Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon software for online booking, scheduling, payments, and marketing tailored to nail salons and beauty pros.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free appointment booking, scheduling, and management platform designed for salons and spas including nail services.
- 3#3: GlossGenius - Mobile-first booking and business management tool built specifically for beauty professionals like nail technicians.
- 4#4: Mangomint - Modern, intuitive salon software with advanced scheduling, client management, and automation for nail salons.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Premium salon management platform offering seamless scheduling, POS, and client retention for high-end nail services.
- 6#6: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software with robust scheduling and booking for wellness and beauty businesses including salons.
- 7#7: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salon scheduling, operations, and analytics suited for multi-location nail chains.
- 8#8: Schedulicity - User-friendly online scheduling software for independent beauty pros and small nail salons.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon software with appointment scheduling, inventory, and reporting for nail and beauty services.
- 10#10: Square Appointments - Affordable scheduling and POS solution integrated with payments for small nail salons and service businesses.
Tools were ranked based on key factors like comprehensive feature sets (including booking, payments, and client management), user-friendly interfaces, reliability, and value, ensuring they align with the unique needs of modern nail salons.
Comparison Table
Navigating the right nail salon scheduling software can streamline bookings, manage staff, and boost client satisfaction—explore a detailed comparison of top tools like Vagaro, Fresha, GlossGenius, Mangomint, Boulevard, and more. This table breaks down key features, pricing models, and user-friendliness to help salons identify the best fit for their unique needs, from small studios to busy boutiques, ensuring informed decisions to optimize daily operations. By highlighting tool-specific strengths and potential drawbacks, it serves as a one-stop resource for effective workflow management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon software for online booking, scheduling, payments, and marketing tailored to nail salons and beauty pros. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free appointment booking, scheduling, and management platform designed for salons and spas including nail services. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | GlossGenius Mobile-first booking and business management tool built specifically for beauty professionals like nail technicians. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Mangomint Modern, intuitive salon software with advanced scheduling, client management, and automation for nail salons. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Premium salon management platform offering seamless scheduling, POS, and client retention for high-end nail services. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software with robust scheduling and booking for wellness and beauty businesses including salons. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.4/10 |
| 7 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salon scheduling, operations, and analytics suited for multi-location nail chains. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Schedulicity User-friendly online scheduling software for independent beauty pros and small nail salons. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon software with appointment scheduling, inventory, and reporting for nail and beauty services. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Square Appointments Affordable scheduling and POS solution integrated with payments for small nail salons and service businesses. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
All-in-one salon software for online booking, scheduling, payments, and marketing tailored to nail salons and beauty pros.
Free appointment booking, scheduling, and management platform designed for salons and spas including nail services.
Mobile-first booking and business management tool built specifically for beauty professionals like nail technicians.
Modern, intuitive salon software with advanced scheduling, client management, and automation for nail salons.
Premium salon management platform offering seamless scheduling, POS, and client retention for high-end nail services.
Comprehensive business management software with robust scheduling and booking for wellness and beauty businesses including salons.
Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salon scheduling, operations, and analytics suited for multi-location nail chains.
User-friendly online scheduling software for independent beauty pros and small nail salons.
Cloud-based salon software with appointment scheduling, inventory, and reporting for nail and beauty services.
Affordable scheduling and POS solution integrated with payments for small nail salons and service businesses.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon software for online booking, scheduling, payments, and marketing tailored to nail salons and beauty pros.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in discovery platform that exposes your nail salon to millions of clients searching for local services
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for nail salons, offering seamless online booking, drag-and-drop scheduling, and automated appointment reminders to minimize no-shows. It includes built-in payment processing, inventory tracking for polishes and supplies, client management with history and preferences, and marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns. The platform's mobile app enables on-the-go management, making it ideal for busy nail professionals handling manicures, pedicures, and group bookings.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and calendar with color-coded services for nail techs
- Integrated payments and contactless checkout to speed up client turnover
- Vagaro Marketplace for client discovery and automated marketing tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can add up for multi-location salons
- Some advanced reporting requires Elite plan
- Occasional sync delays with third-party integrations
Best For
Growing nail salons seeking a comprehensive platform for scheduling, client acquisition, and operations without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter) up to $159/month (Elite) per location, plus 1-2.75% processing fees and optional add-ons.
Fresha
specializedFree appointment booking, scheduling, and management platform designed for salons and spas including nail services.
Global marketplace that connects salons with new clients searching for nail services nearby.
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including nail salons, offering seamless online appointment scheduling, staff management, and client communication tools. It provides an integrated POS system, automated reminders to reduce no-shows, and marketing features to attract new clients via its global marketplace. Nail salons benefit from customizable service menus, inventory tracking, and performance analytics to streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Free plan with no monthly fees, only commission on certain bookings
- Integrated marketplace for client discovery and growth
- Robust scheduling with no-show protection and automated reminders
Cons
- Commission fees on free plan can impact profitability for high-volume salons
- Advanced reporting and customization limited to premium tiers
- Occasional glitches in mobile app syncing
Best For
Nail salons seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly scheduling solution with built-in client acquisition through a global marketplace.
Pricing
Free plan (20% commission on new/prepaid bookings); Premium from $29/month per location (no commission, unlimited features).
GlossGenius
specializedMobile-first booking and business management tool built specifically for beauty professionals like nail technicians.
Boost bookings that automatically offer open slots to past clients via smart notifications to reduce no-shows and fill calendars
GlossGenius is an all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for beauty businesses like nail salons, offering seamless online scheduling, client management, and payment processing. It features a customizable booking page, automated reminders via SMS/email, and tools for waitlists and boost bookings to fill empty slots. The mobile app allows salon owners and technicians to manage appointments on the go, while integrated marketing helps retain clients.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop scheduling ideal for busy nail techs
- Seamless payment integration and Boost feature to maximize bookings
- Strong mobile app and client communication tools for retention
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for teams or high-volume salons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- No free tier, requiring commitment from day one
Best For
Small to medium nail salons seeking a user-friendly, mobile-first solution for scheduling, payments, and client engagement without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Solo), $48/month (Team), up to $105/month (Plus), plus 2.6% payment processing fees.
Mangomint
specializedModern, intuitive salon software with advanced scheduling, client management, and automation for nail salons.
Booth rental management with individual renter scheduling, invoicing, and commission tracking
Mangomint is a premium salon management software designed for beauty businesses like nail salons, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, online booking, and integrated POS. It streamlines operations with client management, automated reminders, two-way texting, and advanced reporting tools. The platform stands out for its modern, intuitive interface that enhances efficiency for staff and clients alike.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling calendar
- Seamless online booking, payments, and POS integration
- Powerful reporting and booth rental management features
Cons
- Higher pricing tier compared to basic competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations than some alternatives
- May be feature-overkill for very small single-tech operations
Best For
Growing nail salons and multi-tech studios needing a premium, user-friendly all-in-one solution for scheduling and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Solo plan for 1 user), $275/month (Studio up to 5 users), up to $485/month (Growth for larger teams); no setup fees or per-client charges.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium salon management platform offering seamless scheduling, POS, and client retention for high-end nail services.
AI-driven marketing automation that personalizes client communications and boosts rebooking rates
Boulevard is a robust all-in-one management platform tailored for salons and spas, including nail salons, providing advanced scheduling, online booking, and client management capabilities. It integrates POS, inventory tracking, automated marketing, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations and boost revenue. The software emphasizes client retention through personalized experiences and staff productivity via mobile apps.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and scheduling with real-time availability
- Comprehensive reporting and marketing automation for client retention
- Mobile apps for staff and clients enhancing accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing tier not ideal for very small salons
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some integrations and customizations require additional fees
Best For
Mid-sized nail salons seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform for growth and client engagement.
Pricing
Starts at around $295/month for single-location Essentials plan; scales to $500+ for Pro/Enterprise with custom quotes.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software with robust scheduling and booking for wellness and beauty businesses including salons.
Mindbody Marketplace, a discovery platform connecting salons to millions of clients via integrated bookings and promotions.
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform designed for wellness and beauty businesses, including nail salons, offering robust appointment scheduling, online booking, and client management tools. It enables salons to handle staff calendars, process payments, track inventory, and run marketing campaigns all in one place. With real-time availability and mobile access, it supports efficient operations for service-based businesses. However, its enterprise focus can make it more suited to larger operations than small independent salons.
Pros
- Powerful online booking and drag-and-drop scheduling for multiple staff and locations
- Integrated marketing automation, CRM, and reporting for client retention and growth
- Extensive integrations with POS, payments, and third-party apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High cost with tiered pricing and additional transaction fees
- Customer support often criticized for being slow or unresponsive
Best For
Multi-location nail salons or growing chains needing scalable, all-in-one management beyond basic scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), up to $429/month for Ultimate; plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees and add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade cloud platform for salon scheduling, operations, and analytics suited for multi-location nail chains.
Multi-location centralized scheduling with real-time synchronization and staff optimization across sites
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, including nail salons, offering robust appointment scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, online booking, and automated SMS/email reminders. It integrates scheduling with POS, inventory management, client CRM, marketing automation, and analytics for streamlined operations. Ideal for scaling businesses, it supports multi-location management and staff scheduling to optimize efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling tools with online booking, color-coded calendars, and waitlist management
- All-in-one platform including POS, inventory, and marketing integrations
- Strong multi-location support and detailed analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High pricing that may not suit small single-location salons
- Overfeatured for basic scheduling needs, leading to underutilization
Best For
Multi-location nail salon chains or growing businesses seeking an enterprise-grade all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200–$500 per month per location depending on features and scale; demo required.
Schedulicity
specializedUser-friendly online scheduling software for independent beauty pros and small nail salons.
Booth Rental Management, allowing salons to easily handle scheduling and payments for independent contractors renting space.
Schedulicity is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for service providers like nail salons, offering online booking, appointment management, and client communication tools. It supports features such as customizable service menus, automated reminders via text and email, integrated payments, and booth rental management for independent contractors. The software also includes marketing automation and reporting to help salons grow their business efficiently.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup
- Seamless online booking and mobile app access
- Strong booth rental and multi-provider support
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory or POS integration for retail sales
- Reporting lacks depth for larger operations
- Customization options for service pages are basic
Best For
Small to medium nail salons and independent nail technicians needing simple, affordable online scheduling with booth rental capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan for solo users; Premium plans start at $39/month (billed annually), with higher tiers up to $199+/month for teams and advanced features.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon software with appointment scheduling, inventory, and reporting for nail and beauty services.
Booth Rental Management for tracking commissions, expenses, and payouts to independent nail technicians
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based salon management software that provides comprehensive scheduling tools optimized for nail salons, including online booking, color-coded calendars, and waitlist management. It integrates appointment scheduling with POS, client CRM, inventory tracking, and marketing automation to streamline daily operations. The platform supports booth rental tracking, making it suitable for salons with independent contractors.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coding for services
- Seamless online booking and client self-service portal
- Robust booth rental management for independent stylists
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced reporting and integrations
- Limited customization in basic plans
- Occasional glitches in mobile app syncing
Best For
Small to mid-sized nail salons with booth renters seeking an all-in-one scheduling and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Solo plan), $39/user/month (Team), up to $99+/month for Enterprise; 14-day free trial available.
Square Appointments
otherAffordable scheduling and POS solution integrated with payments for small nail salons and service businesses.
Seamless Square POS integration for accepting payments at booking or service time with zero additional processing fees
Square Appointments is a versatile scheduling tool from Square, tailored for service-based businesses like nail salons, offering online booking, calendar management, automated reminders, and client database features. It excels in integrating scheduling directly with Square's POS system for seamless payments during or after appointments. While straightforward for small operations, it provides essential tools without overwhelming complexity, making it suitable for salons handling walk-ins and pre-booked services.
Pros
- Completely free for single-location salons with unlimited staff and appointments
- Intuitive mobile app and web interface for quick setup and daily use
- Built-in payment processing with no extra fees when using Square hardware
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to specialized salon software
- Customization for service menus and staff permissions is basic
- Multi-location support requires paid upgrades starting at $29/month per location
Best For
Small nail salons or solo technicians seeking affordable, no-fuss scheduling with integrated payments for walk-ins and bookings.
Pricing
Free for single locations (unlimited staff/appointments); Plus $29/month per location; Premium $69/month per location; transaction fees apply (2.6% + 10¢ in-person).
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 nail salon scheduling tools, Vagaro emerges as the clear winner, combining all-in-one functionality like online booking, payments, and marketing to meet diverse needs. Fresha stands out for its free, user-friendly design, perfect for small salons, while GlossGenius impresses with its mobile-first focus, catering to technicians who prioritize flexibility. Each tool offers unique strengths, but Vagaro’s comprehensive package makes it the top pick for most.
Take the first step to simplify your salon operations—try Vagaro today and experience a scheduling system that grows with your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison