Mindbody vs Vagaro: Features, pricing, and a better option

Key takeaways

• Mindbody, Vagaro, and GlossGenius are business management platforms that cater to different sizes and types of beauty, wellness, and health businesses.
• Mindbody offers enterprise-level features and advanced automations designed specifically for larger wellness businesses with multiple locations and extensive staff.
• Vagaro provides a per-user model with basic booking and payment features suited for independent business owners who want to add specific features as they grow.
• GlossGenius combines powerful features, flat-rate payment processing, and unlimited emails to help growing beauty, wellness, and health businesses scale with less busywork.

When comparing Mindbody vs Vagaro, the best choice depends on your business size and needs, though GlossGenius offers a powerful third alternative. Managing a salon, spa, medspa, or other beauty, wellness, and health business requires the right tools for the job.

Having the right booking software to manage bookings, collect payments, and provide great client service will set you apart from the competition.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days

Quick comparison: Mindbody vs Vagaro vs GlossGenius

The key differences between Mindbody, Vagaro, and GlossGenius come down to pricing structure, payment processing fees, and target business size. Here is a side-by-side snapshot to help you compare at a glance.

Who is Mindbody best for?

Mindbody is best for larger wellness businesses with 10 or more staff members who need enterprise-level features and do not mind paying premium prices. The platform is an online booking system with integrated point of sale capabilities.

It is designed specifically for spas, salons, fitness centers, and other wellness businesses that have a higher volume of clients. The software allows you to book and schedule clients, manage your staff, sell merchandise, and attract new clients from mobile and desktop versions of the app.

Mindbody has been in business for over two decades. In that time, the company has dedicated itself to product innovation, research, and development in the business management software space.

[CTA_MODULE]

Advantages of using Mindbody

For larger businesses that need access to a range of features, Mindbody is a solid solution. Mindbody provides training and support to get you up and running with their app and ensure a positive client experience.

You can personalize the software with your own branding, and also list your business in Mindbody's marketplace to increase brand exposure.

Mindbody enables client reviews, loyalty programs, client acquisition, and retention of existing clients. The software integrates with popular tools to streamline your operations, including waivers and forms, financial and bookkeeping tools, and marketing tools.

With Mindbody's interface, it is straightforward to get up and running and navigate the features. The system offers a wide range of tools, including payment processing, calendar management, membership renewals, real-time scheduling, mobile access, online booking, and calendar syncing.

Disadvantages of using Mindbody

With growth comes growing pains when it comes to business management software, and Mindbody is no exception.

The platform's pricing complexity can also be a challenge. Mindbody does not publicly list all of the pricing for their plans, and with multiple tiers and add-ons, it is not always clear what you will end up paying month to month.

Plus, their payment processing rates are on the higher side at 2.99% + $0.30 per card-present transaction, and 3.6% + $0.30 for card-not-present transactions, making Mindbody the more expensive option when you compare Mindbody vs Vagaro vs GlossGenius.

Related reads: 7 Best Mindbody Alternatives You Should Check Out

Who is Vagaro best for?

Vagaro accommodates everyone from independent practitioners to large enterprises, with numerous options to promote their services and connect with their clientele. Vagaro offers an impressive suite of features, plus optional add-ons to boost your efficiency and management capabilities.

Advantages of using Vagaro

Vagaro is an affordable option for smaller businesses that do not require multiple seats. With Vagaro, members can build a personalized website that is managed and hosted by Vagaro.

You can customize it with your menu of services, staff bios, brand photos and videos, and hours of operation. Clients can book appointments from the site or mobile app and receive email or text reminders about their bookings.

Vagaro's point of sale features also allow salons to sell gift certificates, packages, and products online and through mobile. Business owners can also take advantage of Vagaro's email marketing features to send promotional and informative communications to their clients.

Disadvantages of using Vagaro

Vagaro may seem like a low-cost option, but their $23.99/mo price tag applies per location, with an additional $10 per staff member. Plus, critical features like text marketing costs an additional $20/mo, as does hosting a Vagaro site.

Plus, if you need forms, data storage, or a branded app, you could be adding hundreds of dollars to your monthly costs.

Vagaro pricing breakdown

Vagaro's pricing is based on a per-user model, which means your monthly cost scales with the size of your staff. Here is how the costs break down:

Additional costs may apply for add-on features like custom forms, website builders, email and text marketing, and check-in apps. Payment processing starts at 2.6% + $0.10 per card-present transaction for small merchants, and 2.2% + $0.19 for large merchants (plus a $10/mo fee). Keyed-in transactions have the highest fees at 3.5% + $0.15.

Who is GlossGenius best for?

GlossGenius is best for growing beauty, wellness, and health businesses that want powerful features, transparent pricing, low payment processing fees, and to drive more bookings with less busywork.

With its stylish interface, GlossGenius is intuitive to navigate, helping you get started quickly and seamlessly. The app also allows you to build a stunning booking website infused with your brand's unique style.

To keep you from spending more time on admin than actual work, back-office business management is powerful with GlossGenius, enabling beauty, wellness, and health business owners to manage payments, bookings, inventory, communications, and marketing from one dashboard.

Advantages of using GlossGenius

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive for GlossGenius members, who mention excellent customer support and ease of use. Easy online booking, client management tools, beautiful branding, and notifications enhance the client experience with GlossGenius.

On average, businesses on GlossGenius see a 26%+ increase in revenue within their first year, with rebooking rates reaching 75%+.

Those are hours you can put back into doing what you love. The free website builder feature alone is worth the minimal investment with GlossGenius.

Instead of losing potential clients to a lack of a professional online presence or chasing down deposits, members can build a fully customized site that incorporates smooth online bookings, text and email marketing, client reminders, card-on-file storage, and stylish card readers that align with your brand.

On top of that, the ability to add unlimited employees on the Platinum Plan, and unlimited email and SMS messaging help to contain costs.

You are also able to manage your staff and define roles and permissions, keeping everyone on the same page.

Disadvantages of using GlossGenius

While GlossGenius supports teams of any size, it may have fewer complex multi-location capabilities compared to platforms like Mindbody.

Accessing advanced features like forms and waivers or staff management also require a Gold+ plan.

However, businesses on GlossGenius have reported seeing an increase in business revenue of up to 70%, making it a strong fit for owners focused on maximizing profitability and growth.

Most independent business owners and growing businesses are relieved to see they can simply plug into GlossGenius's features and start scaling faster than they have been able to do on their own.

GlossGenius pricing breakdown

GlossGenius offers 3 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, this covers all business essentials like a customizable booking website, online booking features, payment processing, and client and inventory management.
• The Gold Plan: Starting at $48/month, this includes all the features from the Standard Plan plus advanced features like forms and waivers, waitlists, rebooking reminders, Reserve with Google, and staff support for up to 9 members.
• The Platinum Plan: Starting at $148/month, this includes all the features from the Gold Plan plus extra features for larger staffs. You get unlimited employees at no extra cost, staff scorecards, goal setting, premium customer support, and customizable commission structures.

Feature comparison: Appointments and booking

When it comes to booking, GlossGenius offers the fastest client booking experience. Clients can book in under 30 seconds without downloading an app or creating an account.

Here is how all three platforms compare on appointment and scheduling features.

Online booking capabilities

• Mindbody: Clients can book appointments online or through the Mindbody app, with advanced scheduling functionality available for booking events, workshops, and more. However, clients typically need to create a Mindbody account or download the app to book.
• Vagaro: Vagaro allows businesses to display available booking slots for the day, week, or month, so clients can book a time that works for them through the app or website. The app also allows you to send SMS and email notifications to confirm clients' appointments and remind them of upcoming bookings.
• GlossGenius: For service businesses losing hours to DM overload and manual booking, GlossGenius allows guests to secure their spot in less than half a minute straight from their browser. Bookings are quick and intuitive from the app or desktop, and members can also sync their phone contacts with the app. This is a handy feature for anyone who typically books appointments with clients via SMS. Businesses that have Reserve with Google enabled on GlossGenius have a 60% higher appointment volume than those who do not have it enabled.

Calendar and scheduling tools

• Mindbody: Features include an activity dashboard, alerts, appointment scheduling, attendance management and tracking, billing, invoicing, subscriptions, CRM, and booking management. Calendar syncing is available across devices.
• Vagaro: Offers calendar views by day, week, or month with drag-and-drop scheduling. Staff calendars can be managed individually, and availability can be set per employee.
• GlossGenius: To prevent no-shows and last-minute cancellations from costing you revenue, GlossGenius provides automated waitlists that fill 12% more cancellations, alongside a clean, intuitive calendar with easy drag-and-drop functionality and seamless syncing across mobile and desktop. On average, businesses on GlossGenius saw a 22% increase in appointments within their first year.

[CTA_MODULE]

Feature comparison: POS and payment processing

GlossGenius offers strong payment processing value with flat-rate processing. Vagaro and Mindbody also offer integrated payment processing.

Having a point of sale system is key to collecting payments for your beauty, wellness, or health business. Here is how each platform stacks up.

Payment processing fees compared

Businesses save an average of 25% on processing fees by switching to GlossGenius's payments.

POS hardware and checkout options

• Mindbody: Mindbody POS allows clients to purchase retail items, memberships, gift cards, services, and more from the app or website. Client profiles store purchase history for easy reference.
• Vagaro: Vagaro provides an integrated POS feature to enable the sales of gift certificates, products, and packages through the app and website. Selling products requires an Online Shopping Cart add-on for an additional $10/mo.
• GlossGenius: Compared with Mindbody and Vagaro, GlossGenius offers the same POS features and then some. GlossGenius can help with other aspects of the checkout process, including contactless payments and inventory management. Meanwhile, integrated payment processing, quick checkouts, and a beautiful card reader set GlossGenius apart. Plus, you get access to fast, rapid, no-cost daily payouts.

Feature comparison: Client management

GlossGenius stands out for client management with automated tools that save you time and keep clients coming back.

Here is how all three platforms handle client relationships.

• Mindbody: Mindbody's higher-tier packages allow for more advanced client management tools like building email campaigns, managing leads, automating emails and texts, and creating two-way, conversational SMS messages. Users on the basic plan can't add the 24/7 AI chatbot add-on to their plans, either.
• Vagaro: Vagaro allows members to build a customer database by importing contacts via an Excel or CSV file, or by pulling contacts from a mobile device. Business owners can also keep track of client information, previous visits, and preferred services.
• GlossGenius: If you are struggling with difficulty managing client history and preferences or wasting time managing endless direct messages, GlossGenius offers an automated assistant that responds to clients' texts and lets you easily view your clients' history, pronouns, analytics, and notes. With the ability to manage clients from a single dashboard, whether on the mobile app or desktop version, GlossGenius makes client management quick and powerful. Clients using on-file payment cards rebook 10% more often than those paying with cash, which is another way GlossGenius helps you build lasting client relationships.

Feature comparison: Marketing tools

When you consider the marketing features of Mindbody vs Vagaro vs GlossGenius, each platform takes a different approach. Here is how they compare:

• Mindbody: Marketing tools are available on higher-tier plans and include email campaigns, lead management, and automated messaging. The starter plan does not include marketing features, and you'll need a mid- to high-tier plan to access lead management dashboard or add-ons like a branded app.
• Vagaro: Vagaro includes email marketing and text marketing (as an add-on feature for $20/mo), allowing business owners to send promotional and informative communications directly to their clients phones. Custom marketing automations and advanced campaigns may require additional fees.
• GlossGenius: GlossGenius is a standout option for marketing, especially for independent and growing businesses. Not only do you get a gorgeous website packed with features, but you also have unlimited email and texting included in every plan to keep you engaged with your audience. GlossGenius also helps you create engaging follow-up messages to encourage more connection around your brand. The monthly revenue earned by members who used email or SMS marketing on GlossGenius was 29% higher than the monthly revenue earned by those who used neither. Plus, GlossGenius encourages clients to share their experiences on social media, helping you stay competitive in today's marketplace.

How to choose the right booking software for your business

The right platform depends on where your business is today and where you want it to go. Here is a quick guide to help you decide between Mindbody vs Vagaro vs GlossGenius.

Choose Mindbody if...

• You run a larger wellness business with 10 or more staff members and multiple locations
• You need large-scale functionalities like advanced automations and custom integrations
• Budget is less of a concern than having access to a wide range of tools
• You want to list your business in a consumer-facing marketplace for additional exposure

Choose Vagaro if...

• You need marketplace exposure
• You operate as an individual service business and only need one calendar user
• You want a hosted website without building one from scratch
• You do not need advanced marketing or automation features right away
• You don't mind paying for add-ons as you discover what your business needs

Choose GlossGenius if...

• You want transparent pricing with no hidden fees or per-user charges
• You want straightforward payment processing rates with complimentary same-business-day payout transfers
• You are an expanding aesthetics or wellness venture that wants to scale without outgrowing your software
• You value a beautiful, branded client experience from your booking website to your card reader
• You want powerful marketing tools like unlimited email and SMS included in every plan
• You want to spend less time on busywork and more time with clients

Not sure yet? Explore our full guide to the best booking software for beauty, wellness, and health businesses.

You can also learn more about managing a salon and the equipment you need to get started.

Switching platforms: What to consider

If you are currently on Mindbody or Vagaro and thinking about making a switch, the process does not have to be stressful. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Data migration: GlossGenius offers support to help migrate your client information, appointment history, and business data so you do not lose anything in the transition.
• Staff training: GlossGenius's intuitive interface means most members and their staff get up to speed quickly with no lengthy onboarding process required.
• Client communication: Let your clients know about the switch with a simple email or text. With GlossGenius's robust messaging feature, you can notify everyone at once.
• Trial period: Take advantage of GlossGenius's 14-day free trial to test the platform before fully committing. No credit card is required.

The verdict: Which booking software wins?

For the majority of independent salons and wellness centers, GlossGenius offers the best combination of features, pricing, and value.

As a business owner, you have numerous responsibilities, from managing appointments, sending reminders, marketing to new and current clients, collecting payments, completing your taxes, and growing your business.

On top of that, you need to keep your clients happy and engaged, making it imperative that you have the right tools to help you simplify the process of managing and growing your business.

Businesses switching to GlossGenius report reclaiming double-digit hours each week from administrative tasks while boosting their earnings by 26%+ in just twelve months.

While you might be comparing Mindbody vs. Vagaro, we think you will want to add GlossGenius to your list of contenders. Not only will your administrative and operational tasks be less of a headache, but you will have the support of a team that is fully invested in seeing you succeed.

Think of it this way: It is true that many business management software options provide the basics of booking clients, processing payments, and managing clients.

However, not all of them provide a system that creates an exceptional client experience that is reflective of your brand. Considering the industry that you are in, where it is all about style, finesse, and being on-trend, your software should complement your brand's overall aesthetic.

GlossGenius gives your business the glow-up it needs to make people not only like your brand but love the way they interact with it. This encourages repeat bookings, referrals, and loyal clients.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days

Read more

How much does Mindbody cost per month?

Mindbody pricing starts at $99 per month, with higher tiers available depending on features needed. Additional costs may apply for payment processing, hardware, and premium add-ons.

By comparison, GlossGenius starts at $24/month with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

What is better than Vagaro?

GlossGenius offers a strong alternative to Vagaro for many businesses, combining similar features with a flat 2.6% transaction fee and transparent pricing starting at $24/month.

Unlike Vagaro's per-user pricing model, GlossGenius's Platinum Plan includes an uncapped number of staff members without additional fees, making it more affordable as your business grows.

Is Mindbody worth the cost?

Mindbody can be worth the investment for larger businesses with complex needs and bigger budgets.

However, smaller and mid-sized businesses often find better value with alternatives like GlossGenius that offer similar features at significantly lower price points. GlossGenius starts at $24/month compared to Mindbody's $99/month entry.

What are the main differences between Mindbody and Vagaro?

The main differences are pricing structure, target market, and feature depth. Mindbody plans start at $99, while a Vagaro subscription starts at $23.99 with $10/per additional user.

Mindbody focuses on larger wellness businesses and includes more corporate-tier tools, while Vagaro serves smaller to more mid-size operations with add-on pricing for advanced features.

Can I switch from Mindbody or Vagaro to GlossGenius?

Yes, you can switch to GlossGenius from either platform. GlossGenius offers free data transfers to help migrate your client information, appointment history, and business data.

You can also take advantage of the 14-day free trial to test the platform before fully committing, and you won't even need to put a card on file.

Which platform has the lowest payment processing fees?

GlossGenius offers the lowest payment processing fees among the three with a simple 2.6% fee across the board.

Vagaro's rates start at 2.6% + $0.10 for small merchants, and Mindbody's rates start at 2.99% + $0.30. Merchants typically cut their transaction costs by a quarter when moving to GlossGenius.

Does Vagaro charge per user?

Yes, Vagaro charges $23.99 per month for the first user, then adds $10 per additional calendar user. This per-user model can significantly increase costs for growing businesses.

GlossGenius's Platinum Plan, by contrast, includes the ability to add as many team members as you need for free.

Which booking software is best for independent stylists?

GlossGenius is often the best choice for independent stylists because it offers full-featured software starting at $24/month with no per-user fees.

It includes a customizable booking website, unlimited email and SMS marketing, and a predictable 2.6% card fee. Users typically experience a revenue bump of 26% or more during their initial twelve months on the platform.

What customer support options do these platforms offer?

GlossGenius offers live support six days a week plus 24/7 email and text support from real agents. Mindbody provides phone and chat support during business hours, with premium support available on higher-tier plans.

Vagaro offers phone, email, and chat support.

Do I need to download an app to use these booking systems?

With GlossGenius, patrons can finalize their appointments rapidly without the friction of installing an app or making a profile.

Mindbody and Vagaro both encourage app downloads for client booking, which can add friction to the booking process. For business owners, all three platforms offer mobile apps for managing your business on the go.

‍

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.