Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon software for booking appointments, POS payments, inventory management, and marketing tailored for nail salons.
- 2#2: Mangomint - Modern, intuitive salon management platform with automated scheduling, payments, payroll, and client retention features for nail professionals.
- 3#3: GlossGenius - Streamlined booking, payment, and messaging app designed for independent beauty pros including nail technicians.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Premium salon software offering advanced scheduling, retail POS, and client experience tools for upscale nail salons.
- 5#5: Fresha - Free cloud-based booking and management system with POS and marketing for salons and nail bars worldwide.
- 6#6: DaySmart Salon - Robust salon software with online booking, kiosk check-in, inventory tracking, and reporting for nail salon operations.
- 7#7: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software for beauty and wellness businesses including nail salons with scheduling and payments.
- 8#8: Zenoti - Enterprise platform for multi-location salons providing booking, POS, analytics, and staff management for nail chains.
- 9#9: Phorest - Salon software focused on marketing automation, SMS campaigns, and client retention for growing nail businesses.
- 10#10: SalonBiz - Affordable salon management tool with appointment scheduling, billing, and client database for small nail salons.
These tools were selected and ranked based on feature relevance (e.g., booking, POS, inventory, retention), user experience (intuitive design, customization), reliability, and scalability, ensuring suitability for businesses of all sizes and objectives.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right nail salon software is crucial for smooth operations, and with tools like Vagaro, Mangomint, GlossGenius, Boulevard, Fresha, and more, this comparison table simplifies decision-making by outlining key features, usability, and support to help owners find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon software for booking appointments, POS payments, inventory management, and marketing tailored for nail salons. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Mangomint Modern, intuitive salon management platform with automated scheduling, payments, payroll, and client retention features for nail professionals. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | GlossGenius Streamlined booking, payment, and messaging app designed for independent beauty pros including nail technicians. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Premium salon software offering advanced scheduling, retail POS, and client experience tools for upscale nail salons. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Fresha Free cloud-based booking and management system with POS and marketing for salons and nail bars worldwide. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | DaySmart Salon Robust salon software with online booking, kiosk check-in, inventory tracking, and reporting for nail salon operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software for beauty and wellness businesses including nail salons with scheduling and payments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Zenoti Enterprise platform for multi-location salons providing booking, POS, analytics, and staff management for nail chains. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Phorest Salon software focused on marketing automation, SMS campaigns, and client retention for growing nail businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | SalonBiz Affordable salon management tool with appointment scheduling, billing, and client database for small nail salons. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one salon software for booking appointments, POS payments, inventory management, and marketing tailored for nail salons.
Modern, intuitive salon management platform with automated scheduling, payments, payroll, and client retention features for nail professionals.
Streamlined booking, payment, and messaging app designed for independent beauty pros including nail technicians.
Premium salon software offering advanced scheduling, retail POS, and client experience tools for upscale nail salons.
Free cloud-based booking and management system with POS and marketing for salons and nail bars worldwide.
Robust salon software with online booking, kiosk check-in, inventory tracking, and reporting for nail salon operations.
Comprehensive business management software for beauty and wellness businesses including nail salons with scheduling and payments.
Enterprise platform for multi-location salons providing booking, POS, analytics, and staff management for nail chains.
Salon software focused on marketing automation, SMS campaigns, and client retention for growing nail businesses.
Affordable salon management tool with appointment scheduling, billing, and client database for small nail salons.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon software for booking appointments, POS payments, inventory management, and marketing tailored for nail salons.
Vagaro Marketplace integration, allowing nail professionals to list services and attract new clients directly through the platform
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform tailored for nail salons, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management tools. It streamlines operations with features like payment processing, inventory tracking, staff management, and automated marketing via email and SMS. The software also provides detailed reporting, a mobile app for on-the-go access, and integrations for enhanced efficiency in nail salon environments.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking with real-time availability and one-click payments
- Powerful marketing automation including targeted email/SMS campaigns and waitlist management
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Higher tiers and add-ons can increase costs significantly
- Slight learning curve for advanced customization options
- Limited free trial period compared to competitors
Best For
Growing nail salons seeking a robust, scalable platform with strong online booking and marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month for Solo plan (1 user), scales to $85+/month for Pro plans with more users and features; additional per-client booking fees apply.
Mangomint
specializedModern, intuitive salon management platform with automated scheduling, payments, payroll, and client retention features for nail professionals.
Ultra-responsive drag-and-drop calendar with built-in booth rental management and smart waitlisting.
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for nail salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, POS integration, and client management. It excels in inventory tracking for products like polishes and supplies, automated reminders, reporting, and marketing tools to boost efficiency and revenue. With its modern interface and booth rental support, it streamlines operations for independent stylists and growing teams.
Pros
- Intuitive, visually stunning interface with lightning-fast performance
- Robust inventory management and detailed reporting tailored for product-heavy businesses like nail salons
- Strong automation for reminders, waitlists, and marketing to save time
Cons
- Higher starting price may deter very small solo operators
- Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Growing nail salons with multiple technicians or booth renters seeking a premium, user-friendly all-in-one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for the first stylist (+$55 per additional); annual billing discounts available, no contracts.
GlossGenius
specializedStreamlined booking, payment, and messaging app designed for independent beauty pros including nail technicians.
Customizable, mobile-optimized booking pages that boost client conversions and no-shows reduction
GlossGenius is an all-in-one management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses like nail salons, providing online booking, contactless payments, and client relationship tools. It enables salon owners to schedule appointments, manage staff calendars, send automated reminders, and track client histories for personalized services such as manicures and pedicures. The software also includes marketing features like email/SMS campaigns and reporting to help grow revenue efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless online booking and contactless payments
- Strong client management and automated marketing tools
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory tracking for nail products
- Reporting lacks depth for larger salons
- Payment processing fees add to costs
Best For
Small to medium nail salons seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one booking and client management solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Solo), $48/month (Pro), $115/month (Premium); plus 2.6% payment processing fees.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium salon software offering advanced scheduling, retail POS, and client experience tools for upscale nail salons.
Frictionless one-click checkout and digital tipping that enhances client experience and revenue
Boulevard is a premium salon management platform tailored for beauty businesses like nail salons, offering seamless online booking, POS systems, client relationship management, and inventory tracking. It streamlines operations with staff scheduling, automated marketing, and detailed reporting to help salons grow. The software stands out with its modern, mobile-first interface accessible via apps for both staff and clients.
Pros
- Comprehensive online booking and waitlist management
- Robust POS and payment processing with no extra fees
- Advanced analytics and marketing automation tools
Cons
- High starting price may deter small salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization options compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large nail salons with multiple locations needing enterprise-level tools for growth and efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month per location for the Starter plan, with Professional ($450+) and Enterprise tiers; annual contracts required.
Fresha
specializedFree cloud-based booking and management system with POS and marketing for salons and nail bars worldwide.
Commission-free ongoing use after the initial new client period, making it truly free for established salons
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including nail salons, offering online appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, staff rostering, and marketing automation. It streamlines daily operations by allowing clients to book services like manicures and pedicures directly via a customizable widget on websites or social media. The platform emphasizes ease of setup and scalability for small to medium-sized salons without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- Completely free core software with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive online booking widget that boosts client acquisition
- Integrated payments, inventory tracking, and automated reminders tailored for nail services
- Mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Commission fees on new client online bookings (up to 20% for first 90 days)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to enterprise tools
- Dependency on integrations for some accounting features
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Small to medium nail salons seeking a user-friendly, cost-free platform to handle bookings and client management without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free platform with no subscription; 20% commission on new client online bookings for the first 90 days, plus standard payment processing fees (around 2.5-3%).
DaySmart Salon
specializedRobust salon software with online booking, kiosk check-in, inventory tracking, and reporting for nail salon operations.
Booth renter management with individual reporting and payments, ideal for shared nail salon spaces.
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons and spas, including nail salons, offering robust tools for appointment scheduling, point-of-sale transactions, client management, and inventory tracking. It supports online booking, automated marketing campaigns, and detailed reporting to help nail salons streamline operations and grow their business. With features like booth renter management and service-specific customization, it's designed to handle the unique needs of beauty professionals.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop visual planner and online booking
- Integrated POS and inventory management for nail products and supplies
- Powerful marketing automation and client retention tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller single-technician nail salons
- Occasional reports of minor software glitches or slow load times
- Limited advanced customization without higher-tier plans
Best For
Medium-sized nail salons with multiple technicians and booth renters seeking an all-in-one solution for scheduling, payments, and marketing.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Essentials (1 user), $99/month for Professional, and $149+/month for Enterprise with more users and features; annual discounts available.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software for beauty and wellness businesses including nail salons with scheduling and payments.
Exclusive integration with the Mindbody consumer app, exposing your salon to millions of users for effortless client acquisition and bookings.
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for wellness and beauty businesses, including nail salons, offering robust tools for online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, POS payments, and marketing automation. It helps nail salons streamline daily operations, track inventory for products like polishes, and engage clients through email campaigns and loyalty programs. With integrations for staff apps and reporting, it supports scaling but can feel enterprise-level for smaller setups.
Pros
- Powerful online booking system with 24/7 client access
- Integrated marketing and client retention tools
- Access to Mindbody's consumer app for new client discovery
Cons
- High starting costs with transaction fees
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Overkill features for very small nail salons
Best For
Mid-sized or growing nail salons seeking advanced marketing, client acquisition, and full business management capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials (scheduling-focused), up to $429/month for Ultimate; plus ~2.75% + $0.30 per transaction and add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise platform for multi-location salons providing booking, POS, analytics, and staff management for nail chains.
Zenoti Intelligence for AI-driven analytics and personalized client recommendations
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing tools for appointment booking, POS, inventory management, client CRM, marketing automation, and analytics. For nail salons, it excels in scheduling manicures, pedicures, and add-on services, tracking product usage like polishes and gels, and managing staff commissions. Its scalability supports single locations to enterprise chains, with mobile apps for on-the-go access.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering bookings, payments, and marketing
- Powerful analytics and reporting for business insights
- Scalable for multi-location nail salons
Cons
- Expensive for small independent nail salons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Multi-location nail salon chains or growing businesses needing enterprise-grade tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $250-$500/month per location, plus setup fees and add-ons.
Phorest
specializedSalon software focused on marketing automation, SMS campaigns, and client retention for growing nail businesses.
Automated marketing suite with personalized email/SMS campaigns based on client behavior
Phorest is a robust salon management platform designed for beauty businesses, including nail salons, offering tools for appointment booking, client relationship management, and automated marketing. It streamlines daily operations with features like online booking, inventory tracking, and performance reporting tailored to service-based salons. While versatile across hair, spa, and nail services, it emphasizes client retention and revenue growth through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation for client retention and upselling
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing is premium and quote-based, potentially high for small salons
- Some features feel more optimized for hair salons than nail-specific needs
- Initial setup and training can take time
Best For
Mid-sized nail salons seeking advanced marketing and client management tools to drive growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$300/month per location depending on features and users.
SalonBiz
specializedAffordable salon management tool with appointment scheduling, billing, and client database for small nail salons.
Advanced booth rental management for tracking independent contractor commissions and expenses
SalonBiz is a cloud-based all-in-one management software tailored for salons and spas, including nail salons, providing tools for appointment scheduling, client management, point-of-sale transactions, and inventory tracking. It supports online booking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations. While versatile for general salon needs, it offers solid functionality for nail technicians managing services like manicures, pedicures, and gel applications.
Pros
- Robust appointment scheduling with online booking and waitlist management
- Comprehensive reporting and marketing tools for client retention
- Integrated POS and inventory tracking suitable for nail supply management
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Higher pricing tiers may not justify value for very small nail salons
- Limited nail-specific customizations like service timers or design galleries
Best For
Medium-sized nail salons with multiple technicians seeking an all-in-one platform with booth rental support.
Pricing
Starts at $119/month for Essentials (1 user), $199/month for Professional (up to 5 users), with Enterprise custom pricing; annual discounts available.
Conclusion
After examining a diverse range of tools—from all-in-one platforms to specialized solutions—Vagaro emerges as the top choice, offering comprehensive features for booking, payments, inventory management, and marketing tailored to nail salons. Close behind are Mangomint, with its intuitive, automated workflows, and GlossGenius, a standout for independent technicians thanks to its streamlined app. Ultimately, the best pick depends on specific needs, but Vagaro’s versatility makes it the most well-rounded investment.
Elevate your salon operations today—try Vagaro and experience why it leads the pack with its all-in-one power.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison