Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon scheduling software with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
- 2#2: Booksy - Mobile-first appointment booking platform designed for salons, barbers, and beauty professionals.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free salon scheduling software offering online bookings, POS, and staff management for beauty businesses.
- 4#4: Mindbody - Comprehensive management platform with advanced scheduling, CRM, and reporting for salons and spas.
- 5#5: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade salon software for scheduling, inventory, analytics, and multi-location management.
- 6#6: Boulevard - Modern salon management system with intelligent scheduling, payments, and client retention features.
- 7#7: Mangomint - Streamlined salon scheduling software with automation, payroll, and marketing integrations.
- 8#8: GlossGenius - All-in-one booking and payment platform tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
- 9#9: Phorest - Cloud-based salon software focused on scheduling, client communication, and business growth tools.
- 10#10: StyleSeat - Online marketplace and scheduling tool for stylists and salons to book clients and manage availability.
These tools were carefully chosen based on key metrics including scheduling flexibility, integration capabilities, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance for businesses of all sizes and types.
Comparison Table
Managing salon operations effectively hinges on reliable schedule software, and this comparison table examines top tools like Vagaro, Booksy, Fresha, Mindbody, Zenoti, and more to simplify your search. It outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability, helping readers identify the best fit for their salon’s specific needs and workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon scheduling software with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Booksy Mobile-first appointment booking platform designed for salons, barbers, and beauty professionals. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free salon scheduling software offering online bookings, POS, and staff management for beauty businesses. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Mindbody Comprehensive management platform with advanced scheduling, CRM, and reporting for salons and spas. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade salon software for scheduling, inventory, analytics, and multi-location management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Boulevard Modern salon management system with intelligent scheduling, payments, and client retention features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Mangomint Streamlined salon scheduling software with automation, payroll, and marketing integrations. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | GlossGenius All-in-one booking and payment platform tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Phorest Cloud-based salon software focused on scheduling, client communication, and business growth tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | StyleSeat Online marketplace and scheduling tool for stylists and salons to book clients and manage availability. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one salon scheduling software with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
Mobile-first appointment booking platform designed for salons, barbers, and beauty professionals.
Free salon scheduling software offering online bookings, POS, and staff management for beauty businesses.
Comprehensive management platform with advanced scheduling, CRM, and reporting for salons and spas.
Enterprise-grade salon software for scheduling, inventory, analytics, and multi-location management.
Modern salon management system with intelligent scheduling, payments, and client retention features.
Streamlined salon scheduling software with automation, payroll, and marketing integrations.
All-in-one booking and payment platform tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
Cloud-based salon software focused on scheduling, client communication, and business growth tools.
Online marketplace and scheduling tool for stylists and salons to book clients and manage availability.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon scheduling software with online booking, payments, marketing, and client management tools.
Vagaro Marketplace, a built-in directory that drives client discovery and bookings from a vast network of users.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform that excels in appointment scheduling, online booking, and client management for salons, spas, and fitness studios. It provides a centralized calendar for multiple staff members, automated reminders, and seamless integration with payments and POS systems. The software also features marketing tools like email/SMS campaigns and a robust reporting dashboard to help businesses grow.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coded calendars
- Powerful online booking widget that integrates with your website
- Comprehensive marketing and reporting tools built-in
Cons
- Higher-tier pricing can add up for larger teams
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
- Customer support response times vary during peak hours
Best For
Salon owners and multi-location businesses seeking a scalable, feature-rich scheduling solution with strong online booking capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for the Starter plan (1 user), up to $219/month for Pro+ (unlimited users), with a 30-day free trial and per-location fees.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first appointment booking platform designed for salons, barbers, and beauty professionals.
The Booksy marketplace, which exposes salons to millions of clients searching for local services
Booksy is a robust online booking and management platform tailored for salons, spas, and beauty professionals, enabling seamless appointment scheduling, client notifications, and staff coordination. It features a consumer-facing app for easy discovery and booking, integrated payments, and marketing tools to boost visibility. The software streamlines daily operations while helping businesses attract new clients through its marketplace.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for both clients and staff with real-time booking
- Powerful marketplace for client discovery and marketing
- Integrated payments, reminders, and no-show protection to reduce revenue loss
Cons
- Subscription costs can be high for small solo operations
- Advanced reporting and customizations locked behind premium plans
- Occasional integration glitches with third-party calendars
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas seeking client acquisition through a marketplace alongside efficient scheduling tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/month for solo users, $49.99+ for teams; plus 2.69% payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
Fresha
specializedFree salon scheduling software offering online bookings, POS, and staff management for beauty businesses.
Global marketplace that exposes your business to millions of clients for free bookings without subscription costs
Fresha is an all-in-one management platform tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and beauty businesses, offering seamless online booking, staff scheduling, client management, and POS capabilities. It includes tools for inventory tracking, automated reminders, marketing campaigns, and a global marketplace to attract new clients. The platform's mobile app enables on-the-go management, making it ideal for streamlining daily operations and boosting revenue without monthly subscription fees.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy scheduling
- Built-in marketplace for client discovery and growth
Cons
- Commission fees on new client bookings from the marketplace
- Limited advanced customization options
- Payment processing fees can add up for high-volume businesses
Best For
Small to medium salons and beauty businesses seeking a user-friendly, cost-free scheduling solution with client acquisition tools.
Pricing
Free forever for core features; optional Premium plan at $19/month per location, plus payment processing fees (around 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction).
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive management platform with advanced scheduling, CRM, and reporting for salons and spas.
Mindbody's app network and consumer marketplace, which exposes your salon to millions of users for direct bookings and discovery.
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, with powerful scheduling tools that support online booking, staff calendars, waitlists, and automated reminders. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with POS, payments, inventory management, marketing automation, and client relationship tools to streamline salon operations. While robust for multi-location or high-volume salons, its full suite can feel overwhelming for basic scheduling needs.
Pros
- Extensive scheduling features including drag-and-drop calendars, recurring appointments, and client self-booking
- Seamless integration with POS, payments, and marketing tools for end-to-end salon management
- Large app marketplace and consumer discovery network to attract new clients
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface for new users
- High pricing with add-on fees and transaction costs that add up quickly
- Customer support often criticized for being slow or unhelpful
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons or chains needing an all-in-one platform beyond just scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Premier plan (billed annually), up to $429/month for Ultimate; plus 2.75-3.49% + $0.20 processing fees and custom add-ons.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade salon software for scheduling, inventory, analytics, and multi-location management.
Seamless multi-location synchronization with real-time data sharing across branches
Zenoti is a robust, cloud-based salon management platform designed for salons, spas, and multi-location wellness businesses, with powerful appointment scheduling at its core. It features drag-and-drop calendars, online client booking, real-time staff availability, and automated reminders to optimize daily operations. The software integrates scheduling with CRM, POS, inventory, and marketing tools for end-to-end business management.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-location scheduling with centralized control
- Integrated POS, payments, and client loyalty programs
- Advanced reporting and AI-driven insights for optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing unsuitable for small single-location salons
- Implementation and onboarding can take several weeks
Best For
Multi-location salon chains and large spas seeking enterprise-grade scheduling and management scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $250-$500/month per location, scaling with features and users.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon management system with intelligent scheduling, payments, and client retention features.
Intelligent visual scheduler with AI-driven recommendations for optimal staff utilization and waitlist management
Boulevard is a premium, all-in-one salon management platform tailored for beauty, wellness, and grooming businesses, excelling in appointment scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, online booking, and automated waitlists. It integrates POS systems, client relationship management, inventory tracking, marketing tools, and advanced reporting to optimize operations. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-location setups and provides mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with color-coding and real-time availability
- Seamless integration of online booking, payments, and client self-service portals
- Robust analytics and reporting for revenue insights and staff performance
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for solo practitioners or small salons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited native integrations with some third-party tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons, spas, or multi-location beauty businesses needing a scalable, feature-rich platform.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$275/month per location, plus transaction fees (~$0.50/ticket) and add-ons for advanced features.
Mangomint
specializedStreamlined salon scheduling software with automation, payroll, and marketing integrations.
Ultra-fast, beautifully designed platform that loads in under 2 seconds for seamless scheduling and client interactions
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, offering robust appointment scheduling, online booking, and client management tools. It streamlines daily operations with features like POS integration, inventory management, automated reminders, and customizable reporting. The platform emphasizes speed, modern design, and mobile accessibility to enhance both staff efficiency and client experience.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with lightning-fast performance
- Comprehensive scheduling, booking, and automation tools
- Strong reporting, marketing automation, and client retention features
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small or budget-conscious salons
- Some advanced features locked behind premium plans
- Limited integrations compared to larger competitors
Best For
Mid-sized salons and spas prioritizing a premium, user-friendly platform with superior speed and design for efficient operations.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month per location (Essentials), up to $390/month (Elite); scales with users/locations, no long-term contracts.
GlossGenius
specializedAll-in-one booking and payment platform tailored for independent beauty professionals and salons.
Built-in deposit collection and no-show protection directly tied to scheduling for effortless revenue security
GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform tailored for beauty and wellness professionals, providing robust salon scheduling with online booking, drag-and-drop calendars, automated reminders, and waitlist management. It integrates payments, POS, client CRM, and marketing tools to streamline salon operations beyond just scheduling. Ideal for solo stylists or small teams, it emphasizes mobile accessibility and no-commission transactions.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability and color-coded calendars
- Seamless integration of payments and deposits to reduce no-shows
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go management and client self-booking
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with per-user fees
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Occasional sync issues with external calendars like Google
Best For
Solo beauty professionals or small salons seeking a mobile-first, user-friendly scheduling solution with built-in payments and marketing.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Solo plan); Team plans from $34/user/month; Premium at $115/month; annual discounts available, no setup fees.
Phorest
specializedCloud-based salon software focused on scheduling, client communication, and business growth tools.
Phorest Buzz: WiFi-based social marketing tool that captures client emails and preferences for targeted campaigns.
Phorest is a comprehensive cloud-based salon and spa management platform that excels in appointment scheduling, online booking, POS, and client relationship management. It integrates powerful marketing automation tools, reputation management, and analytics to drive business growth for salons. Designed for single or multi-location businesses, it streamlines operations while focusing on client retention and revenue optimization.
Pros
- Robust marketing automation and Phorest Buzz for client data capture
- Excellent reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Seamless online booking and multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing without transparent public quotes
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location salons and spas prioritizing advanced marketing and growth analytics over simple scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$300/month per location plus setup fees and add-ons.
StyleSeat
specializedOnline marketplace and scheduling tool for stylists and salons to book clients and manage availability.
Built-in marketplace that connects pros directly with new clients searching for local services
StyleSeat is a comprehensive platform designed for beauty professionals, including stylists, salons, and spas, to manage online bookings, calendars, and client interactions. It functions as both a scheduling tool and a marketplace, allowing pros to showcase services, set availability, send reminders, and process payments seamlessly. Additional features include marketing tools, client management, and product sales integration, making it ideal for growing independent businesses.
Pros
- Large client marketplace for easy discovery and bookings
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile app support
- Integrated payments, reminders, and no-show protection
Cons
- High transaction fees (up to 20-30%) eat into profits
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for larger salons
- Dependency on platform for client acquisition
Best For
Independent stylists and small salons focused on client growth through marketplace exposure.
Pricing
Free signup with 20-30% service fee per booking; Pro plans from $35/month for reduced fees and premium features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right salon schedule software involves balancing features, but Vagaro emerges as the top selection, offering a seamless blend of online booking, payments, and marketing tools. Booksy impresses with its mobile-first focus, while Fresha stands out for its affordability and free core functionality—both strong alternatives depending on specific needs. Each tool caters to distinct salon goals, but Vagaro’s comprehensive suite makes it the standout choice.
Take the first step toward smoother operations and happier clients: explore Vagaro today and unlock its full potential for your salon.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison