Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon software for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and marketing services.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free booking, POS, and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses with unlimited staff support.
- 3#3: Mangomint - Modern, intuitive salon software automating bookings, payments, payroll, and client communications.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Premium salon management system enhancing guest experiences with advanced scheduling, retail, and reporting tools.
- 5#5: Mindbody - Comprehensive management software for salons offering class scheduling, e-commerce, and marketing automation.
- 6#6: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade platform for multi-location salons handling operations, CRM, and analytics at scale.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon software emphasizing marketing, loyalty programs, and business intelligence for client retention.
- 8#8: Booksy - Mobile-first booking app for salons enabling online appointments, payments, and client management on the go.
- 9#9: Salon Iris - Affordable, user-friendly salon software for scheduling, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting.
- 10#10: Square Appointments - Integrated scheduling and POS solution ideal for small salons with seamless payment processing.
Tools were chosen based on a rigorous assessment of feature utility (booking, payments, CRM), ease of use, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of both small studios and multi-location chains.
Comparison Table
Hair salon software streamlines daily operations, from client bookings to inventory management. This comparison table evaluates key tools like Vagaro, Fresha, Mangomint, Boulevard, Mindbody, and more, outlining features, pricing models, and user-friendliness to help readers identify the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon software for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and marketing services. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free booking, POS, and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses with unlimited staff support. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Mangomint Modern, intuitive salon software automating bookings, payments, payroll, and client communications. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Premium salon management system enhancing guest experiences with advanced scheduling, retail, and reporting tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Mindbody Comprehensive management software for salons offering class scheduling, e-commerce, and marketing automation. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade platform for multi-location salons handling operations, CRM, and analytics at scale. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon software emphasizing marketing, loyalty programs, and business intelligence for client retention. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Booksy Mobile-first booking app for salons enabling online appointments, payments, and client management on the go. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Salon Iris Affordable, user-friendly salon software for scheduling, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Square Appointments Integrated scheduling and POS solution ideal for small salons with seamless payment processing. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
All-in-one salon software for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and marketing services.
Free booking, POS, and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses with unlimited staff support.
Modern, intuitive salon software automating bookings, payments, payroll, and client communications.
Premium salon management system enhancing guest experiences with advanced scheduling, retail, and reporting tools.
Comprehensive management software for salons offering class scheduling, e-commerce, and marketing automation.
Enterprise-grade platform for multi-location salons handling operations, CRM, and analytics at scale.
Salon software emphasizing marketing, loyalty programs, and business intelligence for client retention.
Mobile-first booking app for salons enabling online appointments, payments, and client management on the go.
Affordable, user-friendly salon software for scheduling, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting.
Integrated scheduling and POS solution ideal for small salons with seamless payment processing.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon software for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and marketing services.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in directory connecting salons directly with clients for increased visibility and bookings.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management. It includes payment processing, inventory tracking, marketing automation via email and SMS, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations. With a mobile app for on-the-go access and integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Vagaro helps salon owners boost efficiency, reduce no-shows, and grow revenue.
Pros
- Highly customizable online booking with waitlists and automated reminders to minimize no-shows
- Comprehensive marketing tools including loyalty programs and automated campaigns
- Excellent mobile app and real-time reporting for multi-location management
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced features like unlimited staff calendars
- Pricing scales quickly for salons with many providers or locations
- Occasional integration glitches reported by some users
Best For
Medium to large hair salons seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform with strong client engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Essentials) up to $169/month (Premium) per location, billed annually, with optional add-ons and no commission on Vagaro bookings.
Fresha
specializedFree booking, POS, and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses with unlimited staff support.
Global marketplace integration that connects salons directly with new clients searching for services
Fresha is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for hair salons, offering online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, POS integration, inventory tracking, and marketing tools. It enables salons to manage daily operations seamlessly, send automated reminders, process payments, and access detailed reporting. With its marketplace feature, businesses gain visibility to attract new clients globally, making it a robust solution for beauty professionals.
Pros
- Free core plan with no monthly fees for basic use
- Integrated marketplace for client discovery and bookings
- Mobile app for on-the-go management and staff scheduling
Cons
- Commission fees (up to 20%) on new client prepaid bookings in free plan
- Limited customization options for advanced reporting
- Some features like white-label booking require premium upgrade
Best For
Ideal for small to medium-sized hair salons and independent stylists seeking an affordable, all-in-one platform with strong online booking and client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free plan (commissions on new client bookings); Premium starts at $29/month per location (commission-free with advanced features).
Mangomint
specializedModern, intuitive salon software automating bookings, payments, payroll, and client communications.
Visual, color-coded drag-and-drop calendar for intuitive scheduling and booth rental management
Mangomint is a cloud-based salon management software designed specifically for hair salons, spas, and barbershops, offering comprehensive tools for appointment scheduling, online booking, and point-of-sale operations. It includes client management, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, automated marketing, and detailed reporting to streamline daily workflows and improve business efficiency. The platform stands out with its modern, intuitive interface accessible via web and mobile apps, making it ideal for tech-savvy salon owners.
Pros
- Sleek, modern interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Robust automation for marketing and reminders
- Strong reporting and multi-location support
Cons
- Premium pricing may deter small salons
- Occasional glitches in mobile app
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons and multi-location businesses seeking a premium, all-in-one platform with excellent usability.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essentials) up to $315/month (Ultimate), billed annually; additional fees for extra users or clients.
Boulevard
specializedPremium salon management system enhancing guest experiences with advanced scheduling, retail, and reporting tools.
Branded consumer app allowing clients to book, pay, and manage appointments independently, boosting direct bookings and retention.
Boulevard is a premium salon management software tailored for hair salons, barbershops, and spas, offering end-to-end tools for online booking, POS transactions, client management, and inventory control. It features a modern, mobile-first interface with staff scheduling, automated marketing, and reporting capabilities to streamline operations. The platform emphasizes client retention through personalized experiences and a branded consumer app for seamless bookings and payments.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including visual booking calendars and automated client communications
- Strong integrations with payment processors and e-commerce tools
- Excellent mobile apps for both staff and clients enhancing on-the-go management
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small single-location salons
- Some advanced reporting requires custom setup
- Occasional glitches in real-time syncing reported by users
Best For
Growing multi-location hair salons seeking a scalable, client-focused platform with robust marketing automation.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month for basic plans (1 location), scales to $500+/month for multi-location with add-ons; custom enterprise pricing available.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive management software for salons offering class scheduling, e-commerce, and marketing automation.
Branded consumer app for seamless client self-service booking, payments, and loyalty programs
Mindbody is a comprehensive management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including hair salons, offering online booking, appointment scheduling, client relationship management, and payment processing. It includes tools for inventory tracking, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to optimize salon operations. The software supports branded client apps and integrates with numerous third-party services for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Robust online booking and scheduling with real-time availability
- Extensive integrations and app marketplace for customization
- Powerful marketing and client retention tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Can feel overkill for small, single-location salons
Best For
Established hair salons with multiple locations seeking an all-in-one enterprise-level solution.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month per location for basic plans, plus 2-3% transaction fees and premium add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade platform for multi-location salons handling operations, CRM, and analytics at scale.
Zenoti Intelligence, an AI-powered analytics engine providing predictive insights for revenue optimization and client behavior
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering end-to-end solutions for appointment scheduling, client management, POS, inventory control, and marketing automation. It excels in handling multi-location operations with centralized reporting, staff scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. The software integrates with payment gateways, email/SMS tools, and third-party apps to streamline daily salon workflows.
Pros
- Robust feature set including AI-driven analytics and multi-location support
- Strong client retention tools like automated marketing and loyalty programs
- Excellent mobile apps for staff and clients
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High pricing not ideal for small or single-location salons
- Customizable but can feel overwhelming for basic needs
Best For
Multi-location hair salon chains or growing businesses needing enterprise-grade management and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-400 per month per location plus setup fees and add-ons.
Phorest
specializedSalon software emphasizing marketing, loyalty programs, and business intelligence for client retention.
Advanced reputation management with automated review requests and marketing campaigns
Phorest is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for hair and beauty salons, offering online booking, client CRM, POS systems, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It excels in marketing automation, including SMS/email campaigns, reputation management, and loyalty programs to drive client retention and revenue. The platform provides detailed analytics and a mobile app for both staff and clients, streamlining daily operations for salon owners.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation and client retention tools
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboard
- Seamless integration with online booking and POS
Cons
- Higher pricing for smaller salons
- Steeper learning curve during initial setup
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Best For
Multi-location hair salons focused on marketing-driven growth and client loyalty.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $200/month per location, scaling with salon size and features.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first booking app for salons enabling online appointments, payments, and client management on the go.
The Booksy marketplace, which exposes salons to millions of users searching for local hair services
Booksy is a mobile-first booking and management platform tailored for hair salons and beauty businesses, enabling online appointment scheduling, client reminders, and seamless payments. It features a built-in marketplace that connects salons with new customers searching for services like haircuts, coloring, and styling. The software also includes staff scheduling, inventory tracking, and marketing tools to streamline salon operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for easy scheduling and client management
- Booksy marketplace drives new client bookings
- Integrated payments and automated reminders reduce no-shows
Cons
- Commission fees on bookings can increase costs
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons seeking easy online visibility and client acquisition through a user-friendly app.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/month for basic plan (1-3 staff) plus 2.5% processing fee per booking; Pro plan at $49.99/month and Premium at $99.99/month with more features.
Salon Iris
specializedAffordable, user-friendly salon software for scheduling, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting.
Advanced booth rental management with automated rent calculations, commissions, and tenant tracking
Salon Iris is a comprehensive cloud-based management software tailored for hair salons, spas, and multi-location businesses, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client tracking, inventory management, POS transactions, and marketing automation. It excels in booth rental support, staff scheduling, and detailed reporting to streamline operations. The platform includes mobile apps for both staff and clients, enabling on-the-go access and online booking.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one features including POS and inventory
- Strong support for booth rental and multi-location management
- Excellent marketing and reporting tools
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for additional users/locations
- Interface feels dated in some areas with a learning curve
- Limited native integrations with some modern tools
Best For
Medium to large salons or those with booth rental setups requiring detailed financial tracking and marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Starter plan) per location, up to $165/month (Elite plan), with add-ons for extra users and features; free trial available.
Square Appointments
otherIntegrated scheduling and POS solution ideal for small salons with seamless payment processing.
Zero-fee online booking and seamless Square payment processing with no monthly fees on the free plan
Square Appointments is a user-friendly scheduling platform from Square, tailored for service-based businesses like hair salons, enabling online booking, calendar management, and client reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS and payment systems, allowing salons to handle appointments, process payments, and track client history in one place. While versatile for small operations, it offers basic reporting and customization suited for solo stylists or small teams rather than large salons.
Pros
- Free plan for single-location salons with unlimited staff calendars
- Seamless integration with Square payments and POS hardware
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go booking and management
Cons
- Limited advanced salon-specific features like inventory tracking or service bundling
- Basic reporting lacks depth for multi-stylist analytics
- Customization options are minimal compared to specialized competitors
Best For
Small hair salons or independent stylists needing simple, affordable scheduling with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free for one location; Plus at $29/month per location; Premium pricing custom-quoted.
Conclusion
Among the ten reviewed tools, Vagaro emerges as the top choice, excelling with its all-in-one approach to scheduling, client management, payments, and marketing, making it a versatile pick for salons of all sizes. Fresha stands out as a strong alternative, offering free, unlimited staff support and a user-friendly platform ideal for those seeking affordability, while Mangomint impresses with its intuitive automation, covering bookings, payments, and communications seamlessly. Together, these tools highlight the diversity of options available, but Vagaro consistently rises to the top as the most comprehensive solution.
Don’t miss out on transforming your salon operations—try Vagaro today and unlock its full potential for scheduling efficiency, client retention, and business growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison