The best salon software of 2026, ranked.
We tested 11 platforms with the same real tasks — booking, deposits, reports, support — and scored every one on our public 100-point rubric. No sponsored placements.
All 11 platforms, ranked
| RANK | Logo | PLATFORM | BEST FOR | FROM | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VagaroRead full review → | All-in-one management | $30/mo | 8.9 | |
| 2 | Fresha | Getting started free | $0/mo | 8.7 | |
| 3 | GlossGenius | Independent pros | $24/mo | 8.5 | |
| 4 | Bookendo | PMU artists · site included | $19/mo | 8.4 | |
| 5 | Mangomint | Premium front desk | $165/mo | 8.3 | |
| 6 | Boulevard | Multi-location teams | $176/mo | 8.1 | |
| 7 | Booksy | Marketplace exposure | $30/mo | 7.9 | |
| 8 | Square Appointments | Simple POS + booking | $0/mo | 7.7 | |
| 9 | Mindbody | Wellness chains | $129/mo | 7.4 | |
| 10 | Phorest | Client retention tools | $89/mo | 7.2 | |
| 11 | Zenoti | Enterprise groups | Custom | 6.9 |
Prices are entry plans for one professional, US market, verified July 2026. Card processing fees charged separately by each platform.
Disclosure: Salon Software Guide and Bookendo share common ownership. Bookendo is evaluated using the same published criteria as every other platform.
How we ranked them
Same tasks, every platform. We set up a demo business, take a booking, charge a deposit, run reports and contact support.
Real cost, not sticker price. Base plan + per-staff charges + card fees + required add-ons.
100 points, published weights. Nine criteria from booking experience to data export. External review stars never count.
Not sure where to start?
Answer 6 quick questions about your business — team size, budget, must-haves — and we’ll match you to the platform that fits.
Take the 2-min quiz →Or estimate what each platform would really cost your business per month.
Open the true-cost calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the best salon software overall?
Vagaro scored highest in our July 2026 testing (8.9/10) thanks to its balance of booking, POS, marketing and price. But “best” depends on your business — Fresha wins if you want $0 monthly cost, and GlossGenius if you work solo.
How much does salon software really cost?
Entry plans range from $0 to $176/mo, but card processing is where costs hide: 2.29%–2.75% plus fixed fees per transaction. For a 3-stylist salon processing $6,000/mo, the real total runs $140–$340/mo. Run your own numbers →
Do you accept payment for rankings?
No. Positions are set only by rubric scores. Some links may earn us a commission, which never affects scoring — see our methodology.