Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management software with seamless online booking, client reminders, and payment processing tailored for hair salons.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free unlimited online booking platform for hair salons with marketing tools, inventory management, and no commissions.
- 3#3: Booksy - Mobile-first booking app designed for beauty professionals including hair salons, featuring instant deposits and no-show protection.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Premium salon software offering advanced online booking, AI-driven insights, and retail optimization for hair stylists.
- 5#5: Mangomint - Modern, commission-free salon software with intuitive online booking, automated marketing, and customizable reporting.
- 6#6: Square Appointments - Affordable online scheduling tool integrated with payments, ideal for small hair salons with easy client self-booking.
- 7#7: Mindbody - Robust business management platform with online booking for salons, including class scheduling and membership tools.
- 8#8: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon software providing global online booking, CRM, and analytics for multi-location hair businesses.
- 9#9: Acuity Scheduling - Flexible online appointment scheduler with customization options, now integrated with Square for salon payments.
- 10#10: Schedulicity - User-friendly booking software for independent hair stylists with online calendars, reminders, and payment collection.
Tools were selected based on comprehensive features (including booking, payments, and reminders), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring alignment with diverse salon needs from independent stylists to enterprise operations.
Comparison Table
Online booking software streamlines salon operations and enhances customer experience, making choosing the right tool critical. This comparison table explores top options—such as Vagaro, Fresha, Booksy, Boulevard, and Mangomint—highlighting key features, usability, and适配性 to help salons find their ideal fit. Readers will learn to match their unique needs with the best platform for growth and efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management software with seamless online booking, client reminders, and payment processing tailored for hair salons. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free unlimited online booking platform for hair salons with marketing tools, inventory management, and no commissions. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Booksy Mobile-first booking app designed for beauty professionals including hair salons, featuring instant deposits and no-show protection. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Premium salon software offering advanced online booking, AI-driven insights, and retail optimization for hair stylists. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Mangomint Modern, commission-free salon software with intuitive online booking, automated marketing, and customizable reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Square Appointments Affordable online scheduling tool integrated with payments, ideal for small hair salons with easy client self-booking. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Mindbody Robust business management platform with online booking for salons, including class scheduling and membership tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon software providing global online booking, CRM, and analytics for multi-location hair businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Acuity Scheduling Flexible online appointment scheduler with customization options, now integrated with Square for salon payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Schedulicity User-friendly booking software for independent hair stylists with online calendars, reminders, and payment collection. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive salon management software with seamless online booking, client reminders, and payment processing tailored for hair salons.
Free unlimited online booking platform for hair salons with marketing tools, inventory management, and no commissions.
Mobile-first booking app designed for beauty professionals including hair salons, featuring instant deposits and no-show protection.
Premium salon software offering advanced online booking, AI-driven insights, and retail optimization for hair stylists.
Modern, commission-free salon software with intuitive online booking, automated marketing, and customizable reporting.
Affordable online scheduling tool integrated with payments, ideal for small hair salons with easy client self-booking.
Robust business management platform with online booking for salons, including class scheduling and membership tools.
Enterprise-grade salon software providing global online booking, CRM, and analytics for multi-location hair businesses.
Flexible online appointment scheduler with customization options, now integrated with Square for salon payments.
User-friendly booking software for independent hair stylists with online calendars, reminders, and payment collection.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management software with seamless online booking, client reminders, and payment processing tailored for hair salons.
Vagaro Marketplace, a discovery platform that exposes salons to millions of potential clients searching for local hair services.
Vagaro is a comprehensive all-in-one salon management software tailored for hair salons, offering 24/7 online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management through an intuitive platform. It includes built-in POS, payment processing, automated reminders, marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns, and a client app for easy rebooking. Salons benefit from features such as waitlists, loyalty programs, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting to streamline operations and grow their business.
Pros
- Seamless 24/7 online booking with customizable widgets and mobile apps
- Powerful marketing automation including email/SMS and review management
- Robust integrations with Google, QuickBooks, and payment gateways
Cons
- Higher-tier plans and add-ons can increase costs for larger teams
- Initial setup may require time for full customization
- Some advanced reporting features locked behind premium plans
Best For
Growing hair salons and multi-location businesses needing an all-in-one solution for booking, payments, and client retention.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $30/month (Starter) up to $165/month (Elite) per location, with optional 2.75% payment processing and per-client booking fees.
Fresha
specializedFree unlimited online booking platform for hair salons with marketing tools, inventory management, and no commissions.
Integrated global marketplace that lists your salon for direct client discovery and bookings
Fresha is a comprehensive online booking and management platform tailored for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses, enabling 24/7 client self-booking via a customizable widget or its global marketplace. It streamlines operations with features like staff scheduling, automated SMS/email reminders, integrated POS payments, inventory tracking, and marketing tools. The all-in-one dashboard provides real-time analytics and client management to help salons grow efficiently without subscription fees.
Pros
- Free core software with no monthly subscriptions
- Seamless integration of online booking, POS, and CRM
- Built-in marketplace for attracting new clients
Cons
- Commission on new client online bookings (first 30 free)
- Limited advanced customization for complex operations
- Reporting lacks some enterprise-level depth
Best For
Independent hair salons and small to medium chains looking for a scalable, cost-effective booking solution with client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free plan with 20% commission on new client online bookings (first 30 free, capped at $249/month equivalent); no fees for in-person or repeat bookings.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first booking app designed for beauty professionals including hair salons, featuring instant deposits and no-show protection.
Booksy Marketplace: A vast discovery platform that promotes salons to clients searching locally, driving organic bookings.
Booksy is a robust online booking platform tailored for hair salons and beauty professionals, enabling seamless appointment scheduling, client management, and automated reminders via a user-friendly app and website widget. It integrates payment processing, no-show protection with deposits, and marketing tools to boost visibility and revenue. Salons benefit from a large marketplace that connects them with new clients searching for local services.
Pros
- Extensive marketplace exposure to attract new clients
- Comprehensive tools including deposits, reminders, and payments
- Mobile apps for stylists and clients for on-the-go management
Cons
- Subscription fees plus potential per-booking commissions
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Limited advanced customization for unique salon workflows
Best For
Busy hair salons and multi-stylist teams seeking marketplace visibility and streamlined online bookings to grow their client base.
Pricing
Solo plan at $29.99/month, Team plans from $49.99-$119.99/month; commission-free subscriptions available or 2-3% per booking on marketplace.
Boulevard
specializedPremium salon software offering advanced online booking, AI-driven insights, and retail optimization for hair stylists.
Branded client self-service portal for pre-booking, history, and payments
Boulevard is a premium salon management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses, featuring seamless online booking, client relationship management, and integrated POS systems. It streamlines operations with tools for staff scheduling, inventory management, automated marketing, and detailed reporting. Designed for growth-oriented salons, it emphasizes a branded client experience through customizable booking pages and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Highly customizable online booking with waitlists and reminders
- Robust marketing automation and loyalty tools
- Excellent integrations with payment processors and retail systems
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small salons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom quotes required, no transparent self-service plans
Best For
Mid-to-large hair salons with multiple locations seeking a scalable, luxury-focused booking and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at around $275/month per location plus transaction fees; custom enterprise plans available.
Mangomint
specializedModern, commission-free salon software with intuitive online booking, automated marketing, and customizable reporting.
Exceptionally beautiful and mobile-responsive dashboard that prioritizes user experience
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, offering robust online booking, intelligent scheduling, and client self-service features. It streamlines operations with automated payments, inventory management, built-in marketing via email and SMS, and detailed reporting. The platform stands out for its modern, visually appealing interface that enhances both staff efficiency and client experience.
Pros
- Stunning, intuitive interface that's among the best in the industry
- Powerful online booking with self-check-in, waitlists, and automated reminders
- All-in-one solution including payments, marketing, and inventory tracking
Cons
- Premium pricing that's higher than many competitors
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
- No free trial, only demos available
Best For
Established hair salons seeking a premium, visually superior all-in-one platform with advanced automation.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Essentials (billed annually), up to $385/month for Elite; per location with unlimited staff.
Square Appointments
specializedAffordable online scheduling tool integrated with payments, ideal for small hair salons with easy client self-booking.
Integrated Square payments with deposit requirements to minimize no-shows
Square Appointments is a comprehensive scheduling platform tailored for service businesses like hair salons, providing online booking, calendar management, automated reminders, and client notifications. It excels in integrating with Square's POS system for seamless payments, deposits, and no-show protection. The software supports staff scheduling, waitlist management, and a customizable booking website, making it suitable for solo stylists to small teams.
Pros
- Free plan for solo appointments with unlimited bookings
- Seamless integration with Square payments and POS hardware
- Intuitive mobile app and easy client self-booking setup
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid plans
- Limited salon-specific features like product inventory tracking
- Customization options for services and booking forms are basic
Best For
Independent stylists or small hair salons needing simple, cost-effective online booking with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free for solo appointments (1 user); Plus $29/month per location (unlimited staff); Premium custom pricing.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management platform with online booking for salons, including class scheduling and membership tools.
Integrated Mindbody app marketplace connecting salons to millions of users for seamless client acquisition and bookings
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with powerful online booking tools that allow clients to schedule hair appointments 24/7 via a branded website or mobile app. It integrates scheduling, client management, payments, inventory tracking, and marketing features to handle full salon operations. The platform supports multi-location setups and real-time availability syncing across staff calendars.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with booking, POS, and marketing tools
- Large consumer app network for client discovery and bookings
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salons with multiple stylists or locations needing integrated business management beyond just booking.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan, with Pro and Ultimate tiers up to $429+/month, plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon software providing global online booking, CRM, and analytics for multi-location hair businesses.
AI-driven personalization and marketing automation that ties client booking data to targeted promotions and loyalty rewards
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with robust online booking features for hair salons. Clients can easily book appointments via a customizable branded website, mobile app, or social media, viewing real-time stylist availability, services, and pricing. It integrates seamlessly with POS, inventory, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and analytics for end-to-end salon operations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including advanced online booking, CRM, and marketing tools
- Scalable for single-location salons or multi-site chains
- Strong client and staff mobile apps with real-time notifications
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that can be prohibitive for small salons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- Overkill for salons needing only basic online booking
Best For
Multi-location hair salon chains or growing businesses seeking an all-in-one management solution with enterprise-grade online booking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-$500 per month per location depending on features and scale; requires demo for exact costs.
Acuity Scheduling
specializedFlexible online appointment scheduler with customization options, now integrated with Square for salon payments.
Customizable client intake forms to collect detailed style preferences, allergies, and history prior to booking
Acuity Scheduling is a flexible online appointment booking platform designed for service-based businesses like hair salons, allowing clients to self-schedule 24/7 via customizable booking pages. It supports multiple stylists with individual calendars, service packages, automated email/SMS reminders, and integrated payments through Stripe, Square, or PayPal. Salons can collect client intake forms for preferences and history, manage no-shows with deposits, and sync with tools like Google Calendar for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface for quick setup and client self-booking
- Robust customization for services, staff scheduling, and branded pages
- Seamless integrations with payments, calendars, and marketing tools
Cons
- Advanced features like SMS reminders require higher-tier plans
- Lacks built-in POS, inventory, or advanced salon reporting
- Can become expensive for salons needing unlimited appointments
Best For
Ideal for small to medium hair salons or independent stylists seeking a user-friendly, customizable online booking system without full salon management needs.
Pricing
Plans from $16/month (Emerging, 1 calendar) to $49/month (Powerhouse, unlimited); 7-day free trial, annual discounts available.
Schedulicity
specializedUser-friendly booking software for independent hair stylists with online calendars, reminders, and payment collection.
Highly customizable online booking widget that embeds easily on websites and supports real-time availability across multiple staff members
Schedulicity is a user-friendly online scheduling platform tailored for service businesses like hair salons, enabling seamless online booking, appointment management, and client communication. It features customizable booking pages, automated reminders, payment processing, and staff scheduling tools to reduce no-shows and streamline operations. The software integrates with websites and social media, helping salons attract and retain clients efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar interface
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automated SMS/email reminders and deposit collection to minimize no-shows
Cons
- Pricing increases with additional staff/calendars
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to competitors
- Limited customization for advanced service workflows
Best For
Small to medium hair salons needing an easy, affordable online booking system without complex setup.
Pricing
Essentials at $34.99/mo (1 calendar), Professional at $59.99/mo (unlimited calendars), Premium at $99+/mo; pay-per-booking starts at $1.00/book + 2% fee.
Conclusion
The top three tools in this review offer exceptional value, each with distinct strengths to elevate salon operations. At the forefront, Vagaro leads with its comprehensive salon management features, seamlessly integrating online booking, client reminders, and secure payments. Just behind, Fresha stands out as a free, unlimited platform with powerful marketing tools and no hidden commissions, ideal for those prioritizing affordability. Booksy follows as a mobile-first solution, delivering instant deposits and robust no-show protection to support busy professionals. The best choice depends on your needs, but all three prove their worth in enhancing efficiency and client relationships.
Don’t let booking struggles hold your salon back—experience Vagaro’s all-in-one capabilities firsthand, and discover why it’s the top choice for streamlining your business. If Vagaro isn’t the fit, explore Fresha or Booksy to find a solution that aligns with your unique goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison