Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon and spa management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tools.
- 2#2: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management platform for salons, spas, and wellness centers featuring scheduling, client CRM, and e-commerce.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free booking, scheduling, and management software tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals worldwide.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Modern salon and spa software emphasizing client experience with smart scheduling, payments, and retail management.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with advanced analytics, multi-location support, and automation.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Award-winning salon software with automated check-ins, payments, marketing, and reporting features.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon and spa management platform focused on CRM, targeted marketing, and business growth tools.
- 8#8: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon software offering appointment booking, POS, inventory, and staff management.
- 9#9: SalonBiz - Complete salon management solution with online booking, payroll, and marketing automation.
- 10#10: Square Appointments - Affordable scheduling and POS software with salon-specific features like staff permissions and no-show protection.
Tools were evaluated based on their ability to integrate key features (booking, CRM, payments), deliver reliable performance, offer intuitive usability, and provide strong value, ensuring they cater to both emerging businesses and established enterprises.
Comparison Table
Navigating salon and spa software can be challenging; this comparison table outlines top tools like Vagaro, Mindbody, Fresha, Boulevard, Zenoti, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing structures, and usability to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon and spa management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tools. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management platform for salons, spas, and wellness centers featuring scheduling, client CRM, and e-commerce. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free booking, scheduling, and management software tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals worldwide. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Modern salon and spa software emphasizing client experience with smart scheduling, payments, and retail management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with advanced analytics, multi-location support, and automation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Award-winning salon software with automated check-ins, payments, marketing, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon and spa management platform focused on CRM, targeted marketing, and business growth tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon software offering appointment booking, POS, inventory, and staff management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | SalonBiz Complete salon management solution with online booking, payroll, and marketing automation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Square Appointments Affordable scheduling and POS software with salon-specific features like staff permissions and no-show protection. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
All-in-one salon and spa management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tools.
Comprehensive business management platform for salons, spas, and wellness centers featuring scheduling, client CRM, and e-commerce.
Free booking, scheduling, and management software tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals worldwide.
Modern salon and spa software emphasizing client experience with smart scheduling, payments, and retail management.
Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with advanced analytics, multi-location support, and automation.
Award-winning salon software with automated check-ins, payments, marketing, and reporting features.
Salon and spa management platform focused on CRM, targeted marketing, and business growth tools.
Cloud-based salon software offering appointment booking, POS, inventory, and staff management.
Complete salon management solution with online booking, payroll, and marketing automation.
Affordable scheduling and POS software with salon-specific features like staff permissions and no-show protection.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon and spa management software with online booking, payments, marketing, and inventory tools.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in directory that connects businesses with new clients for discoverability and direct bookings.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon and spa management software designed to streamline operations for beauty and wellness businesses. It provides robust online booking, appointment scheduling, point-of-sale (POS) systems, client management, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting. The platform also includes a mobile app for on-the-go access and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, making it ideal for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including online booking, POS, and marketing tools
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support
- Excellent integrations and marketplace for client acquisition
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger teams or advanced features
- Some customization options are limited in lower tiers
- Occasional reports of slower support response times during peak periods
Best For
Salons, spas, and wellness businesses of any size seeking a feature-rich, scalable platform with strong online booking and client management.
Pricing
Plans start at $25/month per location (Starter), up to $165/month (Elite), with additional fees for extras like online booking ($0.20-$1 per transaction) and payroll.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management platform for salons, spas, and wellness centers featuring scheduling, client CRM, and e-commerce.
Integrated Mindbody app marketplace connecting businesses to millions of consumers for seamless discovery and bookings
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing tools for online booking, appointment scheduling, client relationship management, and point-of-sale operations. It features robust marketing automation, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and performance analytics to streamline daily operations and drive revenue growth. The platform stands out with its consumer-facing app and marketplace, enabling businesses to attract new clients through discoverability.
Pros
- All-in-one solution with booking, POS, marketing, and reporting
- Powerful marketplace for client discovery and acquisition
- Strong mobile apps for staff and clients
Cons
- Expensive with tiered pricing and transaction fees
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
Best For
Mid-to-large salons and spas seeking scalable growth through online visibility and comprehensive management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for basic plans, with premium tiers up to $429/month plus per-transaction fees (2.75-3.5%) and add-ons.
Fresha
specializedFree booking, scheduling, and management software tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals worldwide.
Integrated global marketplace that automatically promotes your business to millions of potential clients searching for local services
Fresha is an all-in-one booking and management platform designed for salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering online appointment scheduling, client CRM, staff management, POS, and marketing tools. It stands out with a free core software model and a global marketplace that helps businesses attract new clients. The platform supports seamless payments, inventory tracking, and reporting to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy booking and management
- Global marketplace that drives new client bookings directly to your business
Cons
- Transaction fees on payments (around 2-3%) and commissions on marketplace bookings
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons and spas looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly solution with built-in client acquisition.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; payment processing fees (2.19% + fixed fee per transaction) and optional commissions on new marketplace clients.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon and spa software emphasizing client experience with smart scheduling, payments, and retail management.
AI-driven marketing automation and clienteling for personalized retention and upselling
Boulevard is a cloud-based salon and spa management software that streamlines operations with features like online booking, appointment scheduling, POS integration, and inventory management. It provides robust client relationship tools, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to help businesses optimize performance and growth. Designed for modern salons and spas, it supports multi-location management with a sleek, intuitive interface.
Pros
- Highly customizable scheduling and online booking
- Advanced reporting and analytics for business insights
- Strong multi-location support and mobile app
Cons
- Premium pricing may deter small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Fewer budget-friendly entry options
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level salons and spas with multiple locations needing scalable, feature-rich management.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month per location for Essentials plan; Pro and Enterprise tiers are custom-priced based on features and scale.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon and spa management system with advanced analytics, multi-location support, and automation.
Centralized multi-location dashboard with real-time analytics and automated reporting
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, streamlining operations from appointment booking and POS to inventory and marketing automation. It excels in multi-location management, offering centralized control, real-time analytics, and staff productivity tools. With robust integrations and a mobile app, it supports scalability for growing enterprises while providing client retention features like loyalty programs.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI-powered insights and multi-location support
- Strong integrations with payment gateways and third-party apps
- Excellent scalability for enterprise-level chains
Cons
- High pricing that may overwhelm small businesses
- Steep learning curve and lengthy onboarding process
- Customizable interface can feel overwhelming initially
Best For
Multi-location salon and spa chains seeking an all-in-one enterprise solution with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $300-$500 per month per location, scaling with users and features.
Mangomint
specializedAward-winning salon software with automated check-ins, payments, marketing, and reporting features.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduler with intelligent waitlists and real-time availability updates
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon and spa management software that streamlines operations for beauty and wellness businesses with features like online booking, POS integration, client CRM, staff scheduling, and inventory management. It emphasizes automation for tasks such as waitlists, marketing campaigns, and reporting to boost efficiency and revenue. The platform stands out with its modern, intuitive interface designed to feel like a consumer app, making it accessible for teams without extensive training.
Pros
- Sleek, modern interface that's highly intuitive and mobile-friendly
- Powerful automation for bookings, reminders, and marketing
- Excellent reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Premium pricing can be expensive for very small salons
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas looking for a premium, all-in-one solution with superior user experience and automation.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for up to 3 providers (Solo plan), scales to $545+/month for larger teams; month-to-month with additional transaction fees for payments and online booking.
Phorest
specializedSalon and spa management platform focused on CRM, targeted marketing, and business growth tools.
Automated marketing engine that uses client data to trigger personalized SMS/email campaigns for rebooking and retention
Phorest is a cloud-based salon and spa management software that provides an all-in-one platform for appointment scheduling, client relationship management, point-of-sale transactions, and inventory control. It excels in marketing automation, sending targeted SMS and email campaigns to boost client retention and bookings. The software also includes advanced analytics, staff management tools, and integrations with third-party apps to support business growth for salons and spas.
Pros
- Robust marketing automation with personalized client campaigns
- Comprehensive reporting and business intelligence dashboards
- Seamless online booking and mobile app for staff and clients
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for single-location small businesses
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some users report occasional glitches in the POS system
Best For
Growing salon chains or multi-location spas seeking powerful marketing and analytics tools to drive revenue.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starts around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $200-$400+/month for premium features, often with additional per-client or per-user fees.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon software offering appointment booking, POS, inventory, and staff management.
Advanced booth rental management system that tracks commissions, schedules, and payouts for independent stylists
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location businesses, offering tools for appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, and inventory tracking. It includes payment processing, marketing automation via email and SMS, detailed reporting, and a mobile app for on-the-go access. The software emphasizes booth rental management, making it ideal for salons with independent stylists.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and online booking
- Comprehensive booth rental and staff management tools
- Strong reporting and marketing automation features
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-user or advanced features
- Some customization options are limited
- Occasional sync issues with mobile app reported by users
Best For
Medium to large salons and spas with booth renters or multiple locations seeking integrated management and marketing tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Solo plan (1 user), $99/month for Team (up to 5 users), $165/month for Business (unlimited users); annual discounts available, plus transaction fees for payments.
SalonBiz
specializedComplete salon management solution with online booking, payroll, and marketing automation.
Advanced marketing automation suite with targeted client campaigns and automated rebooking reminders
SalonBiz is a cloud-based salon and spa management software that streamlines operations with features like online appointment booking, POS integration, client database management, and inventory tracking. It offers marketing automation tools including email and SMS campaigns to drive client retention and new bookings. Additionally, it provides reporting dashboards, staff scheduling, and payroll processing tailored for beauty businesses.
Pros
- Robust marketing automation with email/SMS campaigns
- Integrated POS and inventory management
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple users/locations
Best For
Small to mid-sized salons and spas seeking an all-in-one solution with strong marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials plan (1 location), up to $299/month for Enterprise; additional fees per user/location.
Square Appointments
specializedAffordable scheduling and POS software with salon-specific features like staff permissions and no-show protection.
Built-in Square Payments for accepting deposits and full payments online or in-person during appointments
Square Appointments is a straightforward scheduling and booking platform tailored for small service businesses like salons and spas, offering online appointment booking, calendar management, client reminders, and staff scheduling. It integrates seamlessly with Square's point-of-sale system for handling payments, deposits, and invoicing directly within the app. While effective for basic operations, it lacks some advanced features found in specialized salon software, such as detailed treatment tracking or extensive inventory management.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with unlimited staff
- Seamless integration with Square POS for payments and deposits
- Intuitive mobile app and quick setup for non-tech-savvy users
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to salon-specific tools
- Customization options are basic, lacking depth for complex spa services
- Transaction fees on payments can add up for high-volume businesses
Best For
Small salons, spas, or solo practitioners needing simple, affordable online booking and payment processing without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for single location (unlimited staff); Plus $29/month per location; Premium custom pricing; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of the 10 tools, the top rankings highlight diverse strengths, with Vagaro emerging as the clear leader, offering a robust all-in-one solution that balances functionality and ease of use. Mindbody follows closely, impressing with its comprehensive business management capabilities, while Fresha stands out as a free, global favorite, catering to professionals worldwide—each providing viable options based on specific needs.
Take the first step toward a more efficient, client-focused operation by trying Vagaro, where you can unlock streamlined booking, integrated payments, and tools to grow your business with confidence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison