Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management platform with advanced employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics.
- 2#2: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software featuring robust staff rostering, payroll integration, and productivity tools for salons.
- 3#3: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon software offering deep employee management with scheduling, performance metrics, and workforce analytics.
- 4#4: Boulevard - Modern salon platform focused on employee efficiency through intelligent scheduling, goal tracking, and commission management.
- 5#5: Mangomint - Streamlined salon management system with intuitive employee calendars, time tracking, and automated payroll features.
- 6#6: Fresha - Cloud-based booking software with staff roster management, shift planning, and earnings reports for salons.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon CRM and management tool providing employee performance insights, scheduling, and commission calculations.
- 8#8: Rosy Salon Software - User-friendly salon software with employee scheduling, time clock, and payroll reporting capabilities.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Reliable salon management solution featuring staff management, appointment scheduling, and commission tracking.
- 10#10: Salon Iris - Cloud salon software offering employee time tracking, scheduling, and customizable commission structures.
Tools were rigorously evaluated based on core functionality (scheduling, commission tracking, performance analytics), ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to salons of all sizes and operational styles.
Comparison Table
Explore a side-by-side comparison of top salon employee management software, featuring Vagaro, Mindbody, Zenoti, Boulevard, Mangomint, and more, to identify tools that align with your salon’s unique operational and team support needs. This table simplifies evaluation by outlining core features, usability, and practical benefits, helping you make informed choices for efficient staff management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management platform with advanced employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software featuring robust staff rostering, payroll integration, and productivity tools for salons. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon software offering deep employee management with scheduling, performance metrics, and workforce analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Boulevard Modern salon platform focused on employee efficiency through intelligent scheduling, goal tracking, and commission management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Mangomint Streamlined salon management system with intuitive employee calendars, time tracking, and automated payroll features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Fresha Cloud-based booking software with staff roster management, shift planning, and earnings reports for salons. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon CRM and management tool providing employee performance insights, scheduling, and commission calculations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Rosy Salon Software User-friendly salon software with employee scheduling, time clock, and payroll reporting capabilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Reliable salon management solution featuring staff management, appointment scheduling, and commission tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Salon Iris Cloud salon software offering employee time tracking, scheduling, and customizable commission structures. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
All-in-one salon management platform with advanced employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics.
Comprehensive business management software featuring robust staff rostering, payroll integration, and productivity tools for salons.
Enterprise-grade salon software offering deep employee management with scheduling, performance metrics, and workforce analytics.
Modern salon platform focused on employee efficiency through intelligent scheduling, goal tracking, and commission management.
Streamlined salon management system with intuitive employee calendars, time tracking, and automated payroll features.
Cloud-based booking software with staff roster management, shift planning, and earnings reports for salons.
Salon CRM and management tool providing employee performance insights, scheduling, and commission calculations.
User-friendly salon software with employee scheduling, time clock, and payroll reporting capabilities.
Reliable salon management solution featuring staff management, appointment scheduling, and commission tracking.
Cloud salon software offering employee time tracking, scheduling, and customizable commission structures.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management platform with advanced employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics.
Automated Commission Engine that handles complex multi-tier structures, gratuities, and payouts seamlessly
Vagaro is a leading cloud-based salon management platform that excels in employee management for salons, spas, and fitness studios. It provides tools for staff scheduling, automated commission tracking, performance analytics, and payroll reporting, enabling owners to optimize workforce efficiency. The mobile employee app allows staff to manage their own schedules, clock in/out, and view earnings in real-time, while integrations with payroll services streamline operations.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and real-time availability
- Automated commission and tip calculations with customizable structures
- Comprehensive performance reports and employee self-service mobile app
Cons
- Full employee management features require higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
- Additional per-staff fees can add up for large teams
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons needing advanced employee scheduling, commission automation, and performance tracking in an all-in-one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Team plan for 1 user) up to $249/month (Elite), plus $10 per additional staff member and optional 2.75% payment processing.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software featuring robust staff rostering, payroll integration, and productivity tools for salons.
Intelligent commission engine that automates pay calculations based on services, retail sales, and custom rules
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for salons and spas, offering robust employee management tools including staff scheduling, commission tracking, performance analytics, and payroll integrations. It streamlines workforce operations by allowing managers to handle shifts, time tracking, and productivity reports in one dashboard. Beyond employees, it integrates client bookings and payments, making it a full business solution for beauty industry professionals.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and real-time availability
- Detailed commission and payroll tracking with customizable reports
- Mobile app for staff to clock in/out and view schedules on the go
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small salons
- Occasional glitches in reporting and customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons with multiple employees needing integrated scheduling, payroll, and performance management.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials plan, with tiers up to $429/month for Enterprise; additional fees for payment processing and add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon software offering deep employee management with scheduling, performance metrics, and workforce analytics.
AI-powered workforce insights for predictive scheduling and performance optimization
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with robust employee management features including scheduling, attendance tracking, performance analytics, and commission calculations. It integrates staff management seamlessly with appointments, inventory, payments, and customer CRM to optimize salon operations. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-location enterprises while providing mobile access for on-the-go staff management.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts and real-time availability
- Automated commission tracking and performance dashboards
- Seamless integration with payroll and multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing unsuitable for small single-location salons
- Occasional customization limitations in reporting
Best For
Multi-location salon chains requiring scalable, integrated employee management alongside full business operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$250/month per location, scaling with users, modules, and features; free demo available.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon platform focused on employee efficiency through intelligent scheduling, goal tracking, and commission management.
Intelligent Wage & Commission Engine that automates complex earnings calculations across tips, sales, and performance metrics
Boulevard is a comprehensive cloud-based salon management platform that excels in employee management for salons, spas, and barbershops, featuring advanced scheduling, time tracking, and automated payroll processing. It integrates employee performance analytics with booking, POS, and client management to optimize workforce efficiency. The software supports multi-location operations and provides real-time dashboards for managers to monitor productivity and commissions.
Pros
- Robust employee scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and automated notifications
- Advanced commission engine that handles complex payout structures accurately
- Real-time performance reporting and employee self-service portals for clock-ins and shifts
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for smaller salons
- Initial setup and customization require some training
- Limited free trial period and fewer budget-friendly plans
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons or multi-location businesses seeking scalable employee management with deep integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $295/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+ for enterprise features; custom quotes available.
Mangomint
specializedStreamlined salon management system with intuitive employee calendars, time tracking, and automated payroll features.
Sophisticated commission calculator that automates multi-tiered, service-based, and performance-linked payouts
Mangomint is a premium salon management software tailored for salons and spas, focusing on streamlining employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance management. It provides tools for drag-and-drop scheduling, automated payroll reports, client assignments, and detailed analytics to optimize staff productivity. Beyond employee management, it integrates bookings, payments, inventory, and marketing to support overall salon operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Advanced commission engine for complex payout structures
- Dedicated employee portal for clock-ins, tips, and performance tracking
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small salons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Reporting customization could be more flexible
Best For
Medium-sized salons and spas seeking a modern, visually appealing platform for efficient employee scheduling and commission management.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (Essential, up to 5 staff) to $545/month (Ultimate, unlimited staff), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Fresha
specializedCloud-based booking software with staff roster management, shift planning, and earnings reports for salons.
Free platform access combined with automated staff performance dashboards showing earnings, attendance, and client ratings
Fresha is a comprehensive booking and management platform for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering integrated employee management tools like staff rostering, shift scheduling, and performance tracking. It enables salon managers to assign staff to appointments, monitor productivity through real-time dashboards, calculate commissions, and handle basic payroll elements alongside client bookings and payments. While versatile for overall operations, its employee features focus on efficiency in scheduling and performance rather than advanced HR functionalities.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscription fees
- Intuitive staff rostering and real-time scheduling
- Integrated performance analytics and commission tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools like full payroll integration
- Transaction fees on new client bookings
- Less customization for complex multi-location staff management
Best For
Small to medium salons needing simple, cost-free employee scheduling integrated with bookings and payments.
Pricing
Free forever with no monthly fees; small commission (e.g., 20p per booking or 2.19% + fixed fee on payments) only on new client online transactions.
Phorest
specializedSalon CRM and management tool providing employee performance insights, scheduling, and commission calculations.
Intelligent commission engine that automates complex payout calculations based on sales, retail, and custom rules
Phorest is a cloud-based salon and spa management platform with robust employee management tools, including drag-and-drop staff rostering, performance tracking, and automated commission calculations. It integrates employee schedules with client bookings, POS transactions, and sales data to monitor productivity and set performance goals. The software also provides mobile apps for staff to access rosters, clock in/out, and view earnings in real-time.
Pros
- Advanced rostering with automated notifications and shift swapping
- Comprehensive performance analytics and customizable commission structures
- Seamless integration with bookings and POS for accurate employee tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small salons
- Limited standalone HR tools without full platform commitment
Best For
Medium to large salons and spas needing integrated employee scheduling, performance insights, and commissions within a complete business management system.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$200/month per location, plus per-user fees and setup costs; contact sales for details.
Rosy Salon Software
specializedUser-friendly salon software with employee scheduling, time clock, and payroll reporting capabilities.
Automated commission engine that calculates earnings in real-time based on customizable service splits and booth rental deductions
Rosy Salon Software is a cloud-based all-in-one management platform designed for salons and spas, with strong employee management tools including shift scheduling, time tracking, and commission calculations. It helps salon owners manage staff performance through detailed reports on sales, attendance, and productivity metrics. While primarily a POS and booking system, its employee features integrate seamlessly with overall operations for efficient workforce oversight.
Pros
- Robust employee scheduling and time clock with mobile access
- Automated commission tracking based on services and sales
- Detailed performance reports for staff productivity and earnings
Cons
- Lacks advanced HR tools like performance reviews or onboarding
- Additional costs for payroll integration and extra users
- Customization options for employee workflows are somewhat limited
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons seeking integrated scheduling and commission management without needing full HR software.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic plan; scales to $99+/month for advanced features, plus per-user fees and optional payroll add-ons.
DaySmart Salon
specializedReliable salon management solution featuring staff management, appointment scheduling, and commission tracking.
Advanced booth renter management with automated rent collection and reporting
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based salon management platform that excels in employee scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics for salons, spas, and barbershops. It allows managers to assign staff to appointments, monitor productivity, generate payroll reports, and handle booth renter payments seamlessly. The software integrates these employee tools with online booking, POS, and inventory management for comprehensive salon operations.
Pros
- Robust commission tracking with multiple payout structures
- Intuitive staff scheduling and shift management
- Detailed employee performance reports and payroll exports
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for custom configurations
- Limited integrations with some payroll providers
Best For
Mid-sized salons with booth renters or commission-based staff seeking integrated scheduling and payroll tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Essential), $99/month (Professional), $199+/month (Enterprise); billed annually with per-user add-ons.
Salon Iris
specializedCloud salon software offering employee time tracking, scheduling, and customizable commission structures.
Flexible commission engine that handles booth rental, percentages, and tiered structures automatically
Salon Iris is a cloud-based salon management software designed for salons, spas, and barbershops, focusing on streamlining daily operations including employee scheduling, client bookings, and payments. For employee management, it provides tools like shift scheduling, time clock tracking, commission calculations, and payroll export capabilities. It also includes reporting dashboards to monitor staff performance and productivity.
Pros
- Intuitive employee scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- Automated commission tracking supporting multiple payout structures
- Mobile app for staff time tracking and tip reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
- Limited native integrations with advanced payroll systems
- Reporting customization could be more flexible
Best For
Small to medium-sized salons seeking an all-in-one employee management solution with strong scheduling and commission tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for basic (1 location), $165/month for deluxe with advanced employee features; additional fees per user/location.
Conclusion
Careful evaluation of the reviewed tools reveals Vagaro as the top choice, with its all-in-one platform delivering advanced scheduling, commission tracking, and performance analytics. Mindbody and Zenoti follow as strong alternatives, offering robust solutions tailored to diverse needs, whether through comprehensive business management or enterprise-grade workforce tools. Together, these options highlight the industry's focus on empowering salons with tools that enhance efficiency and team growth.
Don't miss out on optimizing your salon's operations—test drive Vagaro today to experience its cutting-edge employee management features and set your team up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison