# OWNA Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is OWNA the right Daycare solution for you? Explore 107 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/209399/OWNA/reviews --- OWNA 4.5 (107) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/209399/OWNA/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of OWNA Ease of use 4.3 Customer Service 4.6 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews ST Sally T DirectorEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The dashboard on the portal for the administrator gives a great overview of the day so I can see who is signed in both children and educators, check our the centre calendar and events and has direct links to other important reports such as children incident and medication reports.“ July 5, 2022 Nf Natal f directorWireless, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “no response from owna with multiple tickets“ February 11, 2025 ST Sophie T Finance OfficerNon-Profit Organization Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Also, the reports from OWNA save me a lot of time and effort from data management and show us valuable information on our day to day services and performance.“ July 15, 2022 JO Julie O NSEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Lack of a roll that I have found yet that displays like quick qikkids, parents can't invite grandparents, dads to the app, that the chat doesn't stay open when you switch to another page“ July 11, 2022 ST Sally T DirectorEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The best part about OWNA is the customer service which is amazing, I always get a quick response and they take all feedback on board to create a great product.“ July 5, 2022 DF Denise F Business ManagerEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Their immunisation record does not cover the additional vaccine required for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait children. Since it is a national legal requirement, I suggested to them to add it. But their response was that at this stage they could not do that.“ July 6, 2022 Insheerah U Centre DirectorEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “We like the reconciliation for the payments, the CCS management and attendance records.“ July 11, 2022 HH Helen H DirectorEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Adding discounts, holiday fees, changes to bookings - these are all quite clunky compared to what we use.“ July 5, 2022 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 107 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Insheerah U. Centre Director Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Owna review" July 11, 2022 4.0 I guess the team is busy so accessing support can be a struggle at times. Pros We like the reconciliation for the payments, the CCS management and attendance records. Cons Staff discounts still have weaknesses and children's attendances Alternatives considered [Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Reason for choosing OWNA Better pricing and easier functions Review Source CO Coralee O. Director Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "New user to OWNA" July 8, 2022 5.0 Pros This software is so easy to use, it's a fantastic way to communicate with families and staff and it simply streamlines our entire day. Cons There hasn't been anything yet that I could say is a negative to this software, I only wish we had have discovered it sooner. Alternatives considered [Storypark](https://www.capterra.com/p/152602/Storypark/) Reason for choosing OWNA Because it covered everything in one product. It dealt with all staffing, admin and programming aspects which makes every day so much easier. Switched from [Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) XPlor was difficult to navigate and didn't provide everything we were looking for. Review Source NF Natal F. director Wireless Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "no communication with owna " February 11, 2025 1.0 Full management from owna is also waiting for approval for long time Pros support waiting period more then 2 weeks Cons no response from owna with multiple tickets Review Source CB Cassandra B. Nominated Supervisor Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Smooth transition, will never go back" July 5, 2022 5.0 Extremely Positive! OWNA support have been kind, accessible and super helpful! OWNA aligned with our personal sustainability goals (paperless) and has every feature we need. Highly Recommend! Pros OWNA is easy to navigate and is a one-stop shop! It honestly has it all! From planning and programming, linking learning stories and observations, sharing information amongst management and staff, and so much more. Our families love the 'cheat sheet', finding it easy to navigate with this assistance, and now engage with our content/documentation so much more than ever before. Everything is ONLINE! Going paperless is easy with OWNA. Cons The only hiccup - transferring families from our old software left emergency contacts behind and only took primary caregivers. it took a lot of work to get those contacts all included in each child's profiles. Several years on, this isn't a problem as new families enter the details right into the system. Switched from [Storypark](https://www.capterra.com/p/152602/Storypark/)[Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Storypark was just exploring its daily reports section at the time when we trialled OWNA. We followed a local colleague's recommendation to trial and were not disappointed. The biggest seller was price, but also, simplifying and streamlining our processes into 1 place. Online storage of data, enrolment forms, medical certificates, training records ... was a big BIG motivator. My office space is no longer full of filing and archiving. Review Source LN Lauren N. Executive Secretary Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "why we use OWNA" October 29, 2021 5.0 Overall we have had a very good experience with OWNA and have recommended it to lots of people. Thank you for the wonderful service that you supply. Pros changing to OWNA has completely change the way we do paperwork at our centres. It has saved so much time in administration costs. Parents, Staff and Admin all love OWNA and how easy it is to use, the information they are able to produce and the open lines of communication between everyone. OWNA Support have always been excellent and we have never had to wait very long for an answer/resolution to our problems. Cons Transition from other programs can take a little bit for staff/parents to get their heads around. But once they get to know the program and all the features they begin to really enjoy it. The QIP part of the program could be easier to use. It is a bit frustrating in its current format. Switched from [Storypark](https://www.capterra.com/p/152602/Storypark/)[QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) Qikkids was very confusing and complicated to use, was not changing to keep up with the industry and was getting more and more expensive. Storypark was ok, but when OWNA offered all services in one program we decided this was the best way to go. Review Source Response from OWNA November 3, 2021 Thanks Lauren! Glad to know everyone at your service is loving the platform. LM Lauren M. Approved Provider Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "IF YOUR NOT USING OWNA YOUR MISSING OUT " March 25, 2021 4.0 heaps less admin time as normal daily tasks are simplified and completed in less than half the time with OWNA software compared to old school applications. enhanced programming capabilities, and Families LOVE the transparency of OWNA! Pros This product is extremely user friendly and the software integration when we first swapped over was so simple the customer service team handled majority of it. our centre loves the transparency of the app, families love it, we are able to provide enhanced programming cycle compared to all other apps on the market. Cons i would like to see some additional report features added. for example a 1.8% tool, and customisable booking sheets. however in saying this OWNA has shown a strong commitment to continuous improvement and every time we take a new idea to them they run with it and within weeks/months we see it implemented in the app. i hate Fat Zebra they are hard to work with compared to other direct debit companies. Alternatives considered [Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Reason for choosing OWNA Programming personalisation capabilities. OWNA also seemed to have such a passion for helping operators by providing an app that was committed to listening to their customers and continuous improvement rather then just selling a product. we wanted a company and app that was innovative and that would keep improving with time, and OWNA has lived up to this. Switched from [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) Because OWNA has it all, it combines all features of running an early learning centre into one App. huge time save and to be honest its not overpriced compared to 'long standing applications' Review Source Response from OWNA March 30, 2021 Thanks Lauren - you're right we are passionate about helping operators, and we're stoked to hear your enjoying the experience. As I'm sure you know, we'll take this feedback on board. In fact, the 1.8 tool was built over the weekend an should be ready to use now, so thanks for bringing that up! - Jack TD Trisha D. Educational & Operational Coordinator Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best move ever!" March 26, 2021 5.0 We are just starting to realise many benefits - which include time saving features. We have also been able to move a lot of our paper based practices to OWNA, which works in well with our sustainability practices. I love that the support team are always on hand, and work hard to resolve any issues - including our user-knowledge, or lack thereof! Pros Moving over to OWNA has been incredible. We are still not using all the features, but definitely moving towards this. OWNA has and will enable us to move all our processes into the same software, rather than using different platforms for different functions. It literally has just about all we need and more. The platform is simple, clean, and functional. The team at OWNA are so responsive to needs and suggestions, and seem to work around the clock to ensure that their program does everything we need (and want) it to do. Cons There are definite issues with the accounts side of the software, and flaws that need to be ironed out. Alternatives considered [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/)[Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Reason for choosing OWNA OWNA is definitely a superior product, AND the team seem to be committed to making the best software on the market, and not losing their vision of this, and their responsiveness to us as customers as they grow. Switched from [Storypark](https://www.capterra.com/p/152602/Storypark/)[QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) We were becoming ever frustrated with our provider, and had seen many positive comments around OWNA - and when we checked it out for ourselves, we were definitely impressed! We did not come in eyes closed - we knew we were dealing with a team new to some aspects (Child Care Subsidy) - but we also watched as they moved quickly to make improvements and iron out issues. Review Source Response from OWNA March 30, 2021 Thanks for the feedback Trisha! Happy to hear you're enjoying the software. As always, feel free to send your feedback to the support team re: accounts and see how we can iron this out. Thanks again - Jack TN Ted N. Company Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "CCS, Billing, Direct Debit" March 31, 2021 3.0 Great tool for parents interaction. Horror tool for managing billing, charging parents and direct debit is extremely cumbersome, tedious taking my time away from working on my business and spending more time in my business. I do not have confidence with OWNA in using it do discuss billing issues with our parents. Pros Parents interaction, parents communication Cons Billing, Direct Debit, processes, lack of automation, lack of formal parent statement day by day Alternatives considered [Kidsoft](https://www.capterra.com/p/152282/Kidsoft/)[QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) Reason for choosing OWNA We had a good experience with the parents interaction and as we are customer focus we thought we should lead with this principal. In our belief, billing and CCS and direct debits are standard functions that should not be a concern but once we switched over there have been some nightmarish episodes which we discovered were substandard in operation and procedures specific to the childcare industry. We are still waiting for OWNA to improve its billing system and can't wait much longer. Parents are knocking on our door to exit the direct debit system and we have to try and convince them otherwise. Switched from [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) We wanted to consolidate using 1 platform instead of 2 when the mandatory parent sign in/out was introduced to reduce our time spent in the system. Review Source Response from OWNA April 6, 2021 Sorry to hear about your experience Ted. Have you tried coming to our training sessions on CCS, billing, direct debit etc.? There's a ton of good info in there that I think would help you and your parents with getting a better experience of the software. - Jack DF Denise F. Business Manager Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Supporting OWNA" July 6, 2022 4.0 Overall, I will still happy with OWNA. Though we are still learning how to utilise the app, we are now bit organise compare before. It provides us a system in our organisation Pros I like that it is a software where the admin and educators can use together. Also, I love that they are actively developing it to cater the current changes of the childcare industry. I can see their passion to the childcare industry and I love that they have weekly training. Cons Their immunisation record does not cover the additional vaccine required for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait children. Since it is a national legal requirement, I suggested to them to add it. But their response was that at this stage they could not do that. I just hope that they will align things in their software to the national legal requirement. Reason for choosing OWNA price and functionality Switched from [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) We were looking for an app that can be used for admin and educators. Review Source SH Sarah H. Centre Director Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "The Hills Little Learners Review" July 14, 2022 4.0 Amazing. Pros In my many years in the ECEC Industry and using a many different apps for the indurty, OWNA has by far exceeded my expectations as it offers so much. Not just fr the educators documenting but also for Admin and enrolments. Having everything on one app makes it so much easier to stay on top of things and also for families which can see everything from their child's day to our QIP, centre poilcies etc. It has been a very welcomed change to our service and the eudcators and myself really love using this daily Cons It can be glitchy at times and we may have to close the app, re open for it to work. Sometimes the educators lose their work if the app glitches if they are in the middle of writing an observation and it stops working, it doesnt automatically save to draft. Alternatives considered [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) Reason for choosing OWNA Owna seemed to offer more and the value was great for our small service. Switched from [Seesaw](https://www.capterra.com/p/204060/Seesaw/) Seesaw is more for primary school teachers. Did not offer what OWNA has to offer Review Source KI Kristen I. Director Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "OWNA Review" July 14, 2022 4.0 Very positive. We really like using the system and look forward to more updates and new features. Pros The ability to streamline processes and procedures. We have been able to acheive our goal of being more sustainable and usin gless paper. Cons When there is a connection error or an update that delays the use. Alternatives considered [Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Reason for choosing OWNA OWNA offered more features for a much better price. The support was great and the ability to essentially use one app for everything made the choice easy. Switched from [Kids Xap](https://www.capterra.com/p/148532/Kids-Xap/) Functionality and financial Review Source LH Liz H. Chief Operations Officer Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "OWNA # 1 Platform for Childcare Services" April 9, 2021 4.0 SmartPlay's overall experience is very good. We have been proud partners with OWNA and believe in the clever, overarching plan to lift the Early Childhood sector out of the 20th century clunky and paper-based nightmare of compliance regulations. We love that \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] makes himself accessible and does whatever he can to accommodate our needs. Pros We love OWNA's vision to be the best and provide a single platform to serve our Early Childhood and School Age Care services. The management for our national group makes it easy to see what is happening across every centre from the big picture, down to the fine detail. SmartPlay has continued to work with OWNA and increasing the on line, anywhere, anytime features that allow parents easy access, instant staff communication and compliance features and management at centre and national levels to keep a finger on the pulse. Cons OWNA is a new and emerging platform - the work done so far is brilliant. We have asked for some features that are yet to happen as the company has grown so quickly and there is not always the people power at the office to get to all tasks e.g. not providing a break down of the carry over balance which creates extra work for centre directors to interpret a family invoice. Review Source Response from OWNA April 12, 2021 Thanks for the kind words Liz, and appreciate your feedback. I'll pass this onto the team, who are currently reviewing the invoicing process. Thanks - Jack SR Shiana R. Director Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Excellent" July 11, 2022 5.0 Excellent - It was a great choice by the management team to swap over to OWNA Pros It is so easy/ intuitive to use, and /i love that everything is in the one place (as administrator) Cons Sometimes the app crashes while educators are uploading daily reflections and photos, which can be time-consuming to re-do. Review Source TC Taylah C. Assistant Manager Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Absolutely love OWNA" July 14, 2022 5.0 We have so many benefits of using OWNA. Everything is all in the one place and stored online. Communication with parents and the team is super easy and effective using OWNA. Pros OWNA is such a easy and user-friendly app to use. There are so many great features that help the day-to-day running's of an early learning centre. Cons We don't use the billing part of OWNA. It would be good to have everything in the one place including auto-charging and CCS. Review Source NP Neisha P. Owner Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best in the market " July 11, 2022 5.0 Very very happy with this product, as a service we don’t know where we would be without it Pros As a service owner and approved provider I can see both my services at a glance when required Cons Nothing really they have thought of everything? Reason for choosing OWNA Compliance was much better Review Source CK Chelceeq K. centre manager Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Amazing communicative app" July 14, 2022 5.0 Great product to use in a child care/kinder setting allowing parents to gain information in an easy and convenient way. Pros The way in which it communicates with our families and creates family satisfaction. Cons I find the desk top version more confusing that the app. Think it could use an update. Review Source SB Suzie B. Admin Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great customer service" July 6, 2022 5.0 Pros customer service is great! the software works well, and has a nice appearance, is mostly intuitive. App works well for us and for parents Cons glitchy at times, also some workarounds can be annoying, needing to upload things and save them multiple times on posts is tricky. Posts section in general could be fixed up a bit Review Source nH nellie H. centre director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Review of app" July 11, 2022 5.0 really good. whenever i have a question staff at owna are very helpful and call you back pretty much straight away Pros It has all the apps and features that we wanted to use in one system Cons To be honest the only thing i have found is when changing fees and we have different session hours i had to do each child seperate. It would be good to have done it in one go Review Source KV Karthika V. Director Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great product" April 5, 2021 5.0 OWNA lets me have an overall snapshot of what's happening in the centre at one glance. It has also reduced paper and improved transparency for all team members. Pros This software has it all. Everything in one place and very user friendly. The support is excellent! Cons Some aspects are a bit cumbersome to navigate - having to click through multiple links to get some information. It would help to be able to see which child a parent related to - especially when they make a comment or like a post or especially when we have to add their name to "Family account". Invoicing could also be better. Alternatives considered [Kidsoft](https://www.capterra.com/p/152282/Kidsoft/)[Child Care Central](https://www.capterra.com/p/194599/Child-Care-Central/)[Xplor Education](https://www.capterra.com/p/165817/Xplor/) Reason for choosing OWNA Price and functionality Switched from [QikKids](https://www.capterra.com/p/126837/QikKids/) Price and functionality Review Source Response from OWNA April 6, 2021 Thanks Karthika! Appreciate the feedback and we'll keep this in mind when we look at our next rounds of updates. - Jack PC Paula C. Area manager Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Not a bad thing to say..." April 9, 2021 5.0 OWNA staff are always quick to respond to any queries. Pros Software is easy to use both on a desktop, and use smartphones/tablets. The app is similar to many social media apps, so even the parents and families find it easy to use! Our parent input has increased so much since we started using this app. The reduction of wasted paper is astronomical - wait list, enrolment and excursion forms, incident/accident reports, medication reports, daily charts to checklists, philosophy and policies, critical reflections, programs, observations, daily journals, portfolios, etc. Its everything you need in one place. And that's just the educators side of the things. We also use OWNA as our CCSS - attendances, accounts, fees, etc. Cons We absolutely love this software and feel like there isn't much we could fault. Review Source Response from OWNA April 12, 2021 Thank you Paula! Always glad to hear from centres being more sustainable and able to streamline their practices with our software. - Jack DM Diane M. Centre Manager Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Rosebud Cottage" September 20, 2021 5.0 One of the easiest software systems I've used and navigated Pros Very easy to use on all levels, user friendly and offered a great deal on data entry Cons Some info is doubled up to access some areas Reason for choosing OWNA User friendly Review Source Response from OWNA September 21, 2021 Thanks Diane, Glad to hear you're enjoying the software. Ease of use is something we've focused a lot of time and effort on in recent months, so really happy to see that you're enjoying the platform how we intended. Thanks again, OWNA Team HM Heidi M. 2IC/educational leader Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "OWNA review" July 11, 2022 5.0 Great experience all round Pros Lots of features that cover all aspects within an education setting. Easy to use Always open to new ideas Cons It would be ice to see exactly what the parents see so you could guide them Reason for choosing OWNA Just better Review Source MH Michele H. Centre Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Everything in one place" March 25, 2021 5.0 Support is really quick and answer issues straight away. The educators are able to use both the desktop and tablet interfaces confidently Pros I love the fact at a glance I can see the state of the centre - how many children, what team members are on break. It is useful to be able to manage the menu and have it sent out to families daily along with updates on their child. Parents are able to comment and I have found that we recieve more feedback than ever before. Cons The interface on the desktop is basic but is improving Review Source Response from OWNA March 30, 2021 Thanks Michele! Always good to hear from centres enjoying the software. You're right, the desktop portal is basic, and we're slowly improving it as more centres become confident with the software. Thanks again for your feedback and I hope you carry on enjoying using OWNA. - Jack RR Roshan R. Centre Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "OWNA review" July 11, 2022 5.0 Loved it. It makes my job easier. They always update their features to make them the best and best. Pros Easy to use and it is all in one. They always update their features to make them the best and best. Cons Nowadays sometimes could not able to get customer service as soon as possible. It happens and they always call us back when we left messages on the phone. Review Source SLA Sandra Lee A. co-ordinator Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Fantastic Software including CCS" July 5, 2022 5.0 amazing always there to help us with anything we call for friendly helpful staff always making more features available with no extra charges Pros it does absolutely everything you can think of for education Cons The CCS is not for FDC services which is the only down point to this software Reason for choosing OWNA the best product on the market Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Daycare](https://www.capterra.com/child-care-software/)