Sustainability focus
Total cost of ownership
Free trial
Where Joan stands out from other Deskbird alternatives
All-in-one, not add-ons
Robin focuses on software and requires extra tablets or proprietary hardware for visibility. With Joan, you get one platform that works across your existing devices, with the option to add purpose-built wireless displays for even better adoption.
Easy setup without IT
Robin’s panels depend on constant power and cabling, which means drilling and IT time. Joan’s wireless displays mount in minutes and run for months on a single charge, so you avoid installation headaches and hidden costs.
Flexibility with devices you already have
Joan runs on tablets, phones or its own e-paper displays, giving you the freedom to choose what fits your office. Robin locks you into specific setups that are harder to scale.
Works with your existing tools
Joan integrates with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom and more. Robin lacks support for several popular calendar platforms, which limits flexibility for hybrid teams.
We wanted to make a platform where everybody could come in and see if there’s a room open that they can schedule and work out of.
Adam Fisk , Director of IT services at Tech Superpowers
Everybody knows when the room is booked or not. It’s a very clear way to say: ‘Stop! Don’t go there because someone else took the room. It was really helpful because we didn’t change the way we booked the room.
Lucio Ferranti , CEO at Energy Group
So far we have had no trouble during the onboarding process or using it. I am very pleased, so far. I also love the design. I know it is not important to the people who think that only functionality matters, but if you have functionality WITH a nice and clean design, that makes the experience so much better.
Isabela Simoes , Administrative Assistant at Master Electronics
The unique aspect of Joan is that it does not require power going to the unit; you can mount them anywhere. The battery life lasts anywhere from four to five months. Very easy to set up and does not require any user training.
Pablo Gersberg , Senior Vice President at Neumora
Joan is the perfect solution—sleek, wireless, and so intuitive our team started using it without any training.
Topher Ohlin , IT Admin at Planning Center
Joan works with your stack. And meets your standards.
Integrations
Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Teams
Compliance
Certified for GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO/IEC 27001 compliance
AI Capabilities
Smart booking recommendations, auto-rescheduling
Sustainability
E-paper display uses 99% less energy than tablets
All-in-one pricing. All features included.
Joan gives you everything in one simple plan with software, updates and support included without hidden costs or third-party add-ons.
Start for free, than pay less!
Unbeatable pricing for additional users and devices.
Enterprise-ready with volume discounts and SLAs.
Frequently asked questions about Joan vs Deskbird
What’s the main difference between Joan and Deskbird?
Joan is an all-in-one solution with both software and wireless e-paper displays. Deskbird is software-only and requires external tablets for room displays.
Which is the best Deskbird alternative?
Joan offers more: built-in hardware, offline functionality, and ultra-low energy use—ideal for modern offices that want simplicity without extra devices.
Do I need IT support to install Joan vs Deskbird?
No IT help needed. Joan devices mount in minutes, no drilling, no cables. Deskbird often requires tablets, mounts, and setup assistance.
Do Joan and Deskbird work with existing calendars?
Yes. Both integrate with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Outlook. Joan also shows real-time availability on the room display itself.
Can I use my existing tablets with Joan instead of buying new hardware?
You can use Joan’s web or mobile app, but the real value comes from Joan’s built-in displays—wireless, battery-powered, and far more sustainable than standard tablets.
Does Joan offer a free trial?
Yes, Joan offers a free trial so you can test the platform before making a commitment. You can experience Joan’s intuitive interface, device compatibility, and integration capabilities firsthand. This allows you to compare Joan directly with Deskbird and see why teams find Joan easier to deploy and use.