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Head-to-head · Salon Staff Scheduling Software

Salonist vs Timely

  • 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
Timely #6 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software 8.6/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Timely

Salonist leads on 1 check, Timely 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 trialboth

Salonist scores higher on our rubric for salon staff scheduling software: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Salonist offers free plan; Timely doesn't.

Salonist is the better fit for salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage. Timely is the better fit for salons needing two-way calendar synchronization.

  • Salonist fits best

    Salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage

  • Timely fits best

    Salons needing two-way calendar synchronization

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Side by side

Feature Salonist 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Timely 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.6
Ranking #1 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software #6 in Salon Staff Scheduling Software
Best for Salons wanting broad, low-cost operations coverage Salons needing two-way calendar synchronization
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — $26/user/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 7 days 14 days
Free trial length 7 days 14 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 15 integrations 7 integrations
Features Salonist 0/5 · Timely 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
  • Two-way Google Calendar synchronization
  • Booking pages, reminders, deposits and payment collection
  • Multi-staff appointments for shared services
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
  • No free plan
  • Starts at $26 per user per month
  • Higher tiers are needed for advanced forms and targets
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 →

Timely is appointment scheduling and payments software for hair, beauty and salon businesses. It combines online booking pages, shareable booking links, staff calendars, client profiles, appointment history and notes. Clients can select…

Read the review →
  1. SalonistSalon Staff Scheduling Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. TimelySalon Staff Scheduling Software 8.614-day trial

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

  • Timely — where it wins

    • Two-way Google Calendar synchronization
    • Booking pages, reminders, deposits and payment collection
    • Multi-staff appointments for shared services

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan
    • Starts at $26 per user per month
    • Higher tiers are needed for advanced forms and targets
  • Salonist9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

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

    Visit SalonistFull verdict →
  • Timely8.6/10 · 14-day trial

    A capable salon scheduler for teams that need calendar sync, booking and payments.

    Visit TimelyFull 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