The Top 5 Salon Management Software Alternatives in 2024
Choosing the right salon management software is a big deal.
You’ll be working in this tool every day, and it plays a big role in your clients' interactions and experience with your business.
I get a ton of questions about salon software. And I know that choosing between all the available options can be quite overwhelming.
So I hope this short overview of my top software and POS recommendations will give you some good direction as you start your research.
For more in-depth information about these systems, I recommend you check out the salon software reviews at The Salon Business.
My Top 5 Salon Software Options:
- Mangomint — The top-rated and most beautifully designed salon software
- GlossGenius — The user-friendly option for solo professionals
- Fresha — The salon software that offers a subscription-free model
- Vagaro — The comprehensive and budget-friendly choice
- Square Appointments — The all-in-one POS and appointment software with a free plan for individuals
Video Summary
If you prefer video, Kayle and I just published a discussion of the top alternatives here:
Mangomint: The top-rated and most beautifully designed salon software (US & Canada)
I first encountered Mangomint in early 2022, and it quickly impressed me with its elegant design and intelligent functionality. Finally, salon software that was fast and intuitive, visually stunning, and enjoyable to use.
Since then, Mangomint has continued to evolve, introducing new industry-leading features every month. The user community is incredibly engaged, and the platform consistently outshines competitors on review websites.
If you’re seeking a sophisticated platform that simplifies your work, saves you time, and enhances the beauty of your business, Mangomint is the answer. This meticulously designed software makes it incredibly intuitive and easy to use. It also includes smart automations that significantly reduce time managing appointments and business operations.
Mangomint excels in all the core features you expect from salon software — calendar scheduling, online booking, POS, inventory, payroll, and reporting. However, what truly sets Mangomint apart are its client interaction features, such as two-way client texting and highly targeted email marketing.
Moreover, Mangomint allows for integration with virtually any other software, making it a powerful and flexible option. Its design and functionality make it the most aesthetically pleasing choice on this list.
Mangomint’s vision is to make salon software so smart and easy to use that it disappears into your daily operations. And indeed, this software is a pleasure for both you and your clients.
Pros:
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Top-rated customer service
- Smart client interaction features (targeted marketing, two-way texting, intelligent waitlist, express booking)
- Open data ownership and no contracts
- Integrates with other platforms
Cons:
- Available only for teams, not independent professionals.
- Higher entry-level price than many other salon software options
- Only available in the US and Canada
Average Price: $245 per month (assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons; actual cost may vary)
Supported Countries: U.S. and Canada
GlossGenius: The user-friendly option for solo professionals (USA Only)
Are you an independent professional seeking all-in-one salon software that combines simplicity with style? Look no further than GlossGenius.
GlossGenius is an all-in-one appointment, payment, and marketing app tailored for independent salons in the USA. It allows you to manage your entire business from a mobile app, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.
What sets GlossGenius apart is its premium design. Every aspect, from the website to the card reader, is crafted to provide a high-end client experience. The blend of elegant design and ease of use makes GlossGenius truly unique.
I highly recommend GlossGenius to independent professionals who want an attractive online booking experience and smart marketing tools without dealing with technical complexities.
While salons with a team can also use GlossGenius, larger businesses that require more flexibility might find Mangomint a better fit.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use features
- Professional-looking salon website in a few clicks
- Integrated payments with a stylish card reader
- Affordable and transparent flat fee pricing
Cons:
- Limited flexibility (must follow pre-defined standards)
- Managed only via app (only calendar accessible in a web browser)
- Little team support if you start hiring; may need to switch software later
- No booking widget for existing websites (must link to your GlossGenius website)
Average Price: $48 per month (assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons; actual cost may vary)
Supported Countries: U.S.
Fresha: The salon software that offers a subscription-free model
Fresha is rapidly growing, serving over 120 countries, 70,000 beauty businesses, and 250,000 stylists and therapists. It’s the only subscription-free software with no trial period or usage limits.
Fresha is easy to use, offers a subscription-free plan, and is continuously developed. However, subscription-free doesn’t mean entirely free — you pay per transaction and when new clients find you on the Fresha marketplace.
Fresha is ideal for independent stylists or salons on a budget. It’s user-friendly, with no steep learning curve. Your salon can also gain visibility on the Fresha client marketplace, but note that you’ll be charged if a new client books through the marketplace.
Fresha’s main limitation is its lack of customization options. While it looks good out of the box, you won’t be able to change your booking page design or integrate bookings into your website.
Pros:
- Free subscription for unlimited staff; usage-based pricing
- User-friendly and easy to learn
- Available in many countries and languages
- Marketplace to promote your salon
Cons:
- Limited customization options (default designs look good)
- Clients must create a Fresha account to book
- Online booking cannot be integrated with your website (must link to your Fresha page)
- Limited support for integration with other platforms; restricted to using Fresha tools
Average Price: $80 per month (assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons; actual cost may vary)
Supported Countries: Available in 22 languages in over 120 countries worldwide
Vagaro: The comprehensive and budget-friendly choice
Are you searching for comprehensive, all-in-one salon software that can manage every aspect of your business without a huge expense? Then Vagaro could be a good choice.
Vagaro offers an impressive array of features at an incredibly affordable price. This software includes dedicated hardware, integrated payments, full payroll support, native booking and online store integration with your website, a client marketplace, website builder, and marketing support. It’s ideal for cost-conscious salons or independent professionals needing more than basic salon software features.
Despite being a bit slower and clunkier than some competitors, Vagaro provides a wealth of functionality. It’s incredible how much they’ve packed into this software while keeping it affordable. With Vagaro, you can streamline your operations, simplify transactions, manage staff payments, seamlessly integrate booking and e-commerce with your website, attract new clients through Vagaro’s marketplace, and create and promote your salon’s online presence.
Pros:
- Rich in features for salons
- Affordable price
- Client marketplace to attract new clients
- Integrations with other software (QuickBooks, Xerox, Facebook, Zoom)
Cons:
- Pages could load faster; some glitches may occur
- Clients must create a Vagaro account to book, which some find annoying
- Slight learning curve due to the abundance of features
Average Price: $120 per month (assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons; actual cost may vary)
Supported Countries: U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK
Square Appointments: The all-in-one POS and appointment software with a free plan for individuals
Whether you need an affordable appointment scheduler or a full POS and business management system, Square Appointments is a great option. It’s free for individuals, making it ideal for booth renters and individual stylists.
The real power of Square Appointments lies in its integration with all of Square’s marketing and business tools. You can start with an appointment scheduler and grow by adding Square’s POS unit, payroll tool, marketing suite, and even build a website and online store using Square Online.
Square is a great choice for any size salon or spa business, offering strong support across all areas of your business.
Pros:
- Free for individuals
- Well-designed, easy-to-use interface
- Integration with Square’s full suite of applications for endless possibilities
Average Price: $45 per month (assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons; actual cost may vary)
Supported Countries: U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK.
Which One Will You Choose?
How do you decide between the top salon software options listed here?
Mangomint is ideal for larger salons with five or more service providers. It offers smart, well-designed software that integrates seamlessly with other systems.
GlossGenius is perfect for independent professionals seeking a visually appealing platform that is easy to use and free of technical headaches.
Fresha stands out because it’s subscription-free, charging only per appointment. This makes it an excellent option for small, growing businesses that want to minimize upfront costs.
Vagaro is one of the most feature-rich salon and spa software solutions available. It offers robust business support at a very affordable price.
Square Appointments caters to both small and large businesses. When paired with Square’s suite of tools, it becomes a comprehensive business support system covering all areas of your operations.
For more software alternatives and in-depth reviews, check out the top list of the best salon software in 2024 at The Salon Business.
