Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon POS software for booking appointments, managing inventory, processing payments, and marketing to clients.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free salon management platform with POS, online booking, client reminders, and inventory tracking for beauty businesses.
- 3#3: Mangomint - Modern salon software offering POS, automated scheduling, payroll, and reporting tailored for independent salons.
- 4#4: Boulevard - All-in-one salon POS system with advanced booking, retail management, payments, and client retention tools.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon management software with POS, CRM, analytics, and multi-location support for large chains.
- 6#6: Phorest - Salon POS and business software focused on marketing automation, client retention, and integrated payments.
- 7#7: Mindbody - Wellness and salon management platform with POS, scheduling, e-commerce, and membership tools.
- 8#8: Rosy Salon Software - Cloud-based salon POS for appointment booking, inventory, payroll, and customizable reporting.
- 9#9: SalonIris - Affordable salon management software with POS, texting, emailing, and marketing features for small businesses.
- 10#10: Square Appointments - Simple POS and scheduling tool with no monthly fees, integrated payments, and basic salon management features.
Tools were selected and ranked based on feature depth, user experience, platform performance, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse business sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading salon software tools, including Vagaro, Fresha, Mangomint, Boulevard, Zenoti, and more, to guide users in finding the right fit for their business. By comparing features, usability, and key capabilities, readers can identify options tailored to their workflow and client management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon POS software for booking appointments, managing inventory, processing payments, and marketing to clients. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free salon management platform with POS, online booking, client reminders, and inventory tracking for beauty businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Mangomint Modern salon software offering POS, automated scheduling, payroll, and reporting tailored for independent salons. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard All-in-one salon POS system with advanced booking, retail management, payments, and client retention tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon management software with POS, CRM, analytics, and multi-location support for large chains. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Phorest Salon POS and business software focused on marketing automation, client retention, and integrated payments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Mindbody Wellness and salon management platform with POS, scheduling, e-commerce, and membership tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Rosy Salon Software Cloud-based salon POS for appointment booking, inventory, payroll, and customizable reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | SalonIris Affordable salon management software with POS, texting, emailing, and marketing features for small businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Square Appointments Simple POS and scheduling tool with no monthly fees, integrated payments, and basic salon management features. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
Comprehensive salon POS software for booking appointments, managing inventory, processing payments, and marketing to clients.
Free salon management platform with POS, online booking, client reminders, and inventory tracking for beauty businesses.
Modern salon software offering POS, automated scheduling, payroll, and reporting tailored for independent salons.
All-in-one salon POS system with advanced booking, retail management, payments, and client retention tools.
Enterprise-grade salon management software with POS, CRM, analytics, and multi-location support for large chains.
Salon POS and business software focused on marketing automation, client retention, and integrated payments.
Wellness and salon management platform with POS, scheduling, e-commerce, and membership tools.
Cloud-based salon POS for appointment booking, inventory, payroll, and customizable reporting.
Affordable salon management software with POS, texting, emailing, and marketing features for small businesses.
Simple POS and scheduling tool with no monthly fees, integrated payments, and basic salon management features.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon POS software for booking appointments, managing inventory, processing payments, and marketing to clients.
Vagaro's integrated marketplace and app ecosystem with over 200 third-party integrations for seamless customization.
Vagaro is an all-in-one cloud-based salon management and POS software designed for salons, spas, barbershops, and fitness studios. It offers seamless online booking, point-of-sale transactions, client management, inventory tracking, automated marketing, and detailed reporting tools. With mobile apps for iOS and Android, Vagaro enables business owners to manage operations remotely while enhancing client retention through personalized communications.
Pros
- Comprehensive POS with contactless payments and inventory management
- Robust online booking system with real-time availability and reminders
- Powerful marketing automation including email, SMS, and loyalty programs
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can get expensive for large teams
- Some advanced customizations require add-ons
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Growing salons, spas, and wellness businesses needing an integrated POS and booking solution to scale operations efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Essentials (solo pros), $65/month for Premium, up to $169+/month for Ultimate; additional per-client fees apply after 100 active clients.
Fresha
specializedFree salon management platform with POS, online booking, client reminders, and inventory tracking for beauty businesses.
100% free core software with no monthly fees, powered by revenue from optional payment processing
Fresha is an all-in-one booking and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses, providing tools for online appointment scheduling, POS transactions, client management, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It streamlines operations with a user-friendly interface and mobile app, enabling seamless payments via integrated processing. The platform emphasizes accessibility with a free core offering, making it ideal for businesses seeking efficiency without upfront costs.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive mobile app and online booking widget for easy client access
- Robust POS integration with inventory and reporting tools tailored for salons
Cons
- Payment processing fees on transactions (around 2.19% + fixed fee)
- Limited advanced customization compared to enterprise-level competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based, which can lead to delays
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons and spas seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly POS and booking solution without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; payment processing fees (e.g., 2.19% + 20¢ per transaction); optional premium add-ons starting at $19/month per location.
Mangomint
specializedModern salon software offering POS, automated scheduling, payroll, and reporting tailored for independent salons.
Intelligent Flows for customizable automations that handle everything from client reminders to upselling without manual intervention
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management platform designed specifically for salons, spas, and clinics, offering integrated POS functionality for seamless payments and transactions. It provides tools for online booking, staff scheduling, inventory tracking, client management, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to optimize operations and revenue. The software emphasizes a modern, intuitive interface with powerful workflows to reduce manual tasks and enhance efficiency.
Pros
- Stunning, mobile-responsive interface that's fast and intuitive
- Advanced automation workflows (Flows) for client communication and operations
- Comprehensive reporting and profitability analytics tailored to salons
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small or startup salons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger competitors
- Per-location pricing adds up for multi-site businesses
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas seeking a premium, automation-focused POS solution with exceptional usability.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essentials, 1 location) up to $275/month (Ultimate); scales with additional locations and users, no long-term contracts.
Boulevard
specializedAll-in-one salon POS system with advanced booking, retail management, payments, and client retention tools.
Retail Intelligence, which uses AI-driven insights to optimize inventory, pricing, and sales recommendations for maximum revenue.
Boulevard is a cloud-based all-in-one management platform tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses, providing POS transactions, appointment scheduling, client CRM, inventory management, payroll, and marketing automation. It features a modern, intuitive interface with mobile accessibility for staff and clients, enabling seamless operations from booking to checkout. The software emphasizes data-driven insights through advanced reporting and retail optimization tools to help businesses scale efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including POS, scheduling, and analytics in one platform
- Modern, visually appealing interface with strong mobile support
- Robust reporting and capacity management for growth-oriented businesses
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for small single-location salons
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features like payroll integration
Best For
Multi-location salons and high-volume spas seeking an enterprise-grade POS and management solution with strong analytics.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $250/month per location (Essentials tier), scaling to $500+ for Pro/Enterprise with add-ons; free demo available.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon management software with POS, CRM, analytics, and multi-location support for large chains.
AI-powered personalization engine that automates targeted marketing and client retention strategies across locations
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location beauty and wellness businesses. It offers integrated POS functionality for seamless transactions, appointment scheduling, client CRM, inventory management, marketing automation, and advanced reporting. The software excels in scaling operations across multiple locations with mobile accessibility and customizable workflows.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering POS, bookings, CRM, and marketing
- Robust multi-location support with centralized control and analytics
- Strong mobile app and online booking integration for client convenience
Cons
- High pricing can be prohibitive for small single-location salons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization
- Implementation and setup require significant time and support
Best For
Growing salon chains and multi-location businesses seeking enterprise-grade POS and management tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $250-$500 per month per location, plus setup fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Phorest
specializedSalon POS and business software focused on marketing automation, client retention, and integrated payments.
Advanced marketing engine with automated, personalized campaigns and built-in reputation management
Phorest is an all-in-one salon management software that combines POS functionality, online booking, client CRM, inventory management, and advanced marketing automation tailored for salons and spas. It enables businesses to streamline daily operations, track performance with detailed reporting, and drive revenue growth through targeted email/SMS campaigns and reputation management. With mobile apps for staff and clients, it's particularly suited for multi-location salons seeking scalability.
Pros
- Robust marketing automation with pre-built campaigns and ROI tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Strong integrations with payment processors and third-party tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for single-location salons
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Multi-location salons and spas prioritizing client retention and marketing-driven growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $200/month per location, scaling with users and features; includes implementation fees.
Mindbody
enterpriseWellness and salon management platform with POS, scheduling, e-commerce, and membership tools.
Vast Mindbody app marketplace with thousands of partner integrations for services like payroll, email marketing, and specialized salon tools
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing POS capabilities alongside appointment scheduling, client relationship management, inventory tracking, and marketing automation. It enables seamless front-desk operations, online booking, and payment processing to streamline daily salon workflows. With robust reporting and multi-location support, it's designed for scalability in the beauty industry.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including integrated POS, scheduling, and marketing tools
- Strong scalability for multi-location salons
- Large ecosystem of integrations and third-party apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times
Best For
Medium to large salons or chains needing an all-in-one platform for operations, bookings, and growth.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Starter plan, up to $499+/month for Enterprise, plus 2.75-3.49% + $0.30 per transaction fees and add-ons.
Rosy Salon Software
specializedCloud-based salon POS for appointment booking, inventory, payroll, and customizable reporting.
Automated marketing and client retention suite with built-in texting and email campaigns
Rosy Salon Software is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and medspas, featuring integrated POS capabilities for seamless transactions. It streamlines operations with appointment scheduling, client relationship management, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and automated marketing tools. The software emphasizes client retention through personalized communications and provides robust reporting for business insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive POS integration with inventory management
- Strong client retention tools including automated texting and email marketing
- Multi-location support and detailed reporting dashboards
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features and additional locations
- Interface can feel dated with a moderate learning curve
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Medium-sized salons and spas needing robust POS and marketing automation in a single platform.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for single-location Essentials plan; Pro and Enterprise tiers from $199/month, billed per staff user or location with add-ons for payments.
SalonIris
specializedAffordable salon management software with POS, texting, emailing, and marketing features for small businesses.
Automated marketing campaigns with targeted emails, texts, and rebooking reminders
SalonIris is an all-in-one salon management software with integrated POS capabilities, designed for beauty salons, spas, and medspas to handle scheduling, client tracking, payments, and marketing. It streamlines daily operations through features like online booking, inventory management, staff scheduling, and detailed reporting. The platform also supports booth rental tracking and automated client communications to enhance business efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive POS and scheduling integration
- Powerful marketing automation tools
- Strong reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas needing robust marketing and booth rental management.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Essential (1 user), $105/month for Premier, up to $145/month for Enterprise; annual billing discounts available, plus one-time setup fees.
Square Appointments
otherSimple POS and scheduling tool with no monthly fees, integrated payments, and basic salon management features.
Zero monthly fees for basic single-location use with unlimited appointments and staff
Square Appointments is an all-in-one scheduling and POS solution from Square, tailored for service businesses like salons with online booking, client management, and integrated payment processing. It supports staff scheduling, automated reminders, and basic inventory tracking to streamline salon operations. While versatile for small businesses, it excels in simplicity rather than deep salon-specific customizations.
Pros
- Completely free for single-location salons with unlimited staff and appointments
- Intuitive mobile app and quick setup for beginners
- Seamless integration with Square POS hardware for in-salon payments
Cons
- Limited advanced salon features like detailed service menus or color inventory management
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to salon-specialized competitors
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can add up for high-volume salons
Best For
Small salons, solo stylists, or startups seeking a no-cost, easy-to-use entry-level POS and booking system.
Pricing
Free for single location (unlimited staff/appointments); Plus plan at $29/month per location; Premium custom pricing; plus payment processing fees.
Conclusion
The 10 salon POS tools reviewed cater to varied business needs, with Vagaro leading as the top choice for its robust combination of appointment booking, inventory management, payment processing, and marketing tools. Fresha impresses as a free, budget-friendly option ideal for core business operations, while Mangomint excels for independent salons with its tailored scheduling, payroll, and reporting features. All offer unique strengths, but Vagaro consistently outshines in versatility.
Don’t miss out—dive into Vagaro to unlock streamlined workflows, better client engagement, and enhanced business growth today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison