Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management platform with integrated accounting, commission tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for hair salons.
- 2#2: Fresha - Cloud-based salon software offering free scheduling, payments processing, and accounting tools including revenue tracking and expense management.
- 3#3: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software for salons with advanced accounting features like payroll, P&L reports, and client revenue analytics.
- 4#4: Square Appointments - POS and appointment software with seamless accounting integration for invoicing, sales tracking, and bank reconciliation ideal for small salons.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon platform providing robust accounting modules for multi-location commission payroll, inventory costing, and financial dashboards.
- 6#6: Boulevard - Modern salon management system with accounting capabilities including automated invoicing, expense tracking, and profitability reporting.
- 7#7: Rosy Salon Software - User-friendly salon software featuring built-in bookkeeping, payroll for stylists, and detailed financial reports for independent shops.
- 8#8: Salon Iris - Affordable salon management tool with accounting essentials like commission calculations, daily sales summaries, and QuickBooks integration.
- 9#9: SalonBiz - Salon operations software offering accounting features such as revenue tracking, stylist payouts, and integrated payment processing.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting software with salon-friendly customizations for invoicing, payroll, and integrations with booking systems.
Tools were chosen based on industry-specific features, ease of use, reliability, and overall value, balancing depth (like multi-location support) with accessibility to suit diverse salon sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
Managing salon finances is simplified with robust accounting software, and this comparison table explores key tools including Vagaro, Fresha, Mindbody, Square Appointments, Zenoti, and more. Readers will discover differences in features, pricing, and usability, enabling them to select software that aligns with their salon's unique needs for efficient bookkeeping and operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management platform with integrated accounting, commission tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for hair salons. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Cloud-based salon software offering free scheduling, payments processing, and accounting tools including revenue tracking and expense management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software for salons with advanced accounting features like payroll, P&L reports, and client revenue analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 4 | Square Appointments POS and appointment software with seamless accounting integration for invoicing, sales tracking, and bank reconciliation ideal for small salons. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon platform providing robust accounting modules for multi-location commission payroll, inventory costing, and financial dashboards. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Boulevard Modern salon management system with accounting capabilities including automated invoicing, expense tracking, and profitability reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Rosy Salon Software User-friendly salon software featuring built-in bookkeeping, payroll for stylists, and detailed financial reports for independent shops. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Salon Iris Affordable salon management tool with accounting essentials like commission calculations, daily sales summaries, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | SalonBiz Salon operations software offering accounting features such as revenue tracking, stylist payouts, and integrated payment processing. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Online Versatile cloud accounting software with salon-friendly customizations for invoicing, payroll, and integrations with booking systems. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
All-in-one salon management platform with integrated accounting, commission tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for hair salons.
Cloud-based salon software offering free scheduling, payments processing, and accounting tools including revenue tracking and expense management.
Comprehensive business management software for salons with advanced accounting features like payroll, P&L reports, and client revenue analytics.
POS and appointment software with seamless accounting integration for invoicing, sales tracking, and bank reconciliation ideal for small salons.
Enterprise-grade salon platform providing robust accounting modules for multi-location commission payroll, inventory costing, and financial dashboards.
Modern salon management system with accounting capabilities including automated invoicing, expense tracking, and profitability reporting.
User-friendly salon software featuring built-in bookkeeping, payroll for stylists, and detailed financial reports for independent shops.
Affordable salon management tool with accounting essentials like commission calculations, daily sales summaries, and QuickBooks integration.
Salon operations software offering accounting features such as revenue tracking, stylist payouts, and integrated payment processing.
Versatile cloud accounting software with salon-friendly customizations for invoicing, payroll, and integrations with booking systems.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management platform with integrated accounting, commission tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for hair salons.
Service- and stylist-level profitability analytics for precise salon financial insights
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform with robust accounting tools designed specifically for hair salons, offering integrated payment processing, invoicing, and financial reporting. It tracks revenue by service, stylist, and client, while supporting expense logging and payroll integrations for streamlined bookkeeping. This makes it a top choice for salon owners seeking salon-tailored financial management without needing separate accounting software.
Pros
- Real-time revenue tracking tied to bookings and services
- Comprehensive financial reports including P&L and stylist commissions
- Integrated payment processing with QuickBooks/Xero exports
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting like multi-entity support
- Expense tracking is basic compared to dedicated tools
- Pricing scales with add-ons and per-location fees
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons needing integrated scheduling, payments, and salon-specific accounting in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month per location (Essentials), up to $200+ for Premium; plus 2.75% + $0.30 payment processing fee.
Fresha
specializedCloud-based salon software offering free scheduling, payments processing, and accounting tools including revenue tracking and expense management.
Automated commission calculations and payouts directly tied to staff performance and bookings
Fresha is a comprehensive management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses, providing online booking, POS, client management, and essential accounting tools like revenue tracking and commission calculations. It handles payments, generates financial reports, and offers basic invoicing to simplify salon finances. While it excels in operational integration, it pairs with external accounting software for advanced needs like payroll and tax compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration of bookings, payments, and revenue reporting reduces manual accounting errors
- Real-time financial dashboards and commission tracking tailored for salon staff payouts
- Free tier with robust basic accounting features makes it accessible for startups
Cons
- Lacks deep accounting capabilities like full general ledger, expense categorization, or automated tax filing
- Commission fees on free plan can add up for high-volume salons
- Advanced reporting requires paid plans or third-party integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking an intuitive, all-in-one platform for basic accounting alongside daily operations.
Pricing
Free plan (20% + VAT commission on new online bookings); paid plans from $19/month per location (no commissions, unlimited features).
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software for salons with advanced accounting features like payroll, P&L reports, and client revenue analytics.
Automated commission tracking that calculates stylist earnings in real-time based on services, tips, and sales
Mindbody is a comprehensive management platform for salons and spas, including robust accounting tools integrated with scheduling, client management, and payments. It offers invoicing, revenue tracking, commission calculations, financial reporting, and payroll integrations tailored to hair salons. While not a dedicated accounting software like QuickBooks, it provides operational financial management within a full business suite.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing and revenue tracking streamline salon finances
- Commission and tip management tools ideal for stylist payroll
- Customizable financial reports with industry-specific insights
Cons
- Not a full double-entry accounting system; requires QuickBooks integration for advanced bookkeeping
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for accounting novices
- High pricing with additional transaction fees reduces value for small salons
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons needing integrated operational and financial management rather than standalone accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials (1 location), up to $429/month for Ultimate; plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees and add-ons.
Square Appointments
specializedPOS and appointment software with seamless accounting integration for invoicing, sales tracking, and bank reconciliation ideal for small salons.
Automatic reconciliation of appointments with payments for real-time, accurate sales and revenue insights
Square Appointments is a scheduling and point-of-sale solution from Square tailored for service businesses like hair salons, offering online booking, client management, and integrated payment processing. For accounting purposes, it provides real-time sales tracking, revenue reports, and basic financial summaries, with seamless syncing to Square's ecosystem for payroll and inventory. While not a full-fledged accounting platform, it excels in capturing salon transaction data automatically during appointments.
Pros
- Seamless integration of appointments with payment processing for instant revenue tracking
- User-friendly interface with mobile app ideal for on-the-go salon management
- Free basic plan with no monthly fees for single-location salons
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like expense tracking, accounts payable, or detailed tax reporting
- Payroll and deeper financial tools require additional Square subscriptions
- Reporting is basic compared to dedicated accounting software like QuickBooks
Best For
Small to medium hair salons needing simple, integrated booking, payments, and revenue tracking without complex accounting requirements.
Pricing
Free for single location/user; Plus ($29/mo) or Premium ($69/mo) for advanced scheduling; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction fee.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon platform providing robust accounting modules for multi-location commission payroll, inventory costing, and financial dashboards.
AI-driven commission engine that automatically calculates stylist payouts based on services, tips, and performance metrics
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform for salons and spas, with strong accounting features including invoicing, payment processing, payroll, and commission tracking tailored for hair salons. It integrates financial reporting, analytics, and multi-location support to streamline salon finances alongside operations like booking and inventory. While not a standalone accounting tool, its beauty-industry-specific modules make it powerful for salon owners managing revenue, expenses, and stylist payouts.
Pros
- Robust financial reporting and analytics with real-time dashboards
- Automated commission, payroll, and tip management for stylists
- Seamless integration with POS, payments, and multi-location operations
Cons
- Expensive pricing model unsuitable for small single-location salons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Custom implementation often requires professional setup services
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salon chains or multi-location businesses seeking an all-in-one platform with advanced accounting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at approximately $300-$500 per month per location, plus setup fees; requires quote.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon management system with accounting capabilities including automated invoicing, expense tracking, and profitability reporting.
Advanced commission engine that calculates and distributes stylist earnings based on flexible rules, services, and retail sales
Boulevard is a cloud-based salon management platform designed for hair salons and beauty businesses, offering integrated accounting tools like POS payments, commission tracking, revenue reporting, and inventory management. It streamlines financial operations by automating invoicing, stylist payouts, and P&L insights within a unified dashboard. While not a standalone accounting software, its salon-specific features make it effective for tracking service and retail revenue.
Pros
- Robust commission management with customizable rules and automated payouts
- Integrated POS and real-time financial reporting tailored to salons
- Seamless inventory tracking for retail products
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location or small salons
- Lacks depth in general accounting functions like full AP/AR or tax modules
- Dependent on internet connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Multi-stylist hair salons needing an all-in-one platform that combines scheduling, client management, and salon-focused accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $250/month per location, with tiers scaling to $500+ based on stylists, features, and add-ons like payroll.
Rosy Salon Software
specializedUser-friendly salon software featuring built-in bookkeeping, payroll for stylists, and detailed financial reports for independent shops.
Automated commission management that calculates stylist earnings based on services, tips, and retail sales with customizable rules
Rosy Salon Software is an all-in-one salon management platform with strong accounting features designed specifically for hair salons, including automated invoicing, payment processing, commission tracking, and detailed financial reporting. It integrates POS functionality to track sales, expenses, and stylist commissions in real-time, helping salon owners manage cash flow and profitability. While not a standalone accounting suite like QuickBooks, it provides salon-specific tools to simplify bookkeeping without needing multiple software solutions.
Pros
- Tailored commission tracking and payout calculations for stylists
- Integrated POS and reporting for real-time financial insights
- Seamless payment processing with multiple options
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like tax filing or multi-entity support
- Limited integrations with external accounting software
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking integrated accounting within a user-friendly salon management system.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for solo users, with team plans from $79/month and enterprise options up to $199+/month.
Salon Iris
specializedAffordable salon management tool with accounting essentials like commission calculations, daily sales summaries, and QuickBooks integration.
Automated stylist commission and booth rental calculations tied directly to daily sales and appointments
Salon Iris is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and similar businesses, providing tools for appointment scheduling, client tracking, inventory management, and integrated accounting functionalities. Its accounting features include invoicing, payment processing, payroll for stylists with commission calculations, sales tax reporting, and customizable financial reports to monitor profitability. While not a standalone accounting platform like QuickBooks, it excels in salon-specific bookkeeping by automating revenue tracking tied to services and booth rentals.
Pros
- Integrated accounting with salon-specific tools like commission and booth rent tracking
- Robust reporting for P&L, payroll, and taxes
- Mobile app for on-the-go financial oversight
Cons
- Lacks depth of dedicated accounting software for complex bookkeeping
- Pricing can add up for multi-user salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
Best For
Small to mid-sized hair salons seeking an all-in-one platform that combines scheduling, POS, and basic-to-moderate accounting without needing separate software.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Solo plan (1 user, basic features); Team plan at $129/month (up to 5 users); Enterprise custom pricing for multi-locations.
SalonBiz
specializedSalon operations software offering accounting features such as revenue tracking, stylist payouts, and integrated payment processing.
Automated commission and booth rent calculations tailored to salon payout structures
SalonBiz is a comprehensive salon management software tailored for hair salons and spas, offering integrated accounting tools like financial reporting, commission tracking, and payment processing. It handles salon-specific finances such as booth rentals, stylist commissions, and inventory valuation alongside scheduling and POS features. While not a dedicated accounting platform like QuickBooks, it provides essential bookkeeping streamlined for salon operations.
Pros
- Detailed salon-specific financial reports including P&L and commissions
- Integrated POS and payments for seamless transaction accounting
- Inventory management with cost tracking
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like multi-entity support or full payroll
- Pricing scales up quickly for additional users or features
- Limited third-party accounting integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized hair salons needing an all-in-one tool with solid built-in accounting rather than a standalone finance solution.
Pricing
Starts at $105/month for Starter plan (1 user), up to $265/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online
otherVersatile cloud accounting software with salon-friendly customizations for invoicing, payroll, and integrations with booking systems.
Class and location tracking to allocate revenue/expenses per stylist or chair for precise profitability insights
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that provides hair salons with powerful tools for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. It supports inventory management for retail products like shampoos and styling tools, and allows categorization by stylist or service via classes and locations. While not salon-specific, it excels in core accounting needs and integrates with booking apps for comprehensive operations.
Pros
- Robust payroll integration for stylist commissions and wages
- Detailed reporting and profitability tracking by service or stylist
- Strong inventory management for salon products with low-stock alerts
Cons
- No built-in appointment scheduling or client management
- Can feel overwhelming for owners without accounting experience
- Full features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
Best For
Growing hair salons with multiple stylists needing scalable accounting and integrations with salon software like Mindbody or Vagaro.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) for basics; Plus ($90/month) recommended for inventory; Advanced ($200/month); payroll add-on $45+/month + per-employee fees.
Conclusion
The top hair salon accounting software review highlights Vagaro as the leading choice, boasting an all-in-one platform tailored to salon needs with integrated accounting, commission tracking, and financial reporting. Fresha and Mindbody also stand out, offering cloud-based solutions—Fresha with free scheduling and user-friendly tools, Mindbody with advanced payroll and revenue analytics—catering to varied business priorities. Collectively, these tools simplify operations and ensure financial clarity, making them essential for salon success.
Take control of your salon’s finances by trying Vagaro first—its comprehensive features are designed to streamline your workflow and drive growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison