With thousands of salon management software freely available, it can feel difficult to know which one to choose. Among the top priorities for most salons is the ability to help clients book appointments seamlessly, reducing the chances of no-shows and missed appointments. If that’s a pain point for your salon, you may have come across Vagaro at some point in your search for the best apps for salons.

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And while Vagaro offers many features and benefits, you might find it doesn’t cover all of your needs. If you’re looking to uplevel your salon to app-based management, consider the following Vagaro alternatives to find the software that lets you manage your salon seamlessly, grow your business, and free up valuable time.

Why It’s Worth Considering a Vagaro Alternative

Salon apps have different features, and as a small business owner, you have to choose the most valuable ones for your business to make daily activities easy and increase profitability. Your best bet is to consider your needs, compare the features and benefits of each app, determine your budget, and choose the platform that makes the most sense for your business.

As you consider Vagaro alternatives, here are some questions to ask:

What Do I Need? Are Additional Features Important?

While some salons and spas might need nothing more than booking software, others need additional features. Consider whether you will need to build a booking website, offer mobile booking capabilities, and conduct payment processing through the software.

How Much Will It cost? 

Set a budget for your needs, accounting for the different features and functions you need to have in your salon or spa business management software. Salon apps vary in price depending on their features and level of customization. Some offer free tiers initially but require upgrades for advanced functionality. Others have tiered pricing plans based on the number of users or locations.

If you have multiple locations or a large staff, it’s important to find an app that offers a scalable solution that works for your business size. Be sure to ask whether the provider charges any base fees, setup fees, and recurring fees so you know exactly what you’re getting and for how much.

How Quickly Do I Need to Get Up and Running?

Any software you choose should offer easy onboarding and support, so you can get your management system in operation without a huge learning curve.

What Are the Features?

A good salon management app should allow you to manage appointments, view customer history and preferences, send messages directly to clients through text or email, track sales data, accept online payments through credit cards or other payment processors, and issue refunds when necessary.

Do I Need a Mobile App?

Most salon and spa solutions offer a mobile version of their desktop apps. Review the features of each mobile offering to be sure it will work for your needs. And make sure it’s compatible with both iOS for iPhones and Android.

The Best Vagaro Alternatives in 2024

You may have more questions as you start running through the Vagaro competitors below. Jot down anything that comes to mind so you can come to your own conclusion about which software will best meet your current needs and continue scaling with you as you grow.

Here are 10 Vagaro alternatives worth checking out in 2024:

1. GlossGenius
2. Zenoti
3. Acuity
4. Fresha
5. Mindbody
6. Boulevard
7. Salonist
8. Arketa
9. Square
10. Booksy

Let's dive deeper into each one.

1. GlossGenius

GlossGenius is an all-in-one salon software that will help you drive bookings with its seamless, stylish user interface. GlossGenius also allows you to build a gorgeous booking website that reflects your brand’s unique style. More bookings mean more revenue, and with GlossGenius, it’s easy to take your salon or spa further, faster.

Notable GlossGenius Features

• Detailed reports and analytics help you stay on top of opportunities to improve.
• The platform integrates with popular payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPay, and major credit card processors.
• Online booking, client management, and notifications create a positive client experience.
• Integrated team management lets you define roles and permissions.
• Modern marketing methods such as unlimited text and email marketing within the app help you reach local audiences.

GlossGenius Pricing

• Try it free for 14 days. Industry-low, flat-rate pricing starts at $24 per month, with low, flat-rate payment processing fees.
• Add unlimited employees at no extra cost.
• Choose a card reader with a unique design that fits your brand.

GlossGenius Reviews

• G2: 5/5 star rating
• App Store: 4.7/5 star rating (+2,000 reviews)

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2. Zenoti

Zenoti is one of the top Vagaro alternatives that can help you automate tasks, unify your brand under one dashboard, and create positive customer experiences. The software is among the most complete solutions for beauty and wellness brands.

Notable Zenoti Features

• Appointment and booking features help your guests schedule appointments with ease, whether online or in-store.
• Centralized transactions help reduce errors and save time. Automated dispute resolution, billing, and payments, plus easy POS integration, help simplify the payment process for guests and staff.
• Zenoti’s dashboard and reports give you a complete view of financials, inventory, staff, guests, and more, so you can make the best business decisions.
• Integrated marketing tools help you reach more of your desired audience with customized marketing campaigns.

Zenoti Pricing

You’ll need to request a quote to get pricing for your salon or spa. Per Zenoti’s website, the company offers tiered pricing based on desired features and required licenses.

Zenoti Reviews

• G2: 4.2/5 star rating (+118 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 star rating (+1,000 reviews)

3. Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is an online appointment scheduling software for salons, spas, medical practices, and all kinds of businesses. It provides salon and spa owners with a complete solution to book appointments, manage their businesses, send client reminders, and more.

Related Reads: Vagaro vs Acuity vs GlossGenius: Which Is Best for You?

Notable Acuity Features

• Client self-scheduling allows your guests to book their appointments at available times. Offer unlimited services and appointments for one monthly rate.
• Accept payments with major payment processors, including Stripe, Square, PayPal, and more.
• Confirmations, reminders, and follow-up emails reduce no-shows and missed appointments.
• Higher-tier plans offer more options for SMS reminders, subscriptions, memberships, and gift certificates.
• The platform integrates with CRM tools to help manage your pipeline.

Acuity Pricing

Pricing at $16 per month for a single user and location, with a free trial available.

Acuity Reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 star rating (+395 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.8/5 star rating (+5,500 reviews)

4. Fresha

Another online scheduling software, Fresha makes it easy for clients to find your salon or space, book and change appointments, and receive SMS appointment reminders.

Notable Fresha Features

• A unified dashboard keeps you updated on each day’s appointments, sales, new clients, and more.
• Payment processing tools enable fast, secure payments through a payment link, saved card on file, or Fresha terminals. Fresha also offers POS tools for retail, including barcode scanners, receipt printing, and more.
• Fresha allows you to set up an online store to help you boost revenue further with online sales.
• Reporting and analytics tools help you keep track of financials and monitor your success.
• Integrated promotional tools help you create campaigns to grow your client base, retain existing clients, and build an online profile on the Fresha marketplace to attract local clients.

Fresha Pricing

Fresha offers a free plan with robust tools that may be ideal for salons or spas just starting out. Optional paid features include payment processing, bookings on the Fresha marketplace, and other marketing tools.

Related Reads: Top Fresha Alternatives You Should Try

Fresha Reviews

• G2: 4.2/5 star rating
• Capterra: 4.9/5 star rating (+1,000 reviews)

Related Reads: Fresha vs Vagaro: An Honest Comparison for Salons

5. Mindbody

Mindbody is among the most well-known Vagaro alternatives. The software enables easy booking and scheduling, promotion of your salon or spa, team management, and positive customer experiences.

Notable Mindbody Features

• Data migration support helps you transition from existing software to Mindbody. One-on-one setup and training get you up to speed quickly.
• Live customer support helps you resolve issues quickly.
• Get a listing in the Mindbody app to increase your local exposure.
• Clients can access Mindbody from any device.
• Business management tools enable seamless payment processing, location and team management, reporting, marketing, and more.
• A unified dashboard with sales tools helps you capture, nurture, and convert leads.

Mindbody Pricing

You’ll need to request a quote to learn pricing for your specific salon or spa. Plans range from Starter to Ultimate Plus, with additional features unlocked at higher tiers.

Mindbody Reviews

• G2: 3.6/5 star rating (+377 reviews)
• Capterra: 4/5 star rating (+2,700 reviews)

6. Boulevard

Dubbed “software for self-care,” Boulevard is a scheduling, management, and client experience platform built for appointment-based wellness and beauty brands. Everyone from medspas to nail salons can use the software to address their needs.

Notable Boulevard Features

• Self-booking features allow your clients to schedule and change appointments, buy memberships, and store their credit card information.
• POS and payment processing tools allow you to collect payments seamlessly.
• Client management tools keep customers coming back for more, with client profiles that include details on past visits and previous purchases.
• Loyalty programs turn customers into lifelong clients who enjoy special perks and savings. You can also create special offers to thank new clients for their business or generate holiday deals.

Boulevard Pricing

Boulevard is among the pricier Valgaro alternatives, starting at $175 per month.

Boulevard Reviews

• G2: 4.1/5 star rating (+55 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 star rating (+275 reviews)

7. Salonist

Salonist helps you manage multiple activities among clients and employees for your salon or spa. Save time and effort with a flexible booking app that handles invoicing, inventory management, payroll, and more.

Notable Salonist Features

• Appointment booking system that allows clients to schedule appointments anytime, anywhere.
• Marketing automation helps you promote your brand and convert more interested clients.
• POS technology enables payment processing; you can also set up an online store to increase revenue.
• Detailed analytics give you transparency into how your business is doing and identify opportunities to improve.
• Rewards and loyalty tools help you retain customers and reward them for their loyal business.
• Customize and create drag-and-drop consent forms to keep your salon or spa protected from liability.

Salonist Pricing

Basic plans start at $39 per month.

Salonist Reviews

• G2: 5/5 star rating (+5 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 star rating (+21 reviews)

8. Arketa

Whether you’re looking to sell in-person sessions or online programs, Arketa has you covered. The wellness software, designed for fitness studios, delivers a simple user experience and robust tools to take your salon or spa to the next level.

Notable Arketa Features

• The system helps you grow beyond the walls of your salon or spa by selling online challenges, e-books, programs, courses, workshops, retreats, retail merchandise, and more.
• A sleek dashboard eliminates clutter and lets you focus on what’s important, like managing clients, engaging with your community, and tracking growth.
• Email automations and text notifications help you nurture your pipeline and keep your community engaged.
• Streamlined workflows and easy integration with over 5,000 apps keep you on track and making progress on your goals.

Arketa Pricing

The free version is built for anyone teaching online classes or booking private sessions. Paid plans start at $39 per month.

Arketa Reviews

• G2: 5/5 star rating (+5 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.8/5 star rating (+49 reviews)

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9. Square

Square is a popular, go-to software solution for payment processing, cultivating client connections, and expanding online and offline operations. Access tools that keep your business connected on all fronts, from customer management solutions to payment processing.

Notable Square Features

• Sell on social media, on a website, or through POS.
• Marketing, messaging, and loyalty programs help you drive more business.
• Accept payments, get a loan, and access funds instantly with Square’s banking tools.
• Manage permissions, payroll, and timecards effortlessly.
• Integrated with third-party apps or build custom solutions with Square’s developer tools.

Square Pricing

The free plan is “pay as you go,” so you only pay when you make a sale. Paid plans start at $29 per month.

Related Reads: Vagaro vs Square: Which Is Best For Client Management?

Salonist Reviews

• G2: 4.6/5 star rating (+695 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 star rating (+2,500 reviews)

10. Booksy

Booksy is a cloud-based online marketplace that showcases beauty and wellness professionals. Customers can hop on the site to search for pros near them – businesses can list their salon or spa and access Booksy’s tools for a monthly subscription fee.

Notable Booksy Features

• Calendar and appointment tools help clients book and manage appointments.
• Business management tools enable staff and shift management, product sales, inventory tracking, and custom forms.
• The marketing stack includes email and social media templates, promotional tools, review collection, and more.
• Multiple payment options include cards on file, contactless payments, and in-store terminals.

Booksy Pricing

Subscriptions start at $29.99 per month.

Booksy Reviews

• G2: 4.4/5 star rating (+343 reviews)
• Capterra: 5/5 star rating (+4 reviews)

Related Reads: Vagaro vs Booksy: An Honest Comparison

GlossGenius: The Best Vagaro Alternative

With a single platform to run bookings, payment processing, and marketing objectives, GlossGenius keeps you in control of your business. Thanks to automated confirmations, appointment reminders, thank-yous, and rebooking reminders, GlossGenius has helped thousands of salons and spas grow. On average, businesses report an increase of $1,500 more in bookings and over 90% more rebooking rates with the platform.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

After you review the Vagaro alternatives above, it’s safe to say you’ll find GlossGenius to be the best option to meet your salon or spa’s needs. Get started here and try it free for 14 days to explore what GlossGenius can do for you.