Head-to-head · Salon Commission Management Software
Luminate vs SalonPilot
Luminate leads on 0 checks, SalonPilot on 1, and 7 are 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 scoreLuminate · 7.2/10
- Lowest starting priceSalonPilot · $29.99/mo
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresLuminate · 6 of 7
Luminate scores higher on our rubric for salon commission management software: 7.2 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #16 and #20.
SalonPilot is cheaper to start at $29.99/mo against $90/mo.
Luminate is the better fit for multi-salon teams needing payroll exports. SalonPilot is the better fit for multi-location salons focused on commission reporting.
- Luminate fits best
Multi-salon teams needing payroll exports
- SalonPilot fits best
Multi-location salons focused on commission reporting
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Side by side
| Feature | Luminate 7.2/10 Visit ↗ | SalonPilot 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.2 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #16 in Salon Commission Management Software | #20 in Salon Commission Management Software |
| Best for | Multi-salon teams needing payroll exports | Multi-location salons focused on commission reporting |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $90/site/mo | $29.99/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days · no card needed | 30 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs | |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Luminate 6/7 · SalonPilot 4/7 | ||
| Commission rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retail split rules | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Bonus rules | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Tip tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compensation reports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Multi-location support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Luminate combines salon operations and compensation management for salon owners, managers, and staff. Its feature set covers drag-and-drop appointment scheduling, online booking with card deposits, POS checkout, cash drawer management,… Read the review → |
SalonPilot is a web-based salon management platform for hair salons, braiding salons, independent stylists, and larger salon operations. Its strongest fit is for multi-location businesses that need structured commission reporting alongside… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Luminate — where it wins
- Automates service, product, tip and multiple-pay-structure calculations
- Exports payroll reports in CSV and PDF formats
- Supports multiple salon locations under one account
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access limits deployment options
- Starts at $90 per salon per month in USD
- No annual billing price is listed
SalonPilot — where it wins
- Automatic commission calculations with location-specific rates
- Staff earnings portals plus payment-history tracking
- PDF and CSV exports with revenue, retention, and profit analytics
Where it doesn't
- No integrations with other salon or business software
- Web-only access limits platform choice
- Paid product after the 30-day free trial
- Luminate7.2/10 · 30-day trial
A web-based salon suite with detailed commission rules and payroll exports.
Visit LuminateFull verdict → - SalonPilot6.8/10 · 30-day trial
A focused web platform for commission reporting, payments, and salon analytics.
Visit SalonPilotFull verdict →
All salon commission management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update