Best Salon POS Systems of 2025: Our Top 7 Picks

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I spent over 200 hours testing and comparing 20+ salon POS systems to find out which platforms are actually worth your time and money.

These systems aren’t just about taking payments — they help salons run more efficiently by combining appointment booking, inventory tracking, client management, reporting, and even marketing automation.

Whether you’re a solo stylist or managing multiple locations, here are my top recommendations for 2025.

My Top Salon POS Picks

  1. Vagaro – Best all-in-one salon POS
  2. GlossGenius – Best for solo stylists
  3. Fresha – Best free POS system
  4. Boulevard – Best for premium salons
  5. Square Appointments – Best for ease of use
  6. Booker by Mindbody – Best for growing salons
  7. Zenoti – Best for franchises and enterprise salons

Salon POS Systems Compared

POS SystemBest ForStarting PricePayment FeesFree PlanMulti-Staff Support
VagaroAll-in-one functionality$25/month2.75% per transactionNoYes
GlossGeniusSolo stylists$24/month2.6% flatNoLimited
FreshaFree use$02.19% + 20¢ (Fresha device)YesYes
BoulevardHigh-end salons$175/monthCustomNoYes
Square AppointmentsSimplicity and usability$0–$90/month2.6% + 10¢YesYes
BookerGrowing service-based teams$129/monthVariesNoYes
ZenotiEnterprise-level operationsCustom pricingCustomNoYes

#1. Vagaro: Best All-in-One Salon POS

Vagaro POS

Rating: 4.7/5
Starting Price: $25/month

Vagaro stands out for doing just about everything a modern salon needs — without requiring third-party integrations.

It supports booking, payments, marketing, inventory, payroll, loyalty programs, and more. Whether you're managing one chair or ten, it scales easily.

Pros

  • Vagaro allows users to manage bookings, inventory, staff, and payments all in one platform.
  • The built-in CRM tracks detailed client histories, preferences, and spending habits.
  • Users can automate email and SMS marketing with customizable templates.
  • The system includes mobile and desktop apps with full feature parity.
  • It supports video consultations and online classes for hybrid service businesses.

Cons

  • Advanced features like forms and email marketing require paid add-ons.
  • The user interface takes some time to master for beginners.
  • No free plan is available.

Pricing

PlanMonthly CostProcessing Fees
Solo Stylist$252.75% per transaction
2–6 Staff$35–$852.75% per transaction
Optional Add-ons$10–$20 eachVaries by feature

This flexible pricing structure makes Vagaro a smart choice for both solo professionals and growing salons. Optional add-ons let you expand only when you need more advanced tools.

Bottom Line

If you want one system that does it all — from booking to marketing — Vagaro is a smart investment. It’s especially well-suited for salons planning to grow.

#2. GlossGenius: Best for Solo Stylists

Glossgenius

Rating: 4.5/5
Starting Price: $24/month

GlossGenius is built for beauty professionals running their own chair. It handles everything from bookings to payments to branding, all from a sleek mobile app.

It’s one of the most visually polished platforms I tested and includes features like deposit collection and no-show protection.

Pros

  • GlossGenius provides a fully branded booking site with no technical setup.
  • The app supports automatic deposits and charges for no-shows.
  • Users benefit from flat-rate payment processing with no hidden fees.
  • The interface is visually appealing and easy to use.
  • It works well on iOS and Android devices, even without a desktop app.

Cons

  • The platform offers limited staff management features.
  • There is no desktop dashboard or web access.
  • There is no permanently free plan.

Pricing

Plan NamePrice/MonthPayment Fees
Solo Plan$242.6% flat
Teams Plan$482.6% flat

The flat 2.6% processing rate makes it easy to predict your costs month to month. With just two plan options, it’s a straightforward system to get started with.

Bottom Line

GlossGenius is ideal for independent stylists or booth renters who want a professional system that’s easy to run from their phone. It’s clean, simple, and fast.

#3. Fresha: Best Free POS for Salons

Fresha Homepage

Rating: 4.4/5
Starting Price: Free

Fresha is one of the only salon POS platforms that offers full access without a monthly fee.

It includes appointments, client tracking, inventory management, reminders, and basic reporting — all for free. The company makes money on payment processing and takes a cut on marketplace bookings.

Pros

  • Fresha offers unlimited appointments and client profiles at no cost.
  • It provides automated SMS and email reminders to reduce no-shows.
  • The built-in marketplace helps salons gain visibility and attract new clients.
  • The platform supports team scheduling and multi-location access.
  • Mobile and desktop access is included.

Cons

  • You pay 20% commission on clients who book through Fresha’s marketplace.
  • You must use Fresha’s payment system to unlock all features.
  • Reporting tools are relatively basic.

Pricing

FeatureCost
Core SoftwareFree
Processing Fees2.19% + 20¢ (card terminal)
Marketplace Booking Fee20% for new clients

This pricing model is great for startups and freelancers who want to avoid subscription fees. Just keep in mind that marketplace bookings and payments can add up over time.

Bottom Line

If you’re launching your business or want to cut costs, Fresha is a powerful free option. Just be mindful of the fees associated with their client discovery platform.

#4. Boulevard: Best for Premium Salons

Boulevard POS

Rating: 4.3/5
Starting Price: $175/month

Boulevard is built for high-end salons that prioritize client experience. It goes beyond basic POS functionality by offering intelligent scheduling, advanced client segmentation, and high-end branding capabilities.

The design is modern and refined — which matters if you’re catering to a luxury clientele.

Pros

  • Boulevard supports advanced booking flows that reduce calendar gaps.
  • It allows salons to build memberships, sell prepaid packages, and manage waitlists.
  • The dashboard offers performance tracking for staff and service sales.
  • Automated marketing tools help re-engage past clients.
  • It integrates easily with custom websites and mobile apps.

Cons

  • The pricing is much higher than most other POS platforms.
  • There is no free plan or public trial.
  • Smaller salons may find the features excessive.

Pricing

PlanMonthly CostBest For
Essentials$175Single-location salons
Premier$325+Larger operations

While the starting price is higher than most, the features are built for premium service delivery and client retention. It's a strong option if your salon prioritizes experience and growth.

Bottom Line

Boulevard is a smart fit for salons that want premium client experiences and are willing to pay for premium tools. If you want concierge-level support and beautiful software, this is it.

#5. Square Appointments: Best for Ease of Use

Square Appointments

Rating: 4.2/5
Starting Price: Free (solo only)

Square Appointments is a solid POS option with the ease-of-use and design polish Square is known for.

Solo stylists can use it completely free, while teams pay modest monthly fees. It integrates perfectly with Square’s POS hardware and includes online booking, inventory, and tipping.

Pros

  • Square Appointments offers a forever-free plan for solo users.
  • It integrates seamlessly with Square hardware and mobile apps.
  • Online booking and calendar syncing are included.
  • The system supports digital tipping, taxes, and inventory tracking.
  • Square’s platform is one of the most intuitive on the market.

Cons

  • Teams larger than one must upgrade to paid tiers.
  • Some marketing and reporting features require Square add-ons.
  • It lacks some of the advanced salon-specific tools found in Vagaro or Boulevard.

Pricing

PlanMonthly FeeStaff LimitProcessing Rate
Free$012.6% + 10¢
Plus$35Up to 52.6% + 10¢
Premium$90UnlimitedCustom

The free plan makes it easy for solo professionals to get started with no upfront cost. As your team grows, upgrading unlocks more features without changing the core interface.

Bottom Line

Square Appointments is best for salons that value simplicity, speed, and a free starting point. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s reliable and easy to use.

#6. Booker by Mindbody: Best for Growing Salons

Booker-Mindbody

Rating: 4.1/5
Starting Price: $129/month

Booker is owned by Mindbody and geared toward salons and spas that are ready to expand. It includes powerful features for staff management, client memberships, retail, and marketing.

The dashboard is built for teams — not just individuals.

Pros

  • Booker supports membership billing, recurring payments, and automated promotions.
  • It integrates with a wide range of hardware and software solutions.
  • The platform includes dashboards for staff performance and revenue tracking.
  • You can sell gift cards, packages, and retail items directly from the POS.
  • It connects with Mindbody’s marketplace for wider reach.

Cons

  • The pricing is significantly higher than simpler systems.
  • It takes time to configure due to the platform’s complexity.
  • You need to request a demo before subscribing.

Pricing

PlanMonthly CostFeatures Included
Essentials$129Booking + POS
Accelerate$195Marketing tools
Ultimate$395+Full suite

Each plan adds new layers of functionality, making it easier to scale as your salon grows. While the cost is higher than entry-level systems, the features are designed for busy, multi-service teams.

Bottom Line

Booker is best for salons with multiple service providers that need deeper analytics and business-building features. It’s not cheap, but it offers serious value for serious growth.

#7. Zenoti: Best for Enterprise Chains

Zenoti Homepage

Rating: 4.0/5
Starting Price: Custom pricing

Zenoti is built for franchises and enterprise salons. If you manage multiple locations, offer medical spa services, or need HIPAA compliance, Zenoti is one of the few POS systems up to the task.

Pros

  • Zenoti offers tools for appointment booking, inventory, payroll, and compliance.
  • The system supports multi-location visibility and advanced reporting.
  • It includes AI features for revenue forecasting and capacity planning.
  • Custom workflows can be built for enterprise needs.
  • Support includes onboarding, data migration, and training.

Cons

  • Pricing is not transparent and requires a custom quote.
  • The platform may be overkill for small or mid-sized salons.
  • Onboarding takes longer due to system complexity.

Pricing

Plan TypePriceNotes
CustomCustom QuoteEnterprise-level

This approach ensures you get exactly the tools and support your business needs, but it also means a longer onboarding process. It’s best suited for large-scale operations that require advanced features and scalability.

Bottom Line

Zenoti is the best POS for franchises and enterprise salons that require full-scale operational control. It’s powerful but complex — and priced accordingly.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a POS

Here are a few traps I’ve seen salon owners fall into:

  • Only looking at the monthly price. Low-cost POS systems often hide their profit in processing fees or limited features.
  • Forgetting about client experience. If your booking flow is clunky, people won’t rebook—even if you’re great.
  • Choosing the wrong fit. Don’t buy a system for a big team if you're working solo. You'll waste money and be overwhelmed.
  • Ignoring reporting. You need to know what services make the most money, which staff are the busiest, and who your top clients are.

Final Verdict: Which POS Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick guide to choosing:

  • Solo stylists: Choose GlossGenius or Square Appointments (Free)
  • Growing salons: Go with Vagaro or Booker
  • Premium experiences: Pick Boulevard
  • Startups and freelancers: Start with Fresha (Free)
  • Multi-location or med spas: Invest in Zenoti

Each salon POS on this list has been tested, compared, and vetted through real-world use cases.

Whether you’re upgrading from paper calendars or switching from another system, there’s a solution here for you.

Take your time, do some trials, and pick the one that fits your salon stage—not just the one with the fanciest ads. Your business will thank you for it.

Bogdan Rancea

Bogdan is a founding member of Inspired Mag, having accumulated almost 6 years of experience over this period. In his spare time he likes to study classical music and explore visual arts. He’s quite obsessed with fixies as well. He owns 5 already.

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