Quick Overview
- 1#1: Booksy - Mobile-first platform for barbers offering online booking, client reminders, payments, and walk-in management.
- 2#2: Vagaro - All-in-one salon software with appointment scheduling, marketing tools, and payment processing tailored for barbers.
- 3#3: StyleSeat - Pro-focused booking app enabling independent barbers to manage appointments, profiles, and client communications.
- 4#4: Square Appointments - Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for small barbershops.
- 5#5: GlossGenius - Streamlined booking, invoicing, and client management software designed for beauty pros like barbers.
- 6#6: Fresha - Free appointment booking platform with calendar sync, reminders, and revenue tools for barbers.
- 7#7: Mangomint - Modern salon software providing automated scheduling, waitlists, and reporting for barbershops.
- 8#8: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software with booking, CRM, and marketing for larger barber operations.
- 9#9: Phorest - Client-focused salon platform offering bookings, SMS marketing, and analytics for barbers.
- 10#10: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops with advanced scheduling and operations management.
Evaluated on features (such as booking management, client communication, and payment processing), user experience, reliability, and overall value, these tools are ranked to ensure they meet the diverse needs of barbershops, from solo studios to multi-location chains.
Comparison Table
Looking to find the right barber appointment software? This comparison table explores top tools like Booksy, Vagaro, StyleSeat, Square Appointments, GlossGenius, and more to simplify bookings, manage client relationships, and enhance business efficiency. Readers will learn about key features, pricing models, and user experience to choose the best fit for their barbershop needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Booksy Mobile-first platform for barbers offering online booking, client reminders, payments, and walk-in management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Vagaro All-in-one salon software with appointment scheduling, marketing tools, and payment processing tailored for barbers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | StyleSeat Pro-focused booking app enabling independent barbers to manage appointments, profiles, and client communications. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Square Appointments Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for small barbershops. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | GlossGenius Streamlined booking, invoicing, and client management software designed for beauty pros like barbers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Fresha Free appointment booking platform with calendar sync, reminders, and revenue tools for barbers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Mangomint Modern salon software providing automated scheduling, waitlists, and reporting for barbershops. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software with booking, CRM, and marketing for larger barber operations. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | Phorest Client-focused salon platform offering bookings, SMS marketing, and analytics for barbers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops with advanced scheduling and operations management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
Mobile-first platform for barbers offering online booking, client reminders, payments, and walk-in management.
All-in-one salon software with appointment scheduling, marketing tools, and payment processing tailored for barbers.
Pro-focused booking app enabling independent barbers to manage appointments, profiles, and client communications.
Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for small barbershops.
Streamlined booking, invoicing, and client management software designed for beauty pros like barbers.
Free appointment booking platform with calendar sync, reminders, and revenue tools for barbers.
Modern salon software providing automated scheduling, waitlists, and reporting for barbershops.
Comprehensive business management software with booking, CRM, and marketing for larger barber operations.
Client-focused salon platform offering bookings, SMS marketing, and analytics for barbers.
Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops with advanced scheduling and operations management.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first platform for barbers offering online booking, client reminders, payments, and walk-in management.
Booksy Marketplace, which connects barbers with new local clients searching for services.
Booksy is a leading all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for barbers, enabling seamless online appointment scheduling, client management, and business operations. It offers tools for handling payments, sending reminders, tracking no-shows, and marketing services through a user-friendly app and website. Barbers can leverage its marketplace to attract new clients while maintaining full control over their schedules and revenue.
Pros
- Robust online booking with 24/7 client access and automated reminders
- Integrated payments, deposits, and Booksy Wallet for quick payouts
- Marketplace discovery and marketing tools to attract new barber clients
Cons
- Higher costs for premium features and transaction fees add up for high-volume shops
- Occasional app glitches reported during peak times
- Limited advanced inventory tracking for product sales
Best For
Independent barbers and small shops seeking professional online presence and client growth tools.
Pricing
Free plan with 2.5-3% commission per booking; Pro subscriptions from $29.99/month per location plus payment processing fees.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon software with appointment scheduling, marketing tools, and payment processing tailored for barbers.
Pro Marketplace for client discovery and lead generation
Vagaro is an all-in-one management platform tailored for salons, spas, and barbershops, offering seamless appointment scheduling, online booking, and client management. It includes POS systems, payment processing, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and reporting tools to help barbers streamline daily operations and grow their business. With mobile apps for both staff and clients, it supports on-the-go access and features like waitlists and booth rental management, making it versatile for barber-specific needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking and automated reminders reduce no-shows
- Integrated POS, payments, and inventory management in one platform
- Robust marketing tools including email/SMS campaigns and loyalty programs
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and higher tiers
- Steep learning curve for utilizing all advanced features
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Growing barbershops or multi-location barber businesses seeking a full-featured management suite.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter) up to $159/month (Platinum) per location, plus pay-per-booking fees and add-ons.
StyleSeat
specializedPro-focused booking app enabling independent barbers to manage appointments, profiles, and client communications.
Integrated discovery marketplace that matches barbers with local clients via search and recommendations
StyleSeat is a comprehensive online booking and management platform tailored for beauty and barber professionals, enabling easy appointment scheduling, client management, and payment processing. It features a built-in marketplace that helps barbers get discovered by local clients searching for services. Barbers can customize profiles, offer promotions, and track business metrics through a user-friendly app and web interface.
Pros
- Seamless online booking and calendar sync
- Client discovery marketplace boosts visibility
- Integrated payments with no-show protection
Cons
- High commission fees on free plan (30%)
- Less customization for barber-specific workflows
- Platform competition among pros can dilute leads
Best For
Independent barbers or small shops wanting to attract new clients via an online marketplace while handling bookings effortlessly.
Pricing
Free plan with 30% service fee per booking; Pro plan $35/month with 14% fee, advanced marketing, and analytics.
Square Appointments
specializedSimple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for small barbershops.
Built-in POS integration for accepting payments directly during appointments without switching apps
Square Appointments is a user-friendly scheduling platform from Square, tailored for service businesses like barbershops to manage online bookings, calendars, and client communications. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS for payments, no-show protection, and automated reminders, making it ideal for streamlining daily operations. The tool supports multiple staff members and locations, with mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for instant payments and checkout
- Free plan for single-location barbershops with unlimited staff and appointments
- Intuitive mobile app and automated reminders to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Limited customization for barber-specific features like chair assignments or service menus
- Basic reporting lacks depth for multi-location or high-volume shops
- Transaction fees apply to payments, adding costs beyond the base plan
Best For
Small to medium barbershops seeking simple, affordable scheduling with built-in payment processing.
Pricing
Free for one location; Plus at $29/month per location; Premium custom pricing.
GlossGenius
specializedStreamlined booking, invoicing, and client management software designed for beauty pros like barbers.
Commission-free payments with seamless contactless checkout, Apple Pay, and client tipping directly in the booking flow
GlossGenius is an all-in-one booking and management platform designed for beauty and wellness pros, including barbers, streamlining online scheduling, client communications, and payments. Barbers can customize service menus for haircuts, shaves, and fades, send automated SMS/email reminders, and collect deposits to minimize no-shows. It also includes marketing tools like email campaigns and loyalty programs to boost client retention and revenue.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for on-the-go management
- No commissions on bookings with integrated payments and tipping
- Built-in marketing and automated reminders to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for teams or multi-location shops
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to competitors
- Fewer barber-specific templates and integrations
Best For
Solo barbers or small shops wanting a polished, user-friendly all-in-one tool without per-booking fees.
Pricing
Essentials ($24/mo), Pro ($48/mo), Elite ($83/mo billed annually); no booking commissions, additional fees for payment processing.
Fresha
specializedFree appointment booking platform with calendar sync, reminders, and revenue tools for barbers.
Fresha's client discovery marketplace in their consumer app, which exposes your barber shop to millions of users for effortless new bookings.
Fresha is an all-in-one booking and business management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including barbershops, offering online appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, and marketing automation. It enables barbers to manage haircuts, shaves, and styling services with customizable booking pages, automated reminders, and no-show protection. The platform also features a consumer app for client discovery, helping barbers attract walk-ins and repeat business seamlessly.
Pros
- Free core platform with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop scheduling
- Integrated marketing tools and client discovery marketplace
Cons
- Commission fees on online bookings (up to 20% on free plan)
- Limited barber-specific customizations like tool tracking
- Reporting and analytics could be more advanced for larger shops
Best For
Small to medium-sized barbershops or independent barbers needing an easy, mobile-friendly booking system to handle appointments and grow clientele without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free plan with booking fees (1-20% depending on plan); Essentials from $29/month, Professional from $49/month per location for reduced fees.
Mangomint
specializedModern salon software providing automated scheduling, waitlists, and reporting for barbershops.
Booth rental management with automated rent collection and commission tracking, perfect for multi-stylist barbershops.
Mangomint is a premium salon and spa management software tailored for businesses like barbershops, offering robust appointment scheduling, online booking, and client management tools. It includes payment processing, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and advanced marketing automation via email and SMS. With a focus on beautiful design and efficiency, it helps barbers streamline operations and boost revenue through detailed reporting and booth rental management.
Pros
- Intuitive and visually appealing interface that's easy to navigate
- Powerful marketing tools and automated reporting for business growth
- Comprehensive booth rental and multi-staff management ideal for barbershops
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit solo barbers or very small shops
- Some advanced features have a learning curve
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized barbershops with multiple stylists or booth renters needing an all-in-one premium management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (billed annually) for Starter plan, up to $285/month for Pro plan; monthly billing available at higher rates.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software with booking, CRM, and marketing for larger barber operations.
Integrated Mindbody Marketplace for discoverability, allowing clients to find and book barber services directly through a vast consumer app network.
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform primarily designed for fitness, wellness, and beauty industries, offering appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, payment processing, and marketing tools that can be adapted for barbershops. It enables barbers to manage walk-ins, online reservations, staff schedules, and customer retention through automated reminders and loyalty programs. While versatile, its full suite is often overkill for small, independent barbers focusing solely on basic haircut bookings.
Pros
- Robust online booking and calendar management with real-time availability
- Integrated POS and payment processing for seamless transactions
- Strong marketing tools like email campaigns and loyalty programs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for simple barber needs
- High pricing that may not justify value for solo or small shops
- Overemphasis on class/group bookings less relevant to individual haircuts
Best For
Established barbershops or chains with multiple locations needing full-service CRM and marketing alongside scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), plus transaction fees (2.75% + $0.30 per card transaction) and add-ons; higher tiers up to $500+/month.
Phorest
specializedClient-focused salon platform offering bookings, SMS marketing, and analytics for barbers.
Phorest's AI-driven marketing automation that sends personalized rebooking reminders and promotions based on client history and behavior
Phorest is an all-in-one salon management platform that offers appointment scheduling, client relationship management, POS integration, and marketing automation tailored primarily for hair salons and spas. For barbershops, it provides robust online booking, service customization, and staff scheduling to handle walk-ins and appointments efficiently. While not barber-specific, its comprehensive tools support growth-oriented shops seeking integrated operations and client retention strategies.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and calendar management with real-time availability
- Automated marketing tools like SMS/email campaigns and loyalty programs
- Integrated POS and inventory tracking for seamless barber shop operations
Cons
- Primarily designed for salons/spas, lacking barber-specific templates or terminology
- Pricing can be steep for solo barbers or very small shops
- Initial setup and customization may require training
Best For
Growing barbershops or chains that need advanced marketing and client management alongside basic appointment booking.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $150/month per location, scaling with users, features, and add-ons like payment processing.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops with advanced scheduling and operations management.
Zenoti Intelligence for AI-powered analytics and personalized client retention strategies
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform primarily designed for salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses, offering robust appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, POS, inventory tracking, and marketing automation. For barbershops, it excels in handling complex scheduling for services like haircuts, shaves, and styling, with features like waitlist management and automated reminders. While powerful for scaling operations, it may feel overly enterprise-focused for small, independent barbers.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI-driven insights and marketing tools
- Scalable for multi-location barbershops with centralized management
- Seamless integrations with payment gateways and telephony
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High pricing not ideal for solo or small barbers
- Overkill for basic appointment needs with barber-specific customization limited
Best For
Growing barber chains or multi-location shops seeking enterprise-grade tools for operations, marketing, and analytics.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; typically starts at $200-500+ per month per location, scaling with features and volume.
Conclusion
The reviewed barber appointment software varies in focus, but all aim to simplify operations and boost client satisfaction. At the top, Booksy leads with its mobile-first design, merging online booking, client reminders, payments, and walk-in management into one streamlined tool. While Vagaro excels as a versatile all-in-one solution and StyleSeat caters effectively to independent pros, Booksy remains the standout choice for its balance of functionality and ease of use. For tailored needs, the alternatives are strong, but Booksy sets the standard for modern barbershop management.
Don’t miss out—start using Booksy today to experience its intuitive scheduling, proactive reminders, and seamless client interactions, the key to growing a successful and efficient barbershop.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison