Fresha Alternatives (2026): 10 Apps Compared

Fresha is salon and spa software that combines a booking system with point of sale, client records and a directory where people can discover local businesses. If you're thinking about a change, perhaps because you want another set of tools or a different way of working, you have more choice than you might expect.

Below are ten Fresha alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are household names and most are smaller or more specialised. I've drawn each description from the tool's own website, so check current details there. For a bit of background, my guide to booking software for service businesses sets out the basics.

Fresha alternatives for salons and spas compared 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 commit.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Booksy	Beauty and barber app	Appointment booking for stylists and barbers	Trial only
Mangomint	Salon and spa software	Booking and staff management for spas	Trial only
Phorest	Salon and clinic software	Salons and aesthetic clinics with several staff	No
Planfy	Online booking system	Bookings for service businesses of all sizes	Trial only
Salonized	Salon software	Online diary for teams and solo stylists	Trial only
Setmore	Appointment scheduling	Simple booking for small teams	Yes
SimplyBook.me	Booking system	Booking with many add-on features	Yes
Square Appointments	Booking inside a till system	Booking tied to card payments	Yes
Timely	Salon software	Booking and client management for salons	Trial only
Vagaro	Beauty, wellness and fitness software	Booking for beauty and fitness businesses	Trial only

Ten salon and spa booking platforms beside Fresha

Booksy

Best for: Independent stylists and barbers who want a booking and business app built around beauty appointments.

Mangomint

Best for: Salons and spas that want an all-in-one system covering booking, forms and team scheduling.

Phorest

Best for: Growing salons and aesthetic clinics that want a managed system, a demo and tools for repeat visits.

Planfy

Best for: Small service businesses who want an online booking system with staff calendars and a trial.

Salonized

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

Setmore

Best for: Small teams who want a booking page, reminders and a free plan to start with.

SimplyBook.me

Best for: Service businesses who want a configurable booking system with a forever-free starting plan.

Square Appointments

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

Timely

Best for: Hair and beauty salons who want a clean booking calendar with client records and staff scheduling.

Vagaro

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

What to look for in salon and spa booking software besides Fresha

Before you compare, write down what you rely on each day. It's easy to forget the small things until they disappear. Then test every shortlisted platform against that list.

• Scheduling. Check multi-staff diaries, room booking and handling of treatments with waiting time.
• Point of sale. Confirm you can sell products, vouchers and packages at the till.
• Client records. Look for notes, forms and history that your team can find quickly.
• Discovery. If you rely on a public directory to find new clients, ask whether the platform offers one.
• Messages. See how reminders and marketing messages are sent and what is included.
• Reports. You should be able to see repeat visits, busy days and staff activity.
• Support. Find out how quickly someone replies when the diary stops working.

Directory-led or system-led: choosing between salon booking platform types

Some platforms are built mainly to help new clients find you through a public directory. Others focus on running the business behind the scenes. Many do a bit of both, so don't assume. Ask which side the company puts first.

• Directory-led platforms can bring new bookings but may shape how clients find and compare you.
• System-led platforms concentrate on diaries, staff, stock and reporting.
• Payment-led platforms tie booking to card readers and a till.
• General schedulers offer a booking page and reminders for any appointment-based work.

My guide to setting up an online booking system shows how the pieces fit together whatever you choose.

Questions to put to a salon software company before you leave Fresha

1. Will you import my clients, services, staff and future appointments?
2. Can I keep my current card reader, or do I need new hardware?
3. How do you handle new-client discovery, if I want it?
4. What messaging is included and how are reminders set up?
5. How do I export all my data if I choose to leave later?
6. What support do my team and I get on the busiest days?

Moving a salon or spa diary away from Fresha

Moving is a question of order. Keep your existing system running while you build the new one, then follow the sequence you'll find below.

1. Export your client list and note any custom fields, tags or consent records.
2. List your services, durations, staff and opening hours before you open the new platform.
3. Rebuild services and team schedules first, then import clients.
4. Check a few client records and upcoming bookings by hand.
5. Test online booking, reminders and a card payment with your own details.
6. Change the booking link everywhere on the same day you switch.

Client information and consent in salon and spa software

Salon systems store contact details and often treatment notes, so treat that data with care. In the UK that generally means holding only what you need, keeping it secure and having a clear lawful reason to message people. The rules differ in other countries. This isn't legal advice, so check what applies to your situation. If your team's rota is part of the move, my roundup of employee scheduling software may help.

Why a lesser-known salon booking platform can be a good fit

Smaller companies often stay close to their customers. You might find simpler screens, quicker answers and a team that listens when you suggest a change.

Look at when the product was last updated, read the help pages and make sure you can export your data any time. If the company doesn't say, ask. You'll learn a lot from how it answers.

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

Running a short trial of two salon booking platforms

Choose two options and set up the services you've already got in each. Book a few pretend clients, move an appointment, run a test sale and send yourself a reminder. Keep the one your team finds quickest, and ask what they think before you decide, because they'll be the ones using it daily.

Frequently asked questions

What is salon and spa booking software?

It's software that manages your diary, online booking, reminders, point of sale and client records. Some platforms also offer a directory where new clients can find you.

Why would someone look for a Fresha alternative?

Reasons vary, and they aren't always about the product itself. It might be the team set-up, the way new clients arrive, the layout or how support works. Start by listing what matters most to you.

Can I move my clients and bookings across?

Client lists can usually be exported and imported. Future appointments, vouchers and packages sometimes need checking by hand, so ask the new company what it will bring across.

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 small salon?

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