Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management software for scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free booking, POS, and business management platform tailored for salons and spas worldwide.
- 3#3: Mangomint - Modern salon software with automated workflows, payments, and exceptional client experience features.
- 4#4: Booksy - Mobile-first appointment booking and management app for beauty and wellness professionals.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Premium salon and spa software with advanced retail, reporting, and client retention tools.
- 6#6: Mindbody - Comprehensive management solution for wellness businesses including salons, with class and booking features.
- 7#7: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling operations, CRM, and analytics.
- 8#8: Phorest - Salon CRM software focused on marketing, loyalty programs, and business growth tools.
- 9#9: StyleSeat - Online booking and marketplace platform connecting clients with independent beauty professionals.
- 10#10: SalonBiz - Complete salon management system for appointments, inventory, payroll, and reporting.
We evaluated these tools based on functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, prioritizing features that streamline tasks like scheduling, payments, and client retention while ensuring adaptability to evolving business demands.
Comparison Table
Salon business management software simplifies operations, from appointments to payments, and the right tool can boost workflow efficiency. This comparison table outlines options like Vagaro, Fresha, Mangomint, Booksy, Boulevard, and more, examining features, usability, and cost. Readers will discover critical details to choose software tailored to their salon’s size and specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management software for scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free booking, POS, and business management platform tailored for salons and spas worldwide. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Mangomint Modern salon software with automated workflows, payments, and exceptional client experience features. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Booksy Mobile-first appointment booking and management app for beauty and wellness professionals. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Premium salon and spa software with advanced retail, reporting, and client retention tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Mindbody Comprehensive management solution for wellness businesses including salons, with class and booking features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling operations, CRM, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Phorest Salon CRM software focused on marketing, loyalty programs, and business growth tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | StyleSeat Online booking and marketplace platform connecting clients with independent beauty professionals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | SalonBiz Complete salon management system for appointments, inventory, payroll, and reporting. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 6.8/10 |
All-in-one salon management software for scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
Free booking, POS, and business management platform tailored for salons and spas worldwide.
Modern salon software with automated workflows, payments, and exceptional client experience features.
Mobile-first appointment booking and management app for beauty and wellness professionals.
Premium salon and spa software with advanced retail, reporting, and client retention tools.
Comprehensive management solution for wellness businesses including salons, with class and booking features.
Enterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling operations, CRM, and analytics.
Salon CRM software focused on marketing, loyalty programs, and business growth tools.
Online booking and marketplace platform connecting clients with independent beauty professionals.
Complete salon management system for appointments, inventory, payroll, and reporting.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management software for scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in discovery platform that connects businesses directly with local clients searching for services
Vagaro is a leading all-in-one cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and fitness studios, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, POS payments, and client management. It includes powerful marketing tools like automated email/SMS campaigns, loyalty programs, and a consumer marketplace for client discovery. With robust reporting, inventory tracking, and a mobile app for on-the-go access, Vagaro streamlines operations and drives revenue growth for beauty and wellness businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including online booking, POS, and marketing automation
- User-friendly interface with intuitive mobile app
- Excellent marketplace integration for attracting new clients
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-location businesses
- Some advanced features locked behind premium plans
- Occasional reports of sync delays between app and web
Best For
Growing salon and spa owners seeking a robust, scalable platform with strong client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter, 1 location) up to $169/month (Premium), plus $10-25 per additional location and optional add-ons like payroll.
Fresha
specializedFree booking, POS, and business management platform tailored for salons and spas worldwide.
Integrated global marketplace that connects businesses with new clients searching for local services, driving organic bookings.
Fresha is a cloud-based, all-in-one management platform tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client management, and POS capabilities. It includes inventory tracking, staff rostering, automated reminders, marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns, and detailed reporting analytics. The platform stands out with its free core software model, enabling businesses to manage operations efficiently without monthly subscription fees.
Pros
- Free core platform with no monthly fees, only transaction-based costs
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop scheduling for easy daily use
- Built-in marketplace for client discovery and automated marketing tools
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 2-3% + processing) on online bookings can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Limited customization options for advanced reporting or branding
- Customer support primarily email-based, with slower response times for free users
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons, spas, and beauty businesses looking for a user-friendly, cost-effective all-in-one solution without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Free to use with no monthly fees; charges apply per online booking (typically 20p + VAT or 2% commission option) plus standard payment processing fees via integrated gateways.
Mangomint
specializedModern salon software with automated workflows, payments, and exceptional client experience features.
Seamless membership and package automation with built-in revenue optimization tools
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon and spa management software that streamlines operations for beauty businesses with features like online booking, POS, client CRM, staff scheduling, inventory management, and advanced reporting. Its intuitive interface and mobile app make it easy to manage appointments, payments, and marketing on the go. Designed for growth-oriented salons, it excels in automating memberships, packages, and client retention strategies to maximize revenue.
Pros
- Stunning, intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Powerful automation for bookings, marketing, and payroll
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-location scalability
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small salons
- Limited third-party integrations
- Advanced features have a slight learning curve
Best For
Growing salons and spas with multiple locations seeking a premium, user-friendly all-in-one solution.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Solo plan) billed annually, scaling to $550+/month for multi-location teams; custom enterprise pricing available.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first appointment booking and management app for beauty and wellness professionals.
Booksy Marketplace, a consumer app that allows clients to discover and book services from nearby professionals, acting as a built-in lead generator.
Booksy is a robust online booking and management platform tailored for salons, barbershops, spas, and beauty professionals, enabling seamless appointment scheduling, client communication, and payment processing. It offers tools for staff management, automated reminders, marketing campaigns, and a consumer-facing marketplace to attract new clients. With dedicated mobile apps for both professionals and clients, Booksy streamlines operations while boosting visibility in local markets.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking and calendar management with real-time availability
- Powerful marketing tools like Boost ads and no-show protection
- Client discovery marketplace that drives new bookings
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 2.7%) can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support response times vary, especially for free-tier users
Best For
Small to medium salons and independent beauty professionals seeking easy booking and client acquisition tools without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan available with basic features; Pro plans start at $29.99/month per location, plus ~2.7% + $0.50 per paid booking.
Boulevard
enterprisePremium salon and spa software with advanced retail, reporting, and client retention tools.
Frictionless Checkout that combines services, retail upsells, tips, and payments in a single, customizable screen
Boulevard is a premium cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and barbershops, offering end-to-end tools for appointment scheduling, POS transactions, client management, and inventory tracking. It excels in revenue optimization through marketing automation, loyalty programs, and dynamic pricing features. The software supports multi-location businesses with robust reporting and staff performance analytics, all accessible via intuitive web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Modern, visually appealing interface with strong mobile support
- Powerful marketing and client retention tools like automated campaigns and loyalty programs
- Comprehensive multi-location management and detailed analytics
Cons
- High pricing that may overwhelm small single-location salons
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent public pricing tiers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
Best For
Established multi-location salons and high-end spas prioritizing premium client experiences and revenue growth tools.
Pricing
Starts at approximately $275/month per location for core plans, scaling to $500+ for enterprise features; custom quotes via sales demo.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive management solution for wellness businesses including salons, with class and booking features.
Vast Mindbody App Marketplace with over 100 integrations for tailored salon workflows
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing tools for appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, and point-of-sale operations. It streamlines daily operations with features like staff scheduling, inventory tracking, automated marketing, and detailed reporting analytics. The software also supports multi-location management and integrates with numerous third-party apps to enhance functionality for salon owners.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including online booking, CRM, and marketing automation
- Large app marketplace for integrations and customizations
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High pricing with additional transaction fees
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized salons or multi-location businesses needing an all-in-one platform with advanced marketing and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Starter plan, up to $429+/month for Premier; plus 2.75-2.99% payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade cloud platform for salons and spas handling operations, CRM, and analytics.
Centralized multi-location dashboard with real-time analytics and cross-location inventory synchronization
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering end-to-end management from appointment booking and staff scheduling to inventory and CRM. It excels in multi-location operations with tools for marketing automation, analytics, and payments. Designed for scalability, it helps businesses streamline operations and boost revenue through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI-driven marketing and analytics
- Superior multi-location management and scalability
- Integrated payments and e-commerce capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing that may not suit small salons
- Custom implementation can take time
Best For
Large salon chains or multi-location businesses needing enterprise-grade tools for growth and centralized control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $200-$500 per month per location, with additional fees for users, add-ons, and setup.
Phorest
specializedSalon CRM software focused on marketing, loyalty programs, and business growth tools.
Reputation management tool that automates review requests and integrates with Google for visibility.
Phorest is a comprehensive all-in-one salon and spa management software that streamlines operations with online booking, POS, client CRM, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It excels in marketing automation, sending personalized SMS/email campaigns, loyalty programs, and reputation management to boost client retention and revenue. Advanced reporting and analytics provide actionable insights, making it ideal for growth-focused businesses.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation with SMS/email personalization
- Robust reporting and multi-location support
- Strong reputation management for reviews
Cons
- Higher pricing with custom quotes and setup fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization in some reporting areas
Best For
Multi-location salons and spas prioritizing client retention through marketing and analytics.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$250/month per location, plus setup fees (~$1,000+) and per-client charges; no public tiers.
StyleSeat
specializedOnline booking and marketplace platform connecting clients with independent beauty professionals.
The integrated marketplace that connects professionals with new local clients searching for services.
StyleSeat is an online booking and management platform tailored for independent beauty and wellness professionals, such as hairstylists, makeup artists, and nail technicians. It enables users to create customizable profiles, manage appointments, process payments, and send automated reminders via a user-friendly mobile app and web interface. While it includes a marketplace for client discovery, it lacks robust tools for multi-staff salon operations like inventory tracking or advanced reporting.
Pros
- Intuitive booking and calendar management with mobile app support
- Built-in marketplace for attracting new clients
- Seamless payment processing and automated reminders to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Limited scalability for larger salons with multiple staff members
- Transaction fees and commission can add up (2.75% + $0.30 per booking)
- Lacks advanced features like inventory management, payroll, or comprehensive reporting
Best For
Independent stylists and solo beauty professionals seeking easy online booking and client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free basic plan with 2.75% + $0.30 transaction fees; Pro plan at $35/month per provider for premium features like no-show protection and priority support.
SalonBiz
specializedComplete salon management system for appointments, inventory, payroll, and reporting.
SalonDelivery Prime for automated, personalized marketing campaigns via text and email
SalonBiz is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and barbershops, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client tracking, and point-of-sale operations. It includes inventory management, staff scheduling, payroll processing, and detailed reporting to optimize business performance. The platform emphasizes marketing automation through features like SalonDelivery Prime for targeted client communications.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with online booking and kiosk support
- Integrated POS and inventory management
- Strong marketing tools including automated texting and emailing
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and clunky
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Pricing escalates quickly for additional users and features
Best For
Small to mid-sized salons seeking robust marketing automation alongside core management functions.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic single-user plans, scaling to $99+/month for multi-user pro tiers; add-ons like marketing extra.
Conclusion
Reviewing 10 top salon business management tools reveals Vagaro as the standout choice, offering a versatile all-in-one solution for scheduling, payments, marketing, and client management. Fresha and Mangomint, though distinct, excel as strong alternatives—Fresha with its global, free booking and POS platform, and Mangomint through automated workflows that enhance the client experience. Each tool caters to unique needs, but Vagaro leads as the most comprehensive option.
Take the next step in streamlining your salon’s operations by trying Vagaro today, or explore Fresha or Mangomint if your priorities lean toward free tools or automated workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison