Best Salon Software 2025:
The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Why Fresha Leads in Salon Software

• Appointment Scheduling & Calendar
  A clean, color-coded calendar with drag-and-drop functionality keeps your day organized at a glance. It supports multiple staff columns, recurring bookings, group appointments, waitlists, and even patch test tracking for beauty services. One salon owner put it simply:

  “The visual calendar makes checking availability instantaneous”

• Client Management
  Fresha's client profiles are more than just names and numbers. They store contact info, appointment history, service notes (like color formulas), birthdays, and automatically calculate lifetime value. You can collect digital consultation forms and signed waivers directly in the system, cutting down paperwork and keeping everything secure.
• Point of Sale & Inventory
  Built-in POS integrates seamlessly with your appointment calendar, letting you add services and products to checkout in seconds. Real-time inventory tracking, stock alerts, product variants, and even an optional online store mean you can manage retail sales without extra software. Commissions, tips, taxes, and invoices are all handled in-platform.
• Online Booking & Marketplace
  Every Fresha business gets its own customizable online booking page, plus visibility on the Fresha Marketplace, where millions of people search for beauty and wellness services. Fresha only charges a one-time 20% commission on the very first appointment made by a new client who discovers you through the Marketplace. After that, all repeat visits and direct client bookings are completely fee-free. As one salon owner put it:

  “We gladly paid the fees for new customers, effectively making it a performance-based marketing expense.”

• Marketing Tools
  Automated SMS, WhatsApp, and email reminders reduce no-shows. You can run targeted campaigns for promotions, request reviews, and reward loyal clients with memberships or points. Fresha includes free monthly reminder quotas, with low pay-per-use rates after that. Optional add-ons like Client Loyalty (about $50/month per location) make it easy to run rewards programs.
• Multi-Location & Team Management
  Fresha scales with you, managing unlimited staff and multiple locations under one account. Advanced permissions, combined reporting, shift scheduling, and even payroll/timesheets (which are included in the Team Membership) make it ideal for growing businesses.
• Payments and No-Show Protection
  Integrated payment processing (globally competitive rates) allows deposits, cancellation fees, and secure card-on-file bookings to reduce no-shows. You can use Fresha card terminals or Tap-to-Pay directly from your phone, with daily payouts to keep cash flow steady.
• Reporting & Analytics
  Real-time reporting covers revenue, inventory, client retention, and staff performance. Fresha's Insights add-on unlocks even more advanced analytics and fine-grained access control for larger teams.
• Mobile Apps
  The Fresha for Business app keeps owners and staff connected on the go, while the Fresha client app makes booking a breeze for customers. One independent stylist summed it up:

  “I use this booking software from my iPad and iPhone… my staff and clients love the on-the-go online booking. 80% of my appointments are booking online through Fresha.”

• Pricing
  In 2025, Fresha evolved from a purely commission-based platform to a low-cost subscription model that grows with your business.

  Independent	Team
  $19.95 USD for one-person business	$14.95 USD per team member monthly
  Includes Single calendar column Single login access 20 free messages per month Email support	Includes Multiple calendar columns 20 free messages per team member 50 free marketing emails per team member 24/7 phone and chat support

  When it’s time to expand, Fresha makes the jump affordable. You can see the pricing for other markets here.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Unique Selling Points:

Core Features:

• Appointment Calendar & Scheduling
  A mobile-friendly calendar that lets you book appointments, send confirmations, and set up services and availability. Clients can self-book 24/7 via the StyleSeat app or your profile link, making it easy to fill your schedule without constant back-and-forth.
• Client Management
  StyleSeat stores client contact info and appointment history, tracking behaviors like no-shows or cancellations. Smart Pricing helps optimize revenue by adjusting prices for high-demand time slots, though StyleSeat takes a small commission on any upsell portion.
• Payments and No-Show Protection
  StyleSeat has built-in payment processing. Clients enter their card to book and can be charged automatically at checkout or for no-show fees, which is excellent for independents who want to enforce cancellation policies without awkward conversations. StyleSeat's processing fees are around 2.75% to 3% (standard). There is also a client booking fee of $2.35 per booking that StyleSeat charges to the client for using the platform (clients see it as a separate fee in checkout).
• Marketing and New Clients
  StyleSeat has a big consumer base, especially for hair and beauty services, and acts as a marketplace where clients can discover local professionals, though it's not as wide-reaching as some other platforms. It also handles automated reminders, birthday messages, and rebooking prompts, helping keep clients engaged. There's a basic loyalty feature too, so frequent clients can earn small perks, though it's simpler than what some competitors offer.
• Reviews and Portfolio
  Clients can leave reviews on your StyleSeat profile, and you can show off photos of your work. Many stylists use their profile like a mini-website, featuring their bio, services, prices, and portfolio images.
• Mobile App
  StyleSeat's app for professionals is where you manage everything, from your calendar, to client info, etc. Clients use the main StyleSeat app to find and book, and the app experience itself is polished and focused on quick booking flows.
• Customer Support & Community
  StyleSeat offers support through email and a central help center. They don't provide 24/7 live support, so responses usually come within a day during business hours. That said, the app is intuitive enough that many stylists get by without needing much help.

Pricing:

• Free Plan
  $0/month, but StyleSeat takes a 35% cut on a new client's first appointment (capped at $50). Clients pay $2.35 per booking, and if you use Smart Pricing, there's an extra 5% fee on premium time slots. Payment processing runs around 2.75%. Essentially, StyleSeat acts as a partner that brings in clients and takes a share accordingly.
• Premium Plan
  $35/month with no per-booking commissions or client fees for standard features—just the usual payment processing fees (slightly lower for in-person card payments). All features are included, plus you get priority placement in search results.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• High Commission & Fees (if not on Premium)
  35% on a new client’s first appointment is pretty steep, though it’s capped at $50, so a $200 service would max out there. The $2.35 client fee per booking can also add up, which might put off some repeat clients and effectively makes services a bit more expensive for them.
• Not ideal for Multi-Staff
  StyleSeat is really built for solo pros or, at most, a duo. It doesn’t scale well for multi-location salons or larger teams. If a salon has multiple staff needing their own calendar, StyleSeat doesn’t easily consolidate under one business account—each stylist might need their own profile. Some salons work around this by treating each stylist as essentially separate on StyleSeat.
• Limited Expansion Features
  StyleSeat doesn’t include inventory management, accounting integrations, or advanced marketing features. It’s designed to be simple and focused on appointments and basic client retention. If you want to sell products or run large-scale email campaigns, you’d need additional tools.
• Client Booking Fee
  That $2.35 fee per booking could put off some cost-conscious clients, especially since other platforms, like Fresha’s client app, don’t charge a booking fee. StyleSeat says it helps cover secure platform use, but savvy clients might opt to book with a stylist on an app that doesn’t tack on extra costs.

Comparison to Fresha

• Lower Costs for Pros
  Fresha has low marketplace fee's with only a 20% commissions on new marketplace clients, while StyleSeat’s free plan takes 35% and adds client booking fees.
• No Client Booking Fees
  Clients book for free on Fresha, whereas StyleSeat charges $2.35 per booking, which can deter repeat clients.
• Better for Teams
  Fresha supports multi-staff salons and larger businesses, while StyleSeat is designed mainly for solo pros.
• Broader Business Tools
  Fresha includes inventory, marketing, and integrations, offering more depth for those who want full management software.
• Global Marketplace Growth
  Fresha’s marketplace is expanding internationally, while StyleSeat remains more niche to US independents.

Core Features:

• Appointment Scheduling Calendar
  Manage bookings with a clean calendar interface, set business hours, block personal time, and color-code by staff or service. Unlimited staff calendars are included even on the free plan, though it's limited to a single location. The calendar syncs across devices, and updates or confirmations happen in real time.
• Online Booking Site
  Square provides a free client-facing booking webpage. You can also embed a booking widget on your website or add "Book Now" buttons to Instagram and Facebook, allowing clients to schedule 24/7.
• Client Management
  Square stores basic client information, appointment history, and notes. While simpler than some CRMs, it's enough to track preferences, service history, and no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
• Point of Sale & Payments
  Built on Square's POS, Appointments lets you easily add services or products to an invoice and accept payments via Square Reader, Tap-to-Pay phone, or payment links. All major cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are supported. Retail inventory can be tracked (though heavy retail salons may prefer Square for Retail). Features like "Card on File" allow deposits or no-show fees, and Square Afterpay lets clients split payments. Standard U.S. rates are 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person swipes, slightly higher than Fresha (~2.19% + 20¢ in the U.S.), but Premium users get a small processing discount.
• SMS/Email Reminders
  Unlimited text and email reminders come standard on all plans, even free, which helps reduce no-shows without extra fees.
• Staff Management
  Paid plans let you create staff profiles, manage permissions, track commissions, and individual calendars. Premium adds lower credit card fees, priority support, and advanced resource management (for rooms, equipment, etc.).
• Extras & Automation
  Square Assistant is an AI-powered text assistant that can confirm, reschedule, or answer basic client queries automatically. Additional options like Square Loyalty, gift cards, marketing campaigns, and payroll are available as add-ons.

Pricing:

• Free Plan - $0/month
  $0/month Best for solo operators or very small teams at one location. Includes booking, calendar, client reminders, and checkout integration. Supports multiple staff at a single location.
• Plus - $29/month per location
  Designed for growing teams, adds multi-location support, waitlists, class bookings, and some marketing tools.
• Premium - $69/month per location
  For larger or multi-location salons. Includes all Plus features, lowest processing fees, priority support, and advanced API integrations.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• Industry-Specific Limitations
  Square is generalist software. It lacks a salon-focused client marketplace, so new-client acquisition relies on your own marketing. Fresha, in contrast, actively promotes your business to consumers.
• Marketing & Loyalty Costs
  Features like Square Loyalty or marketing campaigns are separate products, adding to the total cost if you want a robust loyalty or email system.
• Multi-Location Constraints
  Free and Plus plans cover one location only. Even Premium multi-location management can feel disjointed compared with Fresha’s centralized dashboard.
• Limited Customization
  Square’s simplicity comes with fewer options for custom intake forms, client fields, or digital signatures.
• Salon-Specific Workflows
  Square can handle service durations and padding, but advanced salon workflows—like color formula tracking or double bookings with processing gaps—require manual adjustments.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Marketplace Reach
  Fresha actively drives new client acquisition through its consumer marketplace, while Square relies solely on the salon’s own marketing.
• Pricing Model
  Fresha’s hybrid pricing model reduces upfront costs, making it more cost-effective for smaller businesses or those seeking growth without additional marketing expenses.
• Multi-Location Management
  Fresha provides a centralized dashboard for managing multiple locations seamlessly, compared with Square’s more fragmented approach.
• Salon-Specific Features
  Fresha includes advanced workflows tailored for salons—such as color formula tracking and double-booking with processing gaps—that Square requires manual workarounds to handle.

Core Features:

• Online Booking and Calendar
  Booksy provides a full-featured calendar for scheduling appointments, managing multiple staff calendars, setting working hours, and handling recurring appointments. Services, durations, and buffer times can all be customized. Clients can book 24/7 via the Booksy app or your personalized Booksy booking link/website. All appointments update instantly in the Booksy Biz app for providers.
• Client Management
  Booksy keeps detailed client records, including contact info, appointment history, no-show history, and notes. Clients can self-manage certain info via the app, and you can tag or categorize clients for targeted marketing campaigns. Booksy also tracks rebooking rates, making it easy to identify loyal clients.
• Marketing Tools
  Out of the box, Booksy includes built-in marketing features:

  • Email Marketing
    You can send email campaigns to clients (Booksy includes unlimited email sends in the plan).
  • SMS Marketing
    Booksy includes up to 2,000 SMS marketing messages per month in its base subscription. This means you can run text promotions or blast announcements without worrying about high costs.
  • Push Notifications
    Since clients use the Booksy app, you can send push notification promotions or updates directly to their phones.
  • Social Media Integrations
    Booksy offers integration to Instagram, Facebook, Google (so clients can book you from those platforms), similar to others.
  • Loyalty and Promotions
    Booksy has a loyalty system where you can set up rewards for repeat visits, and create discount codes or happy hour pricing to entice bookings.
• Point of Sale & Payments
  Booksy supports integrated payment processing, including “card on file” and optional Booksy card readers in certain markets. No-show protection allows salons to charge cancellation fees. While not primarily a product POS, Booksy allows add-on product sales at checkout. Typical processing fees are around 2.49% + 10¢ (up to 2.99% depending on card type).

Pricing:

• Base Price
  Approximately $29.99/month for one user, covering a single staff member.
• Additional Staff
  About $20/month per staff member on the standard plan.
• Unlimited Staff Plan
  If you have a larger team, Booksy offers an Unlimited plan at $119.99 per month which allows any number of staff members. This cap means a big salon won't pay more than $120/month for Booksy. All plans include all features (there aren't feature-gated tiers; the pricing is mainly based on number of practitioners). Booksy frequently runs free trial promotions (14-day free trial standard) and sometimes discounts. There's no contract. It's month-to-month and cancel anytime.
• No Hidden Fees
  Booksy prides itself on "no hidden or confusing fees." They pitch that unlike some competitors, they won't charge extra for things like client messaging or basic features.
• Data Portability
  While Booksy allows data export, complete history migration may require support intervention.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• Monthly Cost for Small Users
  Solo professionals or small salons may find $30/month steep, especially if they don't need advanced marketing features.
• Overkill for Simplicity
  Booksy's extensive tools can be daunting for very small or tech-averse teams. Many salons comment that Fresha feels simpler to use.
• Marketplace Competition
  Booksy's marketplace is crowded, so standing out may require Boost or excellent reviews.
• Data Portability
  While Booksy allows data export, complete history migration may require support intervention.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Simpler, More Intuitive Experience
  Fresha's interface is clean and straightforward, making it easier for smaller or less tech-savvy teams to adopt without feeling overwhelmed.
• No Client Booking Fees
  Unlike Booksy's Boost, Fresha doesn't add friction for clients — there are no extra booking charges, which helps encourage smoother client adoption.
• Strong Marketplace Advantage
  With millions of clients on Fresha looking to book their next appointment, the marketplace drives client acquisition without mandatory paid boosts, making it a cost-effective way to attract new clients while still keeping competition visible and fair.
• Smooth Data Portability
  Fresha supports seamless migration and integration, reducing barriers for businesses that want to switch or expand onto the platform.

Core Features:

• Appointment Calendar & Scheduling
  A robust calendar viewable by day, week, or month, with multiple staff columns, resource coordination, and support for recurring appointments, packages, and group classes. Accessible via the web or the Vagaro Pro mobile app.
• Online Booking & Marketplace
  Every business on Vagaro gets an online profile listing on Vagaro.com and the Vagaro client app (which reportedly has 20+ million consumers searching). Clients can find you through category searches or book directly if they have your link.
• No Booking Commissions
  Listing on their marketplace is free with your subscription, and you can get unlimited bookings from there without extra cost (though it's relatively small compared to Fresha's marketplace). To help your visibility, Vagaro offers a free "Get Featured" option where your listing can rank higher in marketplace search.
• Client Management & Forms
  Vagaro stores comprehensive client profiles, including service history, product purchase history, notes, allergies, etc. It also has a built-in forms and waivers feature (as an add-on) allowing you to create custom intake forms or consultation forms that clients can fill out online.
• Point of Sale & Inventory
  Vagaro is strong in POS capabilities. It supports in-person checkout with credit card processing (through Vagaro's merchant services or integrating with others), including support for cash, check, gift certificates, etc. Vagaro sells its own credit card readers and even a cash drawer/receipt printer bundle. It tracks product inventory with low-stock alerts, generates purchase orders to suppliers, and can manage an online store for selling products or e-gift cards.
• Memberships, Packages & Gift Cards
  Vagaro natively supports selling recurring memberships (e.g., a monthly unlimited package) and session packages (like five facials at a discount). These are increasingly important for revenue stability and Vagaro excels here. Gift certificates can be sold and redeemed via the system as well.
• Reports & Analytics
  Vagaro provides a wide range of reports, from daily sales to client retention, revenue by service/staff, inventory valuation, and more. The reports are fairly detailed, and with the "Vagaro Drive" or Data add-ons, you can also back up data or do deeper analysis externally.
• Marketing & Notifications
  Vagaro includes free automated email and text reminders and notifications for appointments. For marketing, the base plan includes 1000 free marketing emails per month. If you need more or want to do text marketing campaigns, that's an add-on (Text Marketing add-on, starting $15/mo). Vagaro also integrates with Facebook, Instagram for booking buttons, and has a feature to push your positive reviews to your website or social pages (to promote your high ratings).
• 24/7 Support & Training
  Vagaro advertises 24/7 live support via phone, email, chat, plus free one-on-one training sessions.

Pricing:

• Base Price
  $25–$30 per month for the first bookable calendar (single user).
• Additional Users
  Roughly $10 per month for each additional staff.
• Multi-Location
  Vagaro has an option for multi-location businesses (Enterprise pricing). If you have multiple locations, you can either have separate accounts or use their enterprise plan which allows centralized management; pricing for that is custom after a certain number of staff.
• Credit Card Processing
  If you use Vagaro’s integrated payments, they offer low rates—as low as 1.15% + $0.20 for certain transactions in some regions. More typical rates are around 2.75% in the US if using their service. They don’t charge a platform fee for online bookings or anything.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• Add-On Costs
  While the base is affordable, some users may feel frustrated that to unlock certain capabilities (like automated marketing beyond 1,000 emails, or digital forms, or a custom website), you have to pay extra monthly. If you enable many add-ons, the cost can creep up (e.g., base $45 + forms $10 + texts $15 + Drive $10 = $80).
• User Interface Overload
  Vagaro might not be as immediately intuitive as something like Fresha. There’s a lot of options and settings, which can be daunting. For a very small operation that doesn’t need complexity, something simpler might be preferred.
• Marketplace Not as Aggressive
  Vagaro’s marketplace is included with every subscription, but it doesn’t have the same pulling power as Fresha’s when it comes to driving new clients. Most customers discover Vagaro businesses through Google searches or direct referrals rather than browsing the app itself. There is a free “Get Featured” option to boost your ranking in local searches, but because Vagaro doesn’t charge commission or push heavy consumer promotions, the marketplace is less of a client-acquisition engine and more of a helpful bonus listing.
• International Presence
  Vagaro is big in the US, Canada, and UK. It’s not in all countries (e.g., not in some European countries where Fresha is strong). So depending on location, it might not be an option.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Features
  Vagaro might have an edge in specialized features like integrated memberships, rent collection, and add-ons like live streaming or branded app. Fresha's edge is a more modern UX and a built-in global client network.
• Ease
  Fresha wins on ease of use.
• Marketplace
  Fresha’s marketplace is a core part of its model, with commission-based listings that are heavily marketed to bring in new clients. Vagaro’s marketplace is more passive. It offers visibility, particularly through Google, but most businesses gain clients through their own marketing or organic search rather than the app itself.
• Support
  Both platforms provide 24/7 support, with Fresha offering a premium tier and Vagaro providing standard access.
• Customer Sentiment
  Vagaro customers often highlight the platform’s reliability and comprehensive features, while Fresha users tend to emphasize simplicity and cost savings. As one salon owner put it:

Core Features:

• Advanced Scheduling & Resource Management
  Timely is built to handle intricate booking scenarios. Buffer times can be added between services, multiple staff can be linked to the same appointment, and rooms or equipment can be assigned to avoid double-bookings, which is particularly useful for spas or clinics using shared machines. The calendar is customizable, with options to color-code by service or staff and switch between multiple views.
• Client Records & CRM
  Client profiles can store more than standard contact details and booking history. Timely supports service notes, formulas, allergy information, before-and-after photos, and digital consent forms. Custom fields allow for additional data collection. CRM tools make it possible to segment clients, track spending, and monitor visit frequency for targeted communications.
• Point of Sale and Payments
  The built-in POS system supports product sales, staff commission tracking, and integrations with accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks. In some markets, TimelyPay is available for native payment processing. While the POS works well for most needs, it is not as tightly linked to the booking process as some other systems.
• Marketing & Loyalty
  Marketing features include email and SMS campaigns, automated rebooking reminders, loyalty points, and referral tracking. Businesses can create targeted campaigns based on client activity, such as reaching out to those who have not booked for a set period, and can also sell vouchers and memberships.

  “We gladly paid the fees for new customers, effectively making it a performance-based marketing expense.”

• Reporting & Analytics
  Reporting is a strong area for Timely, with a wide range of customizable reports available. These include metrics such as revenue by service and rebooking rates, providing useful data for performance tracking and decision-making.
• Integrations & API
  Timely integrates with a range of third-party tools, including MailChimp, Xero, QuickBooks, and Google Calendar. An API is available for businesses that require custom connections.
• Multi-Location Management
  Available on higher-tier plans, multi-location support allows for separate calendars at each site while maintaining a central customer database. Pricing for additional locations depends on the plan.
• Pricing
  Timely uses a tiered subscription model, with rates based on staff or calendar numbers. Prices are usually quoted weekly, which can make direct monthly comparisons less straightforward.

  The Solo plan is around $15 per week (about $60 per month) and includes core scheduling, online booking, standard reminders, and support. Small Teams plans for 2–5 staff are approximately $35 per week (about $140 per month) and add multi-staff scheduling, advanced reporting, team performance tracking, and additional marketing tools. For 6 or more staff, pricing typically starts from $60 per week (about $240 per month), providing access to payroll tools, loyalty programs, custom forms, API access, and multi-location features.

  While the pricing model is clear, costs can rise quickly for larger teams. For example, a 10-person salon would likely pay several times more than with a commission-based or hybrid model. Timely also does not include a client marketplace, so attracting new clients depends on a business’s own marketing efforts.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• Cost Scalability
  Subscription fees increase with each additional staff member. This makes the platform less cost-effective as salons expand their teams.
• Client Acquisition
  Timely does not include a built-in marketplace. New-client growth relies entirely on the salon’s own marketing, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Feature Parity, but Fresha is Easier to Use
  Timely is competitive with other leading salon systems, offering robust customization and niche features.
• Marketplace Reach
  Fresha combines these same core features with built-in marketplace exposure, actively helping businesses attract new clients.
• Pricing Model
  Fresha uses a hybrid model, which may provide better value for small to mid-sized salons or those seeking client growth without additional marketing spend.

Core Features:

• Appointment Calendar
  A fully digital calendar accessible on any device, supporting unlimited appointments, multiple staff, and all the basics of booking management. You can see and manage bookings across your team, and the calendar updates in real time when clients book online.
• Online Bookings & Marketplace Profile
  Each partner salon gets a "venue profile" on the Treatwell marketplace, which showcases services, pricing, and reviews. Clients browsing the Treatwell website or app can discover and book your salon directly.
• Client Management
  Treatwell stores client info and appointment history. It also manages reviews, and after visits, clients can leave feedback that appears on your profile. You can respond to reviews and leverage them to attract more clients, similar to how TripAdvisor showcases hotel reviews.
• Marketing & Promotions
  Salons can run discounts and promotions directly through Treatwell, which are advertised on the marketplace. This includes customizable offers like off-peak pricing or flash sales. Treatwell also runs periodic regional marketing campaigns featuring salons or offering voucher codes to consumers, which can drive traffic to your listing.
• Point of Sale & Inventory
  Treatwell Pro includes a POS system for checkout, applying discounts, handling product sales, and managing stock. It also features a "Treatwell Store," allowing salons to purchase retail and supply products wholesale, helping streamline inventory.
• Team Management
  Treatwell allows unlimited team members at no extra cost on its plans. Treatwell's system can manage staff schedules and even showcase each team member's profile on your marketplace listing (so clients can choose a specific stylist if they like).
• Reports
  Treatwell provides basic sales reports and performance metrics, including revenue and top services. While reporting isn't highly customizable, it covers standard daily and service-level insights.
• Device Accessibility
  Fully cloud-based, Treatwell can be accessed on desktop or mobile through the Treatwell Connect app, allowing salon owners and staff to manage bookings and schedules on the go.

Pricing:

• Subscription Plans
  Depending on your region, Treatwell offers a Starter plan at around €29/month, covering the essentials like the appointment calendar and your marketplace profile. The Advanced plan at around €49/month adds features such as a POS system for product sales, inventory management, and more detailed reporting. Both plans include unlimited staff profiles, email/SMS reminders, and customer support. Pricing is per salon location, and the subscription gives full access to Treatwell Pro, meaning you won't pay extra for features that some competitors charge for separately.
• Commission Fees
  Treatwell takes a hefty 35% commission on the first booking of any new client they bring through the marketplace. If a client hasn't visited in over 12 months, they're counted as "new" again, so commissions can add up quickly.
• Payment Processing Fee
  If you choose to accept online prepayments through Treatwell (optional but useful to reduce no-shows), there's an additional payment processing fee of around 2.9% + €0.25 per transaction.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• High Commissions and Reduced Control Over Bookings
  Treatwell “owns” bookings made through their platform, so disputes and refunds go through their system. Frequent marketplace users may be less loyal, shopping around for deals.
• Marketing Loyalty Challenges
  Clients who book through Treatwell’s marketplace are often price-driven and may shop around for deals, resulting in weaker loyalty compared to direct bookings.
• Geographic Limitations
  Treatwell is primarily Europe-focused, limiting its relevance and growth potential for salons outside of European markets.
• Limited Control Over Client Data
  Since Treatwell intermediates bookings, salons may have less direct access to valuable client data for marketing, retention, and personalization compared with platforms that prioritize salon ownership of data.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Geographic Reach
  Fresha is global, while Treatwell is mainly Europe (UK, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands).
• Commission Rate
  Fresha takes 20% versus Treatwell’s hefty 35% on new clients – a major cost difference.
• Features
  Fresha offers advanced software features (loyalty, marketing campaigns, inventory) while Treatwell covers mostly the basics.
• Marketplace Size
  Treatwell may have stronger consumer traffic in certain European cities, but globally Fresha is growing fast and has millions of users.

Core Features:

• Appointment Scheduling & Calendar
  Drag-and-drop calendar with recurring appointments, resource allocation (e.g. rooms, equipment), and multiple staff views. Built-in waitlists auto-fill cancellations. Clients can book online or through the Mindbody app, and sync with Google/Outlook calendars.
• Client Management & Marketing
  Tracks client preferences, attendance, and purchase history. Automated reminders, rebooking prompts, and segmentation for promotions. Memberships and packages are deeply integrated, making it easier for gyms/spas to upsell recurring services.
• Point of Sale & Inventory
  Supports bundled services, discounts, memberships, and physical/retail products. Advanced inventory management includes supplier tracking and reorder alerts.
• Marketing Tools
  Mindbody's Marketing Suite runs email/SMS campaigns, win-back programs, referral tracking, and seasonal promotions. The marketplace integration means campaigns can also target the wider Mindbody app audience.
• Marketplace Reach
  The Mindbody consumer app acts as a discovery engine, connecting millions of potential clients to salons and wellness providers. Paid "Boost" features can prioritize your listings.
• Analytics & Reporting
  Includes financial dashboards, staff utilization reports, client lifetime value, and attendance trends. Multi-location operators can consolidate or break down reporting by site.

Pricing:

• Starter - $125-159 per month
  Core scheduling, POS, and app listing.
• Accelerate - $259 - $289 per month
  Adds marketing campaigns and smarter contact tools.
• Ultimate - $349 - $469 per month
  Advanced analytics and automation.
• Ultimate Plus - $599 - $699 per month
  Includes a custom branded mobile app.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• High-Cost
  2025 pricing starts at $159/month and runs up to $699/month, which is significantly higher than many competitors.
• Complexity
  The feature-rich system can overwhelm smaller teams, requiring more training and onboarding.
• Performance Issues
  Some users report glitches or slow load times, especially during peak hours.
• Not Ideal for Independents
  For small salons, the investment in both time and money may outweigh the benefits.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Pricing Model
  Fresha's low-cost subscription plus 20% commission only on new clients is far more affordable than Mindbody's high monthly tiers.
• Ease of Use
  Fresha prioritizes simplicity and onboarding speed, while Mindbody leans into enterprise-level depth.
• Marketplace Reach
  Both offer consumer marketplaces, but Fresha's booking app is designed to grow globally, whereas Mindbody has a larger U.S. presence.
• Scalability
  Mindbody is a strong fit for multi-location enterprises, while Fresha scales smoothly for both independents and chains.

Core Features:

• Appointment Scheduling & Calendar
  Color-coded staff calendars with drag-and-drop booking. Supports recurring appointments, cancellations, and waitlists.
• Client Database
  Rich profiles with service history, notes, consultation forms, and allergy tracking. Integrated loyalty balances encourage repeat visits.
• Point of Sale & Retail
  Checkout covers services, retail, vouchers, and packages. Commissions and tips are tracked automatically.
• Marketing Tools
  Targeted SMS/email campaigns, birthday messages, and rebooking reminders. Loyalty programs are fully integrated.
• Payroll & Staff Management
  Timesheets, commission management, and payroll built into the system, reducing reliance on external HR tools.
• Reporting & Insights
  Over 50 customizable reports cover revenue, retention, product sales, and staff performance.
• Integrations
  Works with accounting software like Xero, widely used in its core markets.

Pricing

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• Lack of Transparent Pricing
  Costs aren't published, requiring a sales call to get quotes.
• Limited Mobile Offering
  While web-based access is available, a fully functional mobile app is missing.
• Regional Focus
  Kitomba excels in NZ, AU, and UK, but lacks the global marketplace reach of some competitors.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Support
  Kitomba offers unlimited local support, while Fresha provides 24/7 chat and phone support backed by a global team.
• Pricing Transparency
  Fresha's pricing is clear and low-cost, whereas Kitomba's sales-led approach leaves salons in the dark until quoting.
• Marketplace
  Fresha connects businesses with millions of potential clients globally, while Kitomba lacks a consumer-facing marketplace.
• Scalability
  Fresha's centralized dashboard makes it easy to manage multiple locations internationally; Kitomba is stronger for local salon chains.

Core Features:

• Appointment Scheduling & Calendar
  Drag-and-drop calendar with recurring appointments, resource allocation (e.g. rooms, equipment), and multiple staff views. Built-in waitlists auto-fill cancellations. Clients can book online or through the Mindbody app, and sync with Google/Outlook calendars.
• Client Management & Marketing
  Tracks client preferences, attendance, and purchase history. Automated reminders, rebooking prompts, and segmentation for promotions. Memberships and packages are deeply integrated, making it easier for gyms/spas to upsell recurring services.
• Point of Sale & Inventory
  Supports bundled services, discounts, memberships, and physical/retail products. Advanced inventory management includes supplier tracking and reorder alerts.
• Marketing Tools
  Mindbody's Marketing Suite runs email/SMS campaigns, win-back programs, referral tracking, and seasonal promotions. The marketplace integration means campaigns can also target the wider Mindbody app audience.
• Marketplace Reach
  The Mindbody consumer app acts as a discovery engine, connecting millions of potential clients to salons and wellness providers. Paid "Boost" features can prioritize your listings.
• Analytics & Reporting
  Includes financial dashboards, staff utilization reports, client lifetime value, and attendance trends. Multi-location operators can consolidate or break down reporting by site.

Pricing:

• Free Plan
  A Free Plan is available, with limited features, ideal for very small teams. Contracts are commonly annual with limited flexibility for downgrades.
• Starter - $139/month
  Core tools including online booking, text messaging to up to 3,000 notifications, and streamlined intake.
• Accelerate - $289/month
  Adds elegant email campaigns, smart contact lists, and unlimited two-way text messaging.
• Ultimate - $469/month
  Includes automated marketing (email & SMS), review prompts, and referral incentives.
• Ultimate Plus - $599/month
  Unlocks full features including a branded AI assistant, real-time dashboards, and all lower-tier tools.

Ease of Use:

Customer Support:

Drawbacks:

• System Reliability
  Frequent reports of glitches and slowdowns, particularly during busy salon hours.
• Contract Rigidity
  Many plans require annual contracts, with difficult cancellation and downgrade processes.
• Outdated Interface
  Compared to modern, app-driven competitors, Booker feels dated and less intuitive.
• Support Concerns
  Mixed reviews, with long wait times and frustrations around billing or cancellations.

Comparison to Fresha:

• Pricing & Flexibility
  Booker offers a free entry-level plan, but higher tiers lock salons into rigid contracts. Fresha's subscription is month-to-month and commission-only for new marketplace clients.
• Ease of Use
  Fresha's clean, modern interface is designed for quick adoption; Booker's dated UI can frustrate staff.
• Marketplace
  Booker integrates with Mindbody Explore, but Fresha's marketplace is broader, global, and commission-only for new client discovery.