Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management software offering online booking, payments, marketing, inventory, and staff scheduling.
- 2#2: Mangomint - Modern, intuitive salon software with automated workflows, client messaging, and reporting for streamlined operations.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free salon booking and management platform with POS, marketing tools, and a global client marketplace.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Elevated salon management software focusing on client experience, retail sales, and multi-location support.
- 5#5: GlossGenius - All-in-one booking, payment, and marketing platform designed for independent beauty and hair professionals.
- 6#6: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with advanced CRM, analytics, and multi-location management.
- 7#7: Mindbody - Robust business management solution for salons with scheduling, payments, marketing, and class management features.
- 8#8: Phorest - Salon software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance analytics.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon management with appointment booking, POS, inventory tracking, and reporting tools.
- 10#10: Salon Iris - Full-featured salon software providing scheduling, billing, inventory, and detailed reporting capabilities.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of feature depth (including booking, payments, and reporting), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive selection that balances functionality with practicality.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right hair salon management software is key to enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction. This comparison table aggregates top tools like Vagaro, Mangomint, Fresha, Boulevard, and GlossGenius, outlining their unique features, pricing structures, and user experiences to guide salons toward informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management software offering online booking, payments, marketing, inventory, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Mangomint Modern, intuitive salon software with automated workflows, client messaging, and reporting for streamlined operations. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free salon booking and management platform with POS, marketing tools, and a global client marketplace. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Elevated salon management software focusing on client experience, retail sales, and multi-location support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | GlossGenius All-in-one booking, payment, and marketing platform designed for independent beauty and hair professionals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with advanced CRM, analytics, and multi-location management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Mindbody Robust business management solution for salons with scheduling, payments, marketing, and class management features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Phorest Salon software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon management with appointment booking, POS, inventory tracking, and reporting tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Salon Iris Full-featured salon software providing scheduling, billing, inventory, and detailed reporting capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive salon management software offering online booking, payments, marketing, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Modern, intuitive salon software with automated workflows, client messaging, and reporting for streamlined operations.
Free salon booking and management platform with POS, marketing tools, and a global client marketplace.
Elevated salon management software focusing on client experience, retail sales, and multi-location support.
All-in-one booking, payment, and marketing platform designed for independent beauty and hair professionals.
Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with advanced CRM, analytics, and multi-location management.
Robust business management solution for salons with scheduling, payments, marketing, and class management features.
Salon software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance analytics.
Cloud-based salon management with appointment booking, POS, inventory tracking, and reporting tools.
Full-featured salon software providing scheduling, billing, inventory, and detailed reporting capabilities.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management software offering online booking, payments, marketing, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in discovery platform that connects salons directly with local clients searching for services.
Vagaro is a comprehensive cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, POS systems, client management, and marketing tools. It enables salon owners to handle appointments, payments, inventory, staff scheduling, and customer retention through an intuitive mobile app and web platform. With advanced reporting and automation features, Vagaro helps streamline daily operations and boost revenue for hair salons of all sizes.
Pros
- Robust online booking and marketplace for client discovery
- Integrated POS, payments, and inventory management
- Powerful marketing automation and detailed reporting
Cons
- Pricing tiers can become expensive with add-ons and per-location fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Customer support response times vary by plan
Best For
Hair salon owners and managers looking for an all-in-one platform to handle bookings, client relationships, and business growth efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter), $65/month (Pro), $159/month (Premium), $249/month (Power) per location, plus 2.75% payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
Mangomint
specializedModern, intuitive salon software with automated workflows, client messaging, and reporting for streamlined operations.
Frictionless online booking with a beautiful client app that allows seamless self-scheduling and payments
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software designed specifically for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses. It streamlines operations with features like online booking, POS payments, staff scheduling, inventory tracking, automated marketing, and detailed reporting. Its modern, intuitive interface and client communication tools help salons deliver exceptional service while boosting efficiency and revenue.
Pros
- Stunning, modern user interface that's highly intuitive
- Powerful automation for scheduling, reminders, and marketing
- Robust client management with two-way texting and self-check-in
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small salons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
- Advanced features have a slight learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized to growing hair salons seeking a premium, all-in-one solution with exceptional design and automation.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Essentials (up to 3 staff), $275/month for Pro (unlimited staff); 30-day free trial available, no per-client fees.
Fresha
specializedFree salon booking and management platform with POS, marketing tools, and a global client marketplace.
Integrated client discovery marketplace that connects salons with new customers searching for services nearby
Fresha is an all-in-one management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses, providing online booking, appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, and staff management tools. It stands out with its integrated marketplace that helps salons attract new clients through easy discoverability. The software emphasizes simplicity, allowing quick setup and operation without technical expertise, while supporting inventory tracking and automated reminders.
Pros
- Free to start with no subscription fees for core features
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop scheduling
- Built-in marketplace for client discovery and marketing
- Seamless payment processing and automated client reminders
Cons
- Commission fees on bookings (up to 20% for new clients)
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options are somewhat basic for larger salons
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution with strong online booking and client acquisition features.
Pricing
Free plan with commissions (20% on new clients, 2% on repeats); paid Essentials plan at $29/month per location for lower fees and extras.
Boulevard
specializedElevated salon management software focusing on client experience, retail sales, and multi-location support.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduling with AI-powered waitlist and no-show protection
Boulevard is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses, offering end-to-end tools for appointment scheduling, client management, POS transactions, and inventory control. It features a visually stunning interface with drag-and-drop calendars, online booking with waitlists, automated marketing campaigns, and detailed reporting to optimize operations and boost revenue. Designed for upscale salons, it emphasizes branded client experiences through customizable booking pages and a dedicated mobile app.
Pros
- Stunning, modern UI with intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including POS, inventory, and marketing automation
- Strong client retention tools like branded apps and automated reminders
Cons
- High starting price that may not suit very small salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Premium or multi-location hair salons focused on upscale client experiences and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), with Pro at $450/month and custom Enterprise pricing; per-location fees apply.
GlossGenius
specializedAll-in-one booking, payment, and marketing platform designed for independent beauty and hair professionals.
Integrated Boost marketing suite for automated, personalized email/SMS campaigns and promotions
GlossGenius is an all-in-one management platform designed for beauty and wellness businesses like hair salons, providing online booking, POS payments, client management, and marketing automation. It features a mobile-first interface that allows stylists and owners to handle appointments, track inventory, and analyze performance on the go. The software emphasizes seamless client experiences with tools like automated reminders, loyalty programs, and contactless payments.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless integration of booking, payments, and marketing
- Strong client retention tools like automated reminders and loyalty programs
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and multiple locations
- Inventory management lacks depth for larger salons
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons and independent stylists seeking a user-friendly, mobile-centric all-in-one solution.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month for solo pros, $48/month for small teams, up to $199/month for larger operations; plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon and spa software with advanced CRM, analytics, and multi-location management.
Zenoti Intelligence, an AI-powered analytics engine that provides predictive insights for revenue optimization and personalized client experiences
Zenoti is a robust, cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing comprehensive tools for appointment scheduling, point-of-sale transactions, inventory tracking, staff management, and client relationship management. It excels in handling multi-location operations with centralized dashboards, advanced analytics, and marketing automation to drive revenue and customer loyalty. The software integrates seamlessly with third-party tools and offers mobile apps for both staff and clients, making it suitable for modern hair salon chains seeking scalability.
Pros
- Feature-rich all-in-one platform with advanced analytics and AI-driven insights
- Scalable for multi-location salons with centralized management
- Strong marketing automation and client retention tools
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that may overwhelm small salons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- Overkill for single-location or very small operations
Best For
Multi-location hair salon chains and growing enterprises needing enterprise-grade tools for operations, analytics, and growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-$500 per month per location depending on features and scale.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management solution for salons with scheduling, payments, marketing, and class management features.
Integrated Mindbody app for clients, enabling self-service booking, payments, and loyalty program management
Mindbody is a comprehensive management platform tailored for wellness and beauty businesses, including hair salons, providing tools for online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale transactions, and client relationship management. It enables salon owners to handle staff scheduling, inventory tracking, reporting, and marketing campaigns all in one system. The platform's consumer app allows clients to book services, purchase packages, and manage memberships effortlessly from their devices.
Pros
- Extensive feature suite including POS, inventory, and marketing automation
- Robust online booking with a dedicated client app
- Scalable for multi-location salons with strong reporting tools
Cons
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salons seeking an all-in-one solution with advanced client engagement and multi-location support.
Pricing
Core plans start at $139/month plus 2.75% + $0.30 per transaction; add-ons and enterprise pricing available.
Phorest
specializedSalon software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance analytics.
Automated marketing engine that leverages client data for personalized rebooking campaigns and revenue optimization
Phorest is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons and spas, offering an all-in-one platform for booking, POS, staff scheduling, and inventory management. It stands out with powerful client relationship tools, including a detailed database for service history and personalized marketing campaigns via email and SMS. The software also includes reputation management and reporting features to help salons grow their business efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive marketing automation with targeted SMS/email campaigns
- Robust client database with photo galleries and service history
- Integrated POS, online booking, and reputation management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Premium pricing may not suit very small salons
- Limited free trial and custom quote-based setup
Best For
Established hair salons or multi-location chains prioritizing client retention and data-driven marketing.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $199/month per location, with additional fees for advanced features and users.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon management with appointment booking, POS, inventory tracking, and reporting tools.
Booth rental management with automated rent collection and commission tracking for independent stylists.
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for hair salons, barbershops, and spas, offering tools for appointment scheduling, online booking, and point-of-sale transactions. It includes client management, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and comprehensive reporting to streamline daily operations. The software supports booth rental features and multi-location management, helping owners optimize revenue and client retention.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with a strong mobile app for on-the-go management
- Robust online booking and automated marketing tools that drive client retention
- Integrated POS system with quick payment processing and inventory control
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and higher-tier plans
- Reporting features can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Limited free trial and some advanced customizations require enterprise plans
Best For
Medium-sized salons or those with booth renters seeking reliable scheduling and client engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Essentials plan (1 user), $69/month for Pro (unlimited users), $165+/month for Enterprise; plus transaction fees and add-ons.
Salon Iris
specializedFull-featured salon software providing scheduling, billing, inventory, and detailed reporting capabilities.
Booth Rental Management for tracking independent stylist commissions, expenses, and schedules
Salon Iris is an all-in-one management software tailored for hair salons, barbershops, and spas, offering appointment scheduling, client tracking, POS, inventory management, and payroll processing. It streamlines daily operations with features like online booking, automated reminders, and marketing tools to boost client retention and revenue. The platform also supports booth rental management, making it suitable for salons with independent stylists.
Pros
- Comprehensive booth rental and stylist management tools
- Integrated POS and inventory tracking
- Strong marketing automation with email/SMS campaigns
Cons
- Pricing can add up with per-user or multi-location fees
- Moderate learning curve for full feature utilization
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Medium-sized salons with booth renters seeking robust operational and marketing tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Starter plan (1 user, 1 location); Pro at $115/month; Enterprise custom; additional $30/user/month.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Vagaro leads with its comprehensive mix of online booking, payments, and marketing features, making it a top choice for many salons. Mangomint stands out for its intuitive, automated workflows that simplify daily operations, while Fresha impresses with its free, global platform, catering to diverse needs. Together, these options represent the best in salon management software, each offering unique strengths.
Don't miss out—try Vagaro today to unlock its full potential and transform how you run your salon.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison