Booksy Alternatives (2026): 10 Apps Compared

Booksy is a booking and business app made for barbers, stylists and salon owners, with a client app that lets people find and book beauty appointments. If you're comparing options, maybe because you want different tools for your team or a simpler way of taking bookings, there are plenty of other apps to look at.

Here are ten Booksy alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Most are smaller or more specialised, and a few are well-known names. I've taken each description from the tool's own website, so check current details there before you decide. For a wider view of the subject, my walkthrough on setting up an online booking system covers the basics.

Booksy alternatives for beauty and barber businesses at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a plan you can keep using with no time limit. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site states neither. Details change, so check before you start.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Fresha	Salon and spa software	Booking for salons, spas and barbershops	Trial only
GlossGenius	Beauty business software	Booking, card payments and client records	Trial only
Kitomba	Salon and spa software	Diary and marketing tools for salons	No
Rosy	Salon management	Booking and client management for salons	Trial only
Salonized	Salon software	Online diary for teams and solo stylists	Trial only
Shortcuts	Salon and barber software	Online booking and growth tools for salons	Trial only
Square Appointments	Booking inside a till system	Booking tied to card payments	Yes
Squire	Barbershop software	Chairs, bookings and payments for barbers	Trial only
StyleSeat	Beauty booking app	Booking for stylists, barbers and beauty pros	Trial only
Vagaro	Beauty, wellness and fitness software	Booking for beauty and fitness businesses	Trial only

Ten barber and beauty booking apps to weigh against Booksy

Fresha

Best for: Salons, spas and barbershops who want booking, client records and till features in one system.

GlossGenius

Best for: Solo beauty and wellness professionals who want booking, card payments and a branded booking site together.

Kitomba

Best for: Hair, beauty and barber businesses who want salon software with a free demo to look around first.

Rosy

Best for: Salon owners who want a dedicated salon system with scheduling, client records and a trial period.

Salonized

Best for: Solo stylists and small salon teams who want an online diary and client records with a trial.

Shortcuts

Best for: Hair, barber and beauty businesses who want salon software with online booking and round-the-clock human support.

Square Appointments

Best for: Solo beauty professionals who want booking joined to card payments and a free plan to begin with.

Squire

Best for: Barbershop owners and independent barbers who want software designed around chairs, walk-ins and online bookings.

StyleSeat

Best for: Independent hair, nail and barber professionals who want a booking app built for solo beauty work.

Vagaro

Best for: Beauty, wellness and fitness businesses who want one app covering booking, payments and marketing.

What to check in a barber or beauty booking app before you move

Most beauty professionals pick a booking app on a recommendation, then discover what's missing months later. A few minutes with this checklist helps you avoid that.

• Walk-ins. Barbers in particular need a quick way to add someone who turns up without booking.
• Rebooking. Can clients book their next visit before they leave the chair?
• Cancellations. Look for policies, reminders and a waiting list to refill gaps.
• Card payments. Check readers, tips and deposits work with your usual way of taking money.
• Team access. Each stylist should see their own diary and nothing they shouldn't.
• Social links. Make sure you can put a booking button on Instagram and your Google profile.
• Support. Find out how help works when a client is waiting and something breaks.

Solo stylist, booth renter or team salon: which booking app type suits you?

• Solo stylists and booth renters usually want a simple diary, a booking link and easy card payments.
• Barbershops tend to want chair-based scheduling, walk-in handling and quick checkout.
• Small salon teams need staff diaries, commission tracking and shared client records.
• Nail and beauty studios often value deposits, consent forms and photo notes.
• Mobile therapists benefit from a phone-first app and reminders that cut down on missed visits.

It's worth reading what other small shops are doing too. My article on using AI in a hair salon or barbershop covers reminders and replies that can save time.

Questions to ask before you leave Booksy

1. Can you import my client list and future bookings, and what do you need from me to do it?
2. What happens to the reviews and photos I've built up on my current profile?
3. Will clients be able to find me and book without downloading an app?
4. How do your reminders and messages work, and which are included?
5. Which card readers and payment options do you support where I work?
6. How easily can I export my records if I decide to leave?

A calm way to switch booking apps without losing clients

The main risk when you change booking apps is a gap, where a client turns up or tries to book and nothing is there. Keep both systems alive for a short overlap and move in this order.

1. Export your client list and note any tags, allergies or colour formulas you want to keep.
2. Build your service list, team and working hours in the new app.
3. Import clients and check a few records for missing phone numbers or names.
4. Send yourself a test booking and a test reminder.
5. Tell regular clients the new link a week before the change.
6. Retire the old booking link only once the new one is taking bookings.

Client contact details and consent in beauty booking apps

Booking apps hold names, phone numbers and sometimes treatment notes, so look after that information whichever app you use. In the UK you generally need a lawful reason to hold it, a safe way to store it and an easy opt-out for marketing messages. Rules differ elsewhere. This isn't legal advice, so check what applies to your own situation.

Why a less famous booking app can still be a good fit

Smaller companies often listen closely to their users. That can mean a quicker reply from support, a simpler screen and fewer features you'll never touch.

Look at when the product was last updated, read the help pages and make sure you can export your clients whenever you wish. If the company doesn't say, ask before you sign up.

Do you make a booking, salon or barbershop tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Trying two booking apps side by side

Pick two options that suit how you work and set up your real services in each. Book a pretend client, send yourself a reminder and see how the diary feels on a phone between appointments. Keep the one that feels fastest. If you also want to compare general scheduling tools, my guide to finding online scheduling software is a handy next read.

Frequently asked questions

What is a beauty and barber booking app?

It's an app or system that lets clients book appointments online and helps you manage your diary, reminders, card payments and client notes. Some also include a client app where people can browse and book.

Why would someone look for a Booksy alternative?

Reasons vary, and they aren't always about the app itself. It might be the team set-up, the layout, how support works or a better fit for a salon or a barbershop. Start by listing what matters most to you.

Can I take my clients with me?

Client lists can usually be exported and imported. Reviews and profile history tend to stay on the original platform, so ask the new company what can move.

Do I need consent to message clients?

In many countries you do. In the UK you generally need a lawful reason and an easy opt-out. This isn't legal advice, so check the rules that apply to you.

Is a free plan enough for a solo professional?

It can be. Read the limits on bookings, messages and team members, and check the features you rely on are included before you depend on one.