Envoy is a hot desk booking software that helps manage flexible workspaces efficiently. It’s ideal for tech companies, creative agencies, and remote teams that thrive on flexibility and collaboration. Envoy empowers your workspace management by simplifying desk allocation and providing insightful data for smarter space utilization.
Envoy Evaluation Summary
- From $5/bookable resource/month (billed annually)
- Free demo available
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing HR software systems since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Envoy Overview
Envoy excels in user-friendly design, offering flexible booking and comprehensive workplace analytics that outshine many competitors.
pros
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Envoy offers intuitive and flexible desk booking that adapts to your team's changing needs.
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The platform provides detailed workplace analytics to enhance your space planning.
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Users appreciate its clean and user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation.
cons
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Some users find occasional glitches in the mobile app that can disrupt booking.
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There’s a learning curve for integrating Envoy with existing systems.
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The reporting features may not be as comprehensive as some users desire.
Is Envoy Right For Your Needs?
Who Would be a Good Fit for Envoy?
Tech startups and creative agencies are well-suited for Envoy because they often need flexible workspaces and dynamic team arrangements. Envoy’s intuitive booking system supports fast-paced environments where desks must be easily reallocated. Remote teams, especially those with hybrid models, benefit from Envoy’s clear scheduling and analytics that help optimize space usage. Departments like HR and operations can use its insights to improve workplace efficiency. Its user-friendly interface ensures your team spends less time managing desks and more time collaborating.
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Tech Startups
Envoy’s flexibility and easy scheduling make it ideal for startups where team sizes and needs frequently change.
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Creative Agencies
The platform supports dynamic seating arrangements, perfect for agencies that thrive on collaboration and creativity.
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Remote Teams
Envoy helps manage hybrid work models by clearly showing desk availability and utilization.
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HR Departments
HR can leverage Envoy’s analytics to optimize space and improve employee satisfaction.
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Operations Teams
Operations can use real-time data to streamline office management and resource allocation.
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Co-working Spaces
Envoy’s user-friendly interface and booking capabilities make managing shared spaces straightforward and efficient.
Who Would be a Bad Fit for Envoy?
Small businesses with static seating arrangements may not find value in Envoy, as they don’t require dynamic desk management. Industries like manufacturing, where employees have fixed workstations, won’t benefit from its hot desk features. Teams that prefer traditional office setups with assigned desks won’t need Envoy’s flexibility. Additionally, companies with limited tech infrastructure may struggle with its digital-first approach.
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Manufacturing Plants
Fixed workstations mean Envoy’s dynamic booking system won’t be utilized.
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Small Retail Stores
The static nature of retail staff roles doesn’t align with hot desking.
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Traditional Offices
Offices with assigned seating don’t need Envoy’s flexible booking features.
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Legal Firms
Legal teams often require dedicated spaces, making Envoy unnecessary.
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Small Nonprofits
Limited tech resources and static seating make Envoy less applicable.
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Libraries
Libraries typically have fixed seating arrangements, so Envoy’s system isn’t needed.
How We Test & Score Our Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final score)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final score)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final score)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final score)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final score)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final score)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final score)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Desk Booking System
Easily reserve desks in advance or on the go, ensuring your team always has a place to work. The intuitive interface makes scheduling quick and hassle-free.
Real-Time Availability
Instantly check which desks are free, helping you avoid double bookings and optimize space usage. Your team can see live updates on desk status.
Workplace Analytics
Gain insights into how space is used with detailed reports. Use this data to make informed decisions about office layouts and resource allocation.
Mobile App
Manage bookings from anywhere with Envoy’s user-friendly mobile app. Your team can book desks, check availability, and get notifications on the go.
Customizable Floor Plans
Visualize your workspace with customizable floor plans. This feature helps your team easily locate desks and navigate the office.
Visitor Management
Seamlessly manage visitor check-ins alongside desk bookings. This ensures a smooth experience for both your team and their guests.
Standout Features
Contactless Check-In
Let your team check in to their desks without touching shared surfaces, enhancing safety and hygiene. This feature is especially valuable in health-conscious environments.
Space Utilization Insights
Envoy provides unique insights into how your workspace is used, beyond simple occupancy data. This helps you maximize efficiency and adapt your office to changing needs.
Ease of Use
Envoy stands out for its user-friendly design, making it easy for your team to book desks and navigate the office. Its intuitive interface ensures that even those less tech-savvy can quickly adapt. The mobile app enhances convenience, allowing reservations and updates on the go. Users appreciate how straightforward it is to access real-time availability and analytics. Compared to many alternatives, Envoy simplifies desk management and reduces the learning curve, saving your team time and effort.
Onboarding
Envoy offers a smooth onboarding experience, helping your team get up and running quickly. The platform provides clear guidance and support resources, ensuring you don’t waste time figuring things out. Users find the step-by-step setup intuitive, with helpful tutorials and FAQs readily available. Compared to other options, Envoy’s onboarding reduces the time to value, letting your team start benefiting from its features with minimal hassle.
Customer Support
Envoy provides reliable customer support, ensuring your team gets assistance when needed. Users appreciate the prompt responses and helpful guidance from the support team. Whether you’re facing technical issues or need clarification on features, Envoy offers support through various channels, including email and chat. The availability of detailed help resources and tutorials further enhances the support experience, making it easier for your team to resolve issues and maximize the platform’s benefits.
Integrations
Integrations include Fortinet FortiNAC, Gallagher Security, Honeywell, Kisi, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, GoodTime, Greenhouse, Identity Screening, Visual Compliance, and Google Drive.
Value for Money
Envoy pricing offers strong flexibility across its product types, letting you pay only for what your team needs. Users say the platform’s reliable performance, clean interface, and integrations justify the cost, though pricing can rise as you scale or add more workplace locations.
Pricing Plan Options:
- Visitors: Free, Premium at $329 per location/month, and Enterprise with custom pricing for complex needs.
- Workplace: Plans for desk booking, room scheduling, and hybrid team management.
- Screens: Digital display tools for showing real-time workplace data and announcements.
- Connect: Tools for managing multi-tenant buildings and shared spaces.
Envoy Specs
- API
- Badge Printing
- Dashboard
- Data Export
- Data Import
- Electronic Signature
- Employee Database
- External Integrations
- Google Apps Integration
- Multi-Site
- NDA Management
- Notifications
- Scheduling
- Site Access Management
- SMS
Envoy FAQs
How easy is it to set up Envoy in my office?
Can Envoy handle multiple office locations?
How does Envoy ensure data security and compliance?
Can I customize the booking rules for different teams?
Does Envoy support visitor management?
How does Envoy handle cancellations or changes to bookings?
What kind of analytics does Envoy provide?
How does Envoy improve space utilization?
Envoy Company Overview & History
Envoy is a workplace-software company based in San Francisco, California, that makes tools for visitor sign-in, desk and room booking, and office delivery management. The company was founded in 2013 by Larry Gadea and currently supports more than 16,000 workplaces globally. Envoy has raised over US $170 million in venture funding, including a US $111 million Series C round that valued it at roughly US $1.4 billion. Its culture emphasizes openness, creativity, and making workplaces simple for your team to manage.
Envoy Major Milestones
- 2013: Founded by Larry Gadea in San Francisco.
- 2015: Raised a Series A round of about US $15 million to expand its visitor management platform.
- 2018: Closed a Series B funding round of US $43 million to grow product reach and features.
- 2021: Secured a US $111 million Series C round and reached a valuation around US $1.4 billion.
- 2022: Launched the “Connect” product to link tenant offices and building-wide workflows in high-rise environments.
What's Next?
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