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Head-to-head · Salon App Builder Software

Salonist vs Aura'd

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Salonist #4 in Salon App Builder Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Salonist
Aura'd #8 in Salon App Builder Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Aura'd

Salonist leads on 0 checks, Aura'd on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSalonist · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Salonist
  • Most featuresAura'd · 1 of 5

Salonist scores higher on our rubric for salon app builder software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Salonist is the better fit for salons needing an inexpensive operations platform. Aura'd is the better fit for solo and team salons wanting a free starting tier.

  • Salonist fits best

    Salons needing an inexpensive operations platform

  • Aura'd fits best

    Solo and team salons wanting a free starting tier

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 Salonist 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Aura'd 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #4 in Salon App Builder Software #8 in Salon App Builder Software
Best for Salons needing an inexpensive operations platform Solo and team salons wanting a free starting tier
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — £19/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 15 integrations 5 integrations
Features Salonist 0/5 · Aura'd 1/5
Client messaging Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Loyalty programs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Memberships Not checked yet Not checked yet
Retail offers Not checked yet Not checked yet
Push notifications Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
App platforms Not checked yet Both
Our review
Pros
  • Free listing includes online booking, scheduling, and 50 appointments monthly
  • Covers POS, memberships, inventory, commissions, reporting, and client records
  • Supports Google Calendar, Stripe, WhatsApp, Shopify, WordPress, and API access
  • Free plan with basic booking and email confirmations
  • Branded apps, scheduling, reminders, payments, and client records
  • Premium includes white-label branding, custom domains, and API access
Cons
  • The free listing is limited to 50 appointments per month
  • Custom integrations and API access are reserved for the Expert plan
  • Inventory management and unlimited WhatsApp and SMS notifications start with Advance
  • Unlimited bookings and custom branding start at £19 per month
  • Staff scheduling and staff portal access require the Team plan
  • White-label features and API access require the £149 Premium plan
Our verdict

Salonist is cloud-based management software for salons, spas, and beauty and wellness businesses, ranging from solo professionals to multi-location operators. Its feature set covers online booking through websites, Instagram, Google, and…

Read the review →

Aura'd combines salon booking and business-management tools for hairdressers, lash technicians, beauty therapists, and salon teams. It supports 24/7 online appointment booking, service and availability management, staff scheduling, client…

Read the review →
  1. SalonistSalon App Builder Software 8.9Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. Aura'dSalon App Builder Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Salonist — where it wins

    • Free listing includes online booking, scheduling, and 50 appointments monthly
    • Covers POS, memberships, inventory, commissions, reporting, and client records
    • Supports Google Calendar, Stripe, WhatsApp, Shopify, WordPress, and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • The free listing is limited to 50 appointments per month
    • Custom integrations and API access are reserved for the Expert plan
    • Inventory management and unlimited WhatsApp and SMS notifications start with Advance

  • Aura'd — where it wins

    • Free plan with basic booking and email confirmations
    • Branded apps, scheduling, reminders, payments, and client records
    • Premium includes white-label branding, custom domains, and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Unlimited bookings and custom branding start at £19 per month
    • Staff scheduling and staff portal access require the Team plan
    • White-label features and API access require the £149 Premium plan
  • Salonist8.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad salon operations platform with a free listing and paid tiers for deeper management.

    Visit SalonistFull verdict →
  • Aura'd8.5/10 · Free plan

    A flexible salon app with a free entry point and paid tools for growing teams.

    Visit Aura'dFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon app builder software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update