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Head-to-head · Industry Management software

Vagaro vs Phorest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Vagaro #5 in Industry Management software 8.5/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Vagaro
Phorest #7 in Industry Management software 8.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Phorest

Vagaro leads on 0 checks, Phorest 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 scoreVagaro · 8.5/10

Vagaro scores higher on our rubric for industry management software: 8.5 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

Vagaro is the better fit for small service businesses focused on booking. Phorest is the better fit for salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing.

  • Vagaro fits best

    Small service businesses focused on booking

  • Phorest fits best

    Salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing

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Side by side

Feature Vagaro 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Phorest 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.2
Ranking #5 in Industry Management software #7 in Industry Management software
Best for Small service businesses focused on booking Salons needing booking, POS, and client marketing
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $30/mo —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Docs Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs
Compliance HIPAA GDPR, HIPAA
Integrations 10 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Vagaro 0/2 · Phorest 0/2
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Industry compliance Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Industries supported Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
User limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Listed integrations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Online booking pages and website widgets let customers book appointments.
  • Two-way Google Calendar sync and automated reminders support scheduling.
  • Payments, classes, memberships, and reporting extend beyond appointment booking.
  • Combines online booking, deposits, POS, and payment processing
  • Automates email and SMS reminders and supports group bookings
  • Adds marketing, inventory, and multi-location reporting
Cons
  • The $30 monthly One Location plan may not suit businesses seeking free software.
  • Its strongest fit is booking-led service businesses, not broader industry operations.
  • Pricing varies by country and employee calendar count.
  • Quote-based plans make costs harder to compare
  • Advanced tools such as branded apps and two-way SMS are tiered
  • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of booking-only businesses
Our verdict

Vagaro is cloud-based business management software for salons, spas, barbers, fitness businesses, and other wellness providers. It brings appointment and class booking, employee calendars, customer management, payment processing,…

Read the review →

Phorest brings appointment management, payments, staff operations, and client engagement into one cloud-based product for salons, spas, medspas, and aesthetic clinics. Clients can book through websites, social channels, or branded mobile…

Read the review →
  1. VagaroIndustry Management software 8.5Paid
  2. PhorestIndustry Management software 8.2Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Vagaro — where it wins

    • Online booking pages and website widgets let customers book appointments.
    • Two-way Google Calendar sync and automated reminders support scheduling.
    • Payments, classes, memberships, and reporting extend beyond appointment booking.

    Where it doesn't

    • The $30 monthly One Location plan may not suit businesses seeking free software.
    • Its strongest fit is booking-led service businesses, not broader industry operations.
    • Pricing varies by country and employee calendar count.

  • Phorest — where it wins

    • Combines online booking, deposits, POS, and payment processing
    • Automates email and SMS reminders and supports group bookings
    • Adds marketing, inventory, and multi-location reporting

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based plans make costs harder to compare
    • Advanced tools such as branded apps and two-way SMS are tiered
    • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of booking-only businesses

More comparisons

All industry management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update