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Head-to-head · Barbershop Scheduling Software

Fresha vs Phorest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Fresha #1 in Barbershop Scheduling Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Fresha
Phorest #2 in Barbershop Scheduling Software 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Phorest

Fresha leads on 1 check, Phorest on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check 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 trialonly Fresha

Fresha scores higher on our rubric for barbershop scheduling software: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Fresha offers free plan; Phorest doesn't.

Fresha is the better fit for shops wanting broad features on a free plan. Phorest is the better fit for larger, mature multi-location operations.

  • Fresha fits best

    Shops wanting broad features on a free plan

  • Phorest fits best

    Larger, mature multi-location operations

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 ↗ Phorest 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Barbershop Scheduling Software #2 in Barbershop Scheduling Software
Best for Shops wanting broad features on a free plan Larger, mature multi-location operations
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Compliance GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA GDPR, HIPAA
Integrations 6 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Fresha 0/4 · Phorest 0/4
Online booking page Not checked yet Not checked yet
Client mobile app Not checked yet Not checked yet
Waitlist Not checked yet Not checked yet
Recurring bookings Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Barbers included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Appointment reminders Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payment handling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free subscriptions include scheduling, booking, payments, POS, and client management
  • Supports group bookings, automated reminders, and team appointment assignment
  • Connects with Google, social channels, Xero, and QuickBooks
  • Combines booking, POS, payments, inventory, marketing and reporting
  • Supports waitlists, double-booking controls, group bookings and deposits
  • Offers web, iOS, Android, API and multi-location management
Cons
  • Usage-based charges may apply to communications, payments, and marketplace acquisition
  • Calendar synchronization is one-way rather than two-way
  • The Independent plan supports one team member
  • Pricing is quote-based and requires contact with sales
  • There is no free plan
  • Some advanced features are limited to higher tiers
Our verdict

Fresha is cloud-based booking and business management software for barbershops and other beauty, wellness, and healthcare businesses. It combines appointment scheduling, online booking, client profiles, reminders, payments, point of sale,…

Read the review →

Phorest is cloud-based management software for salons, spas, medspas and aesthetic clinics, with a feature set that also suits larger barbershop operations. It brings appointment scheduling, online booking, client records, staff…

Read the review →
  1. FreshaBarbershop Scheduling Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. PhorestBarbershop Scheduling Software 9.0Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Fresha — where it wins

    • Free subscriptions include scheduling, booking, payments, POS, and client management
    • Supports group bookings, automated reminders, and team appointment assignment
    • Connects with Google, social channels, Xero, and QuickBooks

    Where it doesn't

    • Usage-based charges may apply to communications, payments, and marketplace acquisition
    • Calendar synchronization is one-way rather than two-way
    • The Independent plan supports one team member

  • Phorest — where it wins

    • Combines booking, POS, payments, inventory, marketing and reporting
    • Supports waitlists, double-booking controls, group bookings and deposits
    • Offers web, iOS, Android, API and multi-location management

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is quote-based and requires contact with sales
    • There is no free plan
    • Some advanced features are limited to higher tiers
  • Fresha9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad free scheduling and business platform for barbershops, with usage-based charges to consider.

    Visit FreshaFull verdict →
  • Phorest9.0/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad scheduling and operations platform for mature, multi-location teams.

    Visit PhorestFull verdict →

More comparisons

All barbershop scheduling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update