Head-to-head · Salon POS Software
Vagaro vs Salonist
Vagaro leads on 0 checks, Salonist on 1, and 1 is 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 scoreVagaro · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Salonist
- Free trialonly Salonist
- Most featuresSalonist · 1 of 6
Vagaro scores higher on our rubric for salon pos software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
Salonist offers free plan; Vagaro doesn't.
Vagaro is the better fit for growing salons wanting broad integrations. Salonist is the better fit for salons wanting free entry and many integrations.
- Vagaro fits best
Growing salons wanting broad integrations
- Salonist fits best
Salons wanting free entry and many integrations
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Side by side
| Feature | Vagaro 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Salonist 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Salon POS Software | #7 in Salon POS Software |
| Best for | Growing salons wanting broad integrations | Salons wanting free entry and many integrations |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $30/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 15 integrations |
| Features Vagaro 0/6 · Salonist 1/6 | ||
| Online booking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Retail inventory | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Tip management | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Commission tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Gift cards | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-location support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Vagaro is cloud-based appointment scheduling and business management software for salons, spas, barbershops, fitness businesses, and other beauty and wellness professionals. It combines online booking pages, website widgets, calendar… Read the review → |
Salonist is cloud-based salon and spa management software for beauty and wellness businesses, ranging from solo professionals to multi-location operators. Its scope covers online appointment booking, drag-and-drop calendars, staff… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Vagaro — where it wins
- Online booking pages, widgets, links, and social-channel booking
- Two-way Google Calendar sync with automated appointment reminders
- Payments, payroll, inventory, reporting, and marketing tools included
Where it doesn't
- The base subscription covers one location
- One bookable calendar is included in the base plan
- There is no free plan after the 30-day trial
Salonist — where it wins
- Free plan includes online booking and 50 appointments per month
- Supports booking through websites, Instagram, Google, and the Salonist app
- Connects with payment, accounting, marketing, commerce, and calendar tools
Where it doesn't
- The free plan is capped at 50 appointments per month
- Advanced capabilities are distributed across multiple paid tiers
- Custom integrations and API access are limited to the Expert plan
- Vagaro9.2/10 · Paid
A broad salon POS suite for booking, payments, operations, and integrations.
Visit VagaroFull verdict → - Salonist8.5/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad salon POS platform with free entry, booking tools, and extensive integrations.
Visit SalonistFull verdict →
More comparisons
All salon POS software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update