workbuddy vs Deskimo: Which Flexible Workspace Platform is Right for You?

Singapore's flexible workspace market has never been more competitive, and for professionals, that's a good thing. With more platforms vying for your desk-booking dollars, the question is no longer whether to ditch the long-term lease, but which platform to ditch it for.

Two names come up most often: workbuddy and Deskimo. Both promise flexibility. Both operate in Singapore. Both have an app. So what's the difference, and does it actually matter?

Here's an honest look at both.
 

What is workbuddy?

workbuddy is Singapore's largest flexible workspace network, giving individuals and teams on-demand access to 50+ premium coworking spaces across the island, with coverage extending into Hong Kong. Launched before hybrid work became a mainstream concept, workbuddy has spent years curating a network of verified, high-quality spaces (think WeWork, JustCo, The Work Project, The Hive, Crane, and The Work Boulevard), all accessible through a single, affordable membership.

Over 11,000 freelancers and 600+ businesses (from fast-growing startups to enterprise names like Allianz and Steelcase) use workbuddy to work flexibly without the overhead of a fixed office. Plans start from S$129/month with no contracts, and a free one-week trial means there's no commitment required to get started.
 

What is Deskimo?

Deskimo is an on-demand workspace booking platform founded in 2021. Rather than monthly memberships, it charges users by the minute or hour, which appeals to professionals who only need a desk occasionally. Deskimo operates across Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE, targeting both individual remote workers and businesses looking to manage distributed teams.

How Do They Compare?
 

Network and Workspace Quality

workbuddy's network of 50+ locations is the largest curated coworking network in Singapore, featuring well-known premium brands with consistent standards, strong community managers, and high-quality amenities. Every space is verified before joining the platform, so members always know what they're walking into.

Deskimo's Singapore network includes a broader mix of space types, including more casual settings. This can work for very light, occasional use, but for professionals who need reliable, professional environments day in and day out, consistency matters.
 

Pricing and Value

This is where the two platforms diverge most sharply. Deskimo's pay-by-the-minute model can sound appealing but adds up quickly for anyone working full days, which is most people.

workbuddy's flat monthly membership starts at S$129 and gives you daily access across the entire network. If you use it across a full working month, that's less than S$6.50 a day. The LITE plan offers 5 day passes per month for lighter users, while the UNLIMITED plan suits those working remotely most of the week. No surprise charges. No watching the clock.
 

Who It Serves

workbuddy is built for everyone: freelancers, solopreneurs, hybrid employees, and entire corporate teams. Individual plans require no employer sponsorship, just download the app and sign up. Team plans give companies a smarter alternative to fixed leases, letting them right-size their workspace spend and give employees real flexibility.

Deskimo also serves both individuals and businesses, though its by-the-minute model is better suited to infrequent or short-burst use rather than professionals who need a desk for a proper working day.
 

The Workspace Experience

Beyond hot desks, workbuddy gives members access to meeting rooms, event spaces, and private offices, making it a complete workspace solution rather than just a hot desk booking tool. Members also get access to MarketBuddy, workbuddy's exclusive perks programme with deals from partner businesses.

Partner spaces regularly host community events, wellness sessions, and networking mixers, so membership feels like more than just a desk booking.
 

At a Glance
 

workbuddy:

• Singapore's largest coworking network with 50+ premium, verified spaces
• Flat monthly pricing from S$129 with full day access and no per-minute surprises
• Free one-week trial with no commitment required upfront
• Serves freelancers, individuals, and teams equally
• Hot desks, meeting rooms, event spaces, and private offices all in one platform
• MarketBuddy perks programme for members
• Covers Singapore and Hong Kong
• Trusted by 11,000+ freelancers and 600+ businesses
• Serving Singapore professionals since before 2020
   

Deskimo:

• Pay-by-the-minute pricing, flexible for very occasional use but costly for full days
• Broader geographic reach across Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and UAE
• Mix of workspace types including casual and café settings
• Founded in 2021
   

The Verdict
 

If you need a workspace occasionally, a couple of hours here and there, Deskimo's model has its place. But for freelancers building a sustainable work routine, hybrid employees who need a professional desk several days a week, or companies wanting a smarter workspace solution, workbuddy delivers better value, higher quality, and a far more comprehensive experience.

It's not just about where you work. It's about how well you work when you get there.
 

Try workbuddy free for a week with no commitment needed
 

workbuddy is Singapore's largest network of premium coworking spaces. Plans from S$129/month, free one-week trial available. Locations across Singapore and Hong Kong.