Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management platform for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and tracking inventory.
- 2#2: Mindbody - Robust business management software for salons and spas handling bookings, marketing, staff scheduling, and reporting.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free salon booking and management software with client reminders, payments, and online marketing tools.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Modern salon software for streamlined bookings, retail sales, payroll, and client retention features.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with AI-driven insights, multi-location support, and comprehensive operations.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Intuitive salon software focused on automation for bookings, payments, reporting, and client communication.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon management suite with marketing automation, reputation management, and advanced analytics.
- 8#8: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon software for appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and employee management.
- 9#9: Salon Iris - Affordable salon management tool for bookings, client tracking, payroll, and marketing.
- 10#10: Rosy - User-friendly salon software with online booking, digital forms, texting, and reporting capabilities.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across core areas like scheduling, payments, and client retention, and cater to everything from small studios to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Salon computer software simplifies operations, from appointments to billing, and selecting the right tool can enhance customer satisfaction. This comparison table details key features of popular platforms like Vagaro, Mindbody, Fresha, Boulevard, Zenoti, and more, equipping you to find the best fit for your salon’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management platform for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and tracking inventory. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Mindbody Robust business management software for salons and spas handling bookings, marketing, staff scheduling, and reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free salon booking and management software with client reminders, payments, and online marketing tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Modern salon software for streamlined bookings, retail sales, payroll, and client retention features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with AI-driven insights, multi-location support, and comprehensive operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Intuitive salon software focused on automation for bookings, payments, reporting, and client communication. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon management suite with marketing automation, reputation management, and advanced analytics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon software for appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and employee management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Salon Iris Affordable salon management tool for bookings, client tracking, payroll, and marketing. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Rosy User-friendly salon software with online booking, digital forms, texting, and reporting capabilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
All-in-one salon management platform for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and tracking inventory.
Robust business management software for salons and spas handling bookings, marketing, staff scheduling, and reporting.
Free salon booking and management software with client reminders, payments, and online marketing tools.
Modern salon software for streamlined bookings, retail sales, payroll, and client retention features.
Enterprise-grade salon and spa management system with AI-driven insights, multi-location support, and comprehensive operations.
Intuitive salon software focused on automation for bookings, payments, reporting, and client communication.
Salon management suite with marketing automation, reputation management, and advanced analytics.
Cloud-based salon software for appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and employee management.
Affordable salon management tool for bookings, client tracking, payroll, and marketing.
User-friendly salon software with online booking, digital forms, texting, and reporting capabilities.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management platform for scheduling appointments, managing clients, processing payments, and tracking inventory.
Vagaro Wellness Marketplace, which connects businesses to a vast network of clients for direct bookings and promotions
Vagaro is a comprehensive cloud-based salon and spa management software that streamlines operations for beauty and wellness businesses. It provides online booking, appointment scheduling, POS payments, inventory management, staff scheduling, payroll, and built-in marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and review management. With a mobile app and extensive integrations, it enables salons to manage everything from client retention to revenue growth in one platform.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with robust online booking and marketing automation
- User-friendly mobile app and seamless integrations with 200+ apps
- Powerful reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-location businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
Best For
Growing salon and spa owners needing a scalable, feature-rich system for bookings, payments, and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Start plan) up to $199+/month (Pro plan), plus 1-2% booking fees and optional add-ons like payroll.
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management software for salons and spas handling bookings, marketing, staff scheduling, and reporting.
Vast app marketplace with hundreds of integrations for payments, marketing, and salon-specific tools.
Mindbody is a robust cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, and client management. It includes POS systems, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns, and detailed reporting analytics. Ideal for scaling operations, it supports multi-location setups and integrates with third-party apps via its extensive marketplace.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution with strong online booking and client retention tools
- Extensive integrations and app marketplace for customization
- Powerful reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing with additional transaction fees
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller users
Best For
Multi-location salons or growing beauty businesses needing scalable scheduling, marketing, and POS in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan; Premium tiers $229+/month plus 2-3% transaction fees and custom enterprise quotes.
Fresha
specializedFree salon booking and management software with client reminders, payments, and online marketing tools.
Integrated client discovery marketplace that automatically brings in new bookings from a global pool of users.
Fresha is an all-in-one salon management platform designed for beauty, hair, and wellness businesses, offering online booking, appointment scheduling, POS payments, client CRM, and marketing tools. It enables salons to manage operations seamlessly across web and mobile apps, with features like inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and automated reminders. The platform stands out for its marketplace that connects businesses with new clients globally.
Pros
- Free core plan with no monthly subscription fees
- Comprehensive feature set including marketing and POS
- Strong mobile app and global client marketplace
Cons
- Commission fees on free plan for new bookings
- Some advanced customizations require premium upgrade
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response
Best For
Small to medium salons seeking a scalable, cost-effective solution with built-in client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free plan (with up to 20% commission on new online bookings until client lifetime value is met); Pro plans from $19/month per location for commission-free bookings and advanced features.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon software for streamlined bookings, retail sales, payroll, and client retention features.
Visual drag-and-drop calendar with AI-driven service recommendations and no-show protection
Boulevard is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, including salons, spas, and multi-location chains. It offers end-to-end functionality such as online booking, POS payments, staff scheduling, inventory management, and client CRM tools to streamline operations. The platform emphasizes a sleek, mobile-responsive interface that enhances both staff efficiency and client experience through features like automated reminders and marketing automation.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for real-time management
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for business insights
- Strong integrations with payment gateways, email marketing, and e-commerce tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small single-location salons
- Some advanced features require a learning curve
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to competitors
Best For
Growing salons and multi-location beauty businesses seeking a scalable, modern all-in-one platform.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$250/month per location, plus per-user fees and transaction-based add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon and spa management system with AI-driven insights, multi-location support, and comprehensive operations.
AI-powered client personalization and automated marketing campaigns for superior retention and upselling
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing end-to-end solutions including appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS, inventory management, and marketing automation. It excels in supporting multi-location operations with centralized dashboards, real-time analytics, and staff management tools. The software integrates payments, telephony, and e-commerce to streamline salon workflows from booking to retention.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one feature set including AI-driven marketing and analytics
- Excellent multi-location support with centralized control
- Strong integrations with payments, telephony, and third-party apps
Cons
- High cost with custom quote-based pricing
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams
- Overkill for single-location independent salons
Best For
Ideal for multi-location salon chains and growing enterprises needing scalable, enterprise-grade management tools.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $250-$500 per month per location, plus setup fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Mangomint
specializedIntuitive salon software focused on automation for bookings, payments, reporting, and client communication.
Intelligent waitlist and booth rental management with automated notifications
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and clinics, offering seamless online booking, point-of-sale (POS) systems, client management, and inventory tracking. It streamlines daily operations with automated reminders, staff scheduling, reporting, and marketing tools to boost efficiency and revenue. The platform stands out for its intuitive, mobile-responsive interface that feels more like a consumer app than traditional business software.
Pros
- Sleek, intuitive interface with lightning-fast performance
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including advanced inventory and reporting
- Responsive customer support and regular updates
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to entry-level competitors
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- No perpetual free trial, only demos available
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas prioritizing a premium user experience and automation over budget constraints.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Solo plan (1 location); Essentials $275/month, Plus $450+/month; custom enterprise pricing.
Phorest
specializedSalon management suite with marketing automation, reputation management, and advanced analytics.
Advanced reputation management with automated review requests and response tools
Phorest is a comprehensive cloud-based salon and spa management software designed to streamline operations for beauty businesses. It offers appointment scheduling, POS transactions, inventory management, staff scheduling, and powerful marketing automation tools. The platform emphasizes client retention through personalized communications, loyalty programs, and reputation management features integrated across web, mobile apps, and kiosks.
Pros
- Robust marketing automation and client communication tools
- Seamless integration of booking, POS, and inventory management
- Strong mobile apps for staff and clients
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit small salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency upfront
Best For
Multi-location salons and spas needing integrated marketing and client retention tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-$400 per month per location depending on users and add-ons.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon software for appointment scheduling, POS, inventory, and employee management.
Advanced booth rental management with automated rent collection and stylist performance tracking
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and multi-location businesses, offering appointment scheduling, online booking, and POS capabilities. It includes client management, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, marketing automation, and comprehensive reporting tools to streamline daily operations. The software supports booth rental management, making it ideal for hybrid salon models with independent stylists.
Pros
- Robust scheduling and online booking with calendar syncing
- Strong booth rental and commission tracking features
- Detailed reporting and marketing automation tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller salons
- Occasional glitches in mobile app reported by users
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Medium-sized salons or spas with booth renters seeking comprehensive management and marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for basic Salon plan (1 user), scales to $165+/month for advanced Spa/Med Spa plans with unlimited users and features.
Salon Iris
specializedAffordable salon management tool for bookings, client tracking, payroll, and marketing.
Advanced Booth Rent Pro for tracking suite renter commissions, expenses, and performance metrics
Salon Iris is a comprehensive salon management software designed for beauty salons, spas, barbershops, and wellness centers. It provides essential tools like appointment scheduling, client relationship management, inventory tracking, POS integration, and staff scheduling. Additionally, it offers marketing automation, reporting dashboards, and specialized booth rental management to streamline daily operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Robust booth rental and commission tracking
- Integrated online booking and marketing tools
- Strong customer support with dedicated training
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly with locations and add-ons
- Limited third-party integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized salons and spas with booth renters seeking an all-in-one management platform.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Essential plan (1 location), up to $165+/month for Enterprise; per-client and extra user fees apply.
Rosy
specializedUser-friendly salon software with online booking, digital forms, texting, and reporting capabilities.
Booth rental management with automated rent collection, commission splits, and stylist performance tracking
Rosy (hellorosy.com) is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for beauty salons, spas, and medical spas, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client management, POS transactions, and inventory control. It includes marketing automation via email and SMS, detailed reporting, and booth rental management to handle independent stylists. The platform emphasizes ease of use with a drag-and-drop calendar and mobile app access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coding and waitlists
- Strong booth rental and commission tracking for multi-stylist salons
- Reliable customer support and mobile app for staff
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party tools like advanced e-commerce platforms
- Pricing can add up for multi-location or high-volume salons
- Reporting customization lacks depth compared to top competitors
Best For
Medium-sized salons with booth-renting stylists who need streamlined scheduling and payout management without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $55/month for basic plan (1 user), scales to $115+/month for Pro plans with unlimited users and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
Choosing the best salon computer software hinges on balancing functionality and specific needs, and the top tools deliver excellence across scheduling, payments, and client management. At the forefront, Vagaro leads as the top choice, offering a seamless all-in-one platform that streamlines operations from appointments to inventory. Close behind, Mindbody and Fresha stand as strong alternatives—Mindbody with robust business management features and Fresha with its free, user-friendly approach—catering to diverse business goals.
Explore Vagaro today to unlock a comprehensive solution that simplifies management and boosts growth, aligning with your salon's unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison