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The Top 10 Salon POS Software

Let’s see the top picks for the best salon POS software and what they’re best at:

Salon POS software tackles booking, no-shows, and payment headaches.

They automate appointment scheduling, send SMS and email reminders, process credit-card transactions online or in-store, manage inventory, and power loyalty programs. 

They’ll even give you a real-time dashboard for multi-location visibility and plug into QuickBooks, your CRM, and social-media booking.

In this guide I review top salon point-of-sale systems—comparing pricing, core functionality, payment options, and no-show reduction features—so you can zero in on the right one.

I’ve spent over a decade in retail operations and tested hundreds of POS and management platforms. These solutions cut the noise—offering reliable tools to streamline bookings, payments, and stock so you can run your salon with confidence.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing retail and ecommerce software since 2021. 

As retail experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different retail management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.

Comparing the Best Salon POS Software, Side-by-Side

Below is a snapshot of pricing tiers and use cases across our top salon POS picks. Scan it to match your budget and must-have functionality in seconds.

The 10 Best Salon POS Software, Reviewed

Next, you’ll find in-depth rundowns of each top 10 system—key features, pros and cons, standout integrations, and who it’s built for. Use these summaries to pinpoint the salon POS software that fits your workflows and growth plans.

Best for tracking payroll & commissions

  • Free trial available
  • From $119/month

Lightspeed is a versatile POS software built for retail and service businesses, including salons and spas. It brings together appointment scheduling, payment processing, and inventory tracking in one easy-to-use platform. You can also manage online and in-store sales through its eCommerce tools, giving your clients a consistent experience wherever they book.

Why I picked Lightspeed: I picked Lightspeed because it helps you manage salon appointments and staff from one place. Service orders and Booxi integration make it simple to schedule clients, group sessions, or events without double-booking. I also like that you can track payroll and commissions automatically, so you spend less time on admin and more time with clients. Its marketing suite gives you the tools to promote your services and keep customers coming back.

Lightspeed standout features and integrations:

Features include eCommerce integration for online product sales, payment processing that supports multiple payment types, and detailed analytics to help you understand sales and staffing performance.

Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, Xero, BigCommerce, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Deputy, Gusto, Homebase, MarketMan, MarginEdge, Brightpearl by Sage, NetSuite, Cloudbeds, MEWS, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Sector-specific tools available
  • Extensive third-party marketplace integrations available
  • Multi-channel inventory tracking across locations

Cons:

  • No built-in loyalty program yet
  • Missing advanced inventory analytics tools

Best for automation features

  • Free demo
  • From $50/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.9/5

Mangomint is a salon POS software designed for beauty businesses seeking efficiency through automation. It caters to salons, spas, and wellness centers by managing appointments, client data, and payments.

Why I picked Mangomint: Mangomint excels in automation, reducing manual tasks for your team. It offers features like automated booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups.

You can also automate inventory management, ensuring stock levels are always accurate. These automation features save time and improve accuracy, making it a great fit for busy salons.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a customizable dashboard that allows you to track key metrics, a loyalty program to reward your clients, and detailed reporting tools that provide insights into your business performance.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Stripe, Square, Zoom, Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, Shopify, and Xero.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective client loyalty program
  • Accurate inventory management
  • Strong automation capabilities

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Initial setup can be complex

Best for loyalty programs

  • Free demo
  • From $109/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Phorest is a comprehensive salon POS software designed for beauty businesses focused on client retention. It offers features such as appointment scheduling, client management, and payment processing to enhance the customer experience.

Why I picked Phorest: Phorest is renowned for its loyalty programs, providing tools to build and maintain strong client relationships. It includes features like a customizable loyalty points system and automated client reminders.

You can also create personalized marketing campaigns to keep clients engaged. These features ensure your clients feel valued and keep coming back.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed reporting that helps you track business performance, a staff management system that simplifies scheduling and payroll administration, and an online booking system that enables clients to schedule appointments easily.

Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Xero, Facebook, Instagram, Google Calendar, Stripe, Square, PayPal, and Constant Contact.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed business reporting
  • Automated client reminders
  • Strong loyalty program options

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up
  • Occasional software glitches

Best for online booking

  • 14-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $8.25/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

SimplyBook.me is a scheduling software specifically designed for hair and beauty services, providing a comprehensive booking system for salons and spas. It manages appointments, client information, and payments, making it an ideal solution for businesses that prioritize online bookings.

Why I picked SimplyBook.me: SimplyBook.me specializes in online booking, providing a user-friendly platform for clients to schedule appointments. It includes features like custom booking pages and automated reminders, ensuring clients can book with ease.

The platform also offers promotions and gift cards directly through the booking system. These features make it perfect for salons looking to enhance their online presence and client convenience.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a booking widget that can be added to your website, a client app that allows you to schedule appointments on the go, and a promotion management tool that helps you run special offers.

Integrations include Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, PayPal, Stripe, Zapier, Zoom, Mailchimp, WordPress, and Weebly.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Booking widget for websites
  • Automated client reminders
  • Custom booking pages

Cons:

  • Some features require additional fees
  • Limited customization options

Best for small businesses

  • Free trial
  • From $35/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Vagaro is a salon POS software tailored for small businesses in the beauty industry. It handles scheduling, payment processing, and customer management, making it easier for you to run your salon efficiently.

Why I picked Vagaro: Vagaro is ideal for small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use. It offers features such as online booking, client management, and marketing tools that are accessible to companies with limited resources.

You can also customize services and manage appointments seamlessly. These features make it a great choice for those just starting or looking to grow their business without high costs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated appointment reminders that help reduce no-shows, a user-friendly interface that simplifies daily tasks, and a marketing suite to help you effectively reach more clients.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Facebook, Yelp, Instagram, Mailchimp, Zoom, Stripe, PayPal, and Square.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated reminders reduce no-shows
  • Easy to learn and use
  • Affordable for small businesses

Cons:

  • Some features require additional fees
  • Customer support can be slow

Best for free scheduling

  • Free for 1 user
  • From $14.95/user/month (min 2 seats)

Fresha is a salon POS software aimed at beauty businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. It provides scheduling, client management, and payment processing to help you manage your salon efficiently.

Why I picked Fresha: Fresha is ideal for businesses seeking free scheduling tools. It offers features such as online appointment booking, calendar management, and automated reminders, all without additional fees.

The platform also enables you to access a large marketplace, allowing you to attract new clients. These options make it a great choice for businesses seeking to reduce costs while expanding their customer base.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a no-show protection feature that minimizes lost revenue, a point-of-sale system that simplifies transactions, and detailed analytics to help you understand your business performance.

Integrations include Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, Square, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, and Zoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated appointment reminders
  • Access to a large marketplace
  • No fees for scheduling

Cons:

  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Some advanced features cost extra

Best for wellness integration

  • Free demo
  • From $169/month/location
Visit Website
Rating: 3.7/5

Mindbody is a salon POS software designed for beauty businesses like hair salons and barbershops. It manages scheduling, staffing, payment processing, and reporting, helping you run your business smoothly.

Why I picked Mindbody: This software excels in wellness integration, offering features like integrated marketing tools and a mobile app for on-the-go management. It stands out by providing AI-driven customer service, customizable booking options, and access to a large consumer network through its app. These features make it ideal for businesses looking to attract clients and grow.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include marketing tools that help you reach more clients, a mobile app to manage your business on the go, and AI-driven customer service to enhance client interactions.

Integrations include Facebook, Instagram, Google, Zoom, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Xero, ClassPass, Constant Contact, and FitMetrix.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Mobile app for management
  • Integrated marketing campaigns
  • Customizable booking options

Cons:

  • Can be expensive for small businesses
  • Steep learning curve

Best for custom dashboards

  • Free demo
  • From $97/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3.4/5

Meevo is a salon POS software designed for beauty businesses that need flexibility in managing their operations. It supports scheduling, client management, and payment processing, making it suitable for salons of various sizes.

Why I picked Meevo: Meevo offers custom dashboards that allow you to tailor the interface to fit your specific needs. It includes features such as drag-and-drop scheduling, which simplifies appointment management. You can also create personalized client profiles to enhance customer service. These customizable options make it ideal for salons looking to optimize their workflow.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an appointment book with color-coded scheduling, a marketing suite to help promote your services, and inventory management to track your stock.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, Square, Stripe, PayPal, Constant Contact, and Zoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Color-coded appointment book
  • Drag-and-drop scheduling
  • Highly customizable dashboards

Cons:

  • Some features are add-ons
  • Steeper learning curve

Best for large enterprises

  • Free demo
  • From $100/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3/5

Zenoti is an enterprise-level salon POS software designed for large beauty businesses and chains. It supports scheduling, client management, and payment processing, making it suitable for salons requiring robust operational support.

Why I picked Zenoti: Zenoti is tailored for large enterprises, offering features that cater to the needs of big salons and chains. It provides centralized management tools that help streamline operations across multiple locations.

You can also benefit from its comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities. These features make Zenoti a great fit for businesses looking to manage complex operations efficiently.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a loyalty program that helps retain clients, an inventory management system that tracks stock, and an employee management feature that streamlines staff scheduling and payroll.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Stripe, Square, Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, Xero, and Constant Contact.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Centralized management tools
  • Comprehensive analytics capabilities
  • Ideal for large-scale operations

Cons:

  • High initial learning curve
  • Complex setup process

Best for appointment reminders

  • Yes
  • From $29/user/month

DaySmart is a salon POS software tailored for beauty businesses that need efficient scheduling and client management. It handles appointment booking, client data, and payment processing to keep your salon running smoothly.

Why I picked DaySmart: DaySmart excels in providing appointment reminders, ensuring your clients never miss a booking. It offers features like automated text and email reminders, which help reduce no-shows. You can also customize the reminder settings to fit your salon's needs. These features make it an excellent choice for salons focused on maintaining a reliable schedule.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a comprehensive calendar system that enables easy booking management, inventory tracking to keep your stock in check, and a reporting tool that provides valuable insights into your business performance.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Stripe, Square, Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, Xero, PayPal, and Constant Contact.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Inventory tracking features
  • Comprehensive calendar system
  • Effective appointment reminders

Cons:

  • Some features are add-ons
  • Setup can be time-consuming

Other Salon POS Software

Here are some additional salon POS software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. SalonBiz

    For multi-location salons

  2. Square Appointments

    For integrated payments

  3. Booksy

    For mobile bookings

  4. Versum

    For user customization

  5. Timely

    For time tracking

  6. MyTime

    For marketing tools

  7. Rosy Salon Software

    For scheduling simplicity

  8. Acuity Scheduling

    For appointment management

  9. GlossGenius

    For intuitive design

  10. Bookedin

    For client communication

Our Selection Criteria for Salon POS Software

We scored each system on seven dimensions, weighing what matters most in a busy salon.

Core functionality (25% of total score)

Our baseline: tools must nail these day-to-day essentials.

  • Manage appointment scheduling without double-books.
  • Process credit-card transactions in-store and online.
  • Track inventory management so you’re never caught short.
  • Handle client profiles and integrate with your CRM.
  • Generate clear sales and performance reports.

Additional standout features (25% of total score)

We rewarded the extras that drive growth and loyalty.

  • Customizable loyalty programs and memberships.
  • Built-in marketing tools for SMS, email, and social-media campaigns.
  • Mobile app and iPad support for on-the-floor flexibility.
  • Multi-location dashboards for chain and franchise operations.

Usability (10% of total score)

If your team can’t use it, it doesn’t matter.

  • Intuitive interface with minimal training required.
  • Responsive performance on touchscreen, desktop, and mobile.
  • Customizable dashboards and shortcuts for power users.

Onboarding (10% of total score)

Getting up and running fast keeps revenue flowing.

  • Availability of guided tutorials, video walkthroughs, and templates.
  • Interactive product tours and live demo options.
  • Vendor support during data migration and setup.

Customer support (10% of total score)

When things break, you need help now.

  • Live chat, phone, and email channels with clear response times.
  • 24/7 or extended-hours access for appointment-driven businesses.
  • Dedicated account managers or priority support tiers.

Value for money (10% of total score)

You’re paying for impact, not fluff.

  • Competitive pricing compared to feature set.
  • Flexible plans with transparent processing fees.
  • Discounts for annual billing or multi-location bundles.

Customer reviews (10% of total score)

Real-world performance speaks volumes.

  • Positive feedback on reliability and uptime.
  • Satisfaction with transaction and payment processing.
  • Consistent praise for support and ongoing feature updates.

What Is Salon POS Software?

Salon POS software is a unified system that handles appointment scheduling, client management, and credit-card processing for hair and beauty businesses. 

It automates booking reminders via SMS or email, tracks inventory and retail sales, and powers loyalty programs and gift-card management. 

Salon owners and stylists use it to cut no-shows, simplify payment processing—online or in-store—and get real-time dashboards across one or multiple locations.

How to Choose Salon POS Software

Picking the right salon POS system can make or break your day. Focus on features that solve real salon headaches—like no-shows, payment hiccups, and inventory surprises—and make sure it fits your budget and growth plans.

StepWhat to look forWhy it matters
Define your must-havesList core functions: appointment scheduling, payment processing, inventory management, loyalty programsKeeps you focused on tools you’ll actually use
Test no-show and reminder workflowsRun through booking, SMS/email reminders, and waitlist featuresReduces no-shows and fills empty slots
Compare payment options and feesCheck integrated credit-card processing, cash drawer support, and processing feesPrevents surprise costs and speeds up checkout
Verify integrationsConfirm compatibility with QuickBooks, CRM, online booking, social media, and add-onsAvoids data silos and streamlines your workflow
Evaluate support and onboardingLook for live chat, phone, video tutorials, and dedicated setup helpGets you running fast and keeps you moving when issues arise

Use this checklist as your north star. Nail these steps, and you’ll end up with a salon management tool that keeps stylists on the floor and clients in the chair.

Features of Salon POS Software

These are the must-have features that separate a basic booking app from a salon point-of-sale powerhouse.

Each one tackles a daily pain point—no-shows, payment hang-ups, inventory headaches—and gives you the control to keep stylists and providers focused on clients, not chaos.

  • Real-time dashboard. See appointments, sales, inventory levels, and no-show stats at a glance.
  • Appointment scheduling with online booking. Let clients book 24/7 via your website or social media without extra plugins.
  • Automated SMS and email reminders. Cut no-shows by sending customizable alerts and cancellation links.
  • Integrated credit-card processing. Swipe, tap, or key in payments in-store or online with transparent processing fees.
  • Gift-card and membership management. Sell and track gift cards or recurring memberships in the same system.
  • Inventory management. Get low-stock alerts, order suggestions, and retail-product tracking to prevent surprises.
  • Loyalty programs. Reward repeat clients with points, discounts, or free services that auto-apply at checkout.
  • Multi-location support. Centralize appointments, staff schedules, and reporting across all your salons.
  • Mobile app and tablet-optimized POS. Run your salon from an iPad or smartphone with a touchscreen cash drawer option.
  • CRM and QuickBooks integrations. Sync client histories, sales data, and financials without manual exports.

Benefits of Salon POS Software

When those features work together, you’re not just running appointments—you’re building a salon business that scales. Here’s what you get when you pick the right system:

  • Fewer no-shows. Automated reminders and waitlist tools keep chairs filled and stylists busy.
  • Faster check-out. Integrated payments and gift-card support mean shorter lines and happier clients.
  • Better inventory control. Automatic stock tracking cuts waste and ensures you never run out of top-seller products.
  • Stronger client loyalty. Points programs and personalized offers turn one-time visitors into regulars.
  • Data-driven decisions. Real-time analytics show which services, stylists, and products are driving revenue.
  • Time savings. Automation of reminders, reporting, and marketing frees you to focus on growth.
  • Seamless scalability. Add stylists, services, or new locations without rebuilding your workflows.

Costs and Pricing of Salon POS Software

Salon POS pricing ranges from free plans to enterprise tiers—with fees for users, transactions, and add-ons. Match your budget to your salon’s size and feature needs.

Plan typeAverage priceCommon featuresBest for
Free plan$0Basic appointment scheduling, limited client profiles, simple reportsSolo stylists and micro salons
Personal plan$10–30 /user per monthOnline booking, payment processing, inventory tracking, basic loyaltySmall teams and independent pros
Business plan$50–100 /user per monthAdvanced analytics, marketing suite, memberships, gift-card supportGrowing salons and multi-stylist
Enterprise plan$150–300 /user per monthMulti-location dashboards, custom dashboards, dedicated supportChains, franchises, large volumes

Additional pricing considerations

  • Processing fees vary by provider. Inspect swipe, tap, and keyed-in rates for Stripe, Square, or integrated payment options to avoid surprise costs.
  • Per-user and per-location fees. Some platforms charge per stylist or per site—factor that into multi-location budgets.
  • Hardware and add-ons. Card readers, receipt printers, and touchscreen iPad stands often cost extra—or require vendor-specific models.
  • Billing frequency discounts. Annual plans usually knock off 10–20% compared to month-to-month; lock in savings if you’re in for the long haul.
  • Transaction volume tiers. High-volume salons can qualify for reduced processing fees—ask about tiered pricing once you exceed thresholds.

Salon POS Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about salon POS software:

Can I use salon POS software offline?

Some platforms offer limited offline modes—typically letting you ring up services and retail sales without internet. Once you’re back online, data syncs automatically.
If you’ve got spotty Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, look for a system with true offline support, not just a “cache and pray” feature.

What hardware do I need for a salon POS system?

At minimum you’ll need a computer or iPad plus a reliable internet connection. To run payments you’ll add a card reader (magstripe, chip, or contactless), a receipt printer, and a cash drawer.
Check if your vendor locks you into proprietary devices or supports generic USB and Bluetooth peripherals.

How do salon POS systems manage gift cards and memberships?

Good systems treat gift cards like cash—selling, redeeming, and reporting on balances in one place. Memberships (subscriptions or packages) auto-renew if you set them up.
Look for built-in accounting and CRM hooks so you can track redemptions, expiry dates, and recurring revenue without manual spreadsheets.

How secure is payment processing in salon POS software?

Top-tier salon POS platforms are PCI-compliant and tokenize card data end-to-end. That means no raw credit-card numbers sitting on your system.
They also support EMV chip and NFC payments. Always confirm that your provider runs regular security audits and offers role-based access to protect sensitive client data.

What training resources are available for salon POS software?

Most vendors bundle video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and live webinars. Some include interactive demos or one-on-one onboarding calls.
If you’ve got a high-turnover team, prioritize platforms with searchable knowledge bases and in-app tooltips—so your new hires aren’t left guessing.

Can salon POS software scale with multiple locations?

Yes—look for centralized dashboards that roll up appointments, sales, and inventory across all sites in real time.
You’ll want granular permissions so each manager can only see their location’s data, plus consolidated reports for owner-operators. That way you avoid hopping between logins when you grow.

Make Your Salon POS-itively Perfect

Ditch the spreadsheets, no-shows, and payment bottlenecks—modern salon POS software handles bookings, reminders, and credit-card processing seamlessly. 

Match your budget to the features you need—real-time dashboards, loyalty programs, multi-location support—and watch your salon run like clockwork. Time to swipe right on your new POS.

If you're in the process of researching salon POS software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

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Sean Flannigan
By Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Retail Exec. He's spent years getting acquainted with the retail space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to retail topics big and small.