Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon and spa software for online booking, payments, marketing, and client management.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free booking platform that connects salons with new clients via a global marketplace and handles scheduling.
- 3#3: Mindbody - Comprehensive management software for wellness businesses including salons with booking, POS, and reporting.
- 4#4: Zenoti - Cloud-based enterprise solution for salons and spas offering appointments, inventory, and analytics.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Modern salon software with seamless online booking, payments, and staff management for growing businesses.
- 6#6: Phorest - Salon management platform emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and appointment scheduling.
- 7#7: Mangomint - User-friendly salon software for online bookings, payments, payroll, and inventory tracking.
- 8#8: GlossGenius - Mobile-first booking and business management app tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Cloud salon software providing scheduling, point-of-sale, and client management features.
- 10#10: Schedulicity - Online appointment scheduling tool suitable for salons with reminders, payments, and calendar integration.
We ranked these tools based on feature versatility, user-friendliness, technical reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver meaningful support across scheduling, payments, management, and marketing needs for salons of all sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top salon booking software tools, including Vagaro, Fresha, Mindbody, Zenoti, Boulevard, and more, to guide salon owners in identifying solutions that align with their operational needs. Readers will learn about key features, pricing models, and user experiences to make informed choices for streamlining workflows, managing clients, and scaling their businesses.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon and spa software for online booking, payments, marketing, and client management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free booking platform that connects salons with new clients via a global marketplace and handles scheduling. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | Mindbody Comprehensive management software for wellness businesses including salons with booking, POS, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 4 | Zenoti Cloud-based enterprise solution for salons and spas offering appointments, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Modern salon software with seamless online booking, payments, and staff management for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Phorest Salon management platform emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and appointment scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Mangomint User-friendly salon software for online bookings, payments, payroll, and inventory tracking. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 8 | GlossGenius Mobile-first booking and business management app tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Cloud salon software providing scheduling, point-of-sale, and client management features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Schedulicity Online appointment scheduling tool suitable for salons with reminders, payments, and calendar integration. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
All-in-one salon and spa software for online booking, payments, marketing, and client management.
Free booking platform that connects salons with new clients via a global marketplace and handles scheduling.
Comprehensive management software for wellness businesses including salons with booking, POS, and reporting.
Cloud-based enterprise solution for salons and spas offering appointments, inventory, and analytics.
Modern salon software with seamless online booking, payments, and staff management for growing businesses.
Salon management platform emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and appointment scheduling.
User-friendly salon software for online bookings, payments, payroll, and inventory tracking.
Mobile-first booking and business management app tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
Cloud salon software providing scheduling, point-of-sale, and client management features.
Online appointment scheduling tool suitable for salons with reminders, payments, and calendar integration.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon and spa software for online booking, payments, marketing, and client management.
Vagaro Marketplace, a discovery platform that connects businesses with new local clients searching for specific salon services.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon and spa management software that streamlines operations for beauty and wellness businesses through online booking, scheduling, POS payments, and client management. It provides tools for inventory tracking, staff management, marketing automation, and reporting to help salons grow efficiently. With a user-friendly interface and mobile app, Vagaro enables seamless client experiences including self-scheduling and automated reminders.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including online booking, marketing, and POS integration
- Intuitive mobile app and customizable client-facing booking page
- Excellent customer support with live chat and training resources
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for multiple locations or staff
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional sync delays between web and mobile apps
Best For
Salons, spas, and fitness studios seeking a robust, scalable platform for booking, payments, and client retention.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month for solo users (pay-as-you-go), with Pro tiers from $55-$285+/month based on staff size and features; 30-day free trial available.
Fresha
specializedFree booking platform that connects salons with new clients via a global marketplace and handles scheduling.
Global Fresha marketplace that exposes businesses to millions of potential clients searching for local services
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and beauty businesses, enabling 24/7 online appointment scheduling via a customizable widget. It offers integrated POS, client CRM, automated reminders, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns. The platform stands out with its free core model, powered by a global marketplace that drives client discovery and bookings.
Pros
- Completely free with no monthly subscription fees
- Intuitive interface and seamless mobile app
- Built-in marketplace for client acquisition
Cons
- Transaction and payment processing fees add up for high-volume businesses
- Limited advanced customization without add-ons
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons, spas, and beauty professionals seeking a cost-free, all-in-one solution with organic lead generation.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; payment processing fees (e.g., 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction, varies by region); optional premium services like boosted marketplace visibility.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive management software for wellness businesses including salons with booking, POS, and reporting.
Access to Mindbody's extensive consumer app marketplace for increased client discovery and bookings
Mindbody is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing robust online booking, appointment scheduling, client relationship management, and payment processing. It streamlines operations with staff scheduling, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and detailed reporting tools to drive business growth. The software also connects salons to a vast consumer marketplace, increasing visibility and bookings from new clients.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including online booking and marketplace exposure
- Strong integrations with payment processors and third-party apps
- Advanced marketing and reporting tools for client retention and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High cost with tiered pricing and additional transaction fees
- Overkill for very small salons with basic needs
Best For
Mid-sized salons or multi-location businesses needing scalable, feature-rich management with marketplace visibility.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Starter plan, up to $429+/month for Enterprise, plus 2.75-3.5% transaction fees and add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise solution for salons and spas offering appointments, inventory, and analytics.
AI-powered Zenoti Intelligence for predictive analytics, no-show prevention, and hyper-personalized marketing campaigns
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness centers, offering robust online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management tools. It goes beyond basic booking with integrated POS systems, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and advanced analytics. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-location businesses with mobile apps for staff and clients, automated reminders, and no-show predictions to optimize operations.
Pros
- Extremely feature-rich with booking, POS, marketing, and analytics in one platform
- Highly scalable for multi-location salons and enterprise needs
- Advanced AI tools for no-show prediction and personalized client recommendations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for smaller teams
- High, opaque custom pricing that can be prohibitive for solo salons
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Large salon chains or multi-location businesses needing an all-in-one enterprise solution for booking and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$500 per month per location, scaling with users, features, and add-ons like payments processing.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon software with seamless online booking, payments, and staff management for growing businesses.
Advanced booth rental management with automated rent calculations, invoicing, and commission tracking tailored for independent stylists.
Boulevard is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for beauty salons, spas, and multi-location wellness businesses. It provides robust online booking, client relationship management, POS integration, inventory tracking, and automated marketing tools. The platform emphasizes revenue growth through features like waitlist management, dynamic pricing, and retail optimization, making it ideal for scaling operations.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking with real-time availability and waitlist functionality
- Powerful clienteling and marketing automation for retention and upsells
- Comprehensive reporting and booth rental management for multi-location salons
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for small single-location salons
- Some advanced features require additional modules or integrations
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
High-volume salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses seeking an all-in-one platform for growth and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month per location (Pro plan), with Elite at $450+/month; additional fees for payments (2.6% + $0.10/transaction), SMS, and payroll integrations.
Phorest
specializedSalon management platform emphasizing marketing automation, client retention, and appointment scheduling.
Automated marketing suite with Phorest Messenger for personalized SMS/email campaigns and review management
Phorest is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location clinics, offering online booking, POS, client management, and inventory tracking. It excels in marketing automation, including email/SMS campaigns and reputation management to drive client retention and revenue growth. The platform provides detailed analytics via Spotlight Reporting and supports staff scheduling and performance tracking for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation for client retention and rebooking
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
- Seamless online booking with customizable widgets
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small salons
- Initial learning curve for full feature utilization
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent tiers
Best For
Growing salons and multi-location businesses prioritizing marketing and client loyalty.
Pricing
Custom pricing via demo, typically €99-€299/month per location based on size and features.
Mangomint
specializedUser-friendly salon software for online bookings, payments, payroll, and inventory tracking.
Its consumer-app-like, beautifully designed interface that makes salon management feel effortless and enjoyable
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for beauty salons, spas, and wellness clinics. It provides comprehensive tools for online booking, staff scheduling, client CRM, POS payments, inventory management, automated marketing, and advanced reporting. The platform stands out with its modern, app-like interface that prioritizes ease of use and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive and visually stunning interface
- Robust automation for reminders, waitlists, and marketing
- Powerful reporting and multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to budget alternatives
- Limited third-party integrations
- No built-in two-way SMS in base plans
Best For
Mid-to-large salons and spas seeking a premium, modern platform with strong automation and client experience focus.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Solo plan), $205/month (Studio), $275/month (Growth); billed annually, scales with staff and locations.
GlossGenius
specializedMobile-first booking and business management app tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
Customizable, mobile-optimized booking pages with instant payments and deposits to minimize no-shows
GlossGenius is an all-in-one salon management platform tailored for beauty and wellness professionals, offering online booking, payment processing, client CRM, and marketing automation. It enables salons, spas, and independent stylists to manage appointments, process payments seamlessly, and engage clients via email and SMS campaigns. The software features a modern, mobile-first interface with customizable booking pages to enhance client experience and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go scheduling and management
- Seamless integrated payments with no-show protection
- Built-in marketing tools like automated reminders and Buzz campaigns
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Independent stylists, small salons, and beauty professionals who want a user-friendly, all-in-one platform without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Essentials, solo user), $44/month (Pro), up to $114+/month (Premier); billed annually or monthly with add-ons for payments.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud salon software providing scheduling, point-of-sale, and client management features.
Booth rental tracking and automated rent collection for salon owners managing independent stylists
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and barbershops, offering online appointment booking, client management, and staff scheduling. It includes inventory tracking, payment processing, and marketing automation to streamline daily operations. The platform supports multi-location businesses with robust reporting and mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- Strong inventory and booth rental management
- Integrated marketing tools like automated emails and texts
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and users
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Multi-stylist salons or spas with booth renters seeking all-in-one management and reporting.
Pricing
Essential ($29/mo), Professional ($69/mo), Premium ($129/mo), Enterprise (custom); per user, billed annually with add-ons extra.
Schedulicity
otherOnline appointment scheduling tool suitable for salons with reminders, payments, and calendar integration.
Embeddable 'Book Now' widget that works seamlessly across websites, Facebook, and Instagram for effortless client bookings
Schedulicity is a user-friendly online scheduling platform tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals, offering 24/7 client self-booking through customizable widgets and pages. It streamlines appointment management with shared calendars, automated reminders, payment integrations, and basic marketing tools like email campaigns. Ideal for small businesses, it supports solo practitioners to small teams without requiring advanced technical setup.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app access
- Free basic plan available for solopreneurs
- Strong online booking widget that embeds easily on websites and social media
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- No built-in POS system, requiring third-party integrations
- Customization options for booking pages are somewhat basic
Best For
Small salons, independent stylists, or beauty pros seeking simple, affordable online booking without complex features.
Pricing
Free for basic use (pay-per-lead model); paid plans start at $39/month (Solo), $59/month (Professional), up to $99+/month (Enterprise) with features like unlimited staff and advanced marketing.
Conclusion
After reviewing a diverse set of leading salon booking software, Vagaro clearly takes the top spot, offering an all-in-one solution for online bookings, payments, marketing, and client management. Fresha stands as a strong free alternative with a global client-acquisition focus, while Mindbody excels in comprehensive management features for wellness businesses of various scales. The range of options ensures there’s a fit for every salon, but Vagaro leads as the most versatile and reliable choice.
Ready to elevate your salon operations? Try Vagaro today to unlock seamless scheduling, efficient client management, and tools that grow your business—all in one powerful platform.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison