This article looks at top salon software for appointment booking client management and online bookings for beauty business owners. It digs into real platforms with live pricing and features so you can pick smart. You’ll see how much things cost, what features matter and which tools fit different salon sizes.
Top Picks & Pricing
| Software | Base Price (single location) | Features Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GlossGenius | $24/mo Standard, $48/mo Gold | Online booking, POS, reminders, branding, waitlist on higher plan | Solo stylists, estheticians, those seeking clean design and branding ease. |
| Booksy Biz | $29.99/mo + ~$20 per extra staff member | 24/7 booking, discovery marketplace, POS, staff tools, marketing | New salons needing client acquisition via marketplace exposure. |
| Vagaro | Starts ~$30/mo; add-ons and extra calendars cost extra | Booking, marketing, payroll, inventory, branded apps available | Growing salons wanting marketplace and customizable modules. |
| Fresha | Free subscription; built-in commission on new client bookings (~20%) | Online bookings, client database, payments, marketplace options | Budget-minded salons with established client base. |
| Square Appointments | Free for solo; $49–$149/mo for multiple locations or premium tiers | POS, online booking, lower payment processing fees in premium plans | Those already using Square or needing predictable cost per location. |
| Boulevard | Essentials ~$175‐200/mo; higher tiers custom pricing | Spa features, memberships, client retention, upscale branding | Luxury spas or big multi-location businesses. |
Which Tool fits Your Salon?
If you’re just starting or solo, GlossGenius or a free Square Plan gives enough tools without stressing your budget. It’s rough starting out but these keep things simple, costs low. If you have 2-5 stylists, Booksy or Vagaro allow growth and extra features like staff scheduling, inventory, loyalty. Medium or high volume salons look to Boulevard or advanced Vagaro tiers for full-feature sets including marketing, payroll, reporting. For spas, also consider client wellness records, multiple service types, membership programs.
Hidden Costs & Tips
- Watch out for per-staff or per-calendar fees: Vagaro and Booksy charge extra per user.
- Marketplace commissions: Fresha takes ~20% on new clients booked via its marketplace.
- Payment processing fees vary: Square, GlossGenius, Vagaro have different rates. Those add up especially for sales of retail or tips.
- Feature add-ons like branded apps, analytics, SMS marketing, waitlists often cost more. Calculate all-in price.
Final Thoughts
Beauty business owners see software as the front line right now, booking clients online, managing staff, processing payments all in one place. The best value depends on how many people you have working, how much branding matters to you, and how many clients you want to attract. Free tools help when you begin, but scaling shows where subscription, marketplace, or premium features matter.
Take 7-day or 14-day trials where offered. Compare real use, not just features. Price tags are just numbers until you use the tool for your workflow.
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