Quick Overview
- 1#1: Booksy - All-in-one mobile booking, scheduling, and payment platform tailored for barbers and beauty professionals.
- 2#2: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking for barbershops.
- 3#3: GlossGenius - Modern POS, booking, and client management system designed for independent barbers and beauty pros.
- 4#4: Square Appointments - Free appointment scheduling software with seamless payment integration for small barbershops.
- 5#5: Fresha - Free booking and management platform with marketing tools for barbershops and salons worldwide.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Premium salon software offering automation, reporting, and client retention features for barbershops.
- 7#7: Boulevard - Enterprise salon management platform with advanced booking, retail, and analytics for growing barbershops.
- 8#8: Mindbody - Robust business management software for wellness and beauty businesses including barbershops with scheduling and payments.
- 9#9: Zenoti - Cloud-based enterprise solution for multi-location barbershops and salons with full operations management.
- 10#10: Phorest - Salon software emphasizing marketing, SMS campaigns, and client retention for barbershops.
We selected and ranked tools based on critical factors including robust feature sets, user experience, performance reliability, and long-term value, ensuring our list reflects the most impactful and adaptable solutions available.
Comparison Table
This comparison table analyzes popular barbershop software tools like Booksy, Vagaro, GlossGenius, Square Appointments, and Fresha, guiding users to find solutions that match their operational needs. Readers will learn about key features, pricing structures, and user experiences, enabling informed decisions for scheduling, client management, and business productivity.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Booksy All-in-one mobile booking, scheduling, and payment platform tailored for barbers and beauty professionals. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking for barbershops. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | GlossGenius Modern POS, booking, and client management system designed for independent barbers and beauty pros. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Square Appointments Free appointment scheduling software with seamless payment integration for small barbershops. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 5 | Fresha Free booking and management platform with marketing tools for barbershops and salons worldwide. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Premium salon software offering automation, reporting, and client retention features for barbershops. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Boulevard Enterprise salon management platform with advanced booking, retail, and analytics for growing barbershops. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Mindbody Robust business management software for wellness and beauty businesses including barbershops with scheduling and payments. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Zenoti Cloud-based enterprise solution for multi-location barbershops and salons with full operations management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Phorest Salon software emphasizing marketing, SMS campaigns, and client retention for barbershops. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one mobile booking, scheduling, and payment platform tailored for barbers and beauty professionals.
Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking for barbershops.
Modern POS, booking, and client management system designed for independent barbers and beauty pros.
Free appointment scheduling software with seamless payment integration for small barbershops.
Free booking and management platform with marketing tools for barbershops and salons worldwide.
Premium salon software offering automation, reporting, and client retention features for barbershops.
Enterprise salon management platform with advanced booking, retail, and analytics for growing barbershops.
Robust business management software for wellness and beauty businesses including barbershops with scheduling and payments.
Cloud-based enterprise solution for multi-location barbershops and salons with full operations management.
Salon software emphasizing marketing, SMS campaigns, and client retention for barbershops.
Booksy
specializedAll-in-one mobile booking, scheduling, and payment platform tailored for barbers and beauty professionals.
Global Booksy marketplace that connects barbershops to millions of potential clients for effortless new business growth
Booksy is a leading all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for barbershops, enabling seamless online appointment scheduling, staff management, and client communication. It offers tools for processing payments, sending automated reminders, managing no-shows, and running marketing campaigns to boost visibility. With a user-friendly mobile app for both barbers and clients, Booksy streamlines operations while integrating with a global marketplace to attract new customers.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking with 24/7 client access
- Integrated payments, reminders, and no-show protection
- Powerful marketplace for client discovery and growth
Cons
- Subscription fees plus commission per booking can add up
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional app glitches reported by some users
Best For
Established barbershops seeking a scalable platform to manage high-volume bookings and expand their client base through marketplace exposure.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/month per location plus 1.9-2.9% + $0.30 per booking; premium plans up to $119.99/month with lower commissions.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking for barbershops.
Vagaro Marketplace for discoverability, allowing barbershops to appear in local searches and attract walk-in clients.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon and spa management platform tailored for barbershops, offering robust online booking, appointment scheduling, POS payments, and client management tools. It streamlines daily operations with features like automated reminders, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling while providing marketing automation and reporting for business growth. Barbershops benefit from its marketplace exposure, helping attract new clients through SEO-optimized discovery.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking and calendar management with no-show protection
- Integrated marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and Vagaro Marketplace for client acquisition
- Mobile app for on-the-go management and strong reporting/analytics
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and per-location fees
- Steeper learning curve for utilizing advanced features
- Limited customization in some reporting templates
Best For
Growing barbershops seeking scalable software with marketing and multi-location support.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Start plan) for solo users, scaling to $199+/month (Max plan) for teams; includes 0% booking fees on higher plans, plus optional add-ons.
GlossGenius
specializedModern POS, booking, and client management system designed for independent barbers and beauty pros.
Instant Book widget for frictionless client self-scheduling directly on your website or social media
GlossGenius is an all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for beauty and wellness pros, including barbershops, with features like online scheduling, contactless payments, and client CRM. It enables barbers to manage appointments, send reminders, process payments, and run marketing campaigns from a sleek mobile app. While versatile, it's particularly strong for solo barbers or small shops emphasizing ease and client retention over complex inventory or multi-location needs.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface and mobile-first design
- Seamless integrated payments and online booking
- Effective built-in marketing via email/SMS
Cons
- Payment processing fees add to costs
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Less customization for barber-specific workflows like booth rentals
Best For
Independent barbers or small barbershops seeking a simple, modern tool for bookings and client management without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month for Solo (1 user), $48/month for Team (up to 5 users), plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction processing fee; 30-day free trial.
Square Appointments
specializedFree appointment scheduling software with seamless payment integration for small barbershops.
Built-in Square payments and POS integration for effortless in-person and online transactions
Square Appointments is a user-friendly scheduling platform from Square designed for service businesses like barbershops, enabling online booking, staff management, and client reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS and payment systems, allowing barbers to handle appointments, process payments, and sell retail products in one ecosystem. The software supports no-show protection, calendar syncing, and basic reporting, making it a solid choice for streamlining daily operations.
Pros
- Free basic plan for solo users with unlimited staff and appointments
- Intuitive mobile app and quick setup
- Seamless integration with Square POS and payments
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) on all card payments
- Limited customization and barber-specific tools like detailed haircut histories
- Basic reporting lacks depth for larger operations
Best For
Small barbershops or solo barbers seeking affordable, all-in-one booking and payment without monthly software fees.
Pricing
Free for single location; Plus $29/mo per location; Premium $69/mo per location; plus processing fees.
Fresha
specializedFree booking and management platform with marketing tools for barbershops and salons worldwide.
The Fresha Marketplace, which provides free listings and direct client leads to boost visibility without paid ads.
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform tailored for barbershops, salons, and wellness businesses, offering online appointment scheduling, client management, and point-of-sale integration. It streamlines operations with features like automated reminders, inventory tracking, and marketing tools such as email campaigns and SMS. Additionally, its global marketplace helps businesses gain visibility and attract new clients without upfront advertising costs.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees, only commissions on new client bookings
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app for on-the-go management
- Integrated marketplace for free client discovery and marketing exposure
Cons
- Commission structure (up to 20% on first new client payments via marketplace)
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to premium competitors
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for free users
Best For
Small to medium-sized barbershops seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective solution with built-in client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free core software; $0 monthly fees, but 20% commission on first payment from new marketplace clients (subsequent bookings free).
Mangomint
specializedPremium salon software offering automation, reporting, and client retention features for barbershops.
Beauty-optimized workflows with automatic waitlist matching and two-way SMS for seamless client communication
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based management software designed primarily for salons and spas, but adaptable for barbershops with features like online booking, POS integration, client CRM, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It emphasizes automation for reminders, waitlists, and reporting to reduce no-shows and streamline operations. The platform stands out with its modern, beauty-industry-focused interface that enhances daily workflows for service-based businesses.
Pros
- Sleek, intuitive interface tailored for beauty professionals
- Powerful automation including waitlists, texting, and no-show protection
- Comprehensive reporting and QuickBooks integration for financials
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit solo or small barbershops
- Geared more toward salons, with fewer barber-specific customizations
- Limited free trial options and steeper onboarding for beginners
Best For
Mid-sized barbershops with multiple stylists seeking a polished, all-in-one platform with strong automation and client engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essentials, up to 1,000 appointments), $275/month (Professional), $550/month (Ultimate, unlimited); billed annually with custom enterprise options.
Boulevard
enterpriseEnterprise salon management platform with advanced booking, retail, and analytics for growing barbershops.
Custom-branded client app with marketplace discovery for effortless bookings and personalized recommendations
Boulevard is a premium salon and barbershop management software that provides online booking, POS systems, client relationship management, inventory tracking, and marketing automation. It features a sleek, mobile-first interface with a custom-branded client app for seamless appointments and loyalty programs. The platform emphasizes data analytics and revenue optimization, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile app for clients and staff
- Robust marketing tools including automated SMS/email and loyalty programs
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for revenue insights
Cons
- High pricing that may not suit small shops
- Some advanced features require add-ons or higher tiers
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Multi-location barbershops or established salons prioritizing premium client experience and growth tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $250/month per location, plus transaction fees (e.g., 2.6% + $0.10 per card) and optional add-ons.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management software for wellness and beauty businesses including barbershops with scheduling and payments.
Vast Mindbody App Marketplace with hundreds of third-party integrations for customized barber shop workflows
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform primarily designed for fitness, wellness, and beauty industries, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client management, payment processing, and marketing automation that can be adapted for barbershops. It enables online booking, staff scheduling, POS for services and retail products, and detailed reporting. While robust for larger operations, it may feel overly complex for small, independent barbershops focused solely on haircuts and grooming.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and client retention tools
- Integrated POS and payment processing with retail inventory management
- Extensive marketing automation and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface
- High pricing not ideal for solo barbers or small shops
- Overkill features geared more toward salons/spas than pure barbershops
Best For
Larger barbershop chains or multi-location businesses needing enterprise-level scheduling, payments, and marketing integration.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), up to $429+/month for Premium, plus 2.75-2.99% transaction fees and add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise solution for multi-location barbershops and salons with full operations management.
AI-powered Zenoti Intelligence for predictive analytics and personalized marketing automation
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform primarily designed for salons, spas, and multi-location service businesses, including barbershops, handling everything from appointments and POS to inventory and marketing. It provides robust tools for client management, staff scheduling, automated marketing campaigns, and advanced analytics to optimize revenue. For barbershops, it excels in scalability but may feel enterprise-heavy for smaller setups.
Pros
- Feature-rich all-in-one platform with AI-driven insights and revenue forecasting
- Highly scalable for multi-location barbershops
- Strong integrations and mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small or single-location barbershops
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Overfeatured for basic barbershop needs
Best For
Multi-location barbershop chains seeking enterprise-grade tools for growth and optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $250-$600+ per month per location based on features, volume, and customizations.
Phorest
specializedSalon software emphasizing marketing, SMS campaigns, and client retention for barbershops.
Phorest's automated marketing engine with personalized SMS/email campaigns and reputation management
Phorest is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform originally designed for salons and spas, offering appointment scheduling, POS systems, client CRM, inventory management, and advanced marketing automation. For barbershops, it provides reliable booking, payment processing, and staff scheduling tools adaptable to barber services. While feature-rich, it includes some salon-specific elements like beauty treatment tracking that may not fully align with simpler barbershop needs.
Pros
- Powerful automated marketing and SMS campaigns for client retention
- Integrated POS and online booking with mobile app support
- Detailed analytics and reporting for business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small independent barbershops
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Some salon-focused tools less relevant for barbershops
Best For
Growing barbershops or chains seeking advanced marketing and client management to scale operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $150-300/month per location, often with per-client or add-on fees; free trial available.
Conclusion
Evaluating barbershop software reveals solutions that streamline operations, with top tools spanning booking, payments, and client management. Leading the list is Booksy, an all-in-one platform that excels in meeting barbers’ diverse needs, while Vagaro and GlossGenius follow as strong alternatives—Vagaro with comprehensive management and GlossGenius with a modern POS system—each catering to specific business priorities. Together, these tools showcase the range of options to elevate barbershop efficiency and success.
Don’t miss out on transforming your barbershop! Begin with Booksy to unlock its seamless mobile booking, scheduling, and payment capabilities—ideal for growing your business and delighting clients.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
