Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Salon and Spa Scheduling Software

Fresha vs Ovatu

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Fresha #1 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Fresha
Ovatu #7 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Ovatu

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

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreFresha · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly Fresha
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresOvatu · 1 of 6

Fresha scores higher on our rubric for salon and spa scheduling software: 9.4 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Fresha offers free plan; Ovatu doesn't.

Fresha is the better fit for salons wanting broad free scheduling and POS tools. Ovatu is the better fit for salons wanting deep scheduling and inventory tools.

  • Fresha fits best

    Salons wanting broad free scheduling and POS tools

  • 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 Fresha 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Ovatu 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.7
Ranking #1 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software #7 in Salon and Spa Scheduling Software
Best for Salons wanting broad free scheduling and POS tools Salons wanting deep scheduling and inventory tools
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — $25/user/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
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, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA GDPR
Integrations 6 integrations 17 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Fresha 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
  • Free Independent and Team subscriptions
  • Booking through links, social channels, marketplace, and apps
  • Scheduling, POS, payments, reminders, and client records in one system
  • Combines booking, rosters, waitlists, and resource scheduling
  • Includes POS, payments, deposits, invoices, and terminals
  • Tracks inventory with stocktakes and purchase orders
Cons
  • Calendar synchronization is one-way
  • Usage-based charges may apply to communications and marketplace acquisition
  • Payment processing and optional add-ons may incur additional charges
  • No free plan is available
  • Pricing is charged per employee per month
  • Campaigns and inventory control require the Loaded plan
Our verdict

Fresha is cloud-based booking and business management software for salons, spas, barbershops, medspas, massage therapists, fitness businesses, and other beauty, wellness, and healthcare providers. It brings appointment scheduling, online…

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. FreshaSalon and Spa Scheduling Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. OvatuSalon and Spa Scheduling Software 8.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Fresha — where it wins

    • Free Independent and Team subscriptions
    • Booking through links, social channels, marketplace, and apps
    • Scheduling, POS, payments, reminders, and client records in one system

    Where it doesn't

    • Calendar synchronization is one-way
    • Usage-based charges may apply to communications and marketplace acquisition
    • Payment processing and optional add-ons may incur additional charges

  • 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
  • Fresha9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad salon scheduling suite with free plans, booking, POS, payments, and client tools.

    Visit FreshaFull 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