Salon Manager and SalonIQ both offer UK salon management software. A useful comparison starts with the total package: number of team members, online booking, payments, setup and which features cost extra. Salon Manager publishes tier starting prices and offers customer-led development alongside UK support.
WHY SALONS CHOOSE SALON MANAGER
Compare the cost of the tools you actually need, including team growth, booking payments and ongoing help.
CLEAR TEAM PRICING
Essentials starts at £29 + VAT for one stylist; additional team members cost £10 each until the seven-person fixed-price tier.
FUNCTION BEFORE LABELS
Consultation forms, client management and core salon operations are included in Essentials. Online booking is optional or included from Premium.
PAYMENTS MATTER
SalonPay rates start from 0.3%, subject to quote. Compare like-for-like card costs as well as the subscription.
THE DECISION THAT MATTERS
Build the package your salon needs before comparing prices.
01
Only part of the budget
02
Check features and options
03
Compare total team cost
Ask for a written quote and check which features and services are included.
THE CRITICAL QUESTION WITH SALONIQ
SalonIQ publicly advertises a solo starting price of £47 per month and setup from £175 + VAT. Its published packages include substantial functionality. Confirm which online payment and advanced capabilities need upgrades.
ASK BEFORE YOU BUY
What is included for our team and what would need upgrading?
THE SALON MANAGER APPROACH
Salon Manager Essentials starts at £29 + VAT for one stylist, with consultation forms and core operations included. Online booking can be added or is included from Premium from £49 + VAT per month.
FEATURE AND COST EQUIVALENCE
Features may have different names and package rules. This compares practical capabilities, not marketing labels.
| Compare the detail | SalonIQ | Salon Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Solo monthly subscription | From £47/month, according to its published pricing. | Essentials from £29 + VAT/month for one stylist. |
| Four bookable staff | Published structure indicates £47 + £10 per additional bookable staff member: £77/month before applicable taxes. | Essentials £59 + VAT/month for four stylists; compare actual feature configurations. |
| Initial setup | From £175 + VAT; includes installation and online training in published offer. | £199 + VAT setup, with training and assistance. |
| Online bookings | Advertised as included in its complete platform. | Optional in Essentials; included from Premium (from £49 + VAT). |
| Online deposits and payments | Listed as an upgrade option. | Deposits and card capture available where online booking is enabled; confirm relevant fees. |
| Consultation forms | Compare the precise workflow and package inclusion when quoted. | Digital consultation forms included in Essentials. |
| Email and SMS marketing | Automated SMS and email campaigns are advertised. | Integrated email marketing, SMS campaigns and client reconnect tools. |
| Payments | Integrated card payments listed as an upgrade. | SalonPay available; rates from 0.3% subject to quote. |
| Contract | Advertises cancellation with 90 days’ notice. | 12-month agreement with 30 days’ notice before term end. |
| Training and support | Advertises unlimited online training and ongoing salon support. | UK-based human support and ongoing training; compare responsiveness for your hours. |
| Client data and portability | Request details of exports, access permissions and permitted marketing uses. | Client records connected to the booking diary; customers can export their own data. |
Prices and features vary by package, eligibility, location and quotation. Competitor information checked 24 October 2026. All illustrative commission figures exclude VAT, payment fees and service costs.
Check provider information: Official source 1
THE FULL COMMERCIAL PICTURE
Some SalonPay customers save as much in processing fees as they spend on software. For illustration, a 0.4 percentage point reduction on £300,000 annual card turnover is £1,200. Your saving depends on transaction mix, current provider and an individual quote.
Compare effective card rates, fixed charges, equipment, settlement and software costs together. SalonPay rates start from 0.3%; this is not a guaranteed rate.
WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE SALON MANAGER
Flexible monthly subscriptions elsewhere can be useful. But migrating data, training staff and changing routines still take time. Check the whole investment before you decide.
DETAILS WORTH CHECKING
Salon Manager Essentials starts at £29 + VAT monthly for a solo stylist, with £199 + VAT setup and a 12-month agreement. A 30-day notice period applies before the end of the term. Online bookings are optional in Essentials and included from Premium (from £49 + VAT per month). Premium Plus (from £99 + VAT per month) includes online vouchers. SMS 6p–8p each. SalonPay card rates are individually quoted from 0.3%.
Competitor terms can change. Ask providers to itemise the exact package, optional services, processing charges and cancellation conditions.
CLEAR ANSWERS
Straight answers about features, pricing and terms. Confirm current provider offers before signing.
Salon Manager Essentials starts from £29 + VAT per month for a solo stylist. SalonIQ advertises a solo starting price of £47 + VAT, subject to its current terms. Compare included functions, setup, team size and required upgrades, not just the entry price.
Essentials starts at £29 + VAT for one team member, with £10 per additional member below seven. For seven or more team members, Essentials is £99 + VAT per month under the current published model.
Not by default. Online bookings are available as an add-on to Essentials, and included from Premium, which starts at £49 + VAT per month.
Yes. Digital consultation forms are part of the core Salon Manager functionality, including Essentials. The comparison should not confuse an alternative feature name with missing functionality.
Compare actual quoted blended costs on the same volume and card mix, including any fixed or additional charges. SalonPay rates start from 0.3%, but individual customer rates vary by quote.
Salon Manager actively welcomes suggestions from salons and uses industry feedback to inform ongoing software development. Individual requests are evaluated rather than automatically promised.
