Start with the right question
Most “best salon software” lists just rank tools. But the right choice depends entirely on your salon — so start here:
Where do your clients come from? Mostly regulars, word of mouth and your own Instagram? Or do you rely on a platform finding you new faces?
How predictable do you need your costs to be? Would you rather pay one flat price, or pay less in quiet months and more in busy ones?
What's your actual pain? Bookings and no-shows? Or deeper needs like stock, detailed reporting, or marketing?
Your answers point to one of two very different models.
The two models
These bundle booking software with a consumer app that can send you new clients — in exchange for commission on those new bookings (Booksy’s Boost takes 30% of a new client’s first visit; Fresha takes 20% on new marketplace clients), plus subscriptions and, often, per-staff fees. Powerful, with big feature sets. Best if marketplace discovery is central to your growth.
One predictable monthly price, no commission on bookings. You bring your own clients; you keep 100% of every booking. Best for established salons with a loyal base who value predictable costs over a discovery engine.
Neither is universally “best” — it genuinely depends on where your clients come from.
What to compare
A quick honest comparison
| Feature | Fresha | Booksy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £29 flat (whole business) | ~£14.95 solo / ~£9.95 per member | ~£40 + ~£5 per member |
| Commission | None | 20% on new marketplace clients | 30% on new Boost clients |
| Per-staff fees | No | Yes | Yes |
| WhatsApp reminders | Yes | No | No |
| Consumer marketplace | No | Yes | Yes |
| UK-built | Yes | Global | Global |
Competitor pricing as reported in 2026 — always check each provider’s current pricing page, as rates change.
Where Feature fits
Feature is the flat-rate option: £29/month for the whole salon, no commission ever, WhatsApp & SMS reminders, online booking, deposits and Stripe payments, built in the UK for salons, barbers, gyms and clinics.
It’s the right choice if you want predictable costs and to keep everything you earn. It’s not a consumer marketplace, so if finding brand-new clients through an app is your main growth plan, a marketplace platform may suit you better — and we’d rather tell you that honestly than oversell.
Try the flat-rate option free
14-day free trial — no card, no commission, no catch.
Start free trialUK-built salon booking software — one flat price, zero commission, WhatsApp reminders.