Fresha vs. GlossGenius: An honest comparison (2026)

Key takeaways

• GlossGenius and Fresha are two popular business management platforms for beauty, wellness, and health businesses, with GlossGenius offering a consistent processing rate and transparent subscription model, while Fresha offers a single plan with a marketplace model and new client commission fees.
• GlossGenius includes custom website creation, automated booking confirmations, and chargeback protection in its premium plans — features Fresha charges extra for or doesn't offer.
• Fresha's model can cost more than GlossGenius when factoring in new client fees, per-text charges, and add-on features like Insights and Client Loyalty. Fresha also charges $14.95 per added team member, per month.

Quick verdict: Which platform wins?

GlossGenius is the stronger choice for most beauty, wellness, and health business owners because it offers transparent pricing and a low, flat 2.6% processing rate—while Fresha's model often costs more when you factor in marketplace fees, additional team members, and add-ons.

Whether it's figuring out ways to manage client relationships, your schedule, or your staff, finding the right software options for your needs can feel overwhelming — especially for small businesses looking to build from the ground up.

For this reason, we're taking two of the most popular business management platforms on the market today, GlossGenius and Fresha, and diving into their features and pricing to see what's right for your business.

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Fresha vs. GlossGenius at a glance

Here's a side-by-side snapshot of the most important differences between GlossGenius and Fresha:

Pros and cons of GlossGenius

Pros:

• Transparent, predictable pricing with three plan options and no hidden fees
• Consistent 2.6% transaction rate across all payment types
• Personalized scheduling page included in every plan
• Phone and text support six days a week
• Purpose-built for wellness businesses with features like processing time for salons
• Stylish POS hardware devices in multiple colors and designs

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required
• Forms and waitlists require Gold+ plan

Pros and cons of Fresha

Pros:

• Affordable subscription plan
• Marketplace exposure for attracting new clients
• Basic booking and scheduling included
• No-shows and cancellation fees
• Free direct booking links and integrations

Cons:

• New client fee on marketplace-acquired clients (20% of service appointment, minimum of $6)
• Many features (Insights, Client Loyalty, Google Rating Boost) cost extra as add-ons
• No custom website builder
• Per-text charges for notifications beyond the free monthly allotment

Subscription plans and pricing compared

GlossGenius subscriptions start at $24/month with a straightforward 2.6% transaction fee, while Fresha has a base price of $19.95/month and charges per-transaction fees and a 20% cut from marketplace-acquired customers. Plus, you'll also pay an additional $14.95/mo for every team member you add.

Business management software options vary a ton, and so do their pricing models. That is why it's important to carefully review the features included in each plan—you don't want to end up with one that lacks essential tools for your business.

GlossGenius pricing and plans

GlossGenius offers three subscription plans. New members can try any plan free for 14 days, and you can switch plans at any time as business needs change.

• The Standard Plan (starting at $24/month): Covers all business essentials like a tailored online presence, online booking features, payment processing, and client/inventory management.
• The Gold Plan (starting at $48/month): Includes all the features from the Standard Plan plus advanced features like forms and waivers, waitlists, rebooking reminders, and Reserve with Google. For independent business owners and teams up to nine. ‍
• The Platinum Plan (starting at $148/month): Includes all the features from the Gold Plan plus extra features for larger businesses: unlimited staff at no extra cost, staff scorecards, goal setting, premium customer support, and customizable commission structures.

Businesses save an average of 25% on processing fees by switching to GlossGenius's payments — and that savings adds up fast.

Start your 14-day free trial with GlossGenius!

GlossGenius, unlike Fresha, offers different subscription plans to pick from, so you can choose the best one for your business and budget needs. You can also switch your plan at any time, so as your business needs grow and change, you can adapt your software options.

Fresha pricing and hidden fees

Fresha offers subscription plans from $19.95/month for independent business owners, with a Team plan at $14.95 per staff member/month. While the subscription costs are relatively low, new client fees, processing fees, and paid add-ons can make the total cost accumulate rapidly.

Here's a list of some of Fresha's add-ons to get an idea:

GlossGenius understands that your business needs powerful, aesthetically important features. And most importantly, all of these are included in the subscription and not as add-ons:

• Stylish credit card readers
• Modern and customizable booking site templates
• Booking reminders and confirmations
• Intuitive waitlists (Gold+)
• A forms and waivers builder (Gold+)
• Marketing tools including email and text
• AI-powered growth assistant (Gold+)
• Free same-business-day payout transfers

Payment processing fees: The real cost comparison

GlossGenius charges a consistent 2.6% fee on all transactions with no per-transaction fees, while Fresha charges 2.29% + 20¢ to 3.3% + 20¢ per transaction depending on payment type.

Although payment processing fees might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering software options, they're one of the most important. Processing fees can escalate without warning and hit businesses with unexpected costs.

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How GlossGenius payment processing works

GlossGenius has a standardized 2.6% rate across all payment types and subscription plans. That means there are no additional transaction fees, or different rates based on whether you're using a card on file or a physical card in your place of business.

This is one of the most competitive payment processing rates in the personal care industry, and it's straightforward to understand. Card transactions processed through GlossGenius terminals are associated with a 14% increase in median tips over cash payments.

How Fresha payment processing works

Fresha's payment processing fees vary depending on payment type.

Check out this table that compares Fresha and GlossGenius processing rates:

Feature comparison: What's included?

Next to pricing, features are one of the most important things to consider when picking software options to run your beauty, wellness, or health business. Think of it this way: what features software options offer and how intuitive they are to use can be the key to how much time you spend on regular business tasks.

Let's say your booking system doesn't have waitlists. Imagine the impact on your efficiency. Think of the time wasted on your staff spending hours on the phone trying to fill last-minute calendar spaces.

If your software options do offer a waitlist option but it's super confusing for your staff and/or your clients, that's even more time and frustration.

Check out this comparison of the features between GlossGenius and Fresha:

Booking and scheduling features

GlossGenius and Fresha each provide 24/7 online booking, but the experience differs. GlossGenius has the fastest client booking, allowing clients to book in under 30 seconds — no account creation required. It also offers color-coded calendars for simple organization and deposits to protect against no-shows.

Last-minute cancellations can cost you serious revenue, and managing multiple schedules often leads to double-booking chaos. GlossGenius solves this with automated waitlists that help you fill 12% more cancellations automatically, plus two-way calendar sync with Google Calendar, iCal, and Outlook to keep all your events safely in one place.

Fresha requires clients to create a Fresha account before booking, which can add friction to the process. Fresha also provides waitlist features, direct booking links with various integrations, and group bookings.

Marketing and client management

Keeping clients engaged between visits shouldn't mean spending hours on manual outreach or paying extra for separate software options. GlossGenius includes built-in marketing tools — email and SMS campaigns, rebooking reminders, and client review prompts — right in its subscription plans, helping members earn 29% higher monthly revenue (by $1,700 on average) than those who don't use them.

Fresha similarly includes email and SMS campaign tools, but charges per text for blast campaigns and per email (after free allottment). For businesses that rely heavily on client communication, those expenses multiply. With Fresha, you can also access client management tools, ratings and reviews, and other marketing tools included in the subscription price.

Forms, waivers, and business tools

Wasting appointment time on paperwork or chasing down clients for intake details cuts into your actual work. To eliminate this busywork, GlossGenius includes a built-in forms and waivers builder in its Gold and Platinum plans, so clients can complete intake forms before their appointment. Fresha includes consultation forms as a core feature in both of its plans.

Both platforms offer inventory management and reporting. GlossGenius provides automated quantity updates, barcode scanning, and comprehensive reports and analytics. Fresha offers similar inventory tracking, but its advanced reporting is a paid add-on.

POS hardware options

Especially when you have a lot of first-time business, it's important to invest in a POS system for beauty, wellness, and health businesses so you can quickly check out clients before or after their appointments.

GlossGenius card readers

A clunky, generic checkout process can ruin the elevated experience you've worked so hard to create. To keep your branding fierce from start to finish, GlossGenius has two POS device options: a small card reader called the Tap & Go and a larger handheld payment terminal with a client-facing screen called the Pro Reader.

GlossGenius's Tap & Go Reader comes in a variety of colors and designs, so you can pick one that reflects your unique style and brand. Businesses using GlossGenius card readers experienced a 14% boost in tips compared to cash payments.

• GlossGenius Tap & Go Reader - from $49
• GlossGenius Pro Reader - from $299

Fresha payment hardware

Fresha has one POS hardware option, a terminal device available for $139. This hardware is included with their Teams plan, though is subject to processing volumes.

Integrations and third-party apps

While both platforms offer integrations with popular apps, the approach differs. GlossGenius provides two-way calendar sync with Google Calendar, iCal, and Outlook, plus Reserve with Google on the Gold and Platinum Plans — which lets clients book directly from Google Search and Maps.

Businesses that have Reserve with Google enabled on GlossGenius have a 60% higher appointment volume than those who do not.

Additionally, GlossGenius integrates with Instagram, Facebook, and Yelp for booking discovery, and connects with QuickBooks for accounting.

Fresha integrates with Facebook, Instagram, and Google for online booking. It also offers a Data Connector add-on that syncs business data with analytics platforms like Tableau and Power BI. However, Fresha has limited support for third-party integrations overall — you're largely locked into using Fresha's built-in tools.

How does customer support compare between GlossGenius and Fresha?

GlossGenius offers accessible phone, email, and text assistance Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 8:00pm ET, and Saturday 11:00am to 7:00pm ET. The platform also offers white-glove onboarding and free data transfer for new members switching from another system.

Fresha provides assistance via email and chat, with phone support available for Team plans only.

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Which platform is right for your business?

The right choice depends on your business size, priorities, and growth goals. Here's a quick framework to help you decide.

Choose GlossGenius if

• Transparent, predictable pricing matters to you
• You want a branded scheduling site included in your plan
• You process significant card volume and want a predictable 2.6% card fee
• Phone support is important when issues come up
• You want growth-focused tools like automated waitlists, rebooking reminders, and marketing campaigns built in
• You're managing staff and need commission tracking, payroll, and scorecards

Choose Fresha if

• You have very low transaction volume and mostly cash payments
• You don't need advanced features like personalized web pages or chargeback protection
• You're comfortable with the marketplace model and the 20% first-time customer charge
• You want a low-cost subscription and don't mind paying as you go for some features

A business management tool should help manage your day-to-day business needs, but also put you in a position where growth and success are encouraged. When you have no access to offerings that are growth-oriented, your small business is less likely to take that next step.

Make the right move for your business

When comparing Fresha vs. GlossGenius, it comes down to what matters most: transparent pricing, powerful features, and reliable support. GlossGenius delivers all three with a simple payment structure and includes tools like custom websites, automated waitlists, and six-day-a-week phone and text coverage.

GlossGenius was built specifically for the self-care sector and offers a sleek and modern feel that can also be customized to fit your brand. The platform also offers features like payroll and financial reporting for more advanced businesses.

On average, businesses on GlossGenius saw a 22% increase in appointments within their first year.

The fear of losing precious client history or spending hours manually re-entering data keeps many business owners stuck with software options they've outgrown. To make your move effortless, GlossGenius offers free data transfers, moving all your appointments, client lists, services, and products from your current booking system over to GlossGenius for free.

If you're ready to grow more with less busywork, GlossGenius is built to help you get there. Start your free trial and see the difference for yourself.

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What is better than Fresha?

GlossGenius is a strong Fresha alternative for beauty, wellness, and health business owners that want transparent pricing, phone support, and growth-focused features. It includes customized site building, automated booking confirmations, and chargeback protection in its Gold and Platinum plans — features Fresha charges extra for or doesn't offer.

How much does Fresha charge per booking?

Fresha does not charge per-booking fees, but charges a 20% finder's fee (minimum $6) for first-time visitors acquired through their marketplace. This fee only applies to first-time clients who discover your business via the Fresha marketplace — returning clients are not charged.

How much does GlossGenius charge per month?

GlossGenius plans start at $24/month for the Standard Plan, from $48/month for Gold, and from $148/month for Platinum. All plans include a universal 2.6% processing fee, a customizable booking website, and client management tools. New members can try any plan free for 14 days.

What's better, GlossGenius or Vagaro?

GlossGenius is a strong choice for businesses prioritizing transparent pricing and a premium client booking experience. The platform offers a uniform 2.6% rate across all plans and includes features like bespoke booking pages and automated waitlists. Comparing GlossGenius vs. Vagaro ultimately comes down to your specific business needs and priorities.

Does Fresha have hidden fees?

Yes, Fresha charges additional fees beyond its base subscription, including a 20% marketplace acquisition charge, an extra $0.10 on every Tap to Pay transaction, per-text notification charges ($0.02 per text beyond 100 free monthly texts), and monthly fees for features like Insights ($9.95/staff member). Blast campaign texts cost $0.08 each, and the Google Rating Boost add-on is $14.95 per location per month.

Can I switch from Fresha to GlossGenius easily?

Yes, GlossGenius offers complimentary migration services that port over your calendar, customer database, service menu, and retail inventory from Fresha to GlossGenius at no cost. The GlossGenius support staff handles the entire migration process for you, so you don't have to worry about losing any data during the switch.

Does GlossGenius offer a free trial?

Yes, GlossGenius offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to test all features before committing. You can test out the Standard, Gold, or Platinum tiers at no cost for two weeks to find the right fit for your business.

What payment processing rate does GlossGenius charge?

GlossGenius charges a consistent 2.6% processing rate on all transactions with no per-transaction fees or hidden charges. This rate applies across all payment types — card on file, in-person tap or chip, and online payments — and across all subscription plans. Businesses save an average of 25% on processing fees by switching to GlossGenius's payments.

Does Fresha have phone support?

Fresha offers phone support for Team plans only.

Which platform is better for salons with staff?

GlossGenius is typically better for salons with staff because it includes staff management, a payroll add-on, and commission tracking (in Gold+ plans) without per-employee fees. The Platinum Plan offers unlimited staff at no extra cost, plus scorecards and goal setting.

Fresha charges $14.95 per staff member/month for its Team plan and additional per-staff-member fees for add-ons like Insights ($9.95/month).

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This information is provided for general educational purposes only. For legal, cybersecurity or compliance advice specific to your business or situation, please consult a professional.

All prices and feature comparisons are as of March 2026. GlossGenius has no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement with the other companies mentioned in this article or their affiliates. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.