Last Updated on November 21, 2025 by Ewen Finser
Picture this: You’ve just upgraded to a new salon appointment app. This is going to unlock a wealth of opportunities for your business! But then, disaster strikes. Somehow, you’re double-booked for an appointment this morning and have to turn someone away. If this sounds familiar, it’s no surprise you’re now once again researching the best salon appointment apps.
The thing is, not all salon software handles appointments equally well.
Some platforms bolt on booking as an afterthought, while others make scheduling their centerpiece, even when they offer additional features.
I want to break down the five best salon appointment apps based on your specific needs. Whether you’re a solo stylist looking for simple online booking or managing a multi-location salon that needs sophisticated scheduling automation, there’s an app here designed for your situation.
Here are my top picks, ordered from what works best for independent professionals up to enterprise salons:
- GlossGenius – Great for solo stylists and small teams
- Mangomint – Ideal for growing salons (10-20+ providers)
- Mindbody – Designed for salon and medspa businesses offering classes and appointments
- Booker – Good for large or multi-location enterprises
- Boulevard – Best for strategic, growth-focused salons
Let’s dive into what makes each appointment app stand out, so you can finally choose the right one and stop dealing with scheduling nightmares.
1. GlossGenius
GlossGenius is a salon and spa appointment app that bills itself as an “all-in-one” option. First founded in 2016, it’s become well-known as an efficient option for solo stylists and small teams.
Starting at $28/month for solo stylists, the lowest tier includes must-haves like online booking, inventory management, and analytics.
But you do have to pay more to get other booking features like a waitlist and resource management (meaning the option to book hood dryers, manicure stations, etc., with each service).
Appointment Features
Let’s break down exactly what you get at each price point. For the Standard membership tier, you get:
- 24/7 Online Booking – Login-free booking, and no app downloads required for clients
- Booking Website Builder – A tool packed with templates, a portfolio/gallery page, and a customizable service catalog
- Automated Reminders – Unlimited appointment confirmations and reminders via SMS/email
- Calendar Management – Daily and weekly views, gap time settings, processing time between appointments, and double-booking for services with downtime
- Deposits – The option to require deposits at booking to reduce no-shows
- Cancellation and no-show policies – Built-in policies that clients have to agree to, plus the ability to charge their card on file as per your policies
- Multi-Platform Booking – Clients can book through your salon’s Instagram and Facebook pages
- Client Insights Reports – Track how new clients discover your business, plus countless other analytics to grow your business
But you’ll have to upgrade to a higher tier to get:
- Waitlist – Automatically notify clients when appointment slots open up
- Reserve with Google – Allow clients to book directly through Google Search and Maps
- Resource Management – Assign specific equipment, like hood dryers or manicure stations, to appointments
- Forms and Waivers – Digital intake forms that clients complete before their appointment
There are also a few a la carte add-ons available regardless of which tier you choose:
- Advanced Medspa Package – Includes features like SOAP notes and managing treatment records
- HIPAA Compliance – If you’re a medspa or independent aesthetics professional, GlossGenius offers HIPAA coverage
- Payroll functionality – Allows you to automatically pay your team with built-in payroll functionality
Pros of GlossGenius
- Online booking is friction-free, whether done from Facebook, Instagram, or your booking website
- Free data transfer service makes switching to this salon appointment app simple and easy
- Flat 2.6% payment processing for each transaction rather than a variable rate
- Beautifully designed, modern interface works well for clients and stylists
Cons of GlossGenius
- Certain settings in the booking software, like processing time, aren’t 100% customizable
- Limited customization options compared to apps designed for larger salons
- Some must-have booking features are only available in higher tiers
- Occasional app stability issues have been reported by users
Who GlossGenius is Best For
- Independent stylists, estheticians, and solo practitioners
- Small salons (you only get up to 9 team members on the Gold plan)
- Professionals who want a beautiful client-facing booking experience
- Anyone who prioritizes ease of use over complex, customizable features
2. Mangomint
Mangomint is a salon and spa appointment app that launched in 2017 and has quickly become known as one of the highest-rated platforms in the industry. It’s specifically designed for salons and spas with teams of 10 or more service providers, making it ideal for growing businesses that have outgrown simpler systems.
Starting at $165/month for the Essentials plan (up to 10 service providers), Mangomint is definitely a step up in price from solo-focused apps. But that price tag comes with a sophisticated interface that users consistently rave about.
Appointment Features
For the Essentials membership tier ($165/month for up to 10 providers), you get:
- Express Booking™ – A proprietary, streamlined booking process that makes scheduling faster for both clients and staff
- 24/7 Online Booking – Customizable booking pages where clients can book anytime without logging in
- Calendar Management – Lightning-fast refresh rates, color-coded appointments, daily and weekly views, and multiple calendar view options
- Automated Reminders – Unlimited SMS and email appointment confirmations and reminders (no per-message fees)
- Deposits – Require deposits at time of booking that integrate seamlessly with the POS
- Waitlist – Built-in waitlist feature to automatically fill last-minute cancellations
- Recurring Appointments – Easily schedule standing appointments for regular clients
But you’ll have to upgrade to a higher tier to get:
- Memberships – Sell and manage recurring membership packages with automatic billing
- Group Booking – Book clients together for couples or group services
- Resource Scheduling – Book rooms, equipment, or specific stations alongside services
There are also a few à la carte add-ons available regardless of which tier you choose:
- Two-Way Texting – $75/month for unlimited messaging with clients through a dedicated business phone number
- Integrated Forms – $50/month for custom intake forms and client waivers
Pros of Mangomint
- Month-to-month pricing with no long-term contracts required
- Exceptionally responsive customer support with live chat available
- Perfect for chair rental salons, with the ability to route payments to individual accounts
Cons of Mangomint
- Higher entry price point makes it cost-prohibitive for solo stylists
- Not designed for solopreneurs (minimum 2 providers on Essentials plan)
- Some must-have features require paid add-ons (two-way texting, forms)
- Limited third-party integrations compared to other salon appointment platforms
Who Should Use Mangomint
- Salons and spas with teams of 2 or more service providers
- Chair rental or booth rental salons needing individual payment routing
- Growing businesses that prioritize speed, design, and exceptional support
3. Mindbody
Mindbody is an appointment scheduling platform that’s been around since 2001, which makes it one of the most established names in the wellness industry. While it’s used by salons and spas, Mindbody is well-known these days for fitness studios, yoga centers, and wellness businesses that offer both classes and individual appointments.
This is one of the few salon appointment apps that doesn’t publicize the pricing for each tier. That said, user reviews show that the cost can add up fast, depending on which features and how many users you need.
Mindbody’s biggest draw is its dual functionality. It handles both class-based scheduling (yoga classes with 20 spots) and traditional appointment booking (one-on-one services). If your salon offers group classes alongside individual services, Mindbody might be worth considering.
Appointment Features
With the Starter plan, you get:
- Online Booking – 24/7 client booking through your website or the Mindbody app
- Appointment and Class Scheduling – Flexible scheduling for both private appointments and group classes
- Real-Time Scheduling – Instant updates across all devices so clients see accurate availability
- Automated Reminders – Email and SMS confirmations with customizable messages
- Calendar Management – View schedules by staff, manage availabilities, and see multiple locations
- Staff Scheduling – Staff can view and update their own schedules through the Business app
- Credit Card Holds – Collect payment details at booking to reduce no-shows
- Waitlist Management – Clients can join waitlists for fully-booked time slots
- Mindbody App Listing – Your services appear in the Mindbody consumer marketplace
Higher tiers add features like:
- Automated Waitlist – Automatically notifies waitlisted clients via text when spots open
- Group Appointment Booking – Book multiple clients at once with split payment support
- Multi-Service Booking – Clients book multiple services in one seamless flow
- Booking Add-Ons – Clients can add services during the booking process
- Messenger[ai] – AI assistant that books appointments and answers questions via text
Pros of Mindbody
- Robust feature set handles both appointments and classes seamlessly
- Mindbody Marketplace connects you with millions of potential new clients
- Great for multi-location businesses with complex scheduling needs
Cons of Mindbody
- Interface feels dated and clunky compared to newer platforms
- Steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with the platform
- Many users report declining customer support quality and long wait times
Who Mindbody is Best For
- Salons wanting access to the Mindbody consumer marketplace for client discovery
- Wellness centers and med spas offering both classes and individual appointments
- Fitness-beauty hybrid studios (barre classes + spray tans, yoga + massage, etc.)
4. Booker
Booker is a salon and spa appointment app that was founded in 2007 and acquired by Mindbody in 2018. It’s positioned as an enterprise-grade solution designed for established and/or multi-location businesses.
With the Starter plan priced at $139/month, Booker has been a trusted name in the spa and salon industry for years. Thanks to the recent Mindbody merger, Booker now has a few more compelling features, particularly the ability to list your salon on the Mindbody consumer marketplace, which has 2.4 million active users.
Appointment Features
For the Starter plan ($139/month), you get:
- 24/7 Online Booking – Clients can book through your website, mobile devices, and social media platforms
- Appointment Scheduling – Manage bookings for services, equipment, rooms, and staff schedules
- Calendar Management – View schedules by staff, by room, or through custom view options; print staff itineraries
- Text Notifications – Up to 3,000 text notifications and reminders per month included
- Automated Reminders – Email and SMS confirmations to reduce no-shows
Higher tiers (Accelerate at $289/month, Ultimate at $469/month, and Ultimate Plus at $599/month) add features like:
- Email Campaign Builder – Create and send targeted email campaigns with smart contact lists
- Customer Feedback Tools – Automated review requests and feedback collection
- Customer Referral Program – Built-in tools to incentivize client referrals
- Messenger[ai] – 24/7 AI assistant that books appointments, answers questions, and responds to missed calls via text and webchat
Pros of Booker
- Access to Mindbody Marketplace connects you with millions of potential clients
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics features for complex salon operations
- Robust business intelligence dashboard with detailed reporting
- Great for multi-location businesses managing 50+ total staff
Cons of Booker
- Mobile app has gone downhill according to users (frequent crashes, login issues, and freezing reported)
- Customer support wait times can exceed one hour on phone calls
- Complex interface may overwhelm smaller salons or new users
- Expensive pricing that escalates quickly with add-ons
Who Booker is Best For
- Businesses specifically wanting AI booking assistant features (Ultimate Plus plan)
- Salons that can work primarily from desktop (not relying on mobile app)
- Large, established salon and spa businesses or chains
5. Boulevard
Boulevard is a salon and spa appointment app that launched in 2016 and has quickly become known for its modern, intuitive design and exceptional customer experience. It’s specifically built for salons, spas, and med spas, which means the UI is far more intuitive than apps adapted from other industries.
Starting at $176/month ($158/month if paid annually) for the Essentials plan, Boulevard isn’t just one of the best salon appointment apps, but an all-in-one solution for growth-focused salons.
Boulevard’s biggest draw is its focus on the client experience. From seamless no-login booking to thoughtful automated communications, every feature is designed to make your salon look and feel premium.
Appointment Features
For the Essentials plan ($176/month or $158/month annual), you get:
- Online Booking – No login required for clients, seamlessly integrated into your website
- Automated Reminders – 100 free two-way text messages per month included, plus unlimited email reminders
- Smart Scheduling – Suggestions for optimal appointment times to maximize revenue
- Waitlist – Manage waitlist to fill last-minute cancellations
- Multi-Service Booking – Clients can book multiple services with different providers in one flow
- Social Media Booking – Add “Book Now” buttons to Instagram and Facebook
- Calendar Management – Clean, intuitive calendar with clear visibility of your day
- Client Check-In – Track which clients are waiting, running late, or checked out
If you upgrade to a higher tier, you’ll also get:
- Deposits at Booking – Collect deposits when clients book to reduce no-shows
- Resource Scheduling – Book rooms, equipment, or stations alongside services
- Front Desk iPad App (Duo) – Manage check-ins and walk-ins from a dedicated iPad ($149 additional hardware cost)
- Multi-Merchant Transactions – Route payments to specific chair rental stylists
- Forms and Charts – Digital intake forms and client charts that can be completed ahead of appointments
Pros of Boulevard
- Beautiful, modern interface that both staff and clients love using
- Exceptional customer support—consistently faster and more responsive than competitors
- Built specifically for salons and spas (not adapted from fitness or other industries)
- Precision Scheduling™ automatically fills gaps in your calendar to maximize productivity
Cons of Boulevard
- Premium pricing may be cost-prohibitive for salons with fewer than 5 providers
- No free trial available (demo only, must speak with the sales team)
Who Boulevard is Best For
- Medium to large salons with 5+ service providers
- Salons consolidating multiple disconnected tools
- Teams that value responsive support and regular platform innovation
- Growth-focused businesses that prioritize exceptional client experience
- Salons ready to invest in premium software for long-term efficiency and client retention
Final Tips on Choosing Between the Best Salon Appointment Apps
Choosing the best salon appointment app comes down to your business size, booking volume, and growth trajectory:
- Solo stylists can thrive with GlossGenius’s affordability and stunning client experience
- Growing teams benefit from Mangomint’s speed and modern calendar
- Complex businesses that are managing classes alongside appointments will benefit from Mindbody’s flexibility
- Large enterprises may consider Booker despite its mobile limitations
- Boulevard delivers the premium experience that growth-focused salons need to scale efficiently
Start with demos or free trials to test how each platform handles your actual scheduling challenges. What features matter most in appointment software? No-login booking, automated reminders, and intelligent waitlist management form the foundation, and everything else builds from there.
Choose the salon appointment app that makes booking effortless for your clients and eliminates double-bookings for your team. With the right app, your salon will be poised to not just survive, but thrive.