Head-to-head · Salon Appointment Scheduling Software
Timely vs Ovatu
Timely leads on 0 checks, Ovatu on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreTimely · 8.6/10
- Lowest starting priceOvatu · $25/user/mo
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresOvatu · 2 of 6
Timely scores higher on our rubric for salon appointment scheduling software: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
Ovatu is cheaper to start at $25/mo against $26/mo.
Timely is the better fit for salons wanting mature scheduling tools. Ovatu is the better fit for independent salons needing more than booking.
- Timely fits best
Salons wanting mature scheduling tools
- Ovatu fits best
Independent salons needing more than booking
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Side by side
| Feature | Timely 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Ovatu 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #7 in Salon Appointment Scheduling Software | #8 in Salon Appointment Scheduling Software |
| Best for | Salons wanting mature scheduling tools | Independent salons needing more than booking |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $26/user/mo | $25/user/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 30 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | 2FA | GDPR |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 17 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Timely 1/6 · Ovatu 2/6 | ||
| Online self-booking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Automated reminders | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Cancellation controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Staff calendars | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Appointment payments | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| External calendar sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Staff accounts | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Timely brings appointment booking, payment collection, and salon management into a cloud-based product for hair, beauty, wellness, and other appointment-based businesses. Its tools span online booking pages, an appointment calendar, client… Read the review → |
Ovatu combines salon appointment scheduling with tools for running day-to-day client and staff workflows. It suits independent salons that want online booking alongside rosters, reminders, payments, forms, and inventory management, rather… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Timely — where it wins
- Two-way Google Calendar sync with online booking and appointment reminders
- Collects deposits and cancellation fees alongside online and in-person payments
- Adds staff controls, inventory, reporting, and digital consultation forms
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; Build starts at $26 per staff member monthly
- Advanced tools such as waitlists and digital forms require higher plans
- Elevate and Innovate plan prices are not specified here
Ovatu — where it wins
- Branded online booking, waitlists, and resource scheduling
- Combines rosters, reminders, POS, payments, and client forms
- Loaded adds campaigns, inventory control, gift cards, and passes
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; Neat starts at $25 per employee monthly
- Campaigns and inventory control require the $38 Loaded plan
- Feature breadth may exceed the needs of salons seeking booking alone
- Timely8.6/10 · 14-day trial
A mature scheduling toolkit for salons, with payments, staff controls, and client records.
Visit TimelyFull verdict → - Ovatu8.5/10 · 30-day trial
A broad salon management toolkit, with plans priced per employee each month.
Visit OvatuFull verdict →
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All salon appointment scheduling software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update