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Head-to-head · Salon Staff Scheduling Software

Salonist vs Phorest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Salonist #1 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Salonist
Phorest #3 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software 9.0/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Phorest

Salonist leads on 1 check, Phorest on 0, and 0 are 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 scoreSalonist · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly Salonist
  • Free trialonly Salonist

Salonist scores higher on our rubric for salon staff scheduling software: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Salonist offers free plan; Phorest doesn't.

Salonist is the better fit for salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage. Phorest is the better fit for established salons needing advanced booking workflows.

  • Salonist fits best

    Salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage

  • Phorest fits best

    Established salons needing advanced booking workflows

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 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Phorest 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software #3 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software
Best for Salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage Established salons needing advanced booking workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 15 integrations 10 integrations
Features Salonist 0/5 · Phorest 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
  • Free plan includes online booking, scheduling, and staff shift management
  • Supports booking through websites, Instagram, Google, and the Salonist app
  • Combines payments, inventory, memberships, reporting, and client records
  • Waiting lists, double-booking controls and group bookings
  • Online booking, deposits, payments and automated reminders
  • Multi-location reporting with staff scheduling and rosters
Cons
  • Free plan is limited to 50 appointments per month
  • Advanced features are distributed across higher plans
  • The product may be broader than needed for scheduling-only teams
  • Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed
  • No free plan or advertised free trial
  • Advanced capabilities are split across four plan tiers
Our verdict

Salonist is cloud-based salon and spa management software for beauty and wellness businesses, from solo professionals to multi-location operators. Its core scheduling tools include online appointment booking, a drag-and-drop calendar,…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. SalonistSalon Staff Scheduling Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. PhorestSalon Staff Scheduling Software 9.0Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Salonist — where it wins

    • Free plan includes online booking, scheduling, and staff shift management
    • Supports booking through websites, Instagram, Google, and the Salonist app
    • Combines payments, inventory, memberships, reporting, and client records

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to 50 appointments per month
    • Advanced features are distributed across higher plans
    • The product may be broader than needed for scheduling-only teams

  • 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
  • Salonist9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    Broad salon operations coverage with a free entry plan and multi-platform access.

    Visit SalonistFull verdict →
  • Phorest9.0/10 · Pricing on request

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

    Visit PhorestFull 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