Ayla vs Eaglesoft.
Cloud vs server-based. Published flat pricing vs quote-based plans. An iOS app vs browser-only, mainly view-only mobile access.
Eaglesoft is reliable and well-supported — but it's still server-based.
Eaglesoft has 30+ years in the market, strong Patterson support, and well-integrated imaging. But it's still server-based and Windows-only, it has no native mobile app, pricing is quote-based, and texting and online forms come only with its higher Service Club plans. Ayla runs in the cloud in any browser, has an iOS app, and publishes flat per-location pricing — Core $499 or Complete $799 with the AI suite, month-to-month with no contract.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Eaglesoft | Ayla |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Server-based (Windows) | Cloud — no server |
| Pricing | Quote-based Service Club plans | Published: $499 Core · $799 Complete |
| Mobile App | Mainly view-only (browser-based Eaglesoft Mobile, no native app) | iOS app |
| Patient Communication | Foundations plan and above (reminders, two-way text) | |
| Digital Forms | Foundations plan and above | |
| Analytics | Built-in reports; advanced analytics via add-ons | |
| Team Chat | Yes (Starter plan and above) | |
| Support | Paid Service Club plan | Always free |
| OS Compatibility | Windows only | Any browser, any OS |
| Updates | Installed on your server; reviewers cite slow updates | Automatic (cloud) |
| Uptime | Depends on your in-office server | 99.9% uptime target |
Key differences
Server-based vs cloud
Patterson's own FAQ says Eaglesoft is currently a server-based system, and it runs on Windows only. That means server hardware, local backups, and updates installed in your office. Ayla runs in the cloud in any browser, on any OS, with a 99.9% uptime target and automatic failover — there's no local server to go down.
Browser-only mobile vs an iOS app
Eaglesoft Mobile is a browser-based tool that Patterson describes as mainly view-only: you can see schedules, patient accounts and x-rays and create tasks. Ayla's iOS app gives dentists full clinical chart access, real-time analytics, and patient messaging on iPhone and iPad.
Communication by tier vs on every plan
Patterson bundles reminders, two-way texting and online forms into its Foundations Service Club plan and above; recall and online scheduling start at Professional. Ayla includes patient communication, digital forms, membership plans, and team chat on every plan — Core $499 or Complete $799 with the AI suite, flat per location.
What Eaglesoft users report.
Paraphrased from verified reviews on Capterra, G2, GetApp, and Software Advice.
One Software Advice reviewer (November 2022) says Eaglesoft looks very dated, with many old icons and options, and that it still can't be used on Apple devices.
One Capterra reviewer (June 2025) reports the system goes down several times a day — not for long periods, but enough to be aggravating.
GetApp's summary of 157 verified reviews notes occasional glitches, slow updates, and limited customization in reports.
Pricing comparison
Eaglesoft
Quote-based Service Club plans (license included)
Texting and online forms: Foundations plan and above
Online scheduling: Professional plan and above
+ Server hardware and IT
Quote-based — contact Patterson for pricing
Ayla
Core: $499/mo flat per location
Complete: $799/mo with the AI suite
Unlimited providers and users
No server costs
Free support always
Month-to-month, no contract
$499 Core · $799 Complete — published, flat per location
Know your price up front: Ayla's rates are published and include no server costs; Eaglesoft's plans are quoted by Patterson.
Choose Eaglesoft if...
- Your team has years of Eaglesoft experience and retraining is a barrier
- You want Patterson Dental's full-service support relationship
- You use Patterson imaging systems exclusively
- You rely on Eaglesoft's 55+ authorized integrations
Choose Ayla if...
- You want cloud access from any browser, on any OS
- You want an iOS app with clinical chart access
- You want communication, forms, and team chat on every plan
- You want published, flat per-location pricing
- You want month-to-month with no contract
Last updated: October 2026
Competitor information on this page is based on publicly available user reviews from Capterra, G2, GetApp, and Software Advice, and from each company's public pricing and feature pages. All user sentiments are paraphrased from verified reviews — no direct quotes are used. Pricing estimates are based on publicly available information and industry research and may not reflect current vendor pricing. Features and pricing change frequently — verify directly with each vendor before making a purchasing decision. Ayla is not affiliated with any competitor mentioned on this page.
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