Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management software with online booking, scheduling, POS, and client management tailored for hair salons.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free salon booking and scheduling platform with marketing tools, payments, and staff management for hair stylists.
- 3#3: Booksy - Mobile-first scheduling app for hair salons offering instant bookings, reminders, and client profiles.
- 4#4: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software with advanced scheduling, reporting, and marketing for salons.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Premium salon software providing seamless scheduling, retail integration, and personalized client experiences.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Modern, fast salon management tool with automated scheduling, payments, and inventory tracking.
- 7#7: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon software for multi-location scheduling, operations, and analytics.
- 8#8: Square Appointments - Free scheduling and POS system integrated for small hair salons with easy online booking.
- 9#9: Schedulicity - User-friendly appointment scheduling software with online booking and calendar management for stylists.
- 10#10: Acuity Scheduling - Flexible appointment scheduling tool with customizable calendars and automated reminders for salons.
Tools were evaluated based on features like scheduling flexibility, integration of POS and client management, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they cater to both small studios and larger operations.
Comparison Table
For hair salons, efficient scheduling software is key to managing bookings, clients, and operations smoothly. This comparison table compares top tools—including Vagaro, Fresha, Booksy, Mindbody, and Boulevard—outlining their key features, pricing, and suitability to help you find the best fit for your salon’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management software with online booking, scheduling, POS, and client management tailored for hair salons. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free salon booking and scheduling platform with marketing tools, payments, and staff management for hair stylists. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | Booksy Mobile-first scheduling app for hair salons offering instant bookings, reminders, and client profiles. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software with advanced scheduling, reporting, and marketing for salons. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Premium salon software providing seamless scheduling, retail integration, and personalized client experiences. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Modern, fast salon management tool with automated scheduling, payments, and inventory tracking. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon software for multi-location scheduling, operations, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Square Appointments Free scheduling and POS system integrated for small hair salons with easy online booking. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | Schedulicity User-friendly appointment scheduling software with online booking and calendar management for stylists. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Acuity Scheduling Flexible appointment scheduling tool with customizable calendars and automated reminders for salons. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one salon management software with online booking, scheduling, POS, and client management tailored for hair salons.
Free salon booking and scheduling platform with marketing tools, payments, and staff management for hair stylists.
Mobile-first scheduling app for hair salons offering instant bookings, reminders, and client profiles.
Comprehensive business management software with advanced scheduling, reporting, and marketing for salons.
Premium salon software providing seamless scheduling, retail integration, and personalized client experiences.
Modern, fast salon management tool with automated scheduling, payments, and inventory tracking.
Enterprise-grade salon software for multi-location scheduling, operations, and analytics.
Free scheduling and POS system integrated for small hair salons with easy online booking.
User-friendly appointment scheduling software with online booking and calendar management for stylists.
Flexible appointment scheduling tool with customizable calendars and automated reminders for salons.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management software with online booking, scheduling, POS, and client management tailored for hair salons.
Vagaro Marketplace, connecting salons to millions of active users searching for local services to drive bookings.
Vagaro is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for hair salons and spas, excelling in appointment scheduling with real-time online booking, drag-and-drop calendars, waitlists, and automated reminders. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems for payments, inventory tracking, client CRM, and marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and loyalty programs. This all-in-one solution helps salon owners streamline operations, reduce no-shows, and boost revenue through its marketplace exposure to millions of potential clients.
Pros
- Seamless online booking and mobile app for clients and staff
- Integrated POS, payments, and marketing automation
- Vagaro Marketplace for client discovery and growth
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and multiple locations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Busy hair salons and spas needing an all-in-one platform for scheduling, payments, and client acquisition.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Start plan, 1 user), up to $219/month (Pro plan, unlimited users); annual billing discounts available, plus 2.75% payment processing fees.
Fresha
specializedFree salon booking and scheduling platform with marketing tools, payments, and staff management for hair stylists.
Commission-only model with zero monthly fees, allowing salons to pay nothing until they secure new bookings
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses, enabling 24/7 online appointment scheduling, staff roster management, and client communication. It integrates POS payments, inventory tracking, automated reminders, and marketing tools to streamline operations and boost revenue. With a commission-based model, Fresha eliminates monthly fees, making it accessible for salons of all sizes to focus on growth.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees – free software with pay-per-booking model
- Intuitive mobile app and sleek interface for easy scheduling and management
- All-in-one tools including online booking, POS, CRM, and marketing automation
Cons
- 20% commission on new client first bookings can add up for high-volume salons
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to medium hair salons wanting a user-friendly, cost-effective all-in-one scheduling platform without upfront fees.
Pricing
Free core software; 20% commission on first-time client bookings, plus 1.2%-2.69% + fixed fee payment processing depending on gateway.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first scheduling app for hair salons offering instant bookings, reminders, and client profiles.
Booksy Marketplace, which exposes your salon to millions of clients searching for local hair services
Booksy is a robust online booking and management platform tailored for hair salons, barbershops, and beauty professionals, enabling 24/7 client scheduling via a user-friendly app and website. It streamlines salon operations with features like calendar management, automated reminders, payment processing, and client history tracking. Additionally, Booksy's marketplace helps salons attract new customers through local search and promotions.
Pros
- Seamless online booking and mobile app for clients and stylists
- Integrated marketplace for client discovery and marketing
- Automated SMS/email reminders and no-show protection
Cons
- Commission fees (up to 20%) on the free plan eat into profits
- Advanced reporting and customizations require higher-tier plans
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium hair salons and independent stylists seeking easy online booking and client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free Solo plan with 20% commission per booking; Team subscriptions from $39.99/month per stylist (with reduced commissions), plus add-ons for POS and marketing.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software with advanced scheduling, reporting, and marketing for salons.
Mindbody app marketplace with 100+ integrations and a consumer-facing discovery network for client acquisition
Mindbody is a comprehensive management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses like hair salons, offering robust online scheduling, client management, and payment processing. It supports 24/7 client self-booking via a branded app or website, staff scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, and automated SMS/email reminders to reduce no-shows. Additional tools include POS integration, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting for operational insights.
Pros
- Extensive online booking and calendar customization for multiple stylists
- Integrated POS, inventory, and marketing tools in one platform
- Advanced reporting and client retention features like automated campaigns
Cons
- High monthly costs with add-on fees
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Overfeatured for small single-stylist salons
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons with multiple stylists needing an all-in-one enterprise solution for scheduling, payments, and growth tools.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan (1 location), up to $429+/month for Ultimate, plus 2.75-3.5% transaction fees and add-ons.
Boulevard
specializedPremium salon software providing seamless scheduling, retail integration, and personalized client experiences.
Revenue Per Minute (RPM) optimization, which dynamically adjusts pricing and staffing to maximize salon profitability
Boulevard is a premium, cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, offering advanced scheduling, online booking, point-of-sale (POS) integration, and client relationship tools. It streamlines daily operations with features like drag-and-drop calendars, automated reminders, inventory tracking, and marketing automation. Designed for growth-oriented businesses, it provides robust reporting and revenue optimization to help salons maximize bookings and profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and real-time availability
- Integrated POS, payments, and marketing tools in one platform
- Strong analytics and client retention features like automated campaigns
Cons
- High pricing may not suit very small salons
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salons with multiple stylists needing an all-in-one professional solution.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month for Essential plan (billed annually), with Premier and Enterprise tiers up to $500+/month; custom quotes for larger operations.
Mangomint
specializedModern, fast salon management tool with automated scheduling, payments, and inventory tracking.
Booth rental management with automated rent collection and individual calendars for independent stylists
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering intuitive scheduling, online booking, and client management tools. It streamlines operations with features like drag-and-drop calendars, automated reminders, payment processing, and marketing automation. The platform emphasizes a modern, visually appealing interface that enhances user experience for daily salon workflows.
Pros
- Stunning, intuitive interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Comprehensive all-in-one tools including online booking and payments
- Excellent support for booth renters and multi-location salons
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small salons
- Some advanced features locked behind premium plans
- Limited third-party integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons and spas needing a premium, user-friendly platform with booth rental management and marketing tools.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $500+/month for enterprise plans; no free tier, 14-day trial available.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon software for multi-location scheduling, operations, and analytics.
Zenoti IQ AI-powered analytics that delivers predictive insights for scheduling, staffing, and revenue growth
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with robust scheduling features optimized for hair salons including online booking, drag-and-drop calendars, and automated reminders. It integrates client management, POS, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and analytics into a single system to streamline operations. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-location chains with mobile apps for staff and clients.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with online booking, waitlists, and no-show protection
- All-in-one integration including POS, payments, and loyalty programs
- Powerful analytics and reporting via Zenoti IQ for revenue optimization
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small independent salons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Setup requires professional implementation for complex operations
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salon chains with multiple locations needing an enterprise-grade, all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $250-$500/month per location, scaling with features and users; includes implementation fees.
Square Appointments
otherFree scheduling and POS system integrated for small hair salons with easy online booking.
Built-in Square payments allowing clients to pay deposits or full amounts online at booking time
Square Appointments is a straightforward scheduling platform tailored for small service businesses like hair salons, enabling online booking, calendar management, and client reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing for deposits, tips, and no-show fees directly at booking. The tool supports staff scheduling, service presets, and basic reporting, making it ideal for streamlining daily operations without complexity.
Pros
- Free plan for solo users with unlimited appointments
- Seamless Square payments integration for deposits and invoicing
- Intuitive mobile app and automated SMS/email reminders
Cons
- Limited salon-specific tools like client photo galleries or advanced commission tracking
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-staff salons
- Customization of service menus and forms is basic
Best For
Small hair salons or solo stylists seeking a simple, cost-effective scheduling tool with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free for one user/location; Plus $29/month per location for unlimited staff and advanced features; Premium custom pricing.
Schedulicity
specializedUser-friendly appointment scheduling software with online booking and calendar management for stylists.
Seamless embeddable booking widgets that integrate effortlessly with websites, Facebook, and Instagram for direct social media bookings.
Schedulicity is a user-friendly online scheduling platform tailored for service-based businesses like hair salons, enabling 24/7 client self-booking via customizable widgets embeddable on websites or social media. It offers calendar management for multiple stylists, automated reminders to reduce no-shows, payment processing, and basic client management tools. The software also includes marketing features like email campaigns and waitlist management to help salons fill open slots efficiently.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Free plan for solo stylists
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer salon-specific features like inventory tracking
- Customization of booking pages can feel basic
Best For
Small to medium hair salons or independent stylists seeking an affordable, easy-to-use booking tool without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Essentials at $39.90/month, Professional at $69.90/month, and Premium at $159.90/month (billed annually).
Acuity Scheduling
specializedFlexible appointment scheduling tool with customizable calendars and automated reminders for salons.
Customizable intake forms with conditional logic to gather detailed client information before appointments
Acuity Scheduling is a flexible online appointment booking platform that helps hair salons streamline client bookings, manage staff calendars, and process payments directly through customizable scheduling pages. It supports service-specific durations, automated email/SMS reminders, and client intake forms to capture preferences like hair color or style details prior to appointments. While versatile for various service businesses, it enables salons to offer self-scheduling portals, recurring appointments, and basic group sessions, integrating seamlessly with tools like Google Calendar, Stripe, and Zoom.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Robust customization options for forms and booking pages
- Excellent integrations with calendars, payments, and marketing tools
Cons
- Lacks salon-specific features like inventory tracking or stylist commissions
- Advanced features like packages and multiple calendars require higher-tier plans
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to specialized salon software
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking a user-friendly, general-purpose scheduling tool with strong online booking capabilities but without needing advanced salon management.
Pricing
Free plan (1 calendar, limited features); Emerging ($16/mo), Growing ($27/mo), Powerhouse ($49/mo), with annual billing discounts and Infinity custom enterprise pricing.
Conclusion
Concluding the review, the top tools offer varied strengths to enhance salon operations, with Vagaro leading as the most robust option, combining booking, POS, and client management seamlessly. While Fresha impresses with its free, accessible features and Booksy excels in mobile convenience, Vagaro’s all-in-one design makes it the top choice for most salons. Ultimately, the best pick depends on specific needs, but Vagaro stands out as the clear leader.
Take the next step—try Vagaro to elevate your salon’s scheduling and management efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison