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Head-to-head · Salon Software

Phorest vs DaySmart Salon

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 8 checks side by side
Higher score Phorest #1 in Salon Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 7 features Visit Phorest
DaySmart Salon #3 in Salon Software 9.0/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 7 of 7 features Visit DaySmart

Phorest leads on 0 checks, DaySmart Salon 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 scorePhorest · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly DaySmart Salon
  • Most featuresDaySmart Salon · 7 of 7

Phorest scores higher on our rubric for salon software: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Phorest is the better fit for established salons needing branded client experiences. DaySmart Salon is the better fit for growing salons wanting affordable depth.

  • Phorest fits best

    Established salons needing branded client experiences

  • DaySmart Salon fits best

    Growing salons wanting affordable depth

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 Phorest 9.3/10 Visit ↗ DaySmart Salon 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.0
Ranking #1 in Salon Software #3 in Salon Software
Best for Established salons needing branded client experiences Growing salons wanting affordable depth
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $29/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Integrations 10 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Phorest 0/7 · DaySmart Salon 7/7
Online booking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Staff calendar Not checked yet ✓ (best)
POS and payments Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Client reminders Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Inventory tracking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Multi-location support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Memberships and packages Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Our review
Pros
  • Branded booking apps for iOS and Android
  • Bookings, deposits, reminders and group appointments in one system
  • Broad operations coverage across POS, staffing, marketing and inventory
  • Booking, reminders, POS, inventory, payroll, and reporting in one suite
  • Online booking through websites, Instagram, and Facebook
  • Web, iOS, and Android support for off-site management
Cons
  • Quote-based pricing requires a sales conversation
  • The full feature set may exceed smaller teams' needs
  • Branded apps and memberships are limited to the Elite plan
  • Basic supports 1 user, limiting fit for larger teams
  • Advanced payroll and commission tracking require Premium Growth
  • QuickBooks Connect is available only with Premium
Our verdict

Phorest is cloud-based management software for salons, spas, medspas and aesthetic clinics. It combines appointment scheduling, online booking, client records, staff management, point of sale, payment collection, marketing automation,…

Read the review →

DaySmart Salon is cloud-based management software for independent stylists, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, skin clinics, and multi-location businesses. Its feature set spans appointment scheduling, staff calendars, online booking,…

Read the review →
  1. PhorestSalon Software 9.3Pricing on request
  2. DaySmart SalonSalon Software 9.014-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Phorest — where it wins

    • Branded booking apps for iOS and Android
    • Bookings, deposits, reminders and group appointments in one system
    • Broad operations coverage across POS, staffing, marketing and inventory

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based pricing requires a sales conversation
    • The full feature set may exceed smaller teams' needs
    • Branded apps and memberships are limited to the Elite plan

  • DaySmart Salon — where it wins

    • Booking, reminders, POS, inventory, payroll, and reporting in one suite
    • Online booking through websites, Instagram, and Facebook
    • Web, iOS, and Android support for off-site management

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic supports 1 user, limiting fit for larger teams
    • Advanced payroll and commission tracking require Premium Growth
    • QuickBooks Connect is available only with Premium
  • Phorest9.3/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad salon management suite for established teams building branded client experiences.

    Visit PhorestFull verdict →
  • DaySmart Salon9.0/10 · 14-day trial

    A broad salon suite with affordable entry pricing and deeper tools on higher tiers.

    Visit DaySmartFull 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