Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - All-in-one salon management platform offering online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking.
- 2#2: Fresha - Free booking, scheduling, and management software for salons and spas with built-in payments and client management.
- 3#3: Mindbody - Comprehensive business management software for salons providing scheduling, marketing, reporting, and e-commerce tools.
- 4#4: Mangomint - Intuitive salon software with automation for bookings, payments, payroll, and client retention features.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Modern salon and spa platform focused on client experience, advanced reporting, payroll, and contactless payments.
- 6#6: Zenoti - Enterprise salon management software for multi-location businesses with booking, CRM, analytics, and operations tools.
- 7#7: Phorest - Salon CRM and marketing platform with automated campaigns, reputation management, and performance analytics.
- 8#8: Square Appointments - Free scheduling and POS software tailored for small salons with integrated payments and reminders.
- 9#9: DaySmart Salon - Cloud-based salon software for appointment booking, staff management, retail sales, and reporting.
- 10#10: Schedulicity - Online booking platform for beauty professionals offering scheduling, payments, and marketing tools.
Ranked based on features, user experience, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across appointment management, payments, marketing, and analytics to meet the demands of modern salons.
Comparison Table
This comparison table assesses top salon software tools—such as Vagaro, Fresha, Mindbody, Mangomint, Boulevard, and more—to guide informed choices for managing salon operations. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and usability aspects, helping them identify the right fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro All-in-one salon management platform offering online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Fresha Free booking, scheduling, and management software for salons and spas with built-in payments and client management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Mindbody Comprehensive business management software for salons providing scheduling, marketing, reporting, and e-commerce tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Mangomint Intuitive salon software with automation for bookings, payments, payroll, and client retention features. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Modern salon and spa platform focused on client experience, advanced reporting, payroll, and contactless payments. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Zenoti Enterprise salon management software for multi-location businesses with booking, CRM, analytics, and operations tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Phorest Salon CRM and marketing platform with automated campaigns, reputation management, and performance analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Square Appointments Free scheduling and POS software tailored for small salons with integrated payments and reminders. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | DaySmart Salon Cloud-based salon software for appointment booking, staff management, retail sales, and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Schedulicity Online booking platform for beauty professionals offering scheduling, payments, and marketing tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
All-in-one salon management platform offering online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking.
Free booking, scheduling, and management software for salons and spas with built-in payments and client management.
Comprehensive business management software for salons providing scheduling, marketing, reporting, and e-commerce tools.
Intuitive salon software with automation for bookings, payments, payroll, and client retention features.
Modern salon and spa platform focused on client experience, advanced reporting, payroll, and contactless payments.
Enterprise salon management software for multi-location businesses with booking, CRM, analytics, and operations tools.
Salon CRM and marketing platform with automated campaigns, reputation management, and performance analytics.
Free scheduling and POS software tailored for small salons with integrated payments and reminders.
Cloud-based salon software for appointment booking, staff management, retail sales, and reporting.
Online booking platform for beauty professionals offering scheduling, payments, and marketing tools.
Vagaro
specializedAll-in-one salon management platform offering online booking, POS, payments, marketing, and inventory tracking.
Vagaro Marketplace, a discovery platform that connects businesses with local clients searching for services, driving organic bookings.
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for salons, spas, barbershops, and fitness studios, providing robust tools for online booking, point-of-sale transactions, client relationship management, and marketing automation. It streamlines daily operations with features like staff scheduling, inventory tracking, reporting analytics, and a mobile app for on-the-go access. The platform's marketplace connects businesses with new clients, enhancing visibility and bookings in a competitive industry.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with seamless online booking and POS integration
- Excellent marketing tools including automated email/SMS and a client marketplace for lead generation
- Strong mobile app and 24/7 customer support with high user satisfaction
Cons
- Pricing tiers and add-ons can become expensive for larger teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customizations
- Limited free tier, with most robust features requiring higher plans
Best For
Growing salons and spas needing a scalable, feature-rich solution for bookings, payments, and client retention.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $29/month (Solo) up to $269/month (Enterprise), plus 2.75% payment processing fees and optional add-ons.
Fresha
specializedFree booking, scheduling, and management software for salons and spas with built-in payments and client management.
Free forever platform model that charges commissions only on new client bookings, making it accessible for startups without ongoing subscription burdens
Fresha is an all-in-one salon management software designed for beauty, hair, nails, and wellness businesses, offering seamless online booking, appointment scheduling, client CRM, and POS integration. It streamlines daily operations with features like staff rostering, inventory management, automated reminders, and marketing tools via email and SMS. The platform supports multi-location businesses and provides real-time reporting to drive growth and efficiency.
Pros
- Free to use with no monthly subscription fees for core features
- Intuitive online booking widget that integrates with Google, Instagram, and Facebook
- Comprehensive mobile app for iOS and Android enabling on-the-go management
Cons
- 20% commission on new client prepaid bookings (waivable with paid plans)
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- Customer support can have variable response times
Best For
Small to medium salons and spas looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly platform to handle bookings, payments, and client management without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free plan with 20% fee on new client bookings; Solo plan $10/month/location (eliminates commissions); Pro plan $49/month/location with advanced analytics and no fees.
Mindbody
enterpriseComprehensive business management software for salons providing scheduling, marketing, reporting, and e-commerce tools.
Consumer app marketplace that promotes salons to millions of users and drives direct bookings
Mindbody is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing tools for online booking, client management, point-of-sale transactions, staff scheduling, and marketing automation. It enables seamless client experiences through a consumer-facing app that connects users to local services, boosting discoverability and appointments. The software also offers robust reporting, inventory management, and integrations with over 100 third-party apps to streamline salon operations.
Pros
- Extensive all-in-one features including advanced booking, POS, and marketing tools
- Powerful consumer app and marketplace for client acquisition
- Detailed analytics and customizable reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- High pricing that may overwhelm small salons
- Steep learning curve due to feature complexity
- Transaction fees and occasional support delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large salons seeking a scalable, marketing-focused platform to manage growth and client acquisition.
Pricing
Starts at $139/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), with higher tiers up to $429+/month; plus ~2.75% + $0.20 per transaction.
Mangomint
specializedIntuitive salon software with automation for bookings, payments, payroll, and client retention features.
Customizable, mobile-optimized booking website with self-check-in that delivers a luxury client experience
Mangomint is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and clinics, offering seamless online booking, POS integration, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It excels in client management with automated communications, loyalty programs, and a beautiful mobile app for both staff and clients. The platform emphasizes a modern, intuitive interface that streamlines daily operations and boosts revenue through built-in marketing tools.
Pros
- Stunning, modern interface that's highly intuitive and mobile-friendly
- Powerful automation for bookings, payments, and client communications
- Advanced reporting and marketing tools to drive revenue
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to budget alternatives
- Limited third-party integrations
- No free trial, only demos available
Best For
Mid-to-high-end salons and spas prioritizing a premium user experience and automation over cost.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month (billed annually) for Starter plan; scales to $495+/month for Professional and Enterprise tiers based on locations and features.
Boulevard
specializedModern salon and spa platform focused on client experience, advanced reporting, payroll, and contactless payments.
Revenue Per Minute (RPM) dashboard for intelligent scheduling and profitability insights
Boulevard is a premium cloud-based salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location beauty businesses. It offers end-to-end functionality including online booking, POS systems, staff scheduling, inventory management, and client CRM. The platform stands out with revenue optimization tools and marketing automation to boost profitability and retention.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for clients and staff
- Advanced reporting and Revenue Per Minute (RPM) analytics
- Seamless multi-location management
Cons
- Expensive pricing unsuitable for solo practitioners
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited free trial and custom integrations
Best For
Established multi-location salons and spas seeking enterprise-level tools for growth and optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $295/month per location plus transaction fees.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise salon management software for multi-location businesses with booking, CRM, analytics, and operations tools.
Zenoti Intelligence, an AI-powered analytics engine that provides predictive insights and automated recommendations for revenue optimization.
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, providing end-to-end solutions for appointment booking, client CRM, inventory management, POS, staff scheduling, and marketing automation. It excels in supporting multi-location operations with centralized dashboards, real-time analytics, and customizable workflows. The software integrates seamlessly with payment gateways, e-commerce, and third-party tools, making it suitable for scaling enterprises in the beauty industry.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI analytics and multi-location support
- Robust integrations with payments, e-commerce, and marketing tools
- Scalable for growing businesses with strong reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- High cost with custom pricing that may not suit small salons
- Overkill for single-location or very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized to large salon chains or multi-location businesses needing enterprise-grade scalability and advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-$500 per month per location, plus setup fees and add-ons.
Phorest
specializedSalon CRM and marketing platform with automated campaigns, reputation management, and performance analytics.
PhorestBuzz reputation management, which automates review collection, responds to feedback, and improves online visibility
Phorest is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for salons, spas, and multi-location clinics, offering online booking, POS systems, client management, and inventory tracking. It excels in marketing automation, including email/SMS campaigns, loyalty programs, and reputation management to drive client retention and revenue growth. The platform also provides detailed analytics, staff scheduling, and mobile apps for both staff and clients, making it suitable for businesses focused on expansion.
Pros
- Comprehensive marketing tools with automation for emails, SMS, and loyalty programs
- Strong analytics and reporting for business insights
- Reputation management features that boost online reviews
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing with custom quotes
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response
Best For
Growing salon chains and multi-location businesses prioritizing marketing automation and client retention.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $200-$400/month per location, plus setup fees and per-user costs; contact for quote.
Square Appointments
otherFree scheduling and POS software tailored for small salons with integrated payments and reminders.
Free unlimited appointments and built-in payment processing for single-user locations
Square Appointments is a user-friendly scheduling and booking platform from Square, tailored for service businesses like salons, offering online booking, calendar management, and client reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Square's POS and payment systems, enabling effortless in-person and online transactions. While versatile for small operations, it provides essential tools for appointment tracking, staff scheduling, and basic reporting without complex setup.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square payments and POS
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Free plan for solo users with unlimited appointments
Cons
- Limited advanced salon-specific features like booth rental tracking
- Basic reporting lacks depth for larger salons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can accumulate
Best For
Small salons, independent stylists, or barbershops needing simple, affordable scheduling integrated with payments.
Pricing
Free for single-location solo users; Plus ($29/mo per location); Premium ($69/mo per location); plus 2.6% + 10¢ transaction fees.
DaySmart Salon
specializedCloud-based salon software for appointment booking, staff management, retail sales, and reporting.
Advanced booth rental management with automated rent collection and stylist performance tracking
DaySmart Salon is a cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and barbershops, offering tools for appointment scheduling, client tracking, POS transactions, and inventory management. It includes marketing automation, detailed reporting, and specialized booth rental features for independent stylists. The software supports multi-location operations and integrates with online booking widgets for seamless client access.
Pros
- Comprehensive booth rental and commission tracking for independent contractors
- Integrated POS with payment processing and inventory control
- Mobile app and online booking enhance accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small salons
- Interface has a learning curve for new users
- Limited free trial and customization in base plans
Best For
Salon owners with booth renters or multi-location setups needing robust scheduling and financial tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Essential (1 user), $69/month for Professional, up to $165+/month for Enterprise; additional fees per user and add-ons.
Schedulicity
specializedOnline booking platform for beauty professionals offering scheduling, payments, and marketing tools.
Commission-free client self-scheduling through the Schedulicity marketplace, helping salons gain visibility and fill openings effortlessly
Schedulicity is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for service-based businesses like salons, enabling 24/7 online appointment booking, staff calendar management, and automated client reminders. It includes payment processing, customizable intake forms, marketing tools like email campaigns, and basic reporting to streamline salon operations. While strong in core scheduling, it lacks advanced salon-specific features like inventory tracking or booth rental management found in more comprehensive systems.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Commission-free online booking available 24/7 to attract new clients
- Integrated payments and automated reminders reduce no-shows
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to salon-focused competitors
- No built-in POS or inventory management for retail product sales
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small salons, solo stylists, or independent beauty professionals seeking simple, affordable scheduling without complex features.
Pricing
Starts at $34.90/month for solo providers (1 calendar), $49.90 for Professional (up to 6 calendars), $79.90 for Business (unlimited calendars); 14-day free trial available.
Conclusion
The best salon software options cater to diverse needs, with Vagaro emerging as the top choice for its all-in-one functionality. Fresha and Mindbody stand out as strong alternatives—Fresha for its free, user-friendly design and Mindbody for its comprehensive business tools—ensuring there’s a fit for every salon or spa. Together, these platforms offer the features to streamline operations and enhance client experiences.
Take the next step for your salon: try Vagaro to leverage its robust capabilities and transform how you manage bookings, payments, and operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison