Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management software with client database, appointment scheduling, marketing automation, and payment processing.
- 2#2: Mindbody - Robust platform for salons offering client management, online booking, staff scheduling, and integrated CRM database features.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free salon booking and management tool with powerful client database, automated reminders, and revenue tracking.
- 4#4: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon software providing advanced client database, multi-location management, and analytics.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Modern salon platform with centralized client database, customizable bookings, and retail inventory management.
- 6#6: Phorest - Salon management system focused on client database retention, SMS marketing, and performance reporting.
- 7#7: Mangomint - Sleek salon software with intuitive client database, automated workflows, and contactless payments.
- 8#8: Salon Iris - Affordable salon management tool featuring client tracking database, appointment books, and inventory control.
- 9#9: Square Appointments - User-friendly scheduling software with built-in client database, invoicing, and seamless payment integration for salons.
- 10#10: Schedulicity - Online booking platform with client database management, reminders, and reporting tailored for beauty professionals.
Tools were selected based on key features (client management, scheduling, and integration), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of both small studios and larger operations.
Comparison Table
Salon database software simplifies managing appointments, clients, and operations, and this comparison table explores top tools like Vagaro, Mindbody, Fresha, Zenoti, Boulevard, and more. It breaks down key features, pricing structures, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their salon's specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management software with client database, appointment scheduling, marketing automation, and payment processing. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Mindbody Robust platform for salons offering client management, online booking, staff scheduling, and integrated CRM database features. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free salon booking and management tool with powerful client database, automated reminders, and revenue tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon software providing advanced client database, multi-location management, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Modern salon platform with centralized client database, customizable bookings, and retail inventory management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Phorest Salon management system focused on client database retention, SMS marketing, and performance reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Mangomint Sleek salon software with intuitive client database, automated workflows, and contactless payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Salon Iris Affordable salon management tool featuring client tracking database, appointment books, and inventory control. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Square Appointments User-friendly scheduling software with built-in client database, invoicing, and seamless payment integration for salons. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Schedulicity Online booking platform with client database management, reminders, and reporting tailored for beauty professionals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
Comprehensive salon management software with client database, appointment scheduling, marketing automation, and payment processing.
Robust platform for salons offering client management, online booking, staff scheduling, and integrated CRM database features.
Free salon booking and management tool with powerful client database, automated reminders, and revenue tracking.
Enterprise-grade salon software providing advanced client database, multi-location management, and analytics.
Modern salon platform with centralized client database, customizable bookings, and retail inventory management.
Salon management system focused on client database retention, SMS marketing, and performance reporting.
Sleek salon software with intuitive client database, automated workflows, and contactless payments.
Affordable salon management tool featuring client tracking database, appointment books, and inventory control.
User-friendly scheduling software with built-in client database, invoicing, and seamless payment integration for salons.
Online booking platform with client database management, reminders, and reporting tailored for beauty professionals.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management software with client database, appointment scheduling, marketing automation, and payment processing.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in e-commerce hub for selling products, gift cards, and memberships directly from the client database interface.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform that excels as a salon database software by centralizing client profiles, appointment histories, service preferences, and purchase records. It streamlines operations with integrated scheduling, inventory tracking, payment processing, and marketing tools tailored for salons, spas, and fitness studios. Advanced reporting and analytics provide deep insights into client behavior and business performance, making it a powerhouse for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Robust client database with detailed profiles, notes, and automated history tracking
- Intuitive calendar and online booking system with 24/7 client access
- Powerful marketing automation, reporting, and Vagaro Marketplace for revenue growth
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and per-location fees
- Some advanced customizations require higher tiers or integrations
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses needing a scalable database for client management and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Starter (1 user/location), up to $165+/month for Elite; additional transaction fees for bookings (1%) and payments (2.75%).
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust platform for salons offering client management, online booking, staff scheduling, and integrated CRM database features.
Advanced CRM with automated marketing automation and client retention analytics
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing robust client database management, appointment scheduling, and business operations tools. It centralizes client profiles with detailed histories, preferences, and purchase data to enable personalized services and loyalty programs. The software also integrates online booking, payments, inventory tracking, and marketing automation for streamlined salon operations.
Pros
- Powerful client database with customizable profiles and interaction histories
- Seamless integration of scheduling, payments, and reporting
- Extensive marketing tools including automated email/SMS campaigns
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- High pricing that may overwhelm small salons
- Occasional reports of system glitches and slow customer support
Best For
Medium to large salons or multi-location beauty businesses needing an all-in-one CRM and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for basic plans, with premium tiers $250-$500+/month plus transaction fees; custom quotes required.
Fresha
specializedFree salon booking and management tool with powerful client database, automated reminders, and revenue tracking.
Global client discovery marketplace that connects businesses directly to new customers searching for salon services
Fresha is an all-in-one management platform tailored for salons, spas, and beauty businesses, offering robust client database management alongside online booking, POS, inventory tracking, and marketing tools. It centralizes client profiles with appointment histories, preferences, notes, and automated reminders to enhance retention and personalization. The software also features a vast marketplace for client discovery, making it a comprehensive database solution for salon operations.
Pros
- Free core platform with no upfront subscription fees
- Integrated client marketplace drives new bookings
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go database access and management
Cons
- Commission fees (up to 20%) on new online bookings
- Advanced reporting and customization limited in free tier
- Occasional glitches in peak usage times
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons and independent beauty professionals needing an accessible, commission-based client database with built-in booking discovery.
Pricing
Free plan with 20% commission on new online bookings; premium plans from $19/month per location with commissions dropping to 2.5-0%.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon software providing advanced client database, multi-location management, and analytics.
AI-powered business intelligence dashboard providing predictive analytics for client retention and revenue growth
Zenoti is a robust, cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering comprehensive tools for client database management, appointment scheduling, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It excels in CRM capabilities, payment processing, marketing automation, and advanced reporting to streamline operations across single or multi-location setups. The software integrates AI-driven insights for revenue forecasting and personalized client experiences.
Pros
- Highly scalable for multi-location salons with centralized client database and real-time syncing
- Advanced CRM and marketing tools including automated campaigns and loyalty programs
- Strong analytics with AI predictions for inventory and revenue optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Premium pricing that may overwhelm small, single-location salons
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times during peak periods
Best For
Medium to large salon chains or multi-location businesses seeking an enterprise-grade solution for client data management and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $250-$500 per month per location, with add-ons for advanced features and scaling by user count.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon platform with centralized client database, customizable bookings, and retail inventory management.
Frictionless Checkout with dynamic upsells and no-show protection integrated directly into the booking flow
Boulevard (boulevard.biz) is a premium cloud-based salon management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses, offering a robust database for client profiles, appointment scheduling, staff management, and inventory tracking. It streamlines operations with integrated POS, online booking, and marketing tools to enhance client retention and revenue. Ideal for scaling salons, it emphasizes seamless multi-location support and data-driven insights through customizable reporting.
Pros
- Modern, intuitive interface with excellent mobile app support
- Powerful client database with automated marketing and retention tools
- Seamless integrations for payments, calendars, and e-commerce
Cons
- High pricing that may not suit small salons
- Limited advanced reporting customizations
- Occasional learning curve for complex multi-location setups
Best For
Multi-location salon chains and premium beauty businesses seeking scalable, client-focused database management.
Pricing
Starts at $275/month per location (Essentials plan), with Pro at $450/month and Enterprise custom; additional per-client or transaction fees may apply.
Phorest
specializedSalon management system focused on client database retention, SMS marketing, and performance reporting.
Campaign Manager for targeted, automated marketing campaigns with built-in segmentation and performance tracking
Phorest is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform designed specifically for salons and spas, offering appointment scheduling, client database management, POS integration, and inventory tracking. It excels in marketing automation with tools like SMS/email campaigns, loyalty programs, and reputation management to boost client retention and acquisition. The software also provides advanced reporting, staff scheduling, and multi-location support, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Powerful marketing tools including automated SMS/email campaigns and reputation management
- Detailed analytics and reporting for business insights
- Seamless online booking and client self-service portal
Cons
- Higher cost structure, especially for smaller salons
- Steeper learning curve during initial setup and training
- Customer support can be inconsistent according to some users
Best For
Growing or multi-location salons and spas that prioritize advanced marketing and analytics over simplicity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$300/month per location depending on users and features; includes implementation fees.
Mangomint
specializedSleek salon software with intuitive client database, automated workflows, and contactless payments.
Advanced automation engine for custom workflows like dynamic waitlists and intelligent client re-engagement
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon and spa management software that provides comprehensive tools for appointment scheduling, client database management, POS transactions, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and automated marketing. It emphasizes a sleek user interface and powerful automation workflows to streamline daily operations for beauty businesses. With integrations for payments, email marketing, and accounting, it serves as an all-in-one solution for salons aiming to enhance efficiency and client retention.
Pros
- Sleek, intuitive interface that feels premium and modern
- Powerful automation for waitlists, rebooking, and reminders
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic competitors
- Limited third-party integrations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Medium-sized salons and spas prioritizing a polished, automation-heavy platform over budget options.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Solo plan) for 1 user/location, scales to $495+/month for multi-location/staff plans; annual discounts available.
Salon Iris
specializedAffordable salon management tool featuring client tracking database, appointment books, and inventory control.
Booth Rent Pro module for tracking renter schedules, commissions, and expenses in booth rental salons
Salon Iris is a cloud-based salon management software tailored for beauty salons, spas, and barbershops, offering comprehensive tools for appointment scheduling, client database management, POS transactions, and inventory tracking. It includes features like online booking, automated text/email reminders, staff performance reporting, and marketing automation to streamline daily operations and improve client retention. The platform supports both commission-based and booth rental business models, making it versatile for various salon structures.
Pros
- Robust client database with detailed history and retention tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app access
- Strong reporting and booth rental management capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and multiple locations
- Occasional reports of software glitches during peak times
- Limited advanced customizations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas, especially those using booth rental models, seeking an all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Basic (1 user), $119/month for Pro, up to $215/month for Enterprise; per-user fees apply beyond base plans.
Square Appointments
specializedUser-friendly scheduling software with built-in client database, invoicing, and seamless payment integration for salons.
Built-in Square payments integration that processes bookings and tips instantly without needing separate hardware.
Square Appointments is an all-in-one scheduling and client management platform tailored for salons, spas, and service-based businesses, offering online booking, calendar management, and a centralized client database with service history and preferences. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS for payments, inventory tracking, and reporting, making it easy to manage appointments and customer data in one place. While robust for small operations, it emphasizes simplicity over advanced customization for larger salon chains.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for payments and inventory
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Free plan available for solo practitioners or single-location salons
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for complex salon needs
- Transaction fees on payments can add up for high-volume businesses
- Basic client database lacks some salon-specific fields like detailed product allergies or custom tags
Best For
Ideal for small salons, solo stylists, or barbershops seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution for basic client database management and scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for single location/location; Plus at $29/month; Premium at $69/month; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
Schedulicity
specializedOnline booking platform with client database management, reminders, and reporting tailored for beauty professionals.
Embeddable booking widget that allows clients to self-schedule directly on your salon website with real-time availability.
Schedulicity is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for service providers like salons, enabling 24/7 online booking, client management, and automated reminders. It maintains a comprehensive client database with history tracking, preferences, and notes, while supporting staff scheduling and payment integrations. The software emphasizes ease of use for small businesses, with marketing tools to fill calendars and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Strong online booking and reminder system
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No native inventory or POS for retail sales
- Customer support primarily email/chat, no phone for basic plans
Best For
Small salons or solo beauty professionals seeking simple, reliable scheduling and basic client database management without needing full spa enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $34.90/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $79.90/month (Premium); pay-as-you-go available at higher rates.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 salon database software, Vagaro emerges as the leading choice, boasting a comprehensive blend of client management, scheduling, marketing automation, and payment processing. Mindbody follows with its robust platform, perfect for those needing advanced CRM and multi-location tools, while Fresha impresses as a strong free alternative with efficient booking and tracking. Each option caters to specific needs, but Vagaro excels in all-encompassing functionality.
Take the next step—try Vagaro to streamline your salon operations, strengthen client connections, and unlock tailored growth tailored to your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison