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Head-to-head · Salon Staff Scheduling Software

Phorest vs Shortcuts

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Phorest #3 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Phorest
Shortcuts #4 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Shortcuts

Phorest leads on 0 checks, Shortcuts on 0, and 1 is 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 scorePhorest · 9.0/10

Phorest scores higher on our rubric for salon staff scheduling software: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

Phorest is the better fit for established salons needing advanced booking workflows. Shortcuts is the better fit for large salons with complex resources and locations.

  • Phorest fits best

    Established salons needing advanced booking workflows

  • Shortcuts fits best

    Large salons with complex resources and locations

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 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Shortcuts 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #3 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software #4 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software
Best for Established salons needing advanced booking workflows Large salons with complex resources and locations
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone · 24/7
Compliance GDPR, HIPAA GDPR
Integrations 10 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Phorest 0/5 · Shortcuts 0/5
Availability management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Time-off management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Shift swaps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Open shift coverage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Appointment sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Staff limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Staff mobile access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Waiting lists, double-booking controls and group bookings
  • Online booking, deposits, payments and automated reminders
  • Multi-location reporting with staff scheduling and rosters
  • Schedules staff, rooms and equipment in one appointment book
  • Combines booking, POS, inventory, reporting and client records
  • Supports multi-location data, reporting and branded client apps
Cons
  • Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed
  • No free plan or advertised free trial
  • Advanced capabilities are split across four plan tiers
  • Pricing requires a sales conversation and varies by plan and add-ons
  • No free plan is offered
  • Platform coverage lacks an API
Our verdict

Phorest is cloud-based management software for salons, spas, medspas and aesthetic clinics, with a particular fit for growing businesses and organizations with three or more staff members. Its core combines appointment scheduling, online…

Read the review →

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

Read the review →
  1. PhorestSalon Staff Scheduling Software 9.0Pricing on request
  2. ShortcutsSalon Staff Scheduling Software 8.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Phorest — where it wins

    • Waiting lists, double-booking controls and group bookings
    • Online booking, deposits, payments and automated reminders
    • Multi-location reporting with staff scheduling and rosters

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed
    • No free plan or advertised free trial
    • Advanced capabilities are split across four plan tiers

  • Shortcuts — where it wins

    • Schedules staff, rooms and equipment in one appointment book
    • Combines booking, POS, inventory, reporting and client records
    • Supports multi-location data, reporting and branded client apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales conversation and varies by plan and add-ons
    • No free plan is offered
    • Platform coverage lacks an API
  • Phorest9.0/10 · Pricing on request

    A comprehensive scheduling and operations platform for established, growing salons.

    Visit PhorestFull verdict →
  • Shortcuts8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad salon management suite for complex teams, resources and multi-location operations.

    Visit ShortcutsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon staff scheduling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update