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Head-to-head · Salon and Spa Scheduling Software

Acuity Scheduling vs Ovatu

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Acuity Scheduling #6 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.8/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit site
Ovatu #7 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Ovatu

Acuity Scheduling leads on 1 check, Ovatu on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAcuity Scheduling · 8.8/10
  • Lowest starting priceAcuity Scheduling · $16/mo
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresOvatu · 1 of 6

Acuity Scheduling scores higher on our rubric for salon and spa scheduling software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

Acuity Scheduling is cheaper to start at $16/mo against $25/mo.

Acuity Scheduling is the better fit for service businesses needing polished scheduling depth. Ovatu is the better fit for salons wanting deep scheduling and inventory tools.

  • Acuity Scheduling fits best

    Service businesses needing polished scheduling depth

  • Ovatu fits best

    Salons wanting deep scheduling and inventory tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Acuity Scheduling 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Ovatu 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #6 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software #7 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software
Best for Service businesses needing polished scheduling depth Salons wanting deep scheduling and inventory tools
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $16/mo (best) $25/user/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial 7 days 30 days
Free trial length 7 days · no card needed 30 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance HIPAA GDPR
Integrations 13 integrations 17 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Acuity Scheduling 0/6 · Ovatu 1/6
Online booking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Staff availability Not checked yet Not checked yet
Appointment reminders Not checked yet Not checked yet
Resource booking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Waitlist management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Digital intake forms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Branded booking pages with embeddable scheduling
  • Two-way sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, and Office 365
  • Payments, reminders, intake forms, memberships, and waitlists
  • Combines booking, rosters, waitlists, and resource scheduling
  • Includes POS, payments, deposits, invoices, and terminals
  • Tracks inventory with stocktakes and purchase orders
Cons
  • No free plan
  • Less salon-specific than purpose-built salon platforms
  • SMS reminder availability may vary by region
  • No free plan is available
  • Pricing is charged per employee per month
  • Campaigns and inventory control require the Loaded plan
Our verdict

Acuity Scheduling is online appointment scheduling software for service businesses and professionals. Clients can self-book through published branded scheduling pages, while teams manage availability, calendars, staff, client information,…

Read the review →

Ovatu is cloud-based business management software for salons and other appointment-based businesses. It brings online booking, appointment scheduling, staff rosters, client profiles, reminders, payments, point of sale, forms, marketing,…

Read the review →
  1. Acuity SchedulingSalon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.87-day trial
  2. OvatuSalon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Acuity Scheduling — where it wins

    • Branded booking pages with embeddable scheduling
    • Two-way sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, and Office 365
    • Payments, reminders, intake forms, memberships, and waitlists

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan
    • Less salon-specific than purpose-built salon platforms
    • SMS reminder availability may vary by region

  • Ovatu — where it wins

    • Combines booking, rosters, waitlists, and resource scheduling
    • Includes POS, payments, deposits, invoices, and terminals
    • Tracks inventory with stocktakes and purchase orders

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Pricing is charged per employee per month
    • Campaigns and inventory control require the Loaded plan
  • Acuity Scheduling8.8/10 · 7-day trial

    A polished scheduling platform with strong booking, payments, reminders, and calendar management.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Ovatu8.7/10 · 30-day trial

    A broad salon operations suite with deep scheduling, inventory, payments, and booking tools.

    Visit OvatuFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon and spa scheduling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update