The Best Booking Software for Salons in 2026
Bugalou Platform
Discover what Bugalou can do for you
Everything you need for great customer service — in one platform
Everything you need for great customer service — in one platform
The right booking software can transform your salon: no double bookings, fewer no-shows, automatic reminders, and more time for your clients. But which system suits you? This comparison helps you choose.
Before we run through the options, here are the most important criteria:
Fresha (formerly Shedul) is one of the most widely used booking systems worldwide for salons, nail studios, and beauty specialists. The basic plan is free — Fresha earns through payment processing and a commission on new clients via the marketplace.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Suitable for: Freelance stylists and small salons that want to get started quickly without high monthly costs.
Vagaro is widely used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It offers booking, a POS system, marketing tools, and a marketplace.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Suitable for: Salons in English-speaking markets wanting an all-in-one solution.
Treatwell is more of a marketplace than pure booking software. Clients find you via Treatwell, you pay a commission per booking. You get a booking widget and calendar included.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Suitable for: Salons actively looking to attract new clients via a marketplace.
SimplyBook.me is an international booking system with extensive customisation options. You can configure almost any type of service and business with it.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Suitable for: Salons with specific requirements that don't fit standard packages.
Timely is a New Zealand platform that excels at reporting and client analysis. It offers detailed insights into revenue per employee, popular services, and client retention.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Suitable for: Larger salons that use data to drive growth.
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Marketplace | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresha | Free + commission | Yes | Yes | 20% new clients |
| Vagaro | ~$25+/mo | No | Yes | No |
| Treatwell | Commission-based | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| SimplyBook.me | From ~$9/mo | Limited | No | No |
| Timely | From ~$20/mo | No | No | No |
Prices are indicative and may change.
Start with these questions:
Booking software handles the appointment, but the client relationship really begins after that. Clients ask questions via WhatsApp ("can I reschedule my appointment?"), Instagram, or email. Keeping track of all those messages in separate apps takes a lot of time.
With a tool like Bugalou, you manage all client messages via WhatsApp, email, and social media in one place — even as a salon or beauty specialist. So you never miss a message.
For most salons, Fresha is the strongest starting point thanks to its free plan and marketplace. Want more control and no commission? Then Vagaro or SimplyBook.me is a better fit. Larger salons with multiple staff and data needs should look at Timely.
Founder of Bugalou and e-commerce entrepreneur. As a business owner, I noticed that customer service tools were either unaffordable or so complex you needed an IT department. That frustration led to Bugalou.