SALON SOFTWARE COMPARISON UK
The best salon software fits your services, team and budget. Compare Salon Manager software with six providers using the same appointment, client-care and checkout tasks. Check salon booking software, salon CRM, training, support and total package costs. Then test a real client visit in each demo before choosing.
This comparison is published by Salon Manager, a UK software provider. We compare our platform with Slick, SalonIQ, Phorest, Booksy, Treatwell and Vagaro using published information. Package inclusions, booking models and terms differ. Confirm current details with each provider before deciding. Our editorial standards explain how we review comparison content.
There is no single best option for every business. A solo stylist, a college training room and a salon group need different workflows. Use the same questions with every provider so your comparison stays useful.
Compare salon management software through a complete client visit. Test how an online salon management system connects the booking, salon CRM, checkout, reporting and rebooking. A connected salon software system should make each step clear for the people using it.
AT A GLANCE
These are different business models. A tick does not explain what a feature costs, whether it is included, or whether it helps your salon.
| What matters | Salon Manager | Slick | SalonIQ | Phorest | Booksy | Treatwell | Vagaro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Published UK entry price | From £29 + VAT/mo | From £20 + VAT/mo | From £47 + VAT/mo | Quote required | Published subscription | Published partner options | Published subscription |
| Online booking route | Direct, no account signup | Own booking tools | Online booking options | Own booking tools | Direct + marketplace | Direct + marketplace | Direct + marketplace |
| Marketplace acquisition model | No marketplace acquisition fee on direct bookings | Not the core offer | Not the core offer | Not the core offer | Optional Boost fees | Qualifying new-client fees | Qualifying channel fees |
| Marketing and SMS | Campaigns; SMS charged by use | Reminder allowances; marketing caps | Plan and add-on dependent | Plan and quote dependent | Tools + optional promotion | Marketplace promotions | Tools + marketplace programmes |
| Support and training | UK team; ongoing training | Support and education offered | Support and training offered | Support and education offered | Published support resources | Partner support offered | Published support resources |
| Contract and setup | 12 months; £199 + VAT setup | Check selected plan terms | Check quote and term | Check quote and term | Check current plan terms | Check partner agreement | Check current plan terms |
Summary, not a quote. Features vary by plan, territory, channel and current terms. “Direct + marketplace” does not mean every booking attracts a commission. Confirm like-for-like pricing before choosing.
FIND YOUR COMPARISON
Choose the provider you’re considering to see a detailed feature-by-feature comparison, not just a list of promises.
Unlimited appointment reminders are included, but marketing allowances and chargeable communications depend on the plan.
A published starting price does not tell you what an upgraded booking or payment setup will cost.
UK subscription prices are quotation-led, and some features depend on the selected plan.
Standard marketplace bookings can be commission-free; optional Boost attracts charges on qualifying new visits.
Qualifying new-client marketplace bookings can carry substantial commission; direct bookings differ.
Subscription pricing is only part of the picture when marketplace programmes and optional services are used.
THE TRUE RUNNING COST
Include setup, additional users, online booking, marketing allowances and the features your team will actually use.
Compare effective card rates at your turnover and qualifying marketplace charges. A low monthly price can coexist with higher transaction costs.
Consider migration, staff learning time, ongoing help and the disruption of switching again if the system doesn’t fit.
Example: a 0.4 percentage-point reduction in processing fees on £300,000 of annual card turnover represents £1,200 before other fees. Your actual savings require a like-for-like quote.
SALON SOFTWARE UK · WHY CHOOSE SALON MANAGER
Salon Manager is an online salon management system connecting appointments, client care, checkout, stock and reporting. Our salon booking software lets clients book directly without creating another account. Salon CRM connects their history with each visit. Review the complete salon software system in a demo, including the tools your team uses after booking.
If you need salon software for groups, compare shared client records, stock, reporting and local permissions. Ask to see how the same salon management software supports a team member, a salon manager and head office.
An AI salon receptionist can give callers another way to book while your team stays focused on clients. Ask us to demonstrate 24-hour phone booking, live diary availability and a personal greeting when the incoming number matches a salon CRM record.
Salon Manager setup is £199 + VAT. Standard agreement: 12 months, with 30 days’ notice before the end of the term. Online booking is optional for Essentials and included from Premium, starting at £49 + VAT/month.
CLEAR ANSWERS
Straight answers about features, pricing and terms. Confirm current provider offers before signing.
Choose a shortlist around your real working day. Test a new booking, a returning client’s record, consultation, checkout and rebooking. Compare salon management software features, package inclusions and costs and training and support. Where a provider offers marketplace promotion, check which bookings attract additional charges.
Not necessarily. A lower subscription can be offset by required upgrades, setup, card fees or marketing and marketplace charges. Compare the total annual cost for the same team size, usage and functionality.
Essentials starts at £29 + VAT per month for one stylist, with setup at £199 + VAT. Premium starts from £49 + VAT per month and includes online bookings; Premium Plus starts from £99 + VAT and includes online vouchers.
Online booking is an optional add-on in Essentials and included from Premium. Online vouchers are optional on Essentials and included from Premium Plus. Digital consultation forms are included in all packages.
Direct booking uses the salon’s own booking route and brand. A marketplace also promotes participating businesses to its consumer audience and may charge for certain new-client acquisitions. Fees and rules differ by provider and programme.
No. Customers can complete an online booking without a separate account. Their details are matched through the booking API to the correct client record.
For some salons, card-processing savings through SalonPay can be comparable to their software subscription. Actual savings require a like-for-like quote using annual turnover, transaction types and existing fees.
Support and onboarding affect the cost and disruption of a software change. Compare availability, training formats, industry knowledge and what happens when staff or salon workflows change.
Salon Manager uses a 12-month agreement requiring 30 days’ notice before the end of the term. Compare that commitment with the time and cost of migration, setup and retraining, not simply another provider’s cancellation headline.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
We’ll show you how Salon Manager handles your daily work and explain what the right package would cost.
Prices and features can change. Review the detailed provider comparisons and confirm all charges in writing. For Salon Manager see packages, features and SalonPay.
