9 best Fresha alternatives and competitors in 2026

Key takeaways

• The top Fresha alternatives for beauty, wellness, and health businesses include GlossGenius, Mindbody, Square Appointments, and Vagaro, offering a mix of flat-rate subscriptions and comprehensive management tools.
• Most businesses leave Fresha due to pricing changes, commission-based fees on marketplace bookings, and pricey add-ons.
• GlossGenius provides a powerful combination of transparent pricing and robust features for beauty, wellness, and health businesses looking to switch from commission-heavy models.

Whether you're frustrated by commission-based charges on marketplace bookings, looking for more robust marketing tools, or simply want a platform that grows with you, there are strong options worth exploring. We've evaluated the top Fresha competitors across pricing, features, and ease of use to help you find the right fit.

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From GlossGenius's clear, flat-rate pricing to Mindbody's comprehensive wellness management capabilities, each platform on this list brings something different to the table.

What is Fresha and why businesses are switching

Fresha is a booking platform for salons, spas, and medspas trusted by businesses in over 120 countries. The platform offers online booking, appointment management, client notifications, and optional payment processing. Fresha is known for its marketplace model, giving your business exposure to new clientele.

But not every platform is perfect, and despite Fresha's extensive features, there are some areas where it may fall short for users.

Fresha's pricing model explained

Once known for being 100% subscription-free, Fresha now only offers monthly paid plans for independent owners and per-staff-member charges for teams. The Individual plan starts at $19.95/month, while the Team plan costs $14.95 per staff member monthly.

Beyond the subscription, Fresha charges a marketplace new client fee of 20% (min $6 per new client) on bookings that come through its marketplace.

Quick comparison of the best Fresha alternatives

GlossGenius, Vagaro, and Square Appointments consistently rank among the top Fresha alternatives, each excelling in different areas. Here's how all 9 options compare at a glance:

Top 9 Fresha alternatives to consider

The top 9 Fresha alternatives include GlossGenius, Mindbody, Square Appointments, Booksy, Vagaro, StyleSeat, Boulevard, Zenoti, and Acuity Scheduling.

1. GlossGenius

GlossGenius is the strongest Fresha alternative for beauty, wellness, and health businesses seeking straightforward costs and growth-focused tools. Businesses on GlossGenius see, on average, a 26%+ increase in revenue within their first year.

Tired of spending more time on admin than actual work? It's an all-in-one management software designed to handle everything from online bookings to paying your team, without the surprise fees. If you lack a professional online presence to attract clients, GlossGenius provides a free website builder that allows you to showcase your business's unique brand and services, helping you attract and retain clients more easily.

Key features

The platform offers an intuitive interface that even those less tech-savvy can navigate with confidence. To keep you from losing hours to DM overload and manual booking, GlossGenius has the fastest client booking experience, allowing clients to book in under 30 seconds. Here are the core features:

• 24/7 appointment scheduling with a customizable booking website
• Payment processing with a flat 2.6% rate, plus a credit card reader for in-person payments
• Client management and notification features to keep in touch with clients
• Integrated staff management features to define roles, permissions, and a payroll add-on
• SMS and email marketing features
• Automated Waitlist to fill 12% more cancellations
• Reserve with Google integration

Pricing

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

• The Standard Plan (starting at $24/month): Covers all business essentials like a customizable booking website, 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 owners and growing teams up to nine.
• The Platinum Plan (starting at $148/month): Includes all the features from the Gold Plan plus extra features for larger teams: unlimited staff members at no extra cost, staff scorecards, staff goal setting, premium customer support, and customizable commission structures. Supports teams of any size.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Flat 2.6% payment processing rate, regardless of payment method or processing volume
• Powerful and intuitive interface that's quick to learn
• Clients can book in under 30 seconds with no app download required
• Built-in marketing tools, with GlossGenius members who use email or SMS marketing earning 29% higher monthly revenue

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans

Best for

GlossGenius is the right fit for independent beauty, wellness, and health business owners and growing teams who want predictable costs, a polished client experience, and tools that actively drive revenue growth. If you're switching from Fresha specifically to escape unpredictable fees, GlossGenius's fixed-rate model is a strong contrast.

2. Mindbody

Mindbody is a comprehensive booking software for beauty, wellness, and health businesses. This system gives you the tools to manage your salon, spa, or medspa effectively.

Key features

The features of Mindbody go beyond basic online scheduling. They also include marketing tools, client management, and point-of-sale options. Plus, it offers a branded app tailored to your business.

You can easily track sales and staff performance too. With its in-depth analytics feature, understanding what works for your business is straightforward.

Pricing

Mindbody's comprehensive features come at a higher price point than many alternatives, starting at $99/month per location. You'll need to check their plans and request specific pricing for higher tiers. Mindbody payment processing rates start at 2.99% + $0.30 per transaction.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set covering scheduling, marketing, POS, and staff management
• Branded app option for your business
• Strong analytics and reporting tools

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve due to the breadth of features
• Higher price point than most alternatives on this list
• Quote-based pricing makes it harder to compare costs upfront

Best for

Mindbody works well for established fitness, wellness, and health businesses that need comprehensive management across scheduling, marketing, and client engagement. If your business is primarily fitness-focused or you need a branded app, Mindbody delivers.

3. Square Appointments

Square Appointments is a Fresha alternative for businesses that want combined POS and booking software in one ecosystem. If you've ever gone to a cafe or local shop, you've probably come across a Square POS system. A number of beauty, wellness, and health businesses also use Square to manage their appointment bookings and payments.

Key features

Square Appointments offers tools that help in managing appointments, payments, and client relationships. It's not just a point-of-sale system; it provides comprehensive small business solutions.

The platform integrates payment processing, accepting cards, digital wallets, QR codes, and payment links. Additionally, it provides insightful sales reports so you can make data-driven decisions for your business growth.

Pricing

Square Appointments base subscription tier price starts at $0 per month, with an in-person payment processing fee of 2.6% + $0.15. There are three plans, each of which offers a complete suite of scheduling features ranging from $0 to $149/month.

The free plan is limited to one location, while paid plans unlock multi-location support and advanced features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Free plan available for individual business owners
• Strong POS capabilities with integrated payment processing
• User-friendly scheduling and invoicing

Cons:

• Transaction fees can be higher for online and manually entered payments
• Square Appointments is ultimately a non-specialized tool designed for a variety of business types, which provides a more generic experience for these specialized industries.
• Text and email marketing or inventory management required higher paid plans.

Best for

Square Appointments suits businesses that want combined POS and booking software in one ecosystem, especially if you're already using other Square products. Its free plan makes it the strongest free alternative to Fresha for individual business owners.

4. Booksy

Booksy is a booking software for beauty, wellness, and health businesses alternative to Fresha that streamlines management for your business.

Key features

At the core of Booksy is its powerful calendar management system. Businesses can personalize calendars with color-coding and drag-and-drop functionality, while also taking advantage of automated waitlists to fill unexpected openings.

In addition to scheduling, it has marketing tools designed to promote your business effectively, including customizable email campaigns and social media integration. Booksy excels in client management, offering detailed client cards, note-taking capabilities, automated appointment confirmations and reminders, and advanced client segmentation through tagging.

Pricing

Booksy offers one comprehensive plan starting at a flat rate of $29.99 per month (+ tax), with full access to all features. Additional staff members cost $20/month each. Payment processing fees start at 2.49% + $0.10 with the Booksy card reader.

Booksy charges a commission of 30% of the total cost of a new client's first visit through its Boost marketplace feature.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Marketplace exposure helps attract new clients
• Consistent monthly fee with no per-booking commissions on direct bookings
• Comprehensive client management and segmentation tools
• Automated reminders reduce no-shows

Cons:

• Booking commissions can eat into profits if you regularly attract a lot of new business through their marketplace
• Per-staff pricing can add up for larger businesses

Best for

Booksy is ideal for businesses that prioritize marketplace visibility and attracting new clients. If pulling in walk-ins through a consumer-facing app is a priority, Booksy's marketplace model delivers on that front.

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5. Vagaro

Vagaro is an alternative to manage your beauty, wellness, or health business, offering features designed specifically for the personal care industry.

Key features

This platform offers functionalities that make managing appointments intuitive. The online booking feature allows clients to book their services anytime, anywhere, and it enables you to organize, alter, and monitor bookings in real-time. Inventory management is also simplified with detailed reports on product sales and usage.

Pricing

Vagaro uses a per-staff-member pricing model. The base subscription starts at $23.99/month and covers one staff member, with each additional employee calendar costing $10 per month for up to seven licenses.

Payment processing fees range between 2.2% + $0.19 and 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction depending on processing volume.

The platform also offers optional add-ons for features like websites, online stores, and additional marketing tools, each at their own monthly cost.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive range of tools covering scheduling, POS, marketing, and inventory
• Supports multiple locations, making business expansion more manageable
• Personalized marketing campaigns using client data
• Free marketplace for reaching new customers

Cons:

• Add-on fees (like $100/mo for a branded app or $20/mo for text marketing) can increase the total cost beyond the base subscription
• Payment processing fees vary by processing volume and payment type, making costs harder to predict
• Monthly subscription costs increased per staff member and per location

Best for

Vagaro is an option for small-to-mid-sized salons, spas, and medspas that need customization, marketing automation, and multi-location support. If you're growing beyond a single location, Vagaro's infrastructure handles that well.

6. StyleSeat

StyleSeat is a beauty business management software alternative to Fresha. StyleSeat offers appointment management features and a marketplace for businesses to showcase their services.

Key features

StyleSeat offers features like 24/7 online booking so clients can self-schedule appointments 24/7. Robust calendar and appointment reminder tools so you, your staff, and your clients are always up-to-date, plus no-show protection and deposits to protect your time and your income.

You'll also get payment processing, marketing (with custom websites), and advanced features like Smart Pricing, which can adjust your rates during peak times to maximize your revenue.

Pricing

StyleSeat offers a straightforward monthly subscription starting at $31.50/month (when paid annually -- $378/year) or $35/mo that includes all of their features. For new appointments booked through their marketplace, StyleSeat takes a one-time charge of 30% of the appointment revenue, capped at $50 per client.

Their payment processing rates range between 1.9% - and 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Strong marketplace for finding new customers and securing bookings
• Easy-to-use interface for booking management
• Third-party integrations with Google Calendar and QuickBooks
• Card reader hardware for payment processing
• Buy now, pay later option with Klarna

Cons:

• Marketplace model means your clients may see competing businesses
• Charges your clients a $2.35 booking fee

Best for

StyleSeat caters to independent beauty, wellness, and health business owners who prioritize audience growth over deep customization. If building your client base through marketplace exposure is your top priority, StyleSeat delivers on that front.

7. Boulevard

Boulevard is a premium booking software for beauty, wellness, and health businesses alternative to Fresha for upscale salons, spas, and medspas. As an owner, you might already be familiar with this platform, but let's delve deeper into what makes it an option.

Key features

Boulevard offers an entire suite of tools built for your business. It offers all the basics like online booking and scheduling that syncs to your calendar seamlessly. You can also manage client profiles for better personalization and automate rebooking reminders so clients are less likely to miss appointments, saving you time and stress.

Depending on your plan, Boulevard plans also include loyalty programs, product catalogs, marketing tools, referrals, and Google analytics.

Pricing

Boulevard positions itself as a premium platform, and its pricing reflects that. Plans start at $158/month per location, with higher tiers available at $263/month and $369/month per location. Boulevard payment processing starts at 2.65% + $0.15 per transaction.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Automation features like rebooking reminders save time
• Polished client-facing experience
• Strong scheduling and client profile management
• Essentials plan supports up to five team members

Cons:

• Pricing is steep compared to alternatives like GlossGenius or Fresha
• Per-location pricing can add up quickly for multi-location businesses
• Medspas require a separate, more expensive plan (starting at $369/mo)
• Add-ons like forms cost an additional $65 per month per location

Best for

Boulevard serves upscale salons, spas, and medspas that want a premium client experience and are willing to invest more in their software.

8. Zenoti

Zenoti is a comprehensive booking software for beauty, wellness, and health businesses alternative to Fresha that offers features for larger operations. 

Key features

Zenoti provides an all-in-one business management platform that helps manage every aspect of a salon or spa business. Its comprehensive toolset lets you take care of appointments, staff management, inventory, billing, and even marketing efforts.

With a schedule that updates in real-time, Zenoti minimizes gaps in your calendar and ensures every employee sees the same information. The software also offers useful integrations with popular payment processors, plus AI-powered tools to automate, manage, and optimize your daily operations.

Pricing

Zenoti is an enterprise-grade platform with custom pricing tailored to your business footprint and needs. Plans are typically quote-based.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Extensive feature set designed specifically for salons, spas, and medspas
• Strong multi-location management capabilities
• Deep reporting and analytics tools
• Enterprise-level compliance and security

Cons:

• May be more than an individual or smaller business need
• Lack of transparent pricing means having to call for a quote

Best for

Zenoti accommodates enterprise salons, multi-location spas, and large medspa chains that need robust management tools and can invest in a comprehensive platform. If you're running a single location, more accessible options like GlossGenius will likely serve you better.

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9. Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is a general booking software for businesses, though not specifically designed for beauty, wellness, and health businesses. However, it's an inexpensive alternative to Fresha that can handle a variety of booking needs.

Key features

Acuity Scheduling has strong online booking and scheduling features that manage your beauty, wellness, or health business. With email reminders, custom client forms, and third-party payment processor integration, it offers a wide range of management tools that can organize and support your everyday operations.

Send confirmations and follow-ups, display your custom logo, or ensure HIPAA compliance—all with Acuity Scheduling.

Pricing

Acuity Scheduling pricing starts at $16/mo for one calendar. Payment processing fees depend on third-party process (Stripe, Square, PayPal).

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Third-party integrations with GoogleMeet, Zoom, and GoToMeeting (for those who host online classes or courses)
• Customizable intake forms for client information
• Works well across different industries, not just beauty and wellness
• Mobile app available for on-the-go management
• Automatic time zone conversion for clients

Cons:

• Not specifically designed for specialized beauty, wellness, and health businesses
• No inventory management, marketing features, or reports and analytics
• Memberships, gift certificates, and packages require higher paid plans

Best for

Acuity Scheduling fits businesses that need strong third-party integrations and operate across multiple industries. If you only need booking tools and reminders, Acuity is a low-cost option.

How to choose the right Fresha alternative

Choosing the right Fresha alternative depends on your business size, budget priorities, and whether you value predictable monthly costs over marketplace exposure.

Questions to ask before switching

1. What's my monthly budget for software? Factor in subscription fees, processing rates, and any per-booking commissions.
2. How important is client acquisition? Marketplace platforms like Booksy and StyleSeat help attract new clients, while platforms like GlossGenius keep the focus on your brand.
3. Do I need multi-location support? If you're expanding, Vagaro and Zenoti handle multiple locations well.
4. What features are non-negotiable? Prioritize what matters most: payment processing, marketing tools, staff management, or client communication.
5. How tech-savvy is my team? Simpler platforms like GlossGenius and Acuity have shorter learning curves, while Mindbody and Zenoti may require more onboarding time.

Comparing pricing models

For most service-based businesses, a consistent subscription model offers more predictable costs as you grow. GlossGenius's standard rate on payment processing, for example, means no surprises regardless of how you accept payments.

How to migrate from Fresha to a new platform

You can migrate from Fresha to any alternative on this list while keeping your client data intact. The process is straightforward, and most platforms offer support to make the transition smooth. Here's a general step-by-step process:

1. Export your client data from Fresha. Download your client list, appointment history, and any other records you want to keep.
2. Choose your new platform and sign up for a trial. Most alternatives on this list offer free trials, so you can test the experience before committing.
3. Import your data. Most platforms provide data import tools or hands-on migration assistance to help you bring your client records over.
4. Set up your services, pricing, and schedule. Configure your new platform to match your current offerings.
5. Notify your clients. Send a message letting clients know about your new booking link. Most platforms make this easy with built-in communication tools.
6. Go live. Once everything is set up and tested, switch over and start booking.

The entire process typically takes one to two weeks. Platforms like GlossGenius offer dedicated support to help with client data migration, so you don't have to figure it out alone.

Find the Fresha alternative that fits your business

Finding the right Fresha alternative comes down to your specific business needs: your budget, your growth plans, and the features that matter most to your day-to-day operations. From GlossGenius's clear, flat-rate pricing to Mindbody's comprehensive toolkit, each platform brings something different to the table.

If you're ready to make a move, GlossGenius offers a 14-day free trial so you can experience the difference firsthand. With predictable pricing, powerful tools, and an intuitive interface, it's built to help beauty, wellness, and health businesses grow more with less busywork.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

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What is better than Fresha?

GlossGenius, Vagaro, and Booksy are all strong alternatives to Fresha, with the best choice depending on your specific business needs. GlossGenius stands out for its transparent pricing starting at $24/month and standard 2.6% processing fee with no marketplace commissions. Vagaro offers robust multi-location support, while Booksy provides marketplace exposure for attracting new bookings.

What is the difference between Booksy and Fresha?

Booksy charges a flat monthly fee (starting at $29.99) plus 30% of any new bookings made through its marketplace, while Fresha charges $19.95/mo and a 20% fee on new clients who book through its marketplace.

Is Booksy cheaper than Fresha?

For most businesses, Fresha may appear cheaper initially due to its lower base cost, but features like Data Insights and Client Loyalty can increase your monthly subscription rate. Booksy includes most of its features in its monthly $29.99 (plus tax) pricing, and may be a better value for businesses.

What is better, Fresha or Vagaro?

Both Fresha and Vagaro offer similar features, though Vagaro may have a deeper selection with more customization options. Plus, Vagaro never takes a commission from your marketplace bookings, while Fresha takes a 20% cut of all new clients (minimum of $6).

Can you migrate from Fresha without losing your client list?

Yes, you can migrate from Fresha and keep your client data by exporting your client list before switching. Most alternative platforms offer data import tools or migration assistance to make the transition smooth. The process typically takes one to two weeks, and platforms like GlossGenius provide dedicated support to help with the move.

What is the best free Fresha alternative?

Square Appointments offers a free plan for individual owners that includes basic scheduling and payment processing, making it the strongest free alternative to Fresha. The free plan is limited to one location and basic features, but it's a solid starting point for independent business owners who want to avoid monthly subscription costs. For more advanced features, paid platforms like GlossGenius (starting at $24/month) offer significantly more value.

How much does GlossGenius cost compared to Fresha?

GlossGenius starts at $24/month with a flat 2.6% payment processing rate and no hidden fees, while Fresha's pricing includes a base subscription plus a 20% commission on new marketplace clients. GlossGenius's predictable pricing model means you know exactly what you'll pay each month, regardless of how clients find and book with you. Businesses save an average of 25% on processing fees by switching to GlossGenius's payments.

What features should I look for in a Fresha alternative?

Look for transparent pricing, integrated payment processing, client management tools, marketing automation, and the ability to migrate your existing client data. Beyond the basics, consider whether you need staff management features, a customizable booking website, automated reminders, and reporting tools. The right feature set depends on your business size and growth goals.

Is GlossGenius good for salons?

Yes, GlossGenius is designed specifically for the beauty, wellness, and health industry. Businesses on GlossGenius see, on average, a 26%+ increase in revenue within their first year. The platform includes industry-specific features like a customizable booking website, automated client reminders, staff management with commission tracking, and integrated payment processing at a flat 2.6% rate.

Which Fresha alternative is best for spas and medspas?

GlossGenius and Mindbody are both strong choices for spas and medspas. GlossGenius offers an intuitive platform with transparent pricing and features tailored to appointment-based businesses, while Mindbody provides comprehensive wellness business management with deeper fitness-oriented tools. For enterprise-level medspa chains, Zenoti offers robust multi-location management, though at a significantly higher price point.

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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.