Which salon software is best?

Choose Salon Manager if:

  • You want one system to run your entire salon or Group
  • You prefer fixed monthly pricing with no hidden fees
  • You want full control over your clients and business
  • You don’t want to rely on third-party marketplaces
  • You want a system that is easy to use and quick to get started with

Choose Fresha if:

  • You rely on marketplace bookings to attract new clients
  • You’re happy to pay commission fees in exchange for exposure
  • You want a low-cost entry point with optional paid features
  • You prioritise client acquisition over full business control

Choose Phorest if:

  • You run a larger or multi-location salon
  • You need more advanced marketing tools and integrations
  • You want deeper reporting and customer engagement features
  • You’re comfortable with a more complex system and higher overall costs

Choose Salon IQ if:

  • You are a growing salon looking for a reliable all-round system
  • You want features over ease of use
  • You don’t require deep automation or highly advanced marketing features
  • You prefer a steady, familiar system over cutting-edge features

Choose Slick if:

  • You want a simple, easy-to-use system
  • You prefer a clean, straightforward setup with minimal complexity
  • You don’t need advanced reporting, automation, or deep features
  • You’re looking for something quick to learn and easy to manage day-to-day
pink frequently asked questions

Quick comparison:


Salon Manager is best for UK salons that want an easy-to-use, all-in-one system with fixed pricing, no add-ons, and no hidden fees. Fresha is ideal for salons focused on attracting new clients through its marketplace, while Phorest suits larger salons that need more advanced marketing and reporting tools.

 

Feature Salon Manager Fresha Phorest Salon IQ Slick
Pricing model Fixed monthly Commission-based Subscription + add-ons Subscription + add-ons Subscription
Online booking ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in
POS & payments ✔ Fully integrated ✔ Integrated ✔ Integrated ✔ Integrated ✔ Integrated
Client CRM ✔ Advanced ⚠ Basic ✔ Advanced ✔ Advanced ✔ Standard
Automated reminders ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in ✔ Built-in
Marketing tools ✔ Built-in ⚠ Limited ✔ Advanced ✔ Standard ✔ Standard
Marketing automation ✔ Advanced ⚠ Limited ✔ Advanced ✔ Advanced ✔ Standard
Reporting & analytics ✔ Advanced ⚠ Basic ✔ Advanced ✔ Advanced ✔ Standard
Staff scheduling ✔ Included ✔ Included ✔ Included ✔ Included ✔ Included
Inventory / retail ✔ Advanced ⚠ Basic ✔ Advanced ✔ Advanced ✔ Standard
Multi-location support ✔ Strong ✔ Available ✔ Strong ✔ Available ✔ Available
Marketplace ❌ No ✔ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Commission fees ❌ None ✔ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Hidden/add-on costs ❌ None ⚠ Possible ⚠ Possible ⚠ Possible ⚠ Possible
Ease of use ✔ Very easy ✔ Easy ⚠ Moderate ⚠ Moderate ✔ Easy
Suitable for colleges ✔ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Best for All-in-one control Client acquisition Large salons Growing salons Simple setups
Potential limitation No marketplace Commission fees Add-on costs Add-on costs Fewer advanced tools
Salon Manager vs
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