Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon and spa management platform with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
- 2#2: Mindbody - All-in-one wellness business software offering online booking, scheduling, POS, and marketing for spas.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free online booking and management software for spas and salons with built-in payments and client reminders.
- 4#4: Zenoti - Cloud-based enterprise platform for spas providing online booking, CRM, inventory, and analytics.
- 5#5: Booksy - Mobile-first booking app for spas and beauty pros with online scheduling, payments, and reviews.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Modern spa software with seamless online booking, automations, and reporting features.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon and spa management system focused on online booking and advanced marketing tools.
- 8#8: Boulevard - Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with online booking, payroll, and client retention features.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon and spa platform offering online booking, POS, and staff scheduling.
- 10#10: WellnessLiving - All-in-one booking and management software for spas and wellness businesses with marketing automation.
We evaluated tools based on core functionality (including booking, payments, and CRM), user experience (ease of setup and daily use), and value (pricing, scalability, and added features like marketing tools)—prioritizing reliability and versatility to suit businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
As spas prioritize seamless digital operations, choosing the right online booking software is essential. This comparison table examines key options—such as Vagaro, Mindbody, Fresha, Zenoti, Booksy, and more—shedding light on features, pricing, and user experience to guide informed decisions for your spa.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon and spa management platform with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Mindbody All-in-one wellness business software offering online booking, scheduling, POS, and marketing for spas. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free online booking and management software for spas and salons with built-in payments and client reminders. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Zenoti Cloud-based enterprise platform for spas providing online booking, CRM, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Booksy Mobile-first booking app for spas and beauty pros with online scheduling, payments, and reviews. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Modern spa software with seamless online booking, automations, and reporting features. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon and spa management system focused on online booking and advanced marketing tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Boulevard Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with online booking, payroll, and client retention features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon and spa platform offering online booking, POS, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | WellnessLiving All-in-one booking and management software for spas and wellness businesses with marketing automation. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive salon and spa management platform with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
All-in-one wellness business software offering online booking, scheduling, POS, and marketing for spas.
Free online booking and management software for spas and salons with built-in payments and client reminders.
Cloud-based enterprise platform for spas providing online booking, CRM, inventory, and analytics.
Mobile-first booking app for spas and beauty pros with online scheduling, payments, and reviews.
Modern spa software with seamless online booking, automations, and reporting features.
Salon and spa management system focused on online booking and advanced marketing tools.
Enterprise-grade salon and spa software with online booking, payroll, and client retention features.
Cloud-based salon and spa platform offering online booking, POS, and staff scheduling.
All-in-one booking and management software for spas and wellness businesses with marketing automation.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon and spa management platform with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
Vagaro Wellness Marketplace, which connects businesses to millions of clients searching for spa services directly through the app.
Vagaro is a comprehensive online booking and management platform designed specifically for spas, salons, and wellness businesses, enabling seamless client scheduling, payments, and marketing directly from any device. It offers features like 24/7 online booking, automated reminders, POS integration, and a vast marketplace to attract new clients. The software streamlines operations with client CRM, inventory tracking, and robust reporting tools tailored for spa professionals.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking system with social media integrations for effortless client acquisition
- All-in-one tools including POS, marketing automation, and staff management
- Excellent mobile app for both clients and staff with real-time updates
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can become expensive for multi-location spas
- Occasional glitches in reporting during peak usage
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization features
Best For
Spa owners and managers seeking a full-featured platform to handle bookings, payments, and client retention in one place.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month (Starter) scaling to $260/month (Ultimate) per location; no commission on direct bookings, but 30% fee on Vagaro Marketplace bookings.
Mindbody
enterpriseAll-in-one wellness business software offering online booking, scheduling, POS, and marketing for spas.
Integrated Mindbody Marketplace that exposes spas to millions of potential clients for discovery and bookings
Mindbody is a robust all-in-one management platform tailored for wellness and beauty businesses like spas, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, and payment processing. It features a branded client-facing portal and mobile app for easy reservations, along with tools for marketing automation, staff scheduling, inventory tracking, and detailed reporting. The software excels in scaling operations for spas by integrating point-of-sale systems and fostering client retention through automated communications.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature suite including online booking, POS, and marketing tools
- Strong client engagement via branded apps and automated reminders
- Scalable for multi-location spas with robust reporting and integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High pricing with additional transaction and add-on fees
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized to large spas and wellness centers needing an enterprise-level platform with advanced client acquisition and retention capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for basic plans (Essentials), scaling to $429+/month for premium tiers (Ultimate), plus 2.75-2.99% transaction fees and add-ons.
Fresha
specializedFree online booking and management software for spas and salons with built-in payments and client reminders.
Global marketplace connecting businesses to millions of users for effortless new client bookings without extra advertising costs
Fresha is a comprehensive online booking and management platform tailored for spas, salons, and wellness businesses, enabling 24/7 client self-booking via websites or a global marketplace. It streamlines operations with tools for scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, inventory tracking, staff management, and automated marketing like email/SMS campaigns. The software supports multi-location businesses and provides robust reporting for insights into performance and growth.
Pros
- Free core platform with no monthly subscription fees
- Seamless online booking widget and global marketplace for client acquisition
- Intuitive mobile apps for staff, clients, and on-the-go management
Cons
- Payment processing fees apply to transactions (around 1.5% + fixed fee)
- Limited advanced customizations without premium add-ons
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Small to medium spas and salons wanting a free, all-in-one booking system with strong client discovery tools.
Pricing
Free forever plan; transaction fees on payments (1.5% + 0.20 GBP/EUR/USD); optional premium features from $5-50/month per location.
Zenoti
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise platform for spas providing online booking, CRM, inventory, and analytics.
AI-driven client personalization and automated marketing that turns bookings into loyalty-building experiences
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for spas, salons, and wellness centers, with robust online booking capabilities that allow clients to schedule appointments 24/7 via a customizable widget or branded app. It integrates booking with POS, inventory management, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and analytics for streamlined operations. Designed for scalability, it excels in multi-location setups, providing a unified dashboard for business insights and client retention tools.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering booking, payments, and marketing
- Highly customizable online booking with waitlists and real-time availability
- Strong scalability for multi-location spas and enterprise needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small businesses
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Medium to large spa chains or multi-location wellness businesses seeking an enterprise-grade solution with advanced online booking and operational tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $250-$500 per month per location, scaling with features and business size (no free tier).
Booksy
specializedMobile-first booking app for spas and beauty pros with online scheduling, payments, and reviews.
Integrated Booksy marketplace that matches spas with local clients searching for services
Booksy is a comprehensive online booking platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including spas, enabling clients to book appointments seamlessly via web or mobile app. It provides tools for schedule management, secure payments, automated reminders, client profiles, and marketing features to boost visibility. Spas benefit from its marketplace discovery, allowing professionals to attract walk-in clients while streamlining operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick bookings and management
- Built-in marketplace for client discovery and growth
- Automated SMS/email reminders and integrated payments
Cons
- Transaction fees (1-2%) on marketplace bookings can accumulate
- Limited advanced spa-specific tools like inventory or treatment protocols
- Customization options are somewhat restricted for larger operations
Best For
Small to medium spas seeking an easy-to-use booking system with client acquisition capabilities.
Pricing
Free basic plan available; premium subscriptions start at $29.99/month per location (Solo plan), with Team/Business tiers up to $89.99/month, plus optional 1-2% marketplace commissions.
Mangomint
specializedModern spa software with seamless online booking, automations, and reporting features.
Powerful workflow automation that allows custom triggers for reminders, check-ins, and client communications
Mangomint is a cloud-based salon and spa management software that provides seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, and integrated payments for spas and salons. It features a modern, intuitive interface with tools for inventory management, staff scheduling, automated marketing, and detailed reporting. Ideal for multi-location businesses, it emphasizes efficiency through customizable workflows and self-service client portals.
Pros
- Sleek, modern user interface that's highly intuitive
- Comprehensive feature set including advanced automation and reporting
- Excellent customer support with fast response times
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Medium to large spas and salons with multiple locations seeking a premium, all-in-one booking and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Solo plan (1 user), scales to $275+ for Team and Enterprise plans; custom quotes for larger setups.
Phorest
specializedSalon and spa management system focused on online booking and advanced marketing tools.
Automated marketing campaigns that trigger personalized SMS/email based on client behavior and visit history
Phorest is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons and spas, featuring robust online booking that allows clients to schedule appointments 24/7 via a customizable branded portal. It combines scheduling with client relationship management, POS integration, inventory tracking, and automated marketing tools to optimize spa operations. The software emphasizes data-driven insights and retention strategies, making it suitable for businesses seeking a full-service solution beyond basic booking.
Pros
- Powerful automated marketing campaigns via SMS and email
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Seamless integration of online booking with POS and inventory
Cons
- Higher pricing with custom quotes and setup fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- More salon-oriented features may feel less specialized for larger spas
Best For
Medium to large salons and spas needing integrated marketing and client retention tools alongside online booking.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $129/month per location (billed annually), with additional setup fees and per-user costs; requires demo for exact quote.
Boulevard
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon and spa software with online booking, payroll, and client retention features.
Service Marketplace for effortless client discovery and booking across multiple providers or locations in one platform
Boulevard is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform designed for spas, salons, and wellness businesses, featuring a robust online booking system that enables 24/7 client self-scheduling with real-time availability. It integrates appointment management, POS payments, inventory tracking, client CRM, and marketing automation into one intuitive dashboard. The software excels in scalability for multi-location operations, helping businesses streamline workflows and drive revenue growth.
Pros
- Highly customizable online booking with waitlists and capacity management
- Strong analytics and reporting for business insights
- Seamless mobile apps for staff scheduling and client access
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit solo practitioners
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free trial and setup requires sales consultation
Best For
Multi-location spas and salons needing scalable online booking integrated with full business management tools.
Pricing
Starts at ~$200/month per location (Starter plan), with Professional (~$350/month) and Premium (custom) tiers scaling by users, locations, and features; annual contracts available.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon and spa platform offering online booking, POS, and staff scheduling.
Booth rental management with automated rent collection and stylist performance tracking
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons and spas, offering robust online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, and POS integration. It enables 24/7 client self-booking via customizable widgets embeddable on websites, with real-time availability and automated reminders. Additional tools include inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to streamline spa operations.
Pros
- Seamless online booking with website integration and mobile optimization
- Comprehensive reporting and booth rental management for salons/spas
- Integrated POS and inventory tools reducing need for multiple software
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and user licenses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited native integrations with some popular third-party apps
Best For
Small to medium salons and spas needing an all-in-one solution with strong online booking and booth rental support.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Basic (1 user), $69/month for Pro, up to $165+/month for Enterprise; additional fees for add-ons and per-user licensing.
WellnessLiving
specializedAll-in-one booking and management software for spas and wellness businesses with marketing automation.
Built-in marketing automation that triggers personalized campaigns based on booking history and client behavior
WellnessLiving is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for wellness businesses like spas, offering robust online booking, appointment scheduling, and client self-service portals. It integrates payments, memberships, inventory tracking, and marketing automation to streamline spa operations from a single dashboard. The software supports multi-location setups and provides mobile apps for staff and clients, making it suitable for growing spa businesses beyond basic booking needs.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with strong online booking and scheduling customization
- Integrated marketing tools like email/SMS automation tied to client data
- Reliable payment processing and reporting for multi-location spas
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and cluttered interface
- Pricing increases significantly with locations and add-ons
- Limited advanced spa-specific customizations like treatment room mapping
Best For
Mid-sized spas or wellness centers with multiple locations seeking an integrated management system that combines booking with marketing and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Starter plan) up to $249+/month (Elite), plus per-location fees, payment processing (2.9% + 30¢), and annual billing discounts.
Conclusion
After assessing the leading online spa booking tools, Vagaro emerges as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive set of features that cater to diverse spa needs. Mindbody and Fresha, ranking second and third, also stand out—Mindbody for its all-in-one wellness capabilities and Fresha for its free, user-friendly design, offering strong alternatives for specific business goals. The review emphasizes that the best tool depends on aligning features with operational needs, with Vagaro leading the pack.
Take your spa business to the next level by trying Vagaro; its robust tools will streamline operations and enhance client satisfaction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison