Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one platform for booking appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and handling inventory tailored for barbershops and salons.
- 2#2: GlossGenius - Mobile-first software for barbers and beauty pros offering scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management in one intuitive app.
- 3#3: Mangomint - Modern salon management tool with automated scheduling, POS, reporting, and client retention features designed for efficiency.
- 4#4: Square Appointments - Affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments, ideal for small barbershops needing simple client booking and sales tracking.
- 5#5: Fresha - Free booking software for barbershops with online scheduling, reminders, payments, and marketplace exposure to attract new clients.
- 6#6: Boulevard - Premium management platform providing advanced booking, retail inventory, staff management, and analytics for growing barbershops.
- 7#7: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops handling appointments, CRM, marketing automation, and operations at scale.
- 8#8: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management solution with booking, payments, and marketing tools suitable for barbershops and wellness businesses.
- 9#9: Phorest - Salon software focused on client retention through marketing, loyalty programs, online booking, and performance analytics.
- 10#10: Rosy - Cloud-based salon management system offering appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and reporting for barbershops.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (appointment management, payments, inventory), platform quality (stability, user experience), ease of integration, and long-term value, ensuring each tool meets the diverse needs of barbershops, from micro-studios to growing chains.
Comparison Table
Barber shop management software simplifies tasks like booking, scheduling, and payments, and selecting the ideal tool depends on your business needs. This comparison table explores popular options including Vagaro, GlossGenius, Mangomint, Square Appointments, and Fresha, outlining key features to help you find the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one platform for booking appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and handling inventory tailored for barbershops and salons. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | GlossGenius Mobile-first software for barbers and beauty pros offering scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management in one intuitive app. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Mangomint Modern salon management tool with automated scheduling, POS, reporting, and client retention features designed for efficiency. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Square Appointments Affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments, ideal for small barbershops needing simple client booking and sales tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Fresha Free booking software for barbershops with online scheduling, reminders, payments, and marketplace exposure to attract new clients. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Boulevard Premium management platform providing advanced booking, retail inventory, staff management, and analytics for growing barbershops. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops handling appointments, CRM, marketing automation, and operations at scale. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management solution with booking, payments, and marketing tools suitable for barbershops and wellness businesses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.2/10 |
| 9 | Phorest Salon software focused on client retention through marketing, loyalty programs, online booking, and performance analytics. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Rosy Cloud-based salon management system offering appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and reporting for barbershops. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
All-in-one platform for booking appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and handling inventory tailored for barbershops and salons.
Mobile-first software for barbers and beauty pros offering scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management in one intuitive app.
Modern salon management tool with automated scheduling, POS, reporting, and client retention features designed for efficiency.
Affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments, ideal for small barbershops needing simple client booking and sales tracking.
Free booking software for barbershops with online scheduling, reminders, payments, and marketplace exposure to attract new clients.
Premium management platform providing advanced booking, retail inventory, staff management, and analytics for growing barbershops.
Enterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops handling appointments, CRM, marketing automation, and operations at scale.
Comprehensive business management solution with booking, payments, and marketing tools suitable for barbershops and wellness businesses.
Salon software focused on client retention through marketing, loyalty programs, online booking, and performance analytics.
Cloud-based salon management system offering appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and reporting for barbershops.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one platform for booking appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and handling inventory tailored for barbershops and salons.
Vagaro Marketplace, providing massive exposure to attract new clients through discoverable online bookings.
Vagaro is an all-in-one management platform tailored for barber shops, salons, and spas, offering robust tools for online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management. It includes a built-in POS system for seamless payments, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and automated marketing via email and SMS campaigns. Comprehensive reporting and analytics help barbers optimize operations and grow their business efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking and calendar with waitlist management
- Integrated POS, payments, and inventory tracking
- Powerful marketing tools and client retention features
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and locations
- Some advanced reporting requires higher tiers
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported
Best For
Growing barber shops seeking a comprehensive, scalable platform for bookings, payments, and marketing without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month (Starter) up to $165/month (Pro) per location, plus per-client fees and add-ons like reputation management.
GlossGenius
specializedMobile-first software for barbers and beauty pros offering scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management in one intuitive app.
Customizable, mobile-optimized booking pages with AI-driven waitlists and automated two-way texting for client communication
GlossGenius is an all-in-one management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including barber shops, offering online booking, payment processing, client CRM, and marketing automation. It streamlines daily operations by enabling customizable appointment scheduling, automated reminders, and seamless POS transactions directly from a mobile app. Ideal for barbers seeking a modern, user-friendly alternative to traditional software, it emphasizes client retention through personalized communication and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for on-the-go management
- Seamless online booking with deposit requirements to reduce no-shows
- Built-in marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and loyalty programs
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory tracking for product sales
- Reporting features lack depth for larger multi-location shops
- Higher-tier plans required for full staff management and analytics
Best For
Small to mid-sized barber shops or solo barbers prioritizing easy bookings, payments, and client engagement over complex inventory or enterprise-scale reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $24/mo (Lite, 1 user), $48/mo (Pro), $108/mo (Plus); billed annually with add-ons for extra users/locations.
Mangomint
specializedModern salon management tool with automated scheduling, POS, reporting, and client retention features designed for efficiency.
Ultra-customizable drag-and-drop calendar with booth rental tracking and automated notifications
Mangomint is a premium, cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and barber shops, providing robust appointment scheduling, POS, client management, and inventory tracking. Its drag-and-drop calendar, online booking, and automated marketing tools help barbers efficiently manage daily operations and grow their business. With a sleek interface and mobile app, it offers comprehensive reporting and customizable workflows suited for grooming professionals.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with online booking and waitlists
- Built-in marketing automation via email and SMS
- Strong reporting, inventory, and booth rental management
Cons
- Higher starting price point without a free tier
- Some salon-specific features less relevant for simple barber operations
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized barber shops seeking a modern, feature-rich platform with advanced automation and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for up to 2 staff (Solo plan), scaling to $295+/month for larger teams; annual discounts available, no free plan.
Square Appointments
specializedAffordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments, ideal for small barbershops needing simple client booking and sales tracking.
Zero-fee integrated payments and POS hardware compatibility for smooth walk-in and booked services
Square Appointments is a user-friendly scheduling platform tailored for service businesses like barber shops, enabling online booking, calendar management, and client reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS system for handling payments, no-shows, and staff scheduling. While robust for basic operations, it excels in simplicity but lacks deep customization for barber-specific workflows like service bundling or inventory tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for payments and in-person transactions
- Free tier for single-location shops with no monthly fees
- Intuitive mobile app and quick client booking/reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for multi-staff operations
- Transaction processing fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can accumulate
- Less specialized features for barber shops like product inventory or loyalty programs
Best For
Ideal for solo barbers or small shops seeking simple, affordable scheduling with built-in payments over complex management tools.
Pricing
Free for single location (unlimited appointments); Plus $29/month and Premium $69/month per location for advanced features.
Fresha
specializedFree booking software for barbershops with online scheduling, reminders, payments, and marketplace exposure to attract new clients.
The Fresha marketplace that exposes your barbershop to millions of users searching for local services, driving free client discovery.
Fresha is a cloud-based management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including barbershops, offering online booking, appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS, and marketing tools. It enables barbershops to manage daily operations, process payments, and send automated reminders without upfront software costs. The platform stands out with its integrated marketplace for client discovery and a mobile app for both staff and customers.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile apps for easy adoption
- Built-in marketplace for attracting new clients
- Strong online booking and automated marketing tools
Cons
- Payment processing fees (approx. 2.5%) on transactions
- Limited inventory and product management for barbershop supplies
- Reporting analytics basic on free plan
- Less optimized for high-volume walk-in barbershops
Best For
Small to medium barbershops emphasizing online appointments, client retention, and cost-free software to grow their customer base.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; only payment processing fees (2.19% + $0.20 per transaction); optional Premium plans from $49/month/location for advanced tools and no processing fees.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium management platform providing advanced booking, retail inventory, staff management, and analytics for growing barbershops.
Branded client app for seamless booking and personalized experiences that boost loyalty
Boulevard is a cloud-based management platform designed for beauty and wellness businesses, including barber shops, offering online booking, staff scheduling, POS payments, and client management. It streamlines daily operations with mobile apps for staff and clients, marketing tools, and detailed reporting. The software focuses on enhancing client experience and driving revenue through features like automated reminders and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Modern, intuitive interface with strong mobile support
- Powerful marketing automation and client retention tools
- Robust integrations with payment processors and calendars
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit very small shops
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free trial or basic plan options
Best For
Mid-sized or growing barber shops seeking scalable tools for client engagement and operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$250/month per location, with tiered plans (Essentials, Professional, Enterprise) based on features and volume.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade software for multi-location barbershops handling appointments, CRM, marketing automation, and operations at scale.
Advanced marketing automation with AI-driven client journeys and personalized campaigns
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for salons, spas, and barber shops, offering end-to-end management from appointments to analytics. It streamlines operations with features like online booking, POS integration, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, client CRM, and marketing automation. While powerful for scaling businesses, it excels in multi-location setups but may feel robust for smaller barber shops.
Pros
- Extensive feature suite including CRM and analytics
- Scalable for multi-location barber chains
- Strong mobile app for staff and clients
Cons
- Expensive with custom quote-based pricing
- Steep learning curve for setup and training
- Overkill for single-location small shops
Best For
Multi-location barber shops or chains seeking enterprise-grade tools for growth and client retention.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $250-$600+ per month per location based on features, users, and volume.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management solution with booking, payments, and marketing tools suitable for barbershops and wellness businesses.
Mindbody app marketplace, connecting your barber shop to millions of users for seamless online bookings and client discovery
Mindbody is a comprehensive management platform primarily designed for fitness, wellness, and beauty businesses, offering scheduling, online booking, payment processing, client CRM, marketing automation, and reporting tools. For barber shops, it handles appointments, staff rostering, POS transactions, and retail inventory effectively, but lacks barber-specific features like chair optimization or specialized service templates. While scalable for growing operations, its broad focus can make it feel bloated for simple barber shop needs.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and scheduling with a vast consumer marketplace for new clients
- Integrated POS, payments, and retail management streamline transactions
- Advanced reporting and marketing tools support business growth
Cons
- High cost with subscription fees plus transaction charges, poor value for small shops
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface overwhelm solo barbers
- Lacks barber-specific customizations like walk-in queueing or clipper inventory tracking
Best For
Multi-location barber shops or chains needing scalable scheduling and marketing in a wellness ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), up to $429/month for Ultimate, plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees.
Phorest
specializedSalon software focused on client retention through marketing, loyalty programs, online booking, and performance analytics.
PhorestMessenger, an omnichannel communication tool that consolidates SMS, email, reviews, and messaging into one dashboard for efficient client engagement.
Phorest is an all-in-one management software primarily designed for salons and spas but adaptable for barber shops, providing online booking, POS systems, client relationship management, and marketing automation. It enables barbers to schedule appointments, manage inventory for grooming products, track client histories like preferred cuts and styles, and run loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits. While feature-rich, its salon-centric design means some tools may feel extraneous for straightforward barber operations.
Pros
- Powerful integrated marketing and SMS/email campaigns tailored for client retention
- Seamless online booking and mobile app for clients
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features not all relevant to barbers
- Custom pricing can be expensive for single-location shops
- Interface and terminology geared more toward salons than barbershops
Best For
Growing barber shops or chains seeking advanced CRM, marketing automation, and multi-location management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically starting at $200-$400/month per location plus setup fees and per-client charges; no public tiered plans.
Rosy
specializedCloud-based salon management system offering appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and reporting for barbershops.
Automated marketing suite with personalized email/SMS campaigns directly tied to client visit history
Rosy (rosy.salon) is a cloud-based management software primarily designed for salons and spas, but effectively adaptable for barber shops with features like appointment scheduling, online booking, and POS integration. It streamlines daily operations through client management, inventory tracking, reporting, and automated marketing tools such as email and SMS campaigns. The platform emphasizes ease of use and mobility with apps for iOS and Android, helping barbershops manage staff, payments, and customer relationships efficiently.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with minimal training required
- Strong online booking and automated reminders to reduce no-shows
- Integrated POS and inventory management for seamless operations
Cons
- Limited barber-specific customizations like service timers for fades or clipper tracking
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-station shops
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized barber shops seeking a straightforward, all-in-one platform without needing extensive technical expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $29/station/month (Essential), $59 (Pro), $99 (Premium); billed monthly or annually with add-ons for payroll and advanced marketing.
Conclusion
When comparing barber shop management tools, Vagaro leads as the top choice, offering a all-in-one platform that combines booking, client management, payments, and inventory seamlessly. Close behind, GlossGenius shines with its mobile-first design and intuitive app, ideal for those seeking on-the-go efficiency, while Mangomint impresses with modern, automated tools and retention features, perfect for streamlined operations. These three highlight the range of options available, ensuring there’s a solution to fit diverse barber shop needs.
Don’t miss out—try Vagaro today to experience a simplified, efficient management system that elevates client satisfaction and grows your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison