Why Salon Owners Are Searching for Fresha Alternatives
For years, Fresha has been a go-to booking system for beauty and wellness professionals, offering a free platform that made it easy for salons to manage appointments, payments, and client relationships. Many salons, particularly independent stylists and growing teams, have relied on Fresha as an affordable solution to streamline their businesses.
But as of April 2025, Fresha is introducing a £9.95 per staff calendar per month fee—a significant shift for businesses that have built their operations around its free model. For a salon with five staff members, that’s an additional £600 per year in costs. On top of that, Fresha still charges a 20% commission on new clients booked through its marketplace, which adds to the overall expenses.
Salon Owners React:
"I Need to Reevaluate My Options"
Understandably, this change has left many salon owners feeling uncertain. With increasing overhead costs across the industry, even a small extra expense can have a big impact. Some salon owners have shared their thoughts:
"I 100% am going to have to find an alternative booking system. Such a shame cause I’ve used Fresha for years but this is a joke."
"FRESHA!!!!!! Just had the message !!! With all the other extra charges we are going to have from April it really has made me feel sick."
"It’s scary how everything’s going up. 😪"
"Can people recommend a booking system that you can use online booking and isn’t going to cost me a bomb each month?"
If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Many salon owners are now reassessing their options and looking for a booking system that fits both their budget and business needs.
Who Am I & Why Should You Trust This Guide?
I am Matthew, and along with my wife Emma I’ve been in the hair and beauty industry for over 15 years—not just as a salon owner, but also as a web designer, Salon VA, and software creator specialising in digital growth for salons.
I’ve worked with countless hair and beauty professionals to create and improve their online presence. I know firsthand how critical the right software is for managing appointments, growing your client base, and keeping operations smooth.
As a salon owner myself, I understand how frustrating sudden price hikes can be, especially when you’ve built your business around a system that’s now changing its terms. That’s why I’ve put together this guide—to help you navigate your options and find the best booking system for your specific needs.
What This Guide Covers
- Why a salon booking system is essential (and what features you should expect)
- A deep dive into Fresha’s new pricing and features
- The best alternatives to Fresha for 2025 (including pricing, features, and real user reviews)
- A side-by-side comparison of Fresha vs. other leading platforms
- Vagaro – Best for All-in-One Salon Management
- Square Appointments – Best Free Option for Unlimited Staff
- Acuity Scheduling – Best for No-Show Protection
- GlossGenius – Best for Beautiful Branding & User Experience
- SimplyBook.me – Best for Custom Branding & Automation
- Treatwell – Best for Attracting New Clients
- Timely – Best for Advanced Salon Automation
- Slick – Best for UK-Based Support & ADHD-Friendly Features
- Setmore – Best for Small Teams & Mobile Stylists
- A breakdown of which booking software is best based on your salon’s size and goals
- A personalised recommendation for the perfect booking system for your business
Finding the Right Booking System for Your Salon
Every salon has unique needs, and while this change may be frustrating, it also presents an opportunity to explore other options that could better suit your business in the long run.
Let’s start by looking at why having a good booking system is essential for running a successful salon.
Why a Salon Booking System is Essential for Your Business
Running a successful salon is about more than just delivering great haircuts, colors, or beauty treatments. Your business thrives when you have a steady stream of appointments, loyal clients, and an efficient way to manage everything behind the scenes. That’s why having the right salon booking system is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The Key Benefits of a Salon Booking System
🔥 24/7 Online Booking: Clients expect the ability to book appointments whenever it’s convenient for them—not just during business hours. A great booking system lets them schedule their visit at any time, reducing the back-and-forth of phone calls and messages.
🔥 Reduces No-Shows & Late Cancellations: Automated SMS and email reminders keep clients informed and help reduce the number of forgotten or last-minute cancellations that cost your business money.
🔥 Saves Time on Admin Tasks: Instead of manually managing appointments, cancellations, and reschedules, a booking system streamlines everything—giving you more time to focus on running your salon.
🔥 Better Client Experience & Retention: Clients love the ease of booking online, receiving appointment confirmations, and getting personalized offers based on their booking history.
🔥 Integrated Payments & Deposits: Many booking systems offer built-in payment options, allowing you to take deposits upfront, reducing last-minute cancellations and ensuring a steady cash flow.
🔥 Boosts Revenue with Upselling & Marketing Tools: Many systems offer automated marketing, loyalty programs, and personalized promotions to help increase client retention and average spend per visit.
🔥 Easier Staff & Calendar Management: If you have a team, a booking system helps manage multiple stylists’ schedules, ensuring smooth operations and reducing double bookings.
Understanding Different Pricing Models in Salon Booking Software
When choosing a booking system, it’s important to understand how different platforms charge for their services:
- Flat Monthly Fee: Pay a set amount per month for unlimited bookings and staff calendars. (e.g., Vagaro, Timely, Slick)
- Pay-Per-Staff Model: Charged based on the number of stylists or calendars. (e.g., Fresha’s new pricing structure)
- Commission-Based: Free or low-cost to use but takes a percentage of new client bookings. (e.g., Treatwell, Fresha’s marketplace fees)
- Hybrid Model: A mix of monthly fees and commission-based charges. (e.g., Square Appointments with free basic plans but premium add-ons)
What to Look for in a Salon Booking System
Not all booking systems are created equal. Here are the must-have features to look for when choosing the right one for your salon:
- Online Booking (Website & Social Media Integration)
- Automated Reminders (SMS & Email)
- Client Management & Notes (Color history, preferences, etc.)
- Payment Processing & Deposits
- Marketing & Loyalty Programs
- Custom Branding & Website Integration
- Multi-Staff & Multi-Location Support
- Reporting & Business Insights
Choosing the Best Booking System for Your Salon
With so many options available, how do you know which booking software is right for your salon? The answer depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize cost, marketing features, ease of use, or client retention tools.
In the next section, we’ll take a deep dive into Fresha’s new pricing and features, so you can decide whether it still works for your business or if it’s time to explore an alternative.
Fresha’s New Pricing Structure
Under the new pricing model, Fresha will now charge £9.95 per month per staff calendar. For salons with multiple stylists, this can quickly add up:
Along with the new monthly fee, Fresha still charges additional transaction fees:
- 20% commission on new clients booked through the Fresha marketplace
- 2.19% + 20p per transaction for card payments (via Fresha’s payment processing system)
- Additional fees for SMS reminders and marketing tools
For salons that rely on the marketplace for new client bookings, the 20% commission can significantly impact profits—especially when combined with the new subscription fees.
Key Features of Fresha
✅ Online Booking System – Clients can book appointments via the Fresha app or website.
✅ Automated Appointment Reminders – SMS and email notifications help reduce no-shows.
✅ Fresha Marketplace – A platform that helps salons attract new clients (20% commission cost).
✅ Integrated Payment Processing – Accepts in-app payments with built-in transaction fees.
✅ Client Management & Notes – Stores client history, preferences, and past bookings.
✅ Basic Marketing Tools – Includes promotions, SMS marketing (at an extra cost), and rebooking reminders.
Why Some Salons May Stick with Fresha
- Solo stylists can still use it for free (as long as they don’t need extra features like marketing tools).
- Those who rely on the Fresha marketplace for new clients may still benefit, despite the commission fees.
- Some salons prefer an all-in-one system with built-in payments and client management.
Why Many Salons Are Looking for Alternatives
- Salons with 5+ staff now face significant costs—up to £1,194/year for a 10-staff salon.
- The 20% commission on new clients makes it expensive compared to flat-fee alternatives.
- Limited customization – Fresha’s branding and marketplace structure restricts salon branding options.
- Extra fees for SMS and marketing tools make competing software more cost-effective.
Is Fresha Still the Best Option for Your Salon?
The new pricing model means Fresha is no longer the only free option available. While it still offers a strong marketplace and booking system, many salon owners are now considering alternatives that provide more control, better pricing structures, and enhanced features.
In the next section, we’ll explore the best Fresha alternatives for 2025, including pricing, features, and user reviews to help you make the right decision for your business.
The Best Fresha Alternatives for 2025
With Fresha's new pricing structure rolling out, many salon owners are looking for a booking system that fits their business needs and budget. Whether you're searching for a flat-fee model, more marketing tools, or better customization options, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.
Below, we've compiled a list of the best Fresha alternatives for 2025, including pricing, key features, and real user ratings.
Quick Comparison Table
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Fresha Alternatives
Each software below includes a detailed breakdown of pricing, features, and user reviews, so you can make an informed decision, they are in no particular order as each alternative will suit different salons for different reasons. To jump to the side by side comparison table of software that suits different salons click here
Vagaro – Best for All-in-One Salon Management
Vagaro is a powerful all-in-one system designed for salons that need more than just booking software. It combines scheduling, POS, client management, marketing automation, and even a custom-branded mobile app, making it a strong alternative to Fresha for salons that want more control over branding and payments. Unlike Fresha, Vagaro operates on a flat monthly fee, meaning no commission on new clients, making it more cost-effective for salons looking to scale.
💰 Pricing: £30/month (1 calendar), £70/month (5 calendars)
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✅ Best For: Salons looking for a complete management system with advanced marketing features.
Key Features:
- Online booking, calendar management, POS
- Custom-branded app
- Marketing & loyalty programs
- Integrated payment system
What Users Love:
- “The platform is easy to use and helps manage my salon effortlessly.”
- “I love the built-in marketing features—it helps grow my business!”
- “Customer support is responsive and really helps when needed.”
Square Appointments – Best Free Option for Unlimited Staff
Square Appointments is an excellent choice for salons that need unlimited staff calendars without extra charges. Unlike Fresha, which charges per staff member, Square offers a free plan with unlimited bookings, making it a budget-friendly option for growing teams. It also integrates seamlessly with Square’s payment system, so if you already use Square POS, this could be a perfect fit. However, while Fresha provides a built-in marketplace, Square focuses on giving salons full control over their client base without commission fees.
💰 Pricing: Free (basic plan), £29/month (Plus), £69/month (Premium)
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
✅ Best For: Salons that need unlimited staff calendars at no cost.
Key Features:
- Unlimited staff calendars (on free plan!)
- POS integration with Square
- Customizable online booking
- Automated appointment reminders
What Users Love:
- “Square makes booking and payments seamless for my salon.”
- “The appointment reminders are a lifesaver!”
- “Clean interface and easy to use, especially with Square payments.”
Acuity Scheduling – Best for No-Show Protection
Acuity Scheduling stands out for its advanced cancellation policies and no-show protection, making it ideal for salons struggling with last-minute cancellations. Unlike Fresha, which offers only basic reminders, Acuity allows salons to charge clients for missed appointments or require deposits upfront. This gives salons greater financial security and control. While it doesn’t have a client marketplace like Fresha, Acuity excels in appointment automation and seamless calendar syncing, which can greatly improve salon efficiency.
💰 Pricing: £12.50/month (1 calendar), £21/month (6 calendars), £38.20/month (36 calendars)
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✅ Best For: Salons that need strong cancellation policies and no-show protection.
Key Features:
- Automated appointment scheduling & reminders
- Custom intake forms & cancellation policies
- No-show protection (automatic charge for missed appointments)
What Users Love:
- “Syncs perfectly with Google Calendar.”
- “Saves me so much time on scheduling and rescheduling clients.”
- “Easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy people.
GlossGenius – Best for Beautiful Branding & User Experience
GlossGenius is perfect for salon owners who want a visually stunning and easy-to-use booking system. Unlike Fresha, which focuses on marketplace exposure, GlossGenius is designed to help salons build a premium brand with a sleek, custom-branded booking page and beautifully designed interfaces. One of GlossGenius’s standout features is its built-in payment system with transparent pricing—no hidden fees or complex structures. While it doesn’t have a client marketplace like Fresha, it allows full control over branding, client relationships, and pricing, making it a strong alternative for independent stylists and boutique salons.
💰 Pricing: £18.70/month (1 calendar), £37.40/month (up to 9 calendars), £115.40/month (10+ calendars)
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✅ Best For: Salons that prioritize premium branding and a seamless user experience.
Key Features:
- Custom-branded booking pages with sleek design
- Integrated payment processing with transparent fees
- Built-in marketing tools for client retention
- User-friendly interface with modern aesthetics
What Users Love:
- “The interface is so pretty and easy to use!”
- “Clients love the gorgeous design and how simple booking is.”
- “It helps me keep track of all my expenses and payments.”
SimplyBook.me – Best for Custom Branding & Automation
SimplyBook.me is an excellent choice for salons that want full control over their branding and advanced automation tools. Unlike Fresha, which has limited customization options, SimplyBook.me allows salons to create a fully branded booking experience with website integrations, social media booking, and custom client intake forms. One major advantage of SimplyBook.me is its flexible pricing model, which offers a free plan for small businesses and affordable premium tiers based on booking volume and providers. It also supports multi-location salons, making it a scalable alternative to Fresha for growing businesses.
💰 Pricing: Free (50 bookings), £6.40/month (100 bookings), £19.40/month (500 bookings), £38.90/month (2,000 bookings)
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
✅ Best For: Salons that need advanced automation, website integration, and custom branding.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable booking website with branding options
- Multi-platform booking (Instagram, Facebook, Google)
- Automated SMS & email reminders
- Loyalty program and gift card options
What Users Love:
- “Amazing range of features, just takes time to set up.”
- “Support team is incredibly responsive and helpful.”
- “Great for growing businesses with multiple employees.”
Treatwell – Best for Attracting New Clients
Treatwell is a client-focused booking platform that helps salons attract new customers by listing their services on its highly trafficked marketplace. Unlike Fresha, which charges a 20% commission on new clients, Treatwell’s commission starts at 35% for first-time bookings, making it a more expensive but potentially higher-visibility option. For salons that rely on a steady stream of new clients, Treatwell’s marketplace can be a valuable tool. However, compared to Fresha, it lacks robust salon management features like staff scheduling, POS integration, and marketing automation. Salons that depend on repeat business may find the commission fees difficult to justify in the long run.
💰 Pricing: Commission-based (35% on new clients, 2% + VAT on online payments)
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✅ Best For: Salons that want to attract new clients through a high-traffic marketplace.
Key Features:
- Large consumer marketplace to attract new clients
- Online booking and payment processing
- Customer review and rating system
- Promotional tools to boost salon visibility
What Users Love:
- “Great for getting new clients and filling empty slots.”
- “Easy to use and integrates well with Google.”
- “Good exposure, but the commission is quite high.”
Timely – Best for Advanced Salon Automation
Timely is a powerful, feature-rich booking system designed for salons that need advanced automation, detailed client records, and deep business insights. Unlike Fresha, which focuses on client acquisition through its marketplace, Timely provides comprehensive salon management tools, making it a strong alternative for businesses that prioritize efficiency and automation. One of Timely’s standout features is its tiered pricing model, which allows salons to choose the plan that best suits their needs. While it lacks a built-in client marketplace like Fresha, it offers advanced reporting, customizable appointment reminders, staff performance tracking, and marketing automation.
💰 Pricing: £21/month (per calendar, basic), £26 (Elevate), £32 (Innovate)
⭐ Rating: 3.3/5
✅ Best For: Salons looking for automation tools, deep client insights, and business analytics.
Key Features:
- Customizable appointment reminders and follow-ups
- Staff performance tracking and reporting
- Marketing automation and targeted client campaigns
- Integrated payment processing and deposit handling
What Users Love:
- “The automation features save so much time managing appointments.”
- “Love the reporting tools and how easy it is to track staff performance.”
- “Would be perfect if it had a built-in client marketplace.”
Slick – Best for UK-Based Support & ADHD-Friendly Features
Slick is a UK-based salon booking system designed specifically for the needs of British salons, offering strong customer support, an easy-to-use interface, and ADHD/dyslexia-friendly features. Unlike Fresha, which operates globally with marketplace-based client acquisition, Slick focuses on direct salon management with no commission fees. One of Slick’s biggest advantages is its dedicated UK-based support team, which provides personalized assistance with setup, troubleshooting, and business growth strategies. This makes it ideal for salon owners who prefer a high-touch support experience compared to Fresha’s automated help system.
💰 Pricing: £20/month (Essential), £35/month (Advanced), £219/month (Unlimited Calendars)
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✅ Best For: Salons needing UK-based support, ADHD/dyslexia-friendly setup, and no commission fees.
Key Features:
- UK-based customer support with rapid response times
- ADHD/dyslexia-friendly interface for easy usability
- Automated marketing campaigns and client retention tools
- No commission fees on bookings
What Users Love:
- “Excellent format, easy to use from my phone.”
- “I love all the features, and that you're always adding new ones all the time.”
- “The software is simple, straightforward, and clear.”
Setmore – Best for Small Teams & Mobile Stylists
Setmore is a great free alternative to Fresha, offering a simple, user-friendly booking system that works well for small salons, independent stylists, and mobile beauty professionals. Unlike Fresha, which charges per staff member, Setmore offers a forever-free plan that includes online booking, automated reminders, and calendar integration—making it a cost-effective option for solo stylists and small teams. One of Setmore’s standout features is its mobile-friendly design and social media booking integration, allowing salons to take appointments directly from Instagram and Facebook. While it lacks a built-in client marketplace like Fresha, it gives salons full control over their client relationships without commission fees.
💰 Pricing: Free (Basic), £9.40/month (Pro), £7/month per user (Team Plan)
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✅ Best For: Small teams, independent stylists, and mobile beauty professionals who want a budget-friendly option.
Key Features:
- Free online booking with automated reminders
- Calendar syncing (Google, Outlook, Apple Calendar)
- Social media booking integration (Instagram & Facebook)
- Custom branding & payment processing options
What Users Love:
- “The free version is perfect for my small salon.”
- “Love how it syncs with my Google Calendar.”
- “Simple, reliable, and great for mobile stylists.”
So which Alternative is Right for You?
Choosing the right booking system depends on your business size, budget, and growth strategy. Some salons prioritize low costs, while others focus on client acquisition or building long-term customer loyalty. Below, we’ve broken down our top recommendations based on different business needs.
Quick-Reference Table: Best Booking Systems by Salon Type
Choosing the Best Booking Software Based on Your Needs
💰 Budget-Friendly Options
If you’re looking to keep costs low while still using a reliable booking system, there are some great alternatives to Fresha that won’t break the bank.
For small salons or solo stylists, Setmore is an excellent choice. Unlike Fresha, which now charges per staff member, Setmore offers a completely free plan with essential features like online booking, calendar syncing, and automated reminders. It’s simple, easy to use, and works great for those who don’t need a complicated system.
If you run a larger salon, you might prefer Vagaro. The biggest advantage here is that it uses a flat monthly fee instead of per-staff pricing, making it much more predictable for teams with multiple stylists. It also includes built-in marketing tools, loyalty programs, and a POS system, so you’re getting a full business management solution instead of just a booking platform.
For salons with multiple locations, SimplyBook.me is a strong contender. Instead of charging per staff member, it lets you scale your costs based on the number of bookings. This is a game-changer for busy salons that want automation tools, custom branding, and the flexibility to grow without skyrocketing software costs.
📈Growth-Focused Options
If your priority is to attract new clients and grow your business, you need a system that helps you reach more people.
For small salons, Treatwell is a strong choice. Its large online marketplace connects you with new clients actively searching for salon services. While it does take a commission on new bookings, it’s a great way for smaller salons to get discovered without having to invest in heavy marketing.
Larger salons looking for growth might still find Fresha a good option. Its marketplace helps attract new clients, but with the new pricing changes, you’ll need to weigh the costs carefully. If the increase in bookings offsets the fees, it could still be a strong platform for bringing in new customers.
For multi-location salons, Square Appointments offers a free plan with unlimited staff calendars, making it a cost-effective alternative to Fresha. Since it also integrates seamlessly with Square POS, it’s a great fit for salons that want to scale without paying per-staff fees.
🩷Loyalty & Retention-Focused Options
Some salons aren’t as focused on attracting new clients but rather on keeping existing clients happy and coming back regularly. If this sounds like you, the right booking system should include branding tools, automation, and personalized marketing features.
For small salons, GlossGenius is one of the best options available. It’s known for its stunning, custom-branded booking pages that help salons create a premium client experience. Unlike Fresha, GlossGenius doesn’t charge commission, which means you keep more of your profits while still providing a seamless booking experience for your clients.
Larger salons that focus on client retention and automation may find Timely to be a perfect fit. It offers advanced tracking tools, customized reminders, and rebooking prompts to help keep your clients engaged. If you’re looking for a system that helps you automate marketing and client retention, Timely is worth considering.
For multi-location salons, Slick is an excellent choice, particularly for UK-based salons. It provides strong support, no commission fees, and automation features, making it a great option for businesses that want to streamline operations without losing control over branding. Plus, with its ADHD and dyslexia-friendly interface, it’s one of the most accessible booking systems out there.
At the end of the day, the best booking software for your salon depends on your business’s unique needs. Whether you’re prioritizing affordability, client acquisition, or long-term retention, there’s a better alternative to Fresha that can support your goals.
Still Can't Decide? Let Us Recommend the Perfect System
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