How to Choose the Best Salon Scheduling Software in 2025
- Denis Nelk
- Aug 17
- 8 min read
Quick Answer:
The right booking system saves time, reduces no-shows, and improves client loyalty.
Compare ease of use, cost, automation features, and client experience.
Avrora stands out for its simplicity, affordability, and tools designed specifically for beauty professionals.
Other strong contenders include Vagaro, GlossGenius, and Booksy.
Look for a solution that grows with your salon, not just one that looks good on paper.
Why Does a Salon Need Scheduling Software?
Running a beauty salon is not just about flawless cuts, glowing facials, or perfect nails—it’s about time. Many salon owners struggle with last-minute cancellations, double bookings, or endless phone calls.
Scheduling software solves these problems by offering 24/7 online booking, automatic reminders, and streamlined client management.
Imagine this: while you’re busy styling a bride’s hair before her big day, a new client books an appointment through your app. No interruptions, no phone calls, no stress. That’s the power of modern scheduling software.
The comparison table of salon scheduling software for 2025:
How did I compare Avrora.app, Vagaro, GlossGenius and Booksy?
Before comparing salon scheduling software mentioned above I have developed 25 criteria. This list consists of the most important criteria for such research. So, here is a detailed description for all of them:
Language supported
Refers to the number and type of languages available in the CRM app’s interface.
Possible Variants: English-only, bilingual (e.g., English + Russian or English + Polish), or multi-language systems supporting 10+ languages.
Why It Matters: Language support directly affects accessibility and adoption in different regions.
A salon with international clients or employees benefits from a multilingual interface.
Reason for Inclusion: To highlight localization and global usability.
AI Assistant for Handling Client Objections
An AI-powered feature that can respond to client questions and concerns (e.g., about services, prices, or booking).
Possible Variants: No AI assistant, limited chatbot (basic Q&A), advanced AI with natural conversation.
Why It Matters: AI reduces missed bookings, increases conversion, and ensures 24/7 client communication without staff intervention.
Reason for Inclusion: AI adoption is becoming a key differentiator in salon software.
Push Notifications for Salons
Real-time notifications sent to salon staff about new, changed, or canceled bookings.
Possible Variants: No push notifications, only email notifications, full push notifications on mobile devices.
Why It Matters: Ensures staff are always up to date without needing to check email constantly.
Reason for Inclusion: Directly impacts operational efficiency and client experience.
Email Notifications for Salon Staff
Emails sent to staff when a client makes or changes a booking.
Possible Variants: No email, basic notifications, advanced with calendar integration.
Why It Matters: Provides a backup channel to push notifications and keeps staff informed.
Reason for Inclusion: Standard expectation in modern booking systems.
Email Notifications for Clients
Confirmation or reminder emails sent to clients after booking.
Possible Variants: None, basic confirmation only, confirmation + reminders + follow-ups.
Why It Matters: Reduces no-shows, builds trust, and creates a professional image.
Reason for Inclusion: Client-side communication is crucial for retention.
Client’s Ability to Cancel Anytime
Whether clients can cancel their appointments directly, without calling the salon.
Possible Variants: No cancellation option, cancellation by calling only, online cancellation via app/web.
Why It Matters: Increases user satisfaction and reduces friction.
Reason for Inclusion: Strong influence on customer experience.
Appointment Reminders
Automatic reminders sent before appointments.
Possible Variants: None, SMS/email only, device calendar reminders, multi-channel reminders.
Why It Matters: Reduces no-shows and ensures client preparedness.
Reason for Inclusion: Key metric for efficiency and revenue retention.
Supported Calendars
External calendar integrations (Google, Apple, Outlook, etc.).
Possible Variants: Limited to one provider, multiple providers, or full synchronization.
Why It Matters: Clients and staff rely on external calendars to manage schedules.
Reason for Inclusion: Reflects integration strength and convenience.
Pricing
The cost of subscription plans for salons and professionals.
Possible Variants: Free, pay-per-booking, flat monthly fee, tiered pricing.
Why It Matters: Pricing defines accessibility for freelancers vs. enterprises.
Reason for Inclusion: One of the most critical buying decisions.
Salon’s Ability to Cancel Orders
Whether the salon can cancel a booking from its side.
Possible Variants: No option, manual cancellation, instant digital cancellation.
Why It Matters: Protects salon resources when clients no-show or cancel late.
Reason for Inclusion: Operational control is necessary for salons.
Client Email on Salon Cancellation
If the system sends a cancellation notification to the client when the salon cancels.
Possible Variants: None, only staff notified, client also notified.
Why It Matters: Avoids confusion and ensures professionalism.
Reason for Inclusion: Affects trust and communication quality.
Supported Time Zones
The ability to book across global time zones.
Possible Variants: Limited to local, multiple regions, global with auto-adjustment.
Why It Matters: Crucial for international clients or digital-first salons.
Reason for Inclusion: Adds global scalability and prevents scheduling errors.
24/7 Support
Round-the-clock customer service.
Possible Variants: Business hours only, extended hours, 24/7 live or chatbot.
Why It Matters: Technical downtime directly affects bookings and revenue.
Reason for Inclusion: Reliability is a competitive advantage.
Real-Time System Monitoring
Public access to the system’s uptime and status.
Possible Variants: No transparency, internal monitoring only, public dashboard.
Why It Matters: Builds trust and accountability.
Reason for Inclusion: Shows stability and transparency.
Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)
Availability of native apps for staff and salons.
Possible Variants: No apps, iOS-only, Android-only, both platforms.
Why It Matters: Staff mobility and client accessibility depend on it.
Reason for Inclusion: Mobile-first solutions are standard today.
Web Browser Version
Availability of a web app accessible via browser.
Possible Variants: No browser support, limited, full-featured.
Why It Matters: Ensures access from desktops and non-mobile devices.
Reason for Inclusion: Expands accessibility.
Free Trial
A test period before paid subscription.
Possible Variants: No trial, short trial (7–14 days), extended (30+ days).
Why It Matters: Reduces adoption risk and increases trust.
Reason for Inclusion: Helps clients test before buying.
Payment in Local Currency
Ability to pay subscriptions in multiple currencies.
Possible Variants: USD/EUR-only, regional currencies, full localization.
Why It Matters: Reduces payment barriers for clients in different countries.
Reason for Inclusion: Global reach requires local currency support.
Short Booking Link (Social Media Friendly)
Whether the booking link is optimized for social media sharing.
Possible Variants: Long URL, shortened auto-generated URL, branded short link.
Why It Matters: Easier for marketing and Instagram/TikTok profiles.
Reason for Inclusion: Social media is a key growth channel for beauty salons.
No Third-Party Ads on Booking Page
Whether the booking page shows ads for other salons.
Possible Variants: Ads included (like marketplace platforms), no ads at all.
Why It Matters: Ads can redirect clients to competitors.
Reason for Inclusion: Preserves customer loyalty.
Data Privacy Compliance
dherence to global standards like GDPR.
Possible Variants: No compliance, partial compliance, full GDPR-compliance.
Why It Matters: Clients trust salons with their personal data.
Reason for Inclusion: Legal and trust-related requirement.
Target Audience (Solo, Salon, Chains)
Who the platform is designed for.
Possible Variants: Solo professionals only, salons only, both solo and chains.
Why It Matters: Determines scalability and flexibility of software.
Reason for Inclusion: Ensures correct market positioning.
Business Stability & Risk
Probability of company shutdown, sudden price hikes, or product pivot.
Possible Variants: High-risk startups, medium-stability firms, registered LTD with strong jurisdiction.
Why It Matters: Salons rely on stable partners.
Reason for Inclusion: Helps clients trust the long-term future of the provider.
What to Look for in a Salon Scheduling System?
When choosing software, salon owners should ask:
Is it easy to use? If your team needs weeks of training, it’s a red flag.
Does it reduce no-shows? Automated reminders via SMS/WhatsApp/email are essential.
Can it grow with my business? Look for scalability and flexibility in pricing.
Does it enhance client experience? The smoother the booking, the more likely clients will return.
How affordable is it? Costs should match your salon’s size and budget.
What Are the Best Salon Scheduling Software Options?
Here’s a comparison of the top five salon scheduling tools in 2025:
1. Avrora – Designed for Beauty Professionals
Avrora is quickly becoming the go-to option for salons and independent beauty masters. Unlike generic booking apps, Avrora focuses specifically on the beauty industry, offering:
Effortless setup — get started in minutes, no tech skills required.
Flexible booking — clients book 24/7, and you control your calendar.
Automated reminders — reduce no-shows with smart notifications.
Affordable plans — perfect for both solo masters and busy salons.
Clean, intuitive design — clients love the simplicity, and you’ll love the control.
💡 Example: A nail artist reported reducing her missed appointments by 40% after switching to Avrora, while her clients praised the “Instagram-like” booking flow.
2. Vagaro – All-in-One Management
Vagaro is a feature-rich salon and spa management platform. It includes payroll, inventory tracking, marketing automation, and even point-of-sale hardware options.
Strengths:
Robust toolset for managing not just bookings, but also retail, staff schedules, and payments.
Strong integrations with accounting and marketing platforms.
Good fit for medium to large salons with multiple staff.
Weaknesses:
The sheer number of features can feel overwhelming for small salons or solo stylists.
Pricing increases as you add staff and features.
Best For: Established salons, spas, and wellness centers that want an all-in-one business management solution.
3. GlossGenius – Stylish and Sleek
GlossGenius positions itself as a premium yet simple solution for independent professionals. Its biggest selling point is branding and design: clients love its sleek booking pages and professional-looking checkout experience.
Strengths:
Highly visual and aesthetically pleasing interface, tailored to beauty entrepreneurs.
Easy setup—ideal for solo stylists, nail artists, and makeup professionals.
Flat-rate pricing with unlimited bookings and clients.
Weaknesses:
Lacks advanced team management and enterprise-level tools.
Not ideal for larger salons with complex scheduling or payroll needs.
Best For: Solo beauty professionals who want a professional brand image and easy-to-use software without extra complexity.
4. Booksy – Strong Community, Limited Customization
Booksy is a well-known global player with a large user base across beauty, barbering, and wellness industries. It excels at providing visibility to salons through its marketplace.
Strengths:
Huge community and marketplace exposure—new clients can discover your salon via Booksy’s app.
Offers online booking, calendar syncing, and payment processing.
Supports loyalty programs and promotions.
Weaknesses:
Many salon owners mention limited customization of booking pages and settings.
Some concerns about Booksy promoting competing salons within its platform.
Pricing is higher for salons with larger teams.
Best For: Salons that want extra visibility and don’t mind trading some customization for access to a wide audience.
How to Decide Which Is Best for Your Salon?
Choosing the right system is not about picking the “biggest” name — it’s about finding a fit for your salon’s daily needs.
If you’re a small or medium salon, or even a solo stylist, Avrora’s affordability and beauty-specific focus make it an ideal choice. Larger salons with complex needs may lean toward Vagaro or Booksy.
Ask yourself: Do I want simple, flexible, and affordable? Or do I need a big system with every tool imaginable?
Let's take a look at prices, As we can see, Avrora.app (just 9,99) has the lowest pricing as for 17/08/2025. See charts below:
✅ With the right scheduling software, your salon gains time, reduces stress, and builds stronger client relationships. If simplicity, beauty-focused tools, and affordability matter most to you, Avrora is the clear winner.
Here is also a photo shot of the table above, you can freely use it for your publications as well with no restrictions:
