Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one platform for salon scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
- 2#2: Mangomint - Intuitive, modern salon software with automated bookings, payments, and reporting.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free salon management tool offering online booking, POS, and inventory control.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Premium salon software for luxury businesses with advanced client retention features.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade solution for multi-location salons with comprehensive operations management.
- 6#6: Phorest - Salon CRM platform focused on marketing automation and client rebooking.
- 7#7: Mindbody - Robust management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with class scheduling.
- 8#8: DaySmart Salon - Full-featured salon software including POS, inventory, and staff scheduling.
- 9#9: Salon Iris - Comprehensive salon management system with marketing, payroll, and reporting tools.
- 10#10: Shortcuts - Powerful salon software for bookings, retail sales, and business analytics.
We evaluated tools based on functionality, user experience, scalability, and value, ensuring each entry delivers robust performance across core salon operations like scheduling, payments, and reporting.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading hairdressing salon software solutions, including Vagaro, Mangomint, Fresha, Boulevard, Zenoti, and additional tools, guiding readers through key features. It highlights functionality like booking management, client tracking, and scheduling, helping users identify the right platform for their salon’s specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one platform for salon scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Mangomint Intuitive, modern salon software with automated bookings, payments, and reporting. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free salon management tool offering online booking, POS, and inventory control. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Premium salon software for luxury businesses with advanced client retention features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade solution for multi-location salons with comprehensive operations management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Phorest Salon CRM platform focused on marketing automation and client rebooking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Mindbody Robust management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with class scheduling. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | DaySmart Salon Full-featured salon software including POS, inventory, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Salon Iris Comprehensive salon management system with marketing, payroll, and reporting tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Shortcuts Powerful salon software for bookings, retail sales, and business analytics. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
All-in-one platform for salon scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
Intuitive, modern salon software with automated bookings, payments, and reporting.
Free salon management tool offering online booking, POS, and inventory control.
Premium salon software for luxury businesses with advanced client retention features.
Enterprise-grade solution for multi-location salons with comprehensive operations management.
Salon CRM platform focused on marketing automation and client rebooking.
Robust management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with class scheduling.
Full-featured salon software including POS, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Comprehensive salon management system with marketing, payroll, and reporting tools.
Powerful salon software for bookings, retail sales, and business analytics.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one platform for salon scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
Vagaro Marketplace, which connects salons to millions of users for direct bookings and increased visibility.
Vagaro is a leading cloud-based salon management software tailored for hairdressing salons, offering seamless online booking, client scheduling, and POS integration. It provides tools for inventory management, staff scheduling, automated marketing, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations. With a user-friendly mobile app and marketplace exposure, it helps salons attract new clients and retain existing ones efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking with Facebook and Google integration
- Powerful marketing automation and client retention tools
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and multiple locations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Occasional sync issues with third-party integrations
Best For
Hairdressing salon owners and managers seeking an all-in-one platform for bookings, payments, and growth.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Solo plan (1 user), up to $185/month for Ultimate (unlimited users), plus 1-2.75% processing fees and optional add-ons.
Mangomint
specializedIntuitive, modern salon software with automated bookings, payments, and reporting.
Advanced booth rental management with automated rent collection, commission tracking, and individual stylist portals
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon management software designed specifically for hairdressing salons, spas, and multi-location businesses. It offers comprehensive tools for online booking, client relationship management, automated payments, inventory control, staff scheduling, and advanced reporting. The platform excels in booth rental support, making it ideal for salons with independent stylists, while providing customizable workflows to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Intuitive, visually appealing interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Robust booth rental and commission management for independent stylists
- Powerful automation, reporting, and QuickBooks integration
- Excellent mobile app and 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small salons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization features
Best For
Mid-sized hairdressing salons with booth renters or multiple locations seeking a premium, all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Essentials (1-5 staff), $265/month for Pro, and custom enterprise pricing; billed annually with a free trial.
Fresha
specializedFree salon management tool offering online booking, POS, and inventory control.
Zero upfront or monthly costs with a free professional booking website that integrates a client discovery marketplace.
Fresha is an all-in-one management platform tailored for hairdressing salons, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, and inventory tracking. It provides a free customizable booking website, automated SMS/email reminders, and marketing tools to attract new clients via its marketplace. The software also includes staff management, reporting dashboards, and a mobile app for on-the-go operations, making it ideal for streamlining salon workflows.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees—pay only per new online booking
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app for staff and clients
- Built-in marketplace connects salons to millions of potential customers
Cons
- Booking fees (e.g., ~$1 per new client online booking) can accumulate for high-volume salons
- Advanced reporting and customizations limited in basic free version
- Customer support primarily ticket-based, slower for urgent issues
Best For
Small to medium hairdressing salons and independent stylists seeking a free, user-friendly tool to handle bookings, payments, and client growth without contracts.
Pricing
Free plan with no monthly fees; small per-booking fee (~$0.50-$1 + VAT) for new online clients; optional premium add-ons for extras like advanced analytics.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium salon software for luxury businesses with advanced client retention features.
Intelligent marketing automation suite with AI-driven client segmentation and personalized retention campaigns
Boulevard is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for hairdressing salons and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, staff scheduling, and point-of-sale functionality. It includes client relationship tools, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed analytics to streamline daily operations and boost revenue. The software emphasizes scalability for growing salons with multi-location support and mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Robust online booking and calendar management with waitlist and recall features
- Integrated POS and payment processing with inventory control
- Advanced marketing tools including automated SMS/email campaigns and loyalty programs
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher end, quote-based starting around $295/month per location
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
- Limited free trial or basic plan options
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level hairdressing salons seeking a scalable all-in-one solution with strong marketing and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$295/month per location; includes Essentials, Professional, and Enterprise tiers with add-ons for advanced features.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade solution for multi-location salons with comprehensive operations management.
AI-driven client personalization and omnichannel booking that unifies online, app, and in-salon experiences
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for hairdressing salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering end-to-end automation for appointments, client relationships, payments, and operations. It excels in handling complex workflows like staff scheduling, inventory for hair products, service customizations for cuts and colors, and loyalty programs. With strong analytics and marketing automation, it supports growth from single locations to enterprise chains.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with deep integrations for POS, inventory, and CRM
- Powerful analytics and marketing tools for client retention and upselling
- Scalable for multi-location hair salons with mobile apps for staff and clients
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High pricing not ideal for small independent salons
- Custom quotes and setup can delay onboarding
Best For
Multi-location hairdressing salon chains or growing businesses needing enterprise-level automation and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $200–$500/month per location, plus setup fees; scales with features and volume.
Phorest
specializedSalon CRM platform focused on marketing automation and client rebooking.
Automated marketing engine with behavior-triggered campaigns and Phorest Rewards for client loyalty
Phorest is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for hairdressing salons and beauty businesses, offering an all-in-one platform for bookings, client CRM, POS, inventory, and staff scheduling. It excels in marketing automation, reputation management, and analytics to drive client retention and revenue growth. The system integrates seamlessly with online booking widgets and payment gateways, making it suitable for modern, growth-oriented salons.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation and SMS/email campaigns
- Comprehensive reporting and business intelligence tools
- Seamless online booking and mobile app for clients/staff
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller salons
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some users report occasional glitches in integrations
Best For
Established hairdressing salons with multiple locations seeking advanced marketing and client retention tools to scale their business.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $150-$200/month per salon, scaling with size and features; includes hardware bundles.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with class scheduling.
Extensive Mindbody app network for client discovery and seamless online bookings from a large pool of potential customers
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for wellness, fitness, and beauty businesses, including hairdressing salons, offering tools for online booking, client management, scheduling, payments, and marketing. It enables salons to streamline appointments, track client history for personalized services like cuts and coloring, manage staff schedules, and handle point-of-sale transactions. With integrations for inventory and reporting, it's designed to support business growth through a vast client discovery network.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and client discovery network that attracts new customers
- Integrated POS, payments, and staff scheduling for efficient salon operations
- Robust reporting and marketing automation tools
Cons
- High pricing with additional transaction fees, less ideal for small single-stylist salons
- Steep learning curve and occasionally clunky interface
- Overkill for basic hairdressing needs with features geared more toward spas and fitness
Best For
Mid-sized or growing hairdressing salons with multiple stylists seeking strong online visibility and all-in-one management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $139/month per location for core software, plus 2.75-2.95% transaction fees and optional add-ons.
DaySmart Salon
specializedFull-featured salon software including POS, inventory, and staff scheduling.
Visual Stylist Book providing a drag-and-drop, color-coded scheduling interface unique for salon booth management
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for hairdressing salons and spas, offering robust appointment scheduling, point-of-sale processing, client management, and inventory tracking. It includes marketing automation, staff scheduling, and reporting tools to streamline daily operations and enhance client retention. The software supports booth rental management and integrates with online booking widgets for seamless client access.
Pros
- Intuitive visual booking matrix for quick stylist scheduling
- Integrated POS and payment processing reduces need for multiple tools
- Strong marketing features like automated email/SMS campaigns
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for solo stylists
- Limited advanced customization in reporting
- Occasional glitches in mobile app reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons or multi-stylist operations seeking an all-in-one cloud solution with booth rental support.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Solo plan (1 user), $59/month for Team (up to 5 users), with Enterprise custom pricing; additional fees for payments and add-ons.
Salon Iris
specializedComprehensive salon management system with marketing, payroll, and reporting tools.
Advanced marketing automation with targeted email/SMS campaigns and automated rebooking reminders
Salon Iris is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for hairdressing salons, barbershops, and spas, providing tools for appointment scheduling, point-of-sale transactions, client relationship management, and inventory control. It includes advanced marketing automation features like email and SMS campaigns, comprehensive reporting, and booth rental management for independent stylists. The platform supports online booking, mobile apps for on-the-go access, and integrations with payment processors and social media.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one features including scheduling, POS, and marketing automation
- Strong support for booth rental and multi-location salons
- Mobile app and online booking enhance accessibility
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small single-stylist operations
- Some users report a moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Reporting customization could be more intuitive
Best For
Mid-sized hairdressing salons or those with booth rental stylists needing integrated marketing and scheduling tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for the Basic plan (1 user), $115/month for Pro, and $165/month for Enterprise, with add-ons for extra users and features; 30-day free trial available.
Shortcuts
specializedPowerful salon software for bookings, retail sales, and business analytics.
Advanced business intelligence reporting with customizable dashboards
Shortcuts is a comprehensive salon management software tailored for hairdressing and beauty salons, offering appointment scheduling, client relationship management, staff rostering, and POS integration. It includes inventory tracking, marketing automation, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting tools to streamline operations. Primarily popular in Australia, it supports both cloud and on-premise deployments for flexible salon needs.
Pros
- Powerful reporting and analytics for business insights
- Integrated online booking and client SMS/email reminders
- Robust loyalty and gift voucher systems
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring a learning curve
- Higher pricing for smaller salons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Established medium-sized hairdressing salons in Australia seeking in-depth reporting and all-in-one management.
Pricing
Starts at ~AUD $99/month for basic single-user plans, scaling to $200+ for multi-user salons with custom quotes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed hairdressing salon software offers diverse solutions, with Vagaro leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive all-in-one platform. Mangomint stands out as a strong alternative with intuitive automation, while Fresha impresses as a free tool with essential online booking features. Each option caters to different needs, ensuring there’s a fit for every salon, whether small or premium.
Elevate your salon operations today by trying Vagaro—its robust, all-encompassing features are tailored to streamline management, enhance client experiences, and drive business success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison