Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking tailored for hair salons.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free cloud-based appointment scheduling platform for salons with client management, payments, and marketing tools.
- 3#3: Booksy - Mobile-first booking app designed for hair stylists and salons with real-time scheduling and no-show protection.
- 4#4: Square Appointments - Free scheduling software integrated with payments and POS for small hair salons.
- 5#5: Mindbody - Robust business management platform for salons offering scheduling, client CRM, and reporting features.
- 6#6: GlossGenius - Modern all-in-one platform for beauty professionals with booking, invoicing, and marketing automation.
- 7#7: Boulevard - Premium salon software providing advanced scheduling, retail management, and analytics for hair salons.
- 8#8: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon management system with AI-driven scheduling and multi-location support.
- 9#9: Phorest - Salon-specific software focused on client retention, booking, and integrated marketing campaigns.
- 10#10: Mangomint - Streamlined salon scheduling software with automated reminders, payments, and booth rental features.
We ranked these tools based on key metrics: robust scheduling functionality, user-friendliness, integration with essential features like payments and CRM, and overall value, ensuring salons of all sizes find a solution aligned with their unique needs.
Comparison Table
Navigating the best hair salon appointment scheduling software requires comparing features, costs, and usability; this table breaks down tools like Vagaro, Fresha, Booksy, Square Appointments, Mindbody, and more to highlight key strengths and differences. Readers will gain insights to select software that aligns with their salon’s size, needs, and budget, ensuring seamless client management and operational efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking tailored for hair salons. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free cloud-based appointment scheduling platform for salons with client management, payments, and marketing tools. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Booksy Mobile-first booking app designed for hair stylists and salons with real-time scheduling and no-show protection. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Square Appointments Free scheduling software integrated with payments and POS for small hair salons. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Mindbody Robust business management platform for salons offering scheduling, client CRM, and reporting features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | GlossGenius Modern all-in-one platform for beauty professionals with booking, invoicing, and marketing automation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Boulevard Premium salon software providing advanced scheduling, retail management, and analytics for hair salons. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon management system with AI-driven scheduling and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Phorest Salon-specific software focused on client retention, booking, and integrated marketing campaigns. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Mangomint Streamlined salon scheduling software with automated reminders, payments, and booth rental features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking tailored for hair salons.
Free cloud-based appointment scheduling platform for salons with client management, payments, and marketing tools.
Mobile-first booking app designed for hair stylists and salons with real-time scheduling and no-show protection.
Free scheduling software integrated with payments and POS for small hair salons.
Robust business management platform for salons offering scheduling, client CRM, and reporting features.
Modern all-in-one platform for beauty professionals with booking, invoicing, and marketing automation.
Premium salon software providing advanced scheduling, retail management, and analytics for hair salons.
Enterprise-grade salon management system with AI-driven scheduling and multi-location support.
Salon-specific software focused on client retention, booking, and integrated marketing campaigns.
Streamlined salon scheduling software with automated reminders, payments, and booth rental features.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking tailored for hair salons.
Vagaro Marketplace, a discovery platform connecting salons with millions of clients searching for local services.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform tailored for hair salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering seamless online appointment scheduling, staff calendar management, and client booking via customizable widgets. It integrates payments, POS, inventory tracking, and automated reminders to minimize no-shows and streamline operations. Additionally, it provides marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and reporting analytics to help salons grow their client base.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking with 24/7 client access and waitlist management
- Powerful marketing automation including email/SMS and loyalty programs
- Robust mobile app for stylists to manage schedules and process payments on the go
Cons
- Pricing scales with additional staff members, increasing costs for larger teams
- Some advanced reporting and customization locked behind premium plans
- Initial setup and staff training can take time despite intuitive interface
Best For
Growing hair salons and multi-stylist teams seeking an integrated platform for scheduling, payments, and client retention.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month per location for Starter plan (1 user), up to $199/month for Premium; additional users $10-25/month each, with pay-as-you-go options.
Fresha
specializedFree cloud-based appointment scheduling platform for salons with client management, payments, and marketing tools.
Global marketplace that connects salons with new clients via the Fresha app, driving organic bookings without extra marketing costs
Fresha is a comprehensive, all-in-one platform designed for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses, providing robust online appointment scheduling, calendar management, and client booking capabilities. It integrates point-of-sale (POS) systems, client relationship management (CRM), staff scheduling, inventory tracking, and automated marketing tools like email and SMS reminders. With its marketplace feature, salons gain visibility to attract new clients through Fresha's app and website directory.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees, only commission on bookings for exceptional value
- Integrated marketplace for client discovery and acquisition
- Full suite of tools including POS, CRM, and marketing automation
Cons
- Commission fees (20% first booking per client, 10% subsequent) can accumulate for high-volume salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited advanced reporting without premium upgrades
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking a free, feature-rich scheduling platform with built-in client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free core platform with no monthly fees; 20% commission on first-time client bookings and 10% on repeats, plus optional premium add-ons.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first booking app designed for hair stylists and salons with real-time scheduling and no-show protection.
Booksy Marketplace: A global discovery platform that connects salons with new clients searching for services nearby.
Booksy is a robust appointment scheduling platform tailored for hair salons and beauty professionals, offering online booking, calendar management, and client communication tools. It streamlines salon operations with features like automated reminders, deposit collections to reduce no-shows, and integrated payments. Additionally, Booksy provides marketing capabilities and performance analytics to help salons attract and retain clients through its extensive marketplace.
Pros
- Seamless online booking and real-time calendar synchronization
- Integrated payments with deposit protection against no-shows
- Powerful marketplace for client discovery and marketing tools
Cons
- Subscription costs escalate with team size and add-ons
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- Occasional sync issues between app and web versions
Best For
Established hair salons seeking a marketplace-driven solution to boost visibility and simplify bookings.
Pricing
Free plan with marketplace commissions (2-3%); paid Solo plan at $29.99/month per stylist, Team at $39.99/month per user, plus payment processing fees.
Square Appointments
specializedFree scheduling software integrated with payments and POS for small hair salons.
Integrated payment processing with deposit collection to prevent no-shows, all within the same platform
Square Appointments is a comprehensive scheduling platform from Square, tailored for small businesses like hair salons, offering online booking, calendar synchronization, client management, and automated reminders to streamline operations. It excels in integrating with Square's POS and payment systems, allowing salons to collect deposits upfront to reduce no-shows and process payments seamlessly. While versatile for solo stylists or small teams, it provides essential tools without overwhelming complexity, making it accessible for non-tech-savvy users.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square payments and POS for effortless deposits and transactions
- Free plan for single-location salons with no monthly fees (only transaction costs)
- Intuitive mobile app and online booking widget that clients love for easy scheduling
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ online) add up for high-volume salons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to salon-specific software
- No built-in inventory tracking for retail products like shampoos or styling tools
Best For
Small hair salons or independent stylists seeking simple, affordable scheduling with integrated payments and minimal setup.
Pricing
Free for one location (transaction fees apply); Plus at $29/month per location; Premium custom pricing.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management platform for salons offering scheduling, client CRM, and reporting features.
Mindbody's client discovery marketplace, which exposes your salon to millions of potential clients searching for services.
Mindbody is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses like hair salons, providing robust online appointment scheduling, staff management, and client booking capabilities. It enables salons to offer 24/7 self-service booking, automated reminders, and integrated payments to streamline operations. The software also includes marketing tools, reporting, and a client discovery marketplace to attract new customers.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with online booking and calendar sync
- Integrated POS, payments, and marketing automation
- Extensive client management and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing not ideal for small salons
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons or chains seeking a full business management suite beyond basic scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Starter plan (billed annually), up to $429/month for Ultimate, plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees.
GlossGenius
specializedModern all-in-one platform for beauty professionals with booking, invoicing, and marketing automation.
Customizable, mobile-optimized booking pages that auto-sync with Google/Outlook calendars and collect deposits upfront
GlossGenius is an all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for beauty professionals, including hair salons, enabling seamless online appointment scheduling, client management, and payments. It features customizable booking pages, automated reminders, waitlists, and integrated POS for in-salon transactions. Additional tools like marketing automation, loyalty programs, and reporting help salons streamline operations and retain clients.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop scheduling for quick setup
- Seamless integrated payments with Tap to Pay and no subscription commissions
- Robust marketing tools including automated SMS/email campaigns and loyalty rewards
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- No free plan or trial without commitment
- Customization options can feel restrictive for very large salons
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking an user-friendly, all-in-one solution for booking, payments, and client retention.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Solo plan) up to $119/month (Plus plan) for teams, plus 2.6% + $0.10 per card transaction; annual discounts available.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium salon software providing advanced scheduling, retail management, and analytics for hair salons.
Advanced booth rental and suite management for independent stylists with automated rent collection and performance tracking
Boulevard is a comprehensive salon management platform tailored for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering robust appointment scheduling, online booking, and calendar management to streamline daily operations. It includes client CRM, POS integration, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and advanced reporting to enhance client retention and revenue growth. Particularly strong in booth rental and independent stylist management, it supports multi-location setups with mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking and drag-and-drop scheduling
- Powerful booth rental and stylist commission tracking
- Integrated POS, payments, and marketing tools
Cons
- High starting price for smaller salons
- Learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large hair salons with booth renters or independent stylists needing an all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month per location for Essentials plan; higher tiers and custom enterprise pricing available.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon management system with AI-driven scheduling and multi-location support.
AI-driven analytics and forecasting for optimizing schedules, revenue, and staff performance
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with robust appointment scheduling at its core. It offers online booking, drag-and-drop calendars, automated SMS/email reminders, and staff scheduling optimized for hair salons. Beyond scheduling, it integrates CRM, POS, inventory management, and marketing automation for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with online booking, waitlists, and no-show protection
- Seamless multi-location support and centralized reporting
- Integrated payments, inventory, and client retention tools
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Overkill and complex for small single-location salons
Best For
Multi-location hair salon chains or growing businesses needing scalable enterprise-grade scheduling and operations management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $250-$500/month per location depending on features and scale.
Phorest
specializedSalon-specific software focused on client retention, booking, and integrated marketing campaigns.
PhorestBuzz marketing platform for targeted client campaigns based on behavior and visit history
Phorest is a comprehensive salon management software designed specifically for hair salons and spas, offering robust appointment scheduling alongside client management, marketing, and POS features. It enables online booking, drag-and-drop calendars, automated SMS/email reminders, and staff scheduling to streamline daily operations. The platform also includes advanced reporting and marketing tools to help salons boost retention and revenue.
Pros
- Integrated marketing automation with SMS and email campaigns
- Powerful client database and lifetime value tracking
- Seamless online booking and automated reminders reducing no-shows
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small salons with per-client fees
- Initial setup and learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited flexibility in UI customization
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons seeking an all-in-one solution with strong marketing and client retention tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $150-$300/month per location, plus setup fees and potential per-client charges.
Mangomint
specializedStreamlined salon scheduling software with automated reminders, payments, and booth rental features.
Visual drag-and-drop calendar with color-coded services and real-time availability updates
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon management software designed specifically for hair salons and beauty businesses, providing robust online appointment scheduling, calendar management, and client booking capabilities. It integrates client CRM, automated SMS/email reminders, payment processing, and inventory management to streamline daily operations. The platform stands out with its visually appealing interface and tools for staff scheduling, reporting, and marketing automation.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong automation for reminders, waitlists, and client rebooking
- Comprehensive mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Higher starting price point without a free tier
- Limited advanced reporting customization
- Fewer integrations compared to larger competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized hair salons prioritizing ease of use and a premium user experience over budget options.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $355/month (Advanced); per location pricing with no contracts.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Vagaro emerges as the top choice, providing a comprehensive set of features for hair salons. Fresha and Booksy, while strong alternatives, offer distinct strengths—Fresha's affordability and Booksy's mobile focus—ensuring the best fit depends on specific salon needs.
Take the first step toward smoother operations and happier clients: explore Vagaro, the leading scheduling software, to experience its all-in-one capabilities firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison