Head-to-head · Salon Software
Ovatu vs ELIV8
Ovatu leads on 0 checks, ELIV8 on 0, and 8 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 scoreOvatu · 8.4/10
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresELIV8 · 7 of 7
Ovatu scores higher on our rubric for salon software: 8.4 against 6.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #29.
Ovatu is the better fit for feature-rich salons needing integrations. ELIV8 is the better fit for color-focused salons on a low budget.
- Ovatu fits best
Feature-rich salons needing integrations
- ELIV8 fits best
Color-focused salons on a low budget
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Side by side
| Feature | Ovatu 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | ELIV8 6.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 6.2 |
| Ranking | #8 in Salon Software | #29 in Salon Software |
| Best for | Feature-rich salons needing integrations | Color-focused salons on a low budget |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $25/user/mo | £19/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days · no card needed | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, iOS |
| Integrations | 17 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Ovatu 6/7 · ELIV8 7/7 | ||
| Online booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Staff calendar | ✓ | ✓ |
| POS and payments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client reminders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inventory tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-location support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Memberships and packages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Ovatu is salon and appointment-business management software for salons, beauty businesses, wellness providers, and similar operators. It brings online booking, staff scheduling, customer records, automated email and SMS reminders,… Read the review → |
ELIV8 is a salon, barber and clinic management platform for UK businesses, with a particular fit for color-focused salons that need more than appointment scheduling. It combines an appointment diary, online booking, client profiles,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Ovatu — where it wins
- Combines booking, rosters, reminders, POS, inventory, and reporting
- Supports forms, waivers, gift cards, passes, loyalty, and marketing
- Offers web, macOS, iOS, and Android access with broad integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Advanced marketing features require the Loaded plan
- Additional employee charges apply beyond the first employee
ELIV8 — where it wins
- Patch-test tracking and colour-formula recording support color services
- Starter includes booking, reminders, POS and client records for £19/month
- Four plans add inventory, memberships, AI communications and multi-location management
Where it doesn't
- Advanced features require higher-priced Professional, Business or Enterprise plans
- Android apps are coming soon; available platforms are web and iOS
- Listed integrations are limited to Stripe Payments and Google Search and reviews
- Ovatu8.4/10 · 30-day trial
A broad salon platform covering bookings, operations, payments, marketing, and inventory.
Visit OvatuFull verdict → - ELIV86.2/10 · 30-day trial
A color-focused salon platform with patch-test tracking, POS and booking from £19 per month.
Visit ELIV8Full verdict →
More comparisons
All salon software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update