Booking software, reviewed by operators.
We review the booking, scheduling, and POS software service businesses actually use. Salon-first by design — because that's where the worst tooling meets the highest stakes. No vendor money. No "best of" listicles.
Booking is the hardest software problem in service businesses. We start where the stakes are highest.
The verdicts operators are reading this month.
Vagaro vs Booksy vs Fresha: The 2026 Salon Verdict.
Three platforms, three philosophies, 18 months of operator testimony from independents and chains alike. The winner depends entirely on which mistake you can't afford to make.
Mindbody vs Boulevard: For Spas Done Right.
The legacy player vs the newcomer with VC money and better UX. Which deserves your $300/month?
Squire Review: After 14 Months.
Built for barbers by barbers, marketed to chains. Does it still work for the 1-chair operator?
One vertical at a time. Salon first.
Hair Salons
Independent stylists, chair rental, multi-stylist studios. Booking + POS + tipping.
Spas & Wellness
Multi-treatment booking, intake forms, package management, membership.
Barbershops
Walk-ins, chair management, recurring appointments, mobile-first.
Nail Studios
Specialty appointment types, supply tracking, online deposits.
Fitness Studios
Class booking, membership management, recurring billing.
Medical & Dental
HIPAA scheduling, patient intake, insurance integration.
Professional Services
Lawyers, consultants, accountants — appointment-driven service work.
Pet Services
Grooming, daycare, training — multi-service appointment workflows.
Five criteria, plus the operator test.
Every product is scored 0–10 across Booking flexibility, POS reliability, Mobile experience, Reporting depth, and Customer support. Tested with real operators across multiple verticals. Software that can't survive a busy Saturday rush fails — full stop. Vendor relationships don't influence rankings.
Read the full methodology →