Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon software for online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and client management.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free booking, point-of-sale, and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses.
- 3#3: Mangomint - Modern all-in-one salon software with automated payments, payroll, inventory, and reporting features.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Premium salon and spa management software focused on client experience, retail, and business growth.
- 5#5: GlossGenius - Mobile-first platform for booking, payments, marketing, and operations tailored to beauty professionals.
- 6#6: Mindbody - Comprehensive management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with scheduling and marketing tools.
- 7#7: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling bookings, staff, inventory, and analytics.
- 8#8: Phorest - Salon CRM software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance insights.
- 9#9: Square Appointments - Simple scheduling and payment solution integrated with POS for small salons and service providers.
- 10#10: Timely - Appointment booking and salon management software with online payments and client communication tools.
We evaluated tools based on depth of features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring the ranked software excels in addressing core operational needs while remaining accessible and effective for diverse salon and spa businesses.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies choosing salon software by highlighting top tools like Vagaro, Fresha, Mangomint, Boulevard, GlossGenius, and more, making it easy to compare key features, pricing, and usability at a glance.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon software for online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and client management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free booking, point-of-sale, and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Mangomint Modern all-in-one salon software with automated payments, payroll, inventory, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Premium salon and spa management software focused on client experience, retail, and business growth. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | GlossGenius Mobile-first platform for booking, payments, marketing, and operations tailored to beauty professionals. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Mindbody Comprehensive management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with scheduling and marketing tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling bookings, staff, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Phorest Salon CRM software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance insights. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Square Appointments Simple scheduling and payment solution integrated with POS for small salons and service providers. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Timely Appointment booking and salon management software with online payments and client communication tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one salon software for online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and client management.
Free booking, point-of-sale, and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses.
Modern all-in-one salon software with automated payments, payroll, inventory, and reporting features.
Premium salon and spa management software focused on client experience, retail, and business growth.
Mobile-first platform for booking, payments, marketing, and operations tailored to beauty professionals.
Comprehensive management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with scheduling and marketing tools.
Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling bookings, staff, inventory, and analytics.
Salon CRM software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance insights.
Simple scheduling and payment solution integrated with POS for small salons and service providers.
Appointment booking and salon management software with online payments and client communication tools.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon software for online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and client management.
Vagaro Wellness Marketplace, which connects businesses with new clients through a vast discovery network, driving bookings without extra marketing costs
Vagaro is a leading all-in-one cloud-based software platform tailored for professional salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management. It integrates payments, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations and boost revenue. With a robust mobile app and extensive integrations, Vagaro empowers salon owners to grow their business efficiently while providing exceptional client experiences.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including 24/7 online booking, automated marketing, and real-time reporting
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Excellent customer support with live chat, phone, and extensive training resources
- Vagaro Marketplace for client discovery and increased bookings
Cons
- Higher-tier plans can be costly for very small salons
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for new users
- Some users report occasional syncing delays with third-party integrations
Best For
Professional salons and spas seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform to manage bookings, staff, clients, and marketing in one place.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Starter plan (1 user), $69/month for Pro (unlimited users), up to $159+/month for Premium; plus optional add-ons and payment processing fees.
Fresha
specializedFree booking, point-of-sale, and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses.
Integrated global marketplace that drives client discovery and bookings directly to your calendar
Fresha is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, POS integration, and marketing tools. It enables professionals to manage their operations efficiently through a user-friendly interface accessible via web and mobile apps. The software stands out for its marketplace feature, connecting businesses with new clients worldwide, and supports multi-location management for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy daily operations
- Built-in marketplace for attracting new clients globally
Cons
- Commission fees on new client online bookings (up to 20%)
- Limited advanced customization options compared to premium competitors
- Reporting and analytics could be more robust for large enterprises
Best For
Ideal for independent salons, spas, and beauty pros seeking a cost-effective, scalable solution with client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free for businesses with no monthly fees; optional commissions on new client bookings (typically 20% on first appointment) and premium add-ons available.
Mangomint
specializedModern all-in-one salon software with automated payments, payroll, inventory, and reporting features.
Intelligent automated waitlist that proactively fills cancellations and notifies clients in real-time
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for professional salons and spas, offering comprehensive tools for online booking, POS transactions, client relationship management, staff scheduling, inventory control, and marketing automation. It features a sleek, modern interface with drag-and-drop scheduling, automated waitlists, and booth rental support to streamline daily operations. Designed for high-volume businesses, it emphasizes efficiency, reporting, and scalability while integrating with tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp.
Pros
- Intuitive, visually stunning interface with mobile app support
- Robust features like automated waitlists, booth rental tracking, and advanced reporting
- Excellent customer support with dedicated onboarding and training
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for smaller salons
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors
- Advanced customization requires time to master
Best For
Established professional salons and spas with multiple providers seeking a modern, all-in-one platform for growth and efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month for up to 5 providers (Essentials plan), $55 per additional provider; Pro plan at $385/month with more features; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Boulevard
specializedPremium salon and spa management software focused on client experience, retail, and business growth.
Visual Studio Scheduler with drag-and-drop interface and real-time studio layout visualization for effortless appointment management.
Boulevard is a premium cloud-based salon and spa management software designed for professional businesses, offering seamless online booking, POS integration, staff scheduling, and client management tools. It streamlines operations with features like inventory tracking, automated marketing, and advanced reporting to enhance efficiency and revenue. The platform emphasizes a modern, visually appealing interface that prioritizes client experience and business growth.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with strong POS, booking, and CRM integration
- Visually stunning interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Powerful marketing automation and analytics for client retention and upselling
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for smaller salons
- Some advanced customizations require additional setup or fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users initially
Best For
High-end professional salons and spas seeking a sophisticated, scalable solution to manage operations and elevate client experiences.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $250/month per location, plus transaction fees (e.g., $0.99 per ticket) and add-ons for premium features.
GlossGenius
specializedMobile-first platform for booking, payments, marketing, and operations tailored to beauty professionals.
Beauty-focused website builder with instant booking widgets that create professional online presence without coding
GlossGenius is an all-in-one salon management platform tailored for beauty professionals, independent stylists, and small salons, offering online booking, integrated payments, and client CRM tools. It streamlines daily operations with features like automated appointment reminders, marketing automation via email and SMS, and a customizable booking website. The mobile-first design allows users to manage their business effortlessly from anywhere, with built-in POS for in-person transactions.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go management
- Seamless payment processing with low fees
- Attractive, customizable booking pages that boost conversions
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location or team use
- Inventory management is basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Independent stylists and small salons seeking a user-friendly, mobile-optimized solution for bookings and client engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month for Solo plan (1 user), $48/month for Team (up to 5 users), $115+/month for advanced Enterprise features; additional transaction fees apply.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive management software for salons, spas, and wellness businesses with scheduling and marketing tools.
Integrated consumer marketplace that exposes your salon to millions of potential clients for direct bookings.
Mindbody is a robust all-in-one business management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness centers, offering online booking, client management, staff scheduling, POS systems, inventory tracking, and marketing automation. It streamlines daily operations while providing access to a vast consumer marketplace for client acquisition. The software excels in scalability for growing businesses but may feel overwhelming for smaller setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including POS, scheduling, and reporting
- Powerful marketplace for attracting new clients
- Extensive integrations with third-party apps and hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Mid-to-large salons and multi-location chains seeking scalable operations and client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for basic plans, scaling to $599+/month for advanced tiers; plus 2.75-3.5% payment processing fees.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling bookings, staff, inventory, and analytics.
AI-driven guest personalization and the integrated consumer mobile app for direct bookings and loyalty programs
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering end-to-end solutions for appointment booking, POS, CRM, inventory management, marketing automation, and analytics. It excels in scalability for multi-location operations, with mobile apps for both staff and clients to streamline daily workflows. The software integrates with numerous third-party tools via its marketplace, enabling customized operations for professional salon environments.
Pros
- Robust feature set including advanced analytics and marketing tools
- Seamless multi-location support with centralized management
- Strong client engagement via dedicated mobile apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High pricing unsuitable for small single-location salons
- Some advanced customizations require extra fees or development
Best For
Large salon chains and multi-location spas needing scalable enterprise-level management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $200-$500+ per month per location, scaling with features and business size.
Phorest
specializedSalon CRM software emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and performance insights.
Phorest's Spot reputation management tool, which automates review collection and response to boost online visibility.
Phorest is an all-in-one salon and spa management software that streamlines operations for professional salons with features like online booking, POS systems, client CRM, inventory management, and staff scheduling. It excels in marketing automation, reputation management, and analytics to help drive client retention and revenue growth. The platform supports multi-location businesses with centralized control and mobile accessibility for both staff and clients.
Pros
- Powerful integrated marketing tools for automated campaigns and client engagement
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Robust multi-location support with centralized management
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial setup and training
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small salons
- Limited flexibility in custom integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Established salons and multi-location chains prioritizing advanced marketing and client retention strategies.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $200/month per location, scaling with users, features, and add-ons like marketing tools.
Square Appointments
otherSimple scheduling and payment solution integrated with POS for small salons and service providers.
Native Square POS integration for unified appointment booking and payment processing
Square Appointments is a streamlined scheduling and booking platform from Square, tailored for service businesses like salons, spas, and barbershops. It enables online client bookings, staff scheduling, automated reminders, and seamless payment processing through integration with Square's POS system. The tool emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for small to medium salons managing daily appointments and basic client relationships.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for effortless payments
- Intuitive mobile app and easy setup for quick adoption
- Free plan available for solo professionals and single locations
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for larger salons
- Fewer specialized salon features like commission tracking or booth rentals
- Basic customization options compared to dedicated salon software
Best For
Small to medium salons and independent stylists prioritizing simplicity, integrated payments, and low costs over deep salon-specific management tools.
Pricing
Free for 1 user/location; Plus at $29/month per location; Premium at $69/month per location (annual discounts available).
Timely
specializedAppointment booking and salon management software with online payments and client communication tools.
Beautiful, fully customizable booking websites included free, allowing salons to create professional online booking pages without extra development costs.
Timely is a cloud-based salon management software designed for beauty salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering seamless appointment scheduling, client management, and point-of-sale functionality. Its drag-and-drop calendar simplifies daily operations, while online booking widgets and automated reminders enhance client convenience. The platform also includes reporting, inventory tracking, and marketing tools to support business growth.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar for effortless scheduling
- Strong mobile app for staff and client access
- Customizable online booking pages that boost direct bookings
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with additional staff/users
- Reporting lacks advanced customization options
- No native payroll integration, requiring third-party tools
Best For
Small to medium salons and spas prioritizing ease of use and attractive online booking experiences over enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Starter, 1 user), $69/month (Team, up to 5 users), $129/month (Business, up to 10 users); annual billing discounts available, plus transaction fees on POS.
Conclusion
Evaluating the best pro salon software reveals tools that prioritize key needs like booking, POS, and client management, with Vagaro leading as the top choice for its seamless all-in-one experience. Close contenders Fresha and Mangomint stand out too—Fresha for its free, accessible platform and Mangomint for robust automation and reporting, each suited to different operational priorities.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your salon operations: try Vagaro today to unlock its comprehensive features, or explore Fresha or Mangomint if your needs lean toward free access or automated workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison