Optix vs. Spacebring: Which is Better for Coworking Spaces?

You’re in the market for new coworking software, but you’re not sure which of the many platforms to choose. Well look no further, do we have the article for you.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the key differences between Optix and Spacebring when it comes to managing coworking and flex spaces. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each platform and highlight their strengths and weaknesses so you can make a more informed decision about which one is the best fit for you.

What is Spacebring?

Spacebring (formerly andcards) is a coworking space management platform headquartered in Poland. Founded in 2017, they serve coworking spaces and hybrid workplaces primarily in the European and APAC regions. Their software helps coworking space owners and operators automate bookings and billing while also providing tools for community engagement and brand customization.

What are the strengths of using Spacebring for coworking spaces?

Spacebring is often used to manage single location and boutique coworking spaces. Their strengths include:

• Multilingual support: Spacebring offers support in a number of different languages including German and Ukrainian
• Simple user interface: the UI is simple and easy to navigate with no bells and whistles
• Good customer support: many users on G2 report satisfaction with Spacebring customer service
• Mobile app for admin: Spacebring offers a mobile platform for admin to manage their space from anywhere
• Event management: they offer comprehensive event management directly in the platform

Generally, most Spacebring users enjoy the platform for its ease of use and simplicity, along with the tailored support they receive from the team.

What are the weaknesses of the Spacebring platform?

There are some limitations to Spacebring that users should be aware of before starting with the platform:

• Limited advanced features: while Spacebring is known for its simplicity, this comes at the expense of advanced features. For this reason, users often have trouble scaling with Spacebring
• Weak reporting and analytics: Spacebring doesn’t offer the best reporting and analytics capabilities, especially compared to other coworking software on the market
• Navigation challenges for some users: some users report finding the interface difficult to navigate, which often indicates a weaker user experience
• Design and customization constraints: while they do offer white-labelling capabilities, Spacebring is limited in its design and customization capabilities
• Limited integrations: a number of users report experiencing challenges with integrations within Spacebring

Spacebring, while it shines in simplicity and customer service, is missing some of the advanced features and customization found in other platforms making it challenging to scale with for some.

Who is Spacebring best suited for?

Given its strength and limitations, Spacebring is best suited for single location coworking spaces in the European region who need specialized language support. Though fine for those just starting out, some users report challenges in scaling with Spacebring due to its feature limitations, making it best suited for single locations or immature businesses.

Optix vs. Spacebring

Optix and Spacebring both serve boutique coworking spaces, delivering a simple and easy experience. However, there are a few key differences between the two platforms.

1. Regional support

Being that they’re headquartered in Poland, Spacebring is best suited for those located in the Eastern Hemisphere. For those in North America who are considering the platform, be mindful that their support hours may not match up with your operating hours. This is one of the primary reasons why North American customers tend to prefer partners located in North America (Optix, Coworks, Proximity, etc.).

2. Automation capabilities

Spacebring offers limited automation capabilities outside of what is typically expected of coworking software — that is invoicing, booking, and billing. They are not particularly known for automation and the platform delivers minimal automation functionality.

In contrast, Optix is widely regarded as having the strongest automation capabilities amongst coworking and flex space management platforms. Optix offers a built-in workflow builder that helps coworking space owners and operators automate daily tasks like email follow-ups, tour bookings, and invoice follow-ups. For operators who want to manage their space remotely or be more hands-off in the management process, Optix will likely be the better choice.

3. Internal team management and productivity

Optix is unique in that it offers a number of productivity and internal team management tools baked into the platform. This includes a task management system (similar to Asana), along with the ability to leave notes to different admin internally on direct messages.

If operators are looking for a truly all-in-one platform that can replace other tools, this can be a big win.

4. Mobile application and white-labelling

Many coworking software platforms offer mobile applications, including white-labelled apps as an add-on. This allows for any coworking space owner or operator to put their brand onto an app without having to build the application themselves. Both Spacebring and Optix offer mobile applications, including white-labelled apps for operators.

However, while Spacebring’s mobile app is often viewed as “difficult to navigate” as reported by members, Optix is recognized as having the best mobile app in the industry. In fact, Optix was the first coworking software to offer a mobile app for members, and it prides itself on having a top tier application adored by members.

If you’re interested in creating a mobile-first experience for your space and you value mobile applications and white-labelling, then Optix comes out as the better choice.

5. Community engagement

Spacebring offers a number of features to help build community in a coworking space including direct messaging, event management, and a community feed. These features are included in all plans and are well-liked by members.

Optix offers these same features along with additional community building elements including a Member Directory, where members can view others in the space and connect with them, public group conversations that operate like a forum open for members to join, and push notifications and announcements that engage members on their mobile device. Consider the level of community engagement you’d like to see in your space before choosing a platform.

6. Flexibility and customization

Spacebring promotes the ability to serve a wide variety of flex space businesses including beauty coworking spaces, shared kitchens, and universities. While it’s true these businesses can use the Spacebring platform, they’re limited to the use of language like “desks” and “meeting rooms” within the platform as these cannot be customized.

Optix also serves many flex spaces and niche coworking spaces due to its modular design. However, unlike Spacebring, Optix also allows users to customize the names and categories of their resources—whether it’s a salon chair, a golf bay, or maybe a doctor’s office. This is one of the primary reasons why Optix is the preferred choice for operators with non-traditional business types or audiences.

7. Who they serve

Like OfficeRnD, Nexudus, and many other coworking software platforms today, Spacebring serves both coworking spaces and hybrid workspaces. Because hybrid work is a much bigger market, many coworking space owners and operators often find themselves being forgotten about by companies who choose to focus on both markets. This can present a challenge when requesting new features.

Optix is one of the only coworking software platforms that exclusively serves coworking and flex spaces. Everything that is built in Optix is for those running coworking or flex spaces, giving the product much greater focus.

Optix vs Spacebring: Which one is best for you?

Spacebring is particularly well-suited for operators just starting out who want a lightweight platform. On the other hand, Optix offers a more comprehensive and flexible solution, especially for growing or multi-location spaces.

While Spacebring may appeal to operators seeking simplicity and fast setup, Optix stands out as the more scalable and extensible platform for those aiming to optimize operations and elevate the member experience across every touchpoint.

Want to see if Optix is the right fit for your business? Book a demo with a member of our team and find out for yourself!