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Head-to-head · Salon Software

Ovatu vs Shortcuts

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 8 checks side by side
Higher score Ovatu #7 in Salon Software 7.1/10 From $25/mo · 30-day trial ✓ 6 of 7 features Visit Ovatu
Shortcuts #14 in Salon Software 6.4/10 Pricing on request ✓ 7 of 7 features Visit Shortcuts

Ovatu leads on 0 checks, Shortcuts 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 scoreOvatu · 7.1/10
  • Most featuresShortcuts · 7 of 7

Ovatu scores higher on our rubric for salon software: 7.1 against 6.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #14.

Shortcuts offers multi-location support; Ovatu doesn't publish it.

Ovatu is the better fit for feature-rich salons needing integrations. Shortcuts is the better fit for established multi-location salon groups.

  • Ovatu fits best

    Feature-rich salons needing integrations

  • Shortcuts fits best

    Established multi-location salon groups

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Ovatu 7.1/10 Visit ↗ Shortcuts 6.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.1 6.4
Ranking #7 in Salon Software #14 in Salon Software
Best for Feature-rich salons needing integrations Established multi-location salon groups
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $25/mo Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone · 24/7
Compliance GDPR GDPR
Integrations 17 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Ovatu 6/7 · Shortcuts 7/7
Online booking ✓ ✓
Staff calendar ✓ ✓
POS and payments ✓ ✓
Client reminders ✓ ✓
Inventory tracking ✓ ✓
Multi-location support Not published ✓ (best)
Memberships and packages ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Centralizes bookings, POS, client records, inventory and reporting
  • Supports multi-location management with centralized client data
  • Adds deposits, packs, marketing and branded client apps
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced marketing features require the Loaded plan
  • Additional employee charges apply beyond the first employee
  • Pricing requires a sales conversation and is customized by plan
  • There is no free plan
  • Branded apps and resource management are reserved for Summit
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 →

Shortcuts is salon management software for hair salons, barbers, beauty businesses, spas and multi-location operators. Its Fusion product brings appointment scheduling, online booking, staff and resource management, point of sale,…

Read the review →
  1. OvatuSalon Software 7.1From $25/mo · 30-day trial
  2. ShortcutsSalon Software 6.4Pricing on request

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

  • Shortcuts — where it wins

    • Centralizes bookings, POS, client records, inventory and reporting
    • Supports multi-location management with centralized client data
    • Adds deposits, packs, marketing and branded client apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales conversation and is customized by plan
    • There is no free plan
    • Branded apps and resource management are reserved for Summit
  • Ovatu7.1/10 · From $25/mo · 30-day trial

    A broad salon platform covering bookings, operations, payments, marketing, and inventory.

    Visit OvatuFull verdict →
  • Shortcuts6.4/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad salon platform for established groups that need centralized operations and client management.

    Visit ShortcutsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on salon software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update