Choosing the best booking software for salons in 2026 can make it easier to manage appointments, reduce no-shows, and deliver a smoother client experience. As salons handle more bookings across websites, social media, and other channels, relying on manual scheduling can quickly become time-consuming and inefficient.
Fortunately, modern salon booking software can automate appointment scheduling, send reminders, manage client information, process payments, and simplify day-to-day operations. However, with so many platforms available, finding the right solution can feel overwhelming. Therefore, this guide compares the top 20 salon booking software options in 2026, highlighting their key features, pricing, strengths, and potential limitations to help you choose the right platform for your salon.
Top 20 Best Booking Software for Salons in 2026
1. Vagaro
Vagaro serves beauty, wellness, and fitness businesses, and it ranks among the most feature-rich platforms on the market. It prices its subscription per bookable calendar. As of September 2026, one calendar costs $23.99 per month on a promotional rate (the regular rate is $30), each extra calendar adds $10, and the bill tops out at $83.99 for seven or more calendars.
However, the headline price tells only part of the story. Vagaro sells several tools as add-ons, and in July 2026 it also introduced per-booking fees on its Daily Deals feature (5% for returning clients and 20% for brand-new ones). Therefore, you should price your real setup before you commit.
Features
- Integrated POS and card processing, plus memberships, packages, and gift certificates
- Automated reminders and notifications
- Payroll, inventory, and reporting tools
- Consumer directory listing and optional marketing tools
- Mobile apps and free data transfer from your old software
Pros
- Covers nearly every salon workflow in one product
- Low entry price for solo professionals
- Free data migration speeds up switching
- No default booking commission on directory bookings
Cons
- Add-ons stack up (forms, SMS marketing, and multi-location each cost extra)
- The free trial requires a card and converts automatically
- Some reviewers report reliability problems and pricing changes over time
Best For
Salons and spas that want broad functionality without paying premium prices upfront.
2. Fresha
Fresha built its name as the free salon platform, but that era has ended. Current US pricing, as reported by multiple 2026 sources, sits at about $19.95 per month for an independent professional or $14.95 per bookable team member.
Fresha also runs a large consumer marketplace. When a brand-new client books through that marketplace, Fresha charges a one-time 20% fee with a $6 minimum. Direct bookings through your own Fresha link carry no such fee, so a smart salon owner steers regulars to the direct link.
Features
- Online booking, calendar, and waitlist management
- Built-in POS, inventory, and client records
- Client booking app plus marketplace listing
- Automated messages (100 free messages per month, with extra texts billed)
- Reporting, with advanced reports sold as an add-on
Pros
- Low monthly subscription compared with premium platforms
- Competitive card-present processing rate
- Direct-link bookings avoid the new-client fee
Cons
- No longer free, which surprises owners who read older reviews
- Several useful tools (review prompts, advanced reports, loyalty) cost extra
Best For
Budget-conscious salons that want marketplace discovery and low processing costs.
3. Booksy
Booksy combines a full business-management toolkit with a consumer marketplace that the company says reaches more than 40 million users. Pricing starts at $29.99 per month for the first user plus $20 for each additional team member, and the in-person card rate is 2.49% + $0.10. The company offers a 14-day trial without a card and month-to-month terms.
Notably, Booksy keeps its commission optional. Its Boost program charges 30% of a new client’s first visit (with a $10 minimum and a $100 maximum), but you pay nothing if you leave Boost off. Because Booksy itself published several of the figures above, you should confirm them on its pricing page.
Features
- No-show protection with card-on-file deposits
- POS, Tap to Pay, and a branded card reader
- Marketing tools with 2,000 SMS included each month
- Client management, stats, and reports
- Digital loyalty cards and an AI receptionist (listed as beta)
Pros
- Large marketplace included with every subscription
- Optional, pay-on-results Boost program
- Generous bundled marketing texts
- Month-to-month terms with no contract
Cons
- Per-member pricing raises costs as your team grows
- Boost takes a meaningful cut of a new client’s first visit when you switch it on
- Multi-location groups may find per-location pricing cheaper elsewhere
Best For
Small and mid-sized salons whose top priority is filling the calendar with new clients.
4. Square Appointments
Square Appointments grew out of Square’s payments business, so it slots neatly into salons that already use Square hardware. Its free plan covers one location with unlimited staff calendars and no per-seat fees. Paid tiers, reported at $49 (Plus) and $149 (Premium) per location, add marketing and advanced controls. Meanwhile, Square does not operate a consumer marketplace. As a result, you must bring your own clients through social media, Google, and word of mouth.
Features
- Online booking site and unlimited staff calendars on the free plan
- Automated reminders and no-show protection
- Integrated POS with offline payments
- Square hardware and ecosystem integrations
Pros
- The only full-featured free plan among the major platforms
- Seamless if you already use Square POS
- Month-to-month flexibility
Cons
- SMS marketing sits behind paid tiers
- Salon-specific depth, such as formulas and charting, is thinner than beauty-first platforms
Best For
Solo stylists, new salons, and existing Square users who want to start at zero software cost.
5. GlossGenius
GlossGenius appeals to beauty professionals who want a clean, branded client experience. It offers three main plans: Standard at 24permonthbilledannually(28 monthly), Gold at $48 for up to nine team members, and Platinum at $148 for unlimited team members. Every plan carries a flat 2.6% processing rate with no per-transaction fee. On the downside, the platform operates only in the United States and does not run a marketplace.
Features
- Custom-branded, login-free booking site
- 24/7 online booking and automated waitlist (Gold and above)
- Flat-rate payments with fast payout options
- Forms, waivers, and Google booking and reviews on Gold
- Free data transfer when you switch
Pros
- Simple, predictable pricing
- Flat processing rate with no fixed fee
- 14-day trial without a card
Cons
- No consumer marketplace
- Text credits run out quickly for heavy marketing, and Platinum is a big price jump
Best For
Solo professionals and small teams that value brand polish and one predictable monthly number.
6. Mangomint
Mangomint made the biggest pricing move of the year. Since August 1, 2026, every customer pays $120 per month per location plus $10 per user, which replaced the earlier $165, $245, and $375 tiers. Features that once cost extra, including forms, memberships, and HIPAA support, now come included. Mangomint also advertises no contracts, free onboarding, and no booking commissions.
Features
- Express Booking and a Virtual Waiting Room
- Memberships, forms, and web chat on every account
- Integrations including Shopify and webhooks
- Optional add-ons: marketing from $30, phone at $70 per line, payroll at $50 plus $8 per worker
- Support for booth-rental, hybrid, and commission-based models
Pros
- No contracts or booking commissions
- Highly rated for ease of use and support
- Strong automation and interface design
Cons
- No consumer marketplace
- Marketing, phone, and payroll cost extra
Best For
Established salons and spas with two or more providers that want a polished, all-included system.
7. Boulevard
Boulevard positions itself at the upper end of the market, targeting upscale salons and medspas. While Boulevard does not publish a free trial and relies on demos. In return, you get a refined booking experience, strong payments, and polished client communication.
Features
- Premium online booking and client-facing design
- Forms and charting (extra on salon plans)
- QuickBooks integration as an add-on
- Reporting built for multi-chair and multi-location teams
- Medspa-specific plans with HIPAA support
Pros
- Elegant, upscale client experience
- Deep reporting for larger operations
- Strong fit for medspa and aesthetics services
Cons
- High entry price that suits only higher-revenue salons
- Add-ons plus reported onboarding and data-import fees increase the total
- No public free trial and no marketplace
Best For
Luxury salons, medspas, and larger brands that prioritize presentation and reporting.
8. Zenoti
Zenoti serves multi-location salons, spas, and franchises, and the company claims more than 30,000 businesses across over 50 countries. It does not publish pricing. Third-party reports suggest roughly $225 to $400 or more per location monthly, with a 12-month minimum and implementation costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Thus, Zenoti works best when scale justifies the investment. Smaller teams usually find it more platform than they need.
Features
- Centralized multi-location management and franchise controls
- Online booking plus a consumer marketplace
- Marketing automation and detailed analytics
- Inventory and POS across locations
- AI features available as a separate package
Pros
- Deep enterprise functionality
- Scales across many locations and countries
- Built-in marketplace and marketing tools
Cons
- Implementation costs and credits for messaging billed separately
- Overbuilt for solo professionals and small salons
Best For
Multi-location chains, franchises, and large spa groups.
9. Phorest
Phorest describes its product as software for growth-focused premium salons, spas, and clinics. It does not list public prices, so you must request a quote. Capterra lists a high rating from several hundred reviewers, yet some reviewers on GetApp say the price feels high and hints at hidden costs. Phorest leans heavily on client-retention tools, which sets it apart from simpler schedulers.
Features
- Online booking and a salon-branded booking app
- Phorest Reconnect for winning back lapsed clients
- Review requests and two-way messaging (Phorest Chat)
- Loyalty, marketing, and styling and branding tools
- Stock, staff, and appointment management
Pros
- Strong retention and marketing automation
- Branded booking app for your salon
- Positive feedback on support and ease of use
Cons
- Reviewers cite high cost and inflexible pricing for small businesses
- Less suitable for solo operators
Best For
Growth-focused premium salons and small chains that want built-in marketing and retention.
10. Mindbody
Mindbody grew out of fitness and wellness, and it now serves salons and spas as well. Mindbody’s own blog lists pricing from $79 per month as of July 2026, while third-party sites quote $99 to $139. Booker, another salon platform, also sits under the Mindbody umbrella. Furthermore, Mindbody operates a large consumer marketplace that reportedly takes about 20% on referred bookings.
Features
- Appointment, class, and membership scheduling
- POS and payments (third-party sources report 2.99% + $0.30)
- Marketing and retention tools
- Reporting and staff management
- Support for businesses that mix beauty with wellness
Pros
- Large consumer audience
- Deep class and appointment infrastructure
- Fits hybrid salon and wellness businesses
Cons
- Reported marketplace commission of around 20%
- Contract and exit terms draw complaints
- Pricing varies by source, which makes budgeting harder
Best For
Businesses that blend beauty services with wellness, fitness, or class-based offerings.
11. DaySmart Salon
DaySmart Salon, formerly known as Salon Iris, offers a ladder of plans: Basic at $29 for one user, Deluxe at $69 (three users), Deluxe Growth at $149, and Premium at $199 (six users), with extra users at $9 each. A free trial is available, but no permanent free plan exists.
Features
- Online booking, deposits, and Instagram and Facebook booking
- Appointment reminders (500 texts and 1,000 emails monthly on Basic)
- Integrated payment processing and mobile apps
- Reports and dashboards
- Inventory, marketing, and client profiles
- Phone, email, and chat support
Pros
- Low entry price with clear tiers
- Easy daily operation according to reviewers
- Includes social media booking out of the box
Cons
- Reviewers mention glitches and payment reliability issues
- Costs climb quickly on upper tiers
- Integrations remain limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized salons that want conventional management software with straightforward tiers.
12. Meevo
Meevo targets salons and spas that want configurable workflows. Several 2026 comparison sites list pricing from about $129 to $139 per month and offer a free demo rather than a free trial. One review aggregator rates it 3.4 out of 5, which suggests mixed customer sentiment. Therefore, Meevo suits teams with the time to configure it. Owners who want a quick, plug-and-play setup may prefer a simpler tool.
Features
- Online booking and appointment scheduling
- Point of sale and inventory management
- CRM and employee management
- Loyalty programs and automated follow-ups
- Reporting across the business
- Customer support included
Pros
- Flexible, customizable workflows
- Wide management coverage in one system
- Scales from small to large teams
Cons
- Limited integrations for the price, according to reviewers
- Mixed ratings on some review sites
- Higher starting cost than budget platforms
Best For
Mid-sized and larger salons that want to customize workflows.
13. Timely
Timely offers three bundles priced at $26 (Build), $39 (Elevate), and $47 (Innovate) per month on Software Advice and Capterra. Capterra shows a strong rating from more than 700 reviewers. The Build tier includes 100 SMS per month, basic automated marketing, online booking, retail sales, stock management, and Timely Payments.
Features
- Online booking and service and retail sales
- Stock management and Timely Payments
- Automated marketing (basic on Build, fuller on higher tiers)
- Integrated consultation forms on Elevate
- SMS credits that scale with the plan
- Use from any device
Pros
- Affordable entry point
- High user ratings
- Clean, approachable interface
Cons
- Costs rise sharply when you add users
- Plan structure can confuse new buyers
- Texting credits may require extra purchases
Best For
Independent stylists and growing salons that want a friendly interface and a modest starting price.
14. StyleSeat
StyleSeat offers a single Premium plan at 35permonth(378 per year if you pay annually), plus a 21-day free trial. It centers on independent professionals instead of multi-chair salons, so it does not price per team member.
However, StyleSeat takes money from both sides. It charges clients a $2.35 booking fee, and its New Client Connection takes a one-time 30% of the first appointment (capped at $50 on Premium). Its optional Smart Pricing raises prices by about 20% in busy windows and keeps up to $16.50 per booking.
Features
- Calendar, appointments, and automated reminders
- No-show and late-cancellation protection
- Deposits and payment processing
- Smart Pricing (optional)
- Email marketing, product sales, and intake forms
- Marketplace exposure to new clients
Pros
- Simple, flat subscription
- Marketplace helps solo pros find clients
- Many features included in one plan
Cons
- Client booking fee and 30% new-client commission add up
- Lacks payroll, memberships, and advanced operational tools
- Weaker fit for multi-chair salons
Best For
Independent stylists, barbers, and beauty pros who want marketplace exposure.
15. Treatwell
Treatwell combines salon software with one of Europe’s largest beauty marketplaces. Its commission applies only to a client’s first booking, and repeat bookings, as well as bookings through your own website widget, are free. Pricing varies by market and plan, and published figures conflict, so you should request current terms for your country.
Features
- Online booking and calendar management
- Marketplace listing and app exposure
- Free SMS reminders to reduce no-shows
- Staff, stock, and payment management
- Reporting and client records
- Full feature access in one subscription (per location)
Pros
- Powerful new-client visibility across Europe
- Commission applies only to the first booking
- All-in-one subscription
Cons
- Commission costs on marketplace bookings
- Pricing details vary and are hard to compare
- Reported lack of two-way calendar sync
Best For
New and small salons in Europe that want built-in client acquisition.
16. Salonized
Salonized, part of the Treatwell family, prices per user: €19 for Appointments, €35 for Basic, and €55 for Pro, with a 14-day free trial that needs no card. The Pro tier adds franchising, multi-location management, and resource sharing.
Salonized also integrates with Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Mollie, and Reserve with Google. In addition, it offers a marketplace integration through Treatwell, which carries its own commission on new clients.
Features
- Online booking and calendar
- Cash register, stock management, and client profiles
- Automated reminders and email newsletters
- Online payments and review tool
- Financial insights and treatment reports
- Multi-location and franchise features on Pro
Pros
- Flexible tiers starting low
- Deep feature set on Basic and Pro
- Optional marketplace visibility
Cons
- Per-user pricing raises costs for larger teams
- Some reviewers find the price high
- Marketplace integration adds commission
Best For
Growing European salons that want depth without enterprise pricing.
17. Rosy Salon Software
Rosy was developed by former salon and spa owners. Capterra lists a $29 starting price per user per month with a free trial, while another aggregator lists a $37 tier with premium features. Reviewers like its simple calendar and say it suits small teams and booth renters.
Features
- Online client scheduling and appointment management
- Text and email communications
- Mobile access and Google integration
- Inventory management and reporting
- Salon POS plus rewards and referrals
- Optional premium features such as automated email marketing and enhanced SMS
Pros
- Straightforward and easy to learn
- Affordable for small teams
- Free trial with no setup fees
Cons
- Fixed scheduling increments
- Limited integrations
- Some reviewers consider it slightly pricey per user
Best For
Booth renters and small salons that want a simple, no-frills system.
18. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling, owned by Squarespace, starts at 16permonthonannualbilling(20 monthly) with a 7-day trial. A Capterra analysis of 142 reviews gave it a 4.47 rating, and it praised the all-inclusive plan that bundles forms, deposits, and payments without upsells.
Even so, Acuity is scheduling software rather than full salon software. It does not provide a built-in POS, inventory, payroll, or marketplace, so you must connect Stripe, Square, or PayPal for payments.
Features
- Online scheduling with customizable intake forms
- Deposits and prepayments through connected processors
- Automated reminders and confirmations
- Calendar sync and Squarespace integration
- Packages and memberships
- Branded scheduling pages
Pros
- Low starting price
- Excellent forms and customization
- Works well with a Squarespace website
Cons
- No built-in POS, inventory, or payroll
- No consumer marketplace
- Reported lack of a provider mobile app
Best For
Solo beauty professionals and scheduling-only minimalists who already run a website.
19. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me sells a booking website rather than a simple booking page. Its free plan covers 50 bookings and one provider, and paid plans reportedly run about $11.90 (Basic), $24.90 (Standard), and $49.90 (Premium) per month on annual billing, with prices varying by source and billing term.
Its custom-feature system lets you add what you need. However, salon-essential tools can consume your limited feature slots, which sometimes forces an upgrade.
Features
- Online booking website with custom features
- Support for multiple languages and flexible scheduling
- Add-on POS and SMS credits
- Integrations with many third-party tools
- HIPAA support on the Standard tier
- Free tier for low-volume testing
Pros
- Low entry price and a free tier
- Strong integrations and language support
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Feature slots and booking caps can force upgrades
- Add-ons such as SMS and custom domains cost extra
- Less salon-specific than purpose-built platforms
Best For
Small salons that need multilingual booking and heavy customization on a tight budget.
20. Setmore
Setmore’s free plan supports up to four users and 200 appointments per month with no time limit. Pro costs about $5 per user per month on annual billing. Notably, even the free plan includes round-the-clock human support, which is rare at this price.
On the other hand, reporting and inventory feel thin next to purpose-built salon software, and a signed HIPAA business associate agreement requires the paid Pro plan.
Features
- Free online booking page
- Appointment reminders and confirmations
- Staff scheduling tools
- Video meeting integrations
- Payment gateway connections
- 24/7 human support
Pros
- Generous free plan
- Very low paid pricing
- Responsive support
Cons
- The 200-appointment cap arrives fast for busy salons
- Limited reporting and inventory
- No marketplace and few salon-specific tools
Best For
Startups, solo stylists, and small salons that need an affordable way to take online bookings.