9 Best Salon Booking Software & Apps To Try

Summary

Your booking system is key to your success, which means investing in software that can manage appointments effortlessly, facilitate seamless client experiences, and keep everything running smoothly. This article will explore the best salon booking software options, plus features to look for when making your choice. 

What Is Salon Booking Software and Why Do You Need One?

Salon booking software makes scheduling simple and efficient for salon and spa owners by allowing clients to view open time slots, choose services, and book appointments online directly, streamlining the administrative process and saving you time. Some other benefits of using appointment scheduling software for your salon include: 

Reduced no-shows

A salon booking app can send automated appointment confirmations and reminders to clients on your behalf, reducing the risk of no-shows or late cancellations. It can also collect appointment deposits so that in the event of a no-show, you can still get some compensation for your wasted time. 

Improved client retention

Booking software for salons can replace spreadsheets or pen and paper methods for more accurate, organized scheduling, leaving you free to focus more on delivering flawless client service. The better the client experience, the more likely they are to return to your salon. 

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9 Best Salon Booking Software in 2025

Ready to bring a touch of glamor to your booking system? Here’s the lowdown on booking software app features, costs, and more:

1. GlossGenius

GlossGenius is the ultimate solution for beauty and wellness business owners and independent professionals. With a simple interface designed for ultimate ease of use, GlossGenius offers features like 24/7 online booking (no signup or app required) and synced calendars, so your schedule is always full and up-to-date. GlossGenius also offers robust client management features designed to grow your clientele – including automated confirmations, reminders, and “We Miss You” texts. Plus, you get a customizable website builder, team management features, and an integrated POS system with sleek card readers. (With all transaction fees at a low, flat rate of 2.6% regardless of card payment method.) 

The cherry on top? GlossGenius offers several paid plans to meet your unique needs. Dive in with the Standard Plan, starting at just $24 per month. Upgrade to Gold (starting at $48 per month) to get additional features like a Client Waitlist or Platinum Plan (starting at $148 per month) for large teams of 10 or more. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

2. Square Appointments

Square is first and foremost a payment processor, but it also has booking capabilities. It’s a solid choice if your scheduling needs are simple and straightforward. Their free plan includes an online booking site and integrations, appointment reminders, and unlimited staff calendars. Square Appointments’ POS system fees are 2.6% + 10 for every transaction. Their paid plans start at $29+ a month. 

Keep in mind that Square isn’t optimized for the beauty and wellness industry. It’s more of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to appointment scheduling and payment processing. It covers the basics, but not much more.

3. Acuity Scheduling

Starting at $16 a month, Acuity is an affordable option for those looking for basic booking features like client self-scheduling and third-party payment processing (Stripe/Square/Paypal), plus appointment reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups. For more advanced features like gift cards, memberships, packages, and HIPAA compliance, you’ll need to upgrade to their higher tier plans, starting at $27/month. 

Acuity is a powerful scheduling tool but lacks advanced features like detailed reports and inventory management, making it the less ideal option for those looking for a comprehensive salon management solution. 

4. Mindbody

Mindbody provides features like synced scheduling so your calendars are always accurate – for both you and your team. Plus, you can create branded booking experiences to give clients a taste of your vibe and get them excited about your business. The Mindbody app hosts a network of professionals for customers seeking wellness services, making it easier to find your business and book appointments. 

Full Mindbody pricing is not publicly available, but their website states that their paid plans start at $99/month, which can be high for smaller businesses, solo professionals, or those just starting out. They also have limited customization options and according to some, a not so easy-to-use interface. 

5. Fresha

Fresha is a popular booking app that’s especially appealing for smaller salons and solo beauty professionals. Their plan for independent professionals starts at $19.95/month ($14.95/month per team member) and includes a client booking app plus features like calendar and appointment scheduling, and waitlists. In addition to booking features, they also offer client management, point-of-sale, inventory management, and marketing tools. 

Though Fresha has low monthly subscription costs, many of their add-ons can be quite costly. For instance, client loyalty features cost $59.95/month per location, and data integration with your external tools (like spreadsheets and other software) will run you $295/month per location. Plus, their transaction fees are on the higher side, with 2.79% + $0.20 per online transaction, and 2.29% + $0.20 per transaction for in-person payments (+$0.10 per Tap to pay authorization). 

6. Vagaro

For $23.99 per month, Vagaro (which acquired Schedulicity in January 2025) offers 24/7 online booking and staff scheduling to simplify your calendars and get more clients through the door. Not only will you get a booking widget for your website, your employees can also create their own booking links. With automated reminders and confirmations, Vagaro can help you keep clients on track and reduce no-shows. 

With Vagaro, some critical features (like text message marketing) are only available as paid add-ons. They also increase their monthly pricing by $10 per team member you add. Their transaction fees also vary, with smaller merchants paying 2.6% + $.10 per transaction, and larger merchants paying 2.2% + $.19 per transaction. (Plus an additional $.06 per Tap-to-Pay charge.)

7. Booksy

Booksy is a comprehensive platform that supports online booking, allowing clients to schedule their own appointments whenever they want. You get access to calendar and scheduling features, automated waitlists, plus a business profile to help answer any questions potential clients may have before booking your services. Booksy also provides a platform to showcase your portfolio, making it easier for customers to see if your services will be the right fit for them. 

Booksy offers their full suite of features for $29.99/month (plus tax), with an additional $20/month per employee. Their transaction fees also vary by payment type, with mobile payments and keyed-in entry at 2.69% + $0.30 per transaction, and 2.49% + $0.10 per transaction with their Booksy card reader (plus an additional $0.10 for Tap-to-Pay). 

8. Mangomint

Mangomint combines booking, POS, and client management into one platform. With an intuitive interface and automated reminders, Mangomint streamlines the scheduling process and saves you time. Mangomint gives your clients the power to customize their appointments during booking (like purchasing add-ons), optimizing the entire booking experience for ultimate client satisfaction. 

Mangomint plans range from $165 to $375 per month, which can be expensive for brand-new businesses or solo artists. Their marketing and automation services are pay-as-you-go, and their transaction fees are on the higher side: 2.45% + $0.15 fee per in-person transaction, and 2.90% + $0.20 fee per virtual transaction. 

9. Zenoti

Zenoti is geared toward larger salons and spa chains, offering enterprise-level features like multi-location management, employee performance tracking, and advanced reporting. Zenoti provides simple appointment booking and scheduling 24/7 so clients can do it on their own time. They provide self check-in, taking more effort out of your admin and saving you time. Zenoti also uses AI to send rebooking reminders to customers, which can help boost retention and build loyal clientele. 

Zenoti pricing can be high, and varies based on your business type. For example, paid plans for salons and spas start at $350/month, while med spa plans start at $400/month. 

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7 Features to Look For in Salon and Spa Booking Software

Not all booking apps are created equal. Some give you a basic calendar and landing page to share with clients. Others, like GlossGenius, roll out the red carpet with a custom website that shows off your services, supports online booking, and lets clients easily make purchases.

If you’re on the hunt for an appointment booking app, you need one that truly elevates your business. Look for scheduling software with these six stunning features:

1. Client management

Your clients are VIPs, and it’s your job to help them feel like stars each time they walk through your door. Stellar client management goes a long way toward making that happen.

GlossGenius’ software automatically creates client profiles upon booking. You can update these profiles at any time with notes about their preferences, purchase history, and more. As first-timers turn into loyal regulars, you’ll have all the details to personalize every visit and make everyone feel fabulous.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

2. Automated reminders

No-shows and last-minute cancellations can mess up even the best-planned schedule. The best salon booking software automatically sends your clients email reminders or texts before their appointments. These gentle nudges give clients the chance to confirm or rebook well in advance so you can keep your schedule on track.

3. Staff management

Running a team of stylists can feel like a juggling act, but the right software makes it a breeze. Need to check who has the most appointments this week? Done. Want to adjust schedules to avoid overlap or double bookings? Easy. With staff management software, you avoid scheduling chaos and keep your team happy.

4. Payment processing

Effortless payment processing is a game-changer for any salon. The best software has point-of-sale (POS) capabilities so you can offer clients the convenience of paying online or even setting up recurring payments. Plus, you can charge a deposit for bookings to discourage no-shows and missed appointments.

When your software has integrated payment processing features, it’s easier to track sales and manage inventory. It also makes handling payroll and finances a snap – leaving you more time to glam up your clients and rock your salon.

5. Mobility and accessibility

Working from multiple locations? No problem. The best booking systems for salons allow you to manage your business seamlessly from anywhere. Stay connected and in control, whether you’re at the front desk or on the go. 

6. Reports and analytics

The best booking apps come equipped with detailed reports and analytics that track everything from daily sales to popular services, client retention, and staff performance. With this data at your fingertips, you can make savvier business decisions that help the salon flourish. Plus, you can combine this data with powerful marketing tools to bring in even more business.

7. AI tools

Some salon booking software offers AI tools to take your operations to the next level. These tools may include virtual chatbots that are available 24/7 to assist clients with questions about your business, product or service selections based on client purchase history, or even automated marketing blasts tailored to specific customers. 

Transform Your Salon and Spa With GlossGenius

GlossGenius is the perfect all-in-one salon booking software. With features like automated Client Notifications, detailed Analytics, and Payroll management, it’s designed to help you get your everyday operations under control and help your business glow up. Whether you’re looking for Time Tracking features or software to set your Business Goals, GlossGenius has you covered with comprehensive, affordable plans designed for businesses of every size. 

‍Start your free trial with GlossGenius today and watch your business thrive!