Head-to-head · Salon Inventory Management Software
Backbar Zen vs Tilavon
Backbar Zen leads on 6 checks, Tilavon on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBackbar Zen · 7.9/10
- Lowest starting priceBackbar Zen · $9.99/mo
- Most featuresBackbar Zen · 5 of 7
Backbar Zen scores higher on our rubric for salon inventory management software: 7.9 against 5.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
Backbar Zen is cheaper to start at $9.99/mo against $39/mo. Backbar Zen offers low-stock alerts; Tilavon doesn't publish it. Backbar Zen offers usage tracking; Tilavon doesn't publish it. Backbar Zen offers multi-location inventory; Tilavon doesn't publish it. Backbar Zen offers vendor management; Tilavon doesn't publish it.
Backbar Zen is the better fit for small salons needing affordable backbar tracking. Tilavon is the better fit for growing salons needing broad operations coverage.
- Backbar Zen fits best
Small salons needing affordable backbar tracking
- Tilavon fits best
Growing salons needing broad operations coverage
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Backbar Zen 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Tilavon 5.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 5.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Salon Inventory Management Software | #6 in Salon Inventory Management Software |
| Best for | Small salons needing affordable backbar tracking | Growing salons needing broad operations coverage |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo (best) | $39/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 30 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Tickets | Email, Docs |
| Compliance | PCI DSS | PCI DSS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 12 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Backbar Zen 5/7 · Tilavon 1/7 | ||
| Purchase orders | Not published | Not published |
| Low-stock alerts | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Usage tracking | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Multi-location inventory | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Vendor management | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Barcode scanning | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Retail product tracking | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Backbar Zen is salon management software for independent stylists, salon owners, and salon teams. It combines appointment scheduling, online booking, client profiles, inventory tracking, payment processing, business analytics, and an AI… Read the review → |
Tilavon is cloud-based management software for nail salons, nail bars, and spas in the United States. It brings together point-of-sale checkout, appointment scheduling, online booking, technician scheduling, client records, commissions,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Backbar Zen — where it wins
- Real-time stock updates with automatic usage tracking
- Low-stock, expiry, reorder alerts, barcode scanning, and AI recognition
- Scheduling, payments, client records, and analytics in one platform
Where it doesn't
- Basic includes only one stylist seat
- Platform coverage is limited to web and iOS
- Enterprise pricing uses custom solutions rather than a fixed monthly rate
Tilavon — where it wins
- Inventory includes stock alerts, purchase orders, suppliers, and barcode scanning
- Covers POS, booking, client records, memberships, staff, and commissions
- Web, iOS, and Android apps with calendar, payment, and marketing integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; paid plans start at USD 39 per month
- Advanced inventory begins with the Pro plan at USD 69 per month
- Multi-location tools are reserved for the Elite plan at USD 119 per month
- Backbar Zen7.9/10 · From $9.99/mo · 14-day trial
An affordable salon platform with useful inventory automation for small teams.
Visit Backbar ZenFull verdict → - Tilavon5.6/10 · From $39/mo · 30-day trial
A broad salon operations suite with inventory, scheduling, payments, and optional AI tools.
Visit TilavonFull verdict →
More comparisons
- SALON STOCK vs Backbar Zen
- SALON STOCK vs Tilavon
- NeonO vs Backbar Zen
- NeonO vs Tilavon
- SalonScale vs Backbar Zen
- SalonScale vs Tilavon
- Pxier SPA vs Backbar Zen
- Pxier SPA vs Tilavon
All salon inventory management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026