StyleSeat vs Booksy: An Honest Comparison for Salons

Customers want a first-class experience and their requirements met when they visit a salon. To effortlessly achieve this, hairdressers and stylists need salon software. The software should offer exceptional functionality that benefits the client and salon owner.

Key takeaways

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• StyleSeat charges a fee when it brings you new marketplace clients, while Booksy uses a flat subscription model that includes client acquisition tools

• Booksy uses a monthly subscription plus processing fees, while StyleSeat combines subscription options with marketplace-related fees. See the pricing breakdown below for exact rates.

• Neither platform charges clients booking fees directly, but StyleSeat's Smart Pricing can add surcharges during peak times that affect client experience

• GlossGenius offers a third option with transparent plan pricing and a flat processing rate, with no new-client acquisition charges

Brief overview of StyleSeat vs Booksy

In this article, we'll go over two popular platforms salons use to manage the day-to-day of their business – from booking appointments to handling payments. We'll go over StyleSeat vs Booksy, and also go over a third option if you're still looking for something newThe main difference between StyleSeat and Booksy is their pricing model: StyleSeat operates as a marketplace that charges 30% of revenue for new clients it helps you acquire, while Booksy uses a flat monthly subscription that includes client acquisition tools at no extra cost per booking. Alright, let's get into it!

Brief Overview of StyleSeat vs Booksy

Both platforms serve beauty, wellness & health businesses looking to streamline scheduling, payments, and client management. However, their fee structures create very different cost experiences depending on how you acquire clients.

StyleSeat is an online reservation application that caters to salons and their clienteleStyleSeat is an online booking app used by salon businesses and their clients. Salons use this platform to showcase their work and interact with their clients. Clients also use StyleSeat to search, find, and schedule appointments around the clock.

BooksyBooksy features appointment scheduling, calendaring, marketing, and online payment management functions. The software has two applications: Booksy for customers and Booksy Biz for businesses. Salons use Booksy Biz to manage payments, appointments, and client communications. Booksy enables clients to schedule appointments depending on providerbased on business availability and preferred dates.

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StyleSeat vs Booksy: Top Features Comparison pricing comparison

To understand the true cost of salon management software, look beyond the monthly subscription. Each platform includes multiple fee types that can significantly impact your bottom line.

StyleSeat pricing and fees

StyleSeat offers two pricing plan options:

Subscription costs:

• Premium plan: $35 per month

• Basic plan: Free (no monthly subscription)

Credit card processing fees:

• Premium plan: 2.2%–2.5% + $0.30 per card-present transaction; 2.2%–2.6% + $0.30 for card-on-file

• Basic plan: 3% per transaction (all payments processed through the app)

New client connection fees:

• Premium plan: 30% of the initial service fee (capped at $50) for new clients found through StyleSeat's marketplace

• Basic plan: 30% of the service fee for a new client’s first appointment (no cap)

Smart Pricing fees:

• Premium plan: 5.5% of the service fee up to $16.50

• Basic plan: 5.25% of the service fee up to $50

Premium appointments:

• Premium plan: 33% of the 20% booking surcharge

• Basic plan: 15% of the 20% booking surcharge

Booksy pricing and fees

In the US, Booksy plans start at $29.99 per month plus applicable tax. A free 14-day trial is available. Additional staff members cost $20 per month each.

Payment processing fees (US rates):

• Card-present (dip and tap): 2.49% + $0.10 per transaction

• Tap to Pay: 2.49% + $0.20 per transaction

• Keyed-in transactions: 2.69% + $0.30 per transaction

•  2.69% + $0.30 per transaction

The monthly plan includes:

• Free business listing on the Booksy marketplace

• Client booking and calendar management

• Payment processing

• Built-in marketing tools (including 2,000 free SMS marketing messages per month)

• Business reports and staff management

• Unlimited free appointment confirmations and reminders

Hidden fees to watch for

StyleSeat's new client connection fee is the most significant hidden cost. If StyleSeat's marketplace brings you a new client who books a $200 service, you'll pay $60 (30%) on top of your processing fees. This can add up quickly if you rely on the marketplace for client acquisition.

Smart Pricing on StyleSeat automatically adjusts your rates during high-demand times. While this can increase revenue, clients see these surcharges at checkout, which may affect their experience and your reviews.

Let’s take a look at the top features of both StyleSeat and BooksyBooksy's Boost feature charges a one-time 30% fee based on the total cost of a Boost client's first visit. However, there's no monthly fee to turn on Boost, making it optional rather than built into every transaction.

StyleSeat’s Top FeaturesGlossGenius pricing alternative

If these pricing structures feel confusing or out of reach, GlossGenius provides a simpler approach.

GlossGenius features three different plans, including a 14-day free trial:

• Standard Plan: Starting at $24 per month with all essential features

• Gold Plan: Starting at $48 per month with advanced features

• Platinum Plan: Starting at $148 per month with advanced features plus larger staff support

When unpredictable add-on charges and surprise fees make it hard to trust what you'll actually pay, GlossGenius keeps it simple with one flat 2.6% processing fee across all payments—no new client acquisition fees, no Smart Pricing surcharges, and no hidden costs.

With low rates and zero hidden fees, GlossGenius can help reduce processing costs. A typical salon management software subscription costs an average of $29 monthly, making GlossGenius's pricing 17% lower than the industry average.

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StyleSeat vs Booksy feature comparison

Appointment booking is a core function of any salon management softwareThe two platforms cover core salon management needs, but they differ in execution and depth. Let's see how StyleSeat and Booksy stack up in this areaHere's how their top features compare.

Appointment Booking

StyleSeat's top features

StyleSeat and Booksy have an online marketplace where customers can find your services and book with you. This can make it easier for potential clients to discover a business and book an appointment through StyleSeat.

StyleSeat and Booksy have an online marketplace where customers can find your services and book for you. This makes it really easy for potential clients to book appointments with StyleSeat. In the search bar, type in the service you'enter the service you’re looking for and your specific zip code locationzip code. You will then get a list of pros who’ll then see a list of businesses that match your search criteria. Narrow down the selection by checking their profiles, rates, locations, and reviews. After choosing a service, click on the name to bring up a window with the pro's schedule and availability. Then, book one that matches your preference.

SeatStyleAfter choosing a service, click on the name to bring up a window with the business's schedule and availability. Then, book one that matches your preference. StyleSeat's advanced calendar capabilities also allow users to manage their calendars. StyleSeat will enable customers to book at any time in the future. Customers can select a booking window and book appointments weeks or months in advance.

SeatStyleStyleSeat developed a marketplace to help its users findbusinesses attract new clients. The program promotes stylists' profiles on search engines, social media, and email campaigns. It helps with client acquisition, booking, and retention. It also encourages clients to make their next appointment in advance, provide a 5-star review, and recommend friends.

In business, every second matters. You can fill in last-minute cancellationsIn business, every second matters. You can fill in last-minute cancellations as soon as you know them. How quickly you respond to clients also determines your relationship with them. However, it may be challenging to manage clients and schedule appointments effectively. In this instance, push notifications are an effective business tool.

Constantly checking for updates while with a client can be distractingHowever, it may be challenging to manage clients and schedule appointments effectively. In this instance, push notifications are an effective business tool. StyleSeat provides real-time alerts on your phone whenever there is a notification. Clicking on any push notification will activate the app immediately.

Payment and POS system

Payment and POS system

StyleSeat's One-Click Checkout makes billing and receiving payments more convenient than ever’s One-Click Checkout is designed to simplify billing and payment collection. When clients book, they provide their payment card details. After the appointment, you review the information and select "Charge." If you need the money immediately, select Instant Deposit from the Deposits menu. Otherwise, standard deposits are free of charge and reflected in your account within a few days.

Client CRM

Client CRM

StyleSeat prioritizes personalization to maintain its lead in the mobile scheduling spaceStyleSeat emphasizes personalization features within its client management tools. Since beauty is very personal, StyleSeat uses this method to ensure its clients get what they want.

Clients who use StyleseatStyleSeat Rewards earn points for each dollar they spend. For every 500 points accumulated, customers get $10 in StyleSeat rewards!.

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting and analytics

StyleSeat's integrated analytics tools provide the effortless tracking and monitoring ofStyleSeat includes analytics tools to track and monitor business performance. The integrated analytics offers the following summary:analytics offer:

• Current year-over-year revenue

• Weekly, monthly, and annual revenue, including both actual and expected earnings

• Client overview statistics showshowing the proportion of new vs. return customers.

• A summary of your most popular services' booking and scheduling

Team/Staff Management Tools

Staff management tools

StyleSeat has an "Admin Account" function that allows you to switch calendars with a singleoffers an Admin Account feature that lets businesses view and manage multiple staff calendars under one login. Thus, youYou can keep track of each prostaff member's schedule without logging into their personal accounts.

Financial Reporting Tools

Financial reporting tools

StyleSeat's Revenue Reporting feature allows salons to monitor and analyze their business progress. You can track your earnings and monitor how your business grows over time.

The tool provides the following:

• Net earnings and appointment refunds

• Appointment refunds

• Cash earnings and total tax

• Total tax

• Total tips

• RevenueTotal tips and revenue from credit cards

• Total fees, broken out by type of feefee type

Booksy’s Top Features's top features

Let’s take a look at how Booksy stacks up when it comes to core features for a salon management platform.Appointment booking

Appointment Booking

Booksy has two app versions: desktop and mobile versions. Clients can conveniently schedule appointments using eitherBooksy offers mobile apps and desktop (web) access. Clients can conveniently schedule appointments using either. Just like StyleSeat, Booksy also has a marketplace where potential clients can find your services and book with you.

Marketing Tools

Marketing tools

Clients are the cornerstone of any business. Booksy, thus, offers several online marketing tools to help easilyClients are the cornerstone of any business. Booksy includes online marketing tools designed to help businesses reach customers. These tools help keep clients informed, increase bookings, and minimize cancellations. Among the tools are:

Among the tools are:

• Message Blasts for direct client communication

• Boost. Boost improves Booksy users' visibility in search engine results.Boost to improve visibility in search results

• Share the Booksy profile link. Social media is now one of the most essential internet marketing channels. Booksy users can add a Book Now Button to provide clients with access to their profiles. You may then share the Book Now buttonSharing a Booksy profile link on Instagram and Facebook. with a Book Now button

• Flash sales, happy hours, and last-minute discounts

Notifications for No-show

Notifications for no-shows

Booksy includes features intended to help reduce no-shows and manage cancellations. Booksy's no-show protection allows stylists to charge a percentage of a service upfront. They can also impose a cancellation fee for a no-show or last-minute cancellation.

Booksy has a solution to cut no-shows and the impact of client cancellations. Boosty's no-show protection allows stylists to charge a percentage of a service upfront. They can also impose a cancellation fee for a no-show or last-minute cancellation. According to Booksy, clients are more likely to commit to an appointment after paying in advance or knowing that last-minute cancellations will result in a fee.

Payment and POS

Payment and POS

Booksy accepts three main payment methodspayments through its built-in point-of-sale (POS) system, which lets you accept, manage, and track payments all in one app. Payment methods include:

1. Offline payments. Refers to any forms of payments made without using the Booksy appOffline payments: Payments recorded outside the Booksy app (for example, cash). You can track them in your sales records.

2. Cash registers and sales records contain information about these payments.

3. Online payments. These are payments made through the Booksy mobile appOnline payments: Payments processed through Booksy.

Booksy also accepts Square, an in-person card payment system that uses mPOS technologyoffers an integrated card terminal option (BBPOS WisePOS E) and supports Stripe Reader M2 for on-the-go payments.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs

Booksy recommends the following simple methods to keep your clients loyal: - Prioritize your customers - Employ customer-oriented employees - Reward returning clients - Exceed your customer's expectations by doing something unique - Empathize with your clients

• Prioritize your customers

• Employ customer-oriented employees

• Reward returning clients

• Exceed your customer's expectations by doing something unique

• Empathize with your clients

Reporting and analytics

Reporting & Analytics

Booksy has a Stats & Reports tool with over 50 built-in reports that allows you to review various financial information. This tool helps you:tracks inventory, breaks down expenses, and surfaces insights to support employee and client management. Reports cover booking and cancellation trends, sales and revenue, transactions, occupancy rates, client reports, marketing reports, staff performance, staff commissions and tips, and stock and inventory.

1. Keep track of inventory

2. Analyze information about expenses

3. Analyze relevant information to assist in the management of employees or clients

Staff management tools

Team/Staff Management Tools

Booksy offers an innovative salon management system that assists with employee schedulingBooksy includes tools that support employee scheduling and staff calendars. The staff schedule is digitally available, so employees can access it anytime. Any adjustments by management are reflected in the schedule immediately.

Financial Reporting

Financial reporting

The Booksy Statistics and ReportsThe Booksy Statistics and Reports tool tracks and organizes all financial information in an easy-to-understand format. Booksy generates downloadable reports on performance, commissions, and inventory.

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Side-by-side feature comparison

Another popular option among salons is GlossGenius, an all-in-one salon solution that offers all the necessary resources for your business to thrive. The software features the most incredible, free, customized booking website ever. Passwords or client logins are not needed. Automated text messages and email marketing are also available. All of these and many more are available at a simple, flat rate with no additional costs.

Pros and cons comparison

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Use Cases Comparison pros and cons

Now, let’s take a look at the different use cases each platforms services best.

StyleSeat

StyleSeat is a marketplace model that generates value by creating reciprocal network effects. It streamlines the scheduling process for individuals seeking beauty services and gives hairdressers a platform to showcase their services and manage clientsKnowing the strengths and limitations of each platform makes it easier to choose what fits your business.

Booksy

Booksy is among the most well-known salon management software programs. It is available in over 20 countries and has offices across five continents.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Pricing Comparison

Let’s talk about pricing.

StyleSeat’s Pricing pros and cons

StyleSeat offers two alternative pricing plan options:Pros:

• Premium Plan: $35 subscription cost per month

• Basic Plan: Free. No subscription cost per month

Credit Card Processing Fee

On each plan, there is a processing fee for each transaction:

• Premium Plan: 2.75% per transaction. The fee applies to in-app payments only. Premium Plan users can accept cash or alternate forms of payment.

• Basic Plan: 3% for each transaction. The fee applies to all appointments, as all payments are through the app.

New Client Connection

In addition to their standard business management tools, StyleSeat also has extra features you can add on to help with client acquisition. These include:

• Premium Plan: 30% ($50 max) of the initial service fee for a new client

• Basic Plan: 30% of the service fee of the new client’s first appointment

Smart Pricing

• Premium Plan: 5.5% of the service fee up to $16.50

• Basic Plan: 5.25% of the service fee up to $50

The maximum cost for both plans may change based on the additional services required.

Premium Appointments

• Premium Plan: 33% of the 20% booking surcharge that follows a Premium Appointment

• Basic Plan: 15% of the 20% booking surcharge that follows a Premium Appointment

Booksy’s Pricing

Booksy offers a payment plan beginning at $29.99 per month. A free trial is also available for one staff member per month. You may upgrade your Plan by paying a one-time fee for each new client. Individuals pay $29.99, with an additional $20 per user for $309.99.

The monthly Plan includes:

• Free business listing

• Client booking

• Calendar management

• Payment processing

• Built-in marketing tools

• Business reports

• Staff management

If any of these pricing plans seems confusing, or out of your budget, there’s also a third option – GlossGenius.

GlossGenius features three different plans, including a 2-week free trial:

• Standard Plan, starting at $24 per month. The fee includes all the essential features your business needs.

• Gold Plan, starting at $48 per month, includes all the advanced features you desire.

• Platinum Plan, starting at $148 per month, including all the advanced features plus larger team size support.

A typical Salon Management Software subscription costs an average of $29 monthly. Thus, GlossGenius' pricing is 17% lower. GlossGenius also does not charge extra for additional features or utilization. There is also just one processing fee of 2.6% across all payments – no additional charges exist.

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StyleSeat vs Booksy: Pros and Cons Comparison

Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of both Booksy vs StyleSeat.

StyleSeat Pros

• Appointment Booking and Customer Managementbooking and customer management: StyleSeat’'s simplified booking procedure is convenient for both clients and stylists. The self-service platform enables users to make appointments according to their desired schedule.

• Gallery Featurefeature: StyleSeat includes a gallery function that allows users to feature their work. This function enables stylists to improve their visibility and expand their clientele.

• Digital Marketingmarketing: StyleSeat's social media marketingAI Marketing Suite helps salons improve their visibility with email marketing, SMS campaigns, and AI-generated content, expanding their growth prospects.

• Transparent Pricing InformationPricing visibility: StyleSeat provides a straightforward price menu, eliminating the need to contact stylists for pricing informationcan display service pricing in listings, which may reduce back-and-forth messaging for businesses. By providing this, the app allows users to plan appointments with confidence.

• Reminder Alertsalerts: StyleSeat sends polite reminders to hairdressers and their clients to avoidautomated appointment confirmations, reminders, rebooking prompts, and thank-you messages to reduce missed appointments.

StyleSeat Cons

Cons:

With any platform out there, there will be pros (and also) cons. Let’s take a look at some of the potential drawbacks.

• New Charges and Additional Feescharges and additional fees: Some users are unhappy with the new service charges and additional taxes imposed on their clients for each reservation. Some users moved to alternate platforms as the monthly fee introduced seemed highThe 30% new client connection fee can significantly impact revenue for businesses that rely on marketplace discovery.

• Smart Pricing complexity: The automatic price adjustments during peak times can confuse clients and lead to unexpected charges at checkout.

Booksy Prospros and cons

Pros:

• User-friendly Interfaceinterface: Booksy's interface is simple and user-friendly. Even those with limited technological knowledge can navigate it easily.

• Pocket-friendly PackagesPredictable pricing:: Booksy charges affordable rates and allows users to upgrade their packages at any time Booksy charges a flat $29.99/month rate with transparent processing fees, making it easier to forecast costs.

• Excellent Customer SupportGood customer support: Booksy provides good customer service with friendly personnel available Monday through Saturday.

• Unique Marketing FeaturesBuilt-in marketing features: Booksy offers unique features that enable customers to promote their services, including 2,000 free SMS marketing messages monthly, with free email marketing and push notifications also included.

• Reliability: Booksy only encounters a few technological issues. If there's an issue with your Booksy app, you can fix it yourself. Update your application or delete unnecessary files and cacheis designed for day-to-day scheduling and payments, and common app issues may be resolved with standard troubleshooting steps (for example, updating the app or clearing the cache).

• Comprehensive reporting: Booksy offers over 50 built-in reports covering sales, bookings, staff performance, inventory, and more.

Booksy Cons

Cons:

• Complicated Payment SystemPayment system learning curve: Booksy has added a payment option, which is a helpful feature. However, it's payment options can be challenging to manage, especially for new clients unfamiliar with the platform.

• Per-staff pricing: Adding staff members at $20 per month each can make Booksy expensive for growing businesses.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: Customer Support ComparisonWhich platform is right for your business?

The best choice between StyleSeat and Booksy depends on your business model, client acquisition strategy, and growth plans.

Choose StyleSeat if

StyleSeat works well for businesses that:

• Want exposure through a large consumer marketplace

• Are willing to pay acquisition fees for new clients the platform brings

• Want a free trial to test the platform before committing

• Want built-in loyalty rewards for clients

• Focus heavily on showcasing portfolio work to attract new bookings

Let’s see how the customer support works for each platformThe marketplace model benefits businesses in competitive urban areas where discovery is challenging. However, the 30% new client fee means you should calculate whether the acquisition cost makes sense for your average service price.

Choose Booksy if

Booksy works well for businesses that:

• Prefer predictable monthly costs without per-client acquisition fees

• Need SMS marketing tools included in their subscription (for example, an included monthly SMS allowance)

• Want straightforward payment processing with clear fee structures

• Have an established client base and focus on retention over acquisition

• Need staff scheduling for multiple employees

Booksy's flat-rate model provides more cost predictability, especially for businesses that don't rely heavily on marketplace discovery for new clients.

Customer support comparison

Both platforms offer multiple support channels, though their availability and response times differ.

StyleSeat Customer Supportcustomer support

StyleSeat provides call assistance, where an agent responds to queries and provides information. If customer serviceStyleSeat offers phone support, where an agent can answer questions and provide help. If customer service is unavailable over the phone, the app can assist.

Their official website also has a chat option with a virtual assistant. The chatbot recommends FAQ articles in response to your inquiries. You can also live chat with StyleSeat customer support. Download their app and initiate by downloading their app and initiating the conversation.

StyleSeat does not provide a direct email contact for customer support. To email customer service, visit their website and look for the "Talk To Us" section.

StyleSeat's customer support hours vary. Call assistance and live chat are available during regular weekday business hours. The website's chatbot, however, is available around the clock.

StyleSeat social media platforms are another resource for assistance. Send a message to their support team, and they’ll respond within 24 to 48 hours; response times can vary (often within 24–48 hours).

Booksy Customer Supportcustomer support

Customers can contact Booksy customer careCustomers can contact Booksy customer care using the provided phone numbers. A Booksy customer service agent will then assist you.

You can also email them, and you’'ll hear back within two or three business days. Alternatively, visit their website and submit the request form on the "Contact Us" page.

Booksy'sIn the US, Booksy customer care hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, Monday to Saturday. They are not available on Sundays or other public holidays. If you have an urgent need within those periods, go to their website and proceed toFor urgent needs during those hours, visit the website and use the FAQ section.

StyleSeat vs Booksy: User Reviews and TestimonialsUser reviews and testimonials

Let’s check out some real customer testimonials from each platformReal customer feedback provides valuable insight into how each platform performs in daily use.

StyleSeat

Users love that they can see their stylist’'s availability and plan their appointments. They also appreciate the pleasant reminders from StyleSeatsStyleSeat about their appointments.

Other users also appreciate the app's ease of use. They find it user-friendly and like that it stores their credit card information.

“What I like the most about StyleSeat is the ease of use. The app is very user-friendly. My hair and makeup stylist uses the application to schedule and pay for appointments. I appreciate that the application stores my credit card information for future appointments. I don't have to worry about forgetting my credit card. The payment is made automatically on the day of the appointment from the stored credit card on the app.” – Kishasha F., Education Management"What I like the most about StyleSeat is the ease of use. The app is very user-friendly. My hair and makeup stylist uses the application to schedule and pay for appointments. I appreciate that the application stores my credit card information for future appointments. I don't have to worry about forgetting my credit card. The payment is made automatically on the day of the appointment from the stored credit card on the app." – Kishasha F., Education Management

Booksy

Stylists appreciate Booksy's help managing bookings and effectively communicating with their clients.

Others love the user-friendly interface and the different reports they can generate.

I love that the interface is easy for the salon and our clients to use. It is awesome that I have so many different reports at my fingertips. – Tracy F., Cosmetics"I love that the interface is easy for the salon and our clients to use. It is awesome that I have so many different reports at my fingertips." – Tracy F., Cosmetics

ConclusionWhy consider GlossGenius as an alternative

If neither StyleSeat nor Booksy feels like the right fit, GlossGenius presents a third option designed to address common limitations of both platforms.

Transparent, predictable pricing: GlossGenius charges a flat 2.6% processing rate across all payment types with no hidden fees. There are no new client acquisition fees, no Smart Pricing surcharges, and no surprise charges. With transparent plan pricing, a flat processing rate, and no hidden fees, it's designed to help you keep more of what you earn.

Built for growth: GlossGenius is designed to help businesses increase their revenue. The platform includes 100+ features designed to help you grow more with less busywork.

Automated client retention: When clients walk out without rebooking—and manual follow-ups don't happen—retention drops fast. GlossGenius addresses this with Automated Rebooking at checkout, AI-powered marketing, and unlimited automated reminders—features designed to support client retention.

Time savings: When admin work keeps stealing time from your chair and your clients, GlossGenius lightens the load with intuitive tools built to save you time on admin so you can focus on clients instead of software.

Key differentiators from StyleSeat and Booksy: - No 30% new client acquisition fees - Flat 2.6% processing rate (lower than both competitors' standard rates) - Automated Rebooking built into checkout - AI-powered marketing included in all plans - When your online presence doesn't feel polished—or clients abandon booking because they're forced to create an account—GlossGenius gives you a free customized booking website with no client logins required - When booking takes too many steps and you lose clients before they ever lock in an appointment, GlossGenius is designed to keep booking steps minimal so clients can book quickly - Comprehensive customer support and onboarding resources

GlossGenius is an all-in-one solution for salons, spas, and medspas designed to support daily operations and growth. The software features a free, customized booking website where passwords or client logins are not needed. Automated text messages and email marketing are also available.

Find the right salon software for your business

Salon software allows salon owners and industry experts to streamline their daily operations. Beauty professionals can benefit from the StyleSeat and Booksy apps. BothBoth StyleSeat and Booksy help with client management while reducing operational and administrative challenges. StyleSeat excels at marketplace discovery but charges significant fees for new clients, while Booksy offers more predictable pricing with robust marketing tools included.

For businesses focused on transparent pricing and growth-focused tools, GlossGenius is a strong option to consider. With transparent plan pricing, a flat processing rate, and no hidden fees, it's designed to help you keep more of what you earn.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

To try it out (no credit card required), sign up for a free trial and see how GlossGenius can help your business grow with less busywork.

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What is better than StyleSeat?

Several platforms offer advantages over StyleSeat depending on your priorities. Booksy provides more predictable monthly pricing without per-client acquisition fees. GlossGenius offers lower processing rates (2.6% flat) and no new client fees, which can better suit businesses aiming to keep more revenue.

How much percentage does Booksy take?

Booksy charges payment processing fees that vary by transaction type. See the pricing section above for the current fee breakdown.

How much is StyleSeat per month?

StyleSeat offers a paid plan and a free plan, each with different processing rates and marketplace-related fees. See the pricing section above for the full breakdown.

Does StyleSeat charge clients to book?

No, StyleSeat does not charge clients a direct booking fee. However, Smart Pricing can add surcharges during peak times that clients pay at checkout. These automatic price adjustments are designed to increase revenue during high-demand periods but may surprise clients who weren't expecting the higher rate.

Does Booksy charge clients to book?

No, Booksy does not charge any booking fees to clients. The platform's costs are absorbed by the business through monthly subscriptions and payment processing fees. Clients can book appointments through the Booksy app or website without any additional charges.

What is StyleSeat's new client connection fee?

StyleSeat charges 30% of the first service fee when a new client books through their marketplace. On the Premium plan, this fee is capped at $50 per new client. On the Basic plan, there is no cap. This fee applies only to clients who discover you through StyleSeat's marketplace, not to clients you bring yourself.

Can I use StyleSeat or Booksy for free?

StyleSeat has a free plan and a free trial for its paid plan. Booksy offers a free trial and then requires a paid subscription. GlossGenius also offers a free trial. See the pricing section above for current rates and plan details.

Which platform has better marketing tools?

Booksy includes built-in marketing tools in its standard subscription, such as SMS allowances (where available), email marketing, push notifications, message blasts, and Boost. StyleSeat offers an AI Marketing Suite with email marketing, SMS campaigns, AI-generated content and templates, and automated drip campaigns based on client behavior. GlossGenius includes AI-powered marketing for automated, personalized campaigns.

Is GlossGenius better than StyleSeat and Booksy?

GlossGenius offers competitive advantages including a lower flat 2.6% processing rate, no new client acquisition fees, and plans starting at $24 per month with 100+ features included. Businesses using GlossGenius have reported revenue growth. The best choice depends on your specific business needs and priorities.

How do I switch from StyleSeat or Booksy to another platform?

GlossGenius is an excellent do-it-all option that can make you stand out as the go-to stylistMost salon software platforms, including GlossGenius, offer free data transfer and onboarding support to help you migrate your client information and appointment history. StyleSeat offers a White Glove Program that handles client and appointment imports for those switching to their platform. Booksy allows you to import external calendars via . It is feature-rich, reasonably priced, and designed to grow with your businessics files (up to 5,000 events). GlossGenius also provides unmatched client support, guaranteeing that you and your clients benefit. If you want to take it for a spin (no credit card required) be sure to sign up for a free trial!provides dedicated support to make the switch as smooth as possible.

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 February 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.