The Top 8 Square Appointments Alternatives [2026]
Explore the top 8 alternatives to Square Appointments for salons, spas, and wellness.
1/28/2026•BY STAFF
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Being an esthetician is equal parts artistry and business management. On one side, you’re refreshing skin and sending clients out the door glowing with confidence. On the other, you’re balancing a calendar full of appointments, tracking retails sales, remembering who loves which serum, and wondering whether that last order of supplies actually got placed. Things can get hectic, fast.
That’s where the best esthetician software becomes your secret weapon. Instead of running your business from sticky notes, spreadsheets, or a phone that never stops buzzing, you get an all-in-one digital assistant designed specifically for skincare professionals. These platforms help estheticians, day spas, and med spas alike simplify operations, strengthen client relationships, and reclaim time to focus on the services that truly matter.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about esthetician software in 2026: what it is, why it matters, the features that make the biggest impact, and the platforms leading the way. Whether you’re a solo practitioner renting a treatment room or managing a bustling multi-location spa, you’ll find insights here to help you choose the right system.
At its core, esthetician software is an all-in-one management platform built to take the stress out of running a skincare business. Think of it as a silent partner: it books appointments when you’re in the middle of a facial, sends reminders so your clients don’t forget, processes payments at checkout, and keeps detailed records of every treatment and note. It handles the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on treatments and client relationships. At its core, it:
The best esthetician software isn’t just about booking. It’s about streamlining every part of the workflow. Imagine finishing a treatment, updating SOAP notes with just a few taps, snapping before-and after photos that upload directly to the client’s profile, and checking inventory all before your next appointment walks through the door. That level of organization doesn’t just save time; it elevates the client experience and builds trust.
A solo esthetician uses software to protect against no-shows with deposits and confirmations. A day spa runs multiple calendars, memberships, and loyalty programs. A med spa requires HIPAA-compliant records, SOAP notes, and secure photo storage.
No matter the size, the goal is the same: fewer admin headaches and a better client experience.
The beauty industry has changed dramatically in recent years. Clients expect convenience: online booking at midnight, mobile checkouts without fumbling for a card, and tailored follow-ups that feel personal. They’ve grown accustomed to apps and automation everywhere else in their lives—why should their skincare experience be any different?
On the business side, competition among estheticians and spas is fierce. The professionals who thrive are those who spend less time bogged down by admin tasks and more time delivering results. Software is the bridge that makes that possible.
With the right platform, estheticians can:
Without these tools, even the most talented esthetician risks being buried in paperwork, losing revenue from missed appointments, or leaving clients feeling like just another name on the schedule.
Every esthetician runs their business differently. Some focus on facials and retail skincare sales, while others operate med spas offering injectables, laser treatments, and chemical peels. The best esthetician software is flexible enough to handle both. Let’s explore the features that make the biggest difference.
One of the most time-consuming parts of being an esthetician is managing the calendar. Missed calls, double bookings, and late-night text confirmations can drain your energy. Scheduling software solves this by letting clients book online 24/7, whether through your website, a booking app, or even social media links.
Advanced scheduling features also allow you to control your availability, block out time for lunch breaks, and even set up recurring appointments for loyal clients. The automation keeps your calendar full but balanced, reducing gaps and overbooking headaches.
Clients today expect options. Some want to pay in advance online, others prefer to tap their phone at checkout, and some may want to set up a recurring membership. The best esthetician software offers all these, including secure POS systems, contactless payments, and integration with popular wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Having a card on file is also a game-changer. It allows you to enforce cancellation and no-show policies without awkward conversations. Instead of chasing down payments, the software handles it seamlessly.
Every esthetician knows the power of remembering small details: which mask a client reacted to, how they like their brows shaped, or which products they purchased last time. Esthetician software builds detailed client profiles that store all this information securely.
For medical spas, features like SOAP notes ensure compliance and precision. For all estheticians, progress photos add another layer of value, allowing clients to see their results over time. These records not only improve the client experience but also make upselling or recommending the right products easier and more authentic.
Empty appointment slots are every esthetician’s nightmare. Software helps prevent that with built-in marketing tools like automated email or text campaigns. Imagine sending a “last-minute opening at 3PM” text to your VIP clients and filling the spot instantly.
Loyalty programs built into the platform also keep clients coming back. Whether through points, discounts, or exclusive perks, rewarding repeat visits strengthens client relationships and creates steady revenue.
Retail sales are a big part of many estheticians’ businesses. Running out of a popular serum or mask can be inconvenient and cost you revenue. Esthetician software often includes inventory management tools that track product levels, notify you when stock is low, and generate sales reports to show which products move fastest.
At the end of the month, it’s not enough to know you were busy. You need to know which services brought in the most revenue, which clients are overdue for follow-ups, and where your business is growing and struggling. The best esthetician software translates raw data into insights, giving you clarity instead of more spreadsheets.
Not all estheticians need the same features, which is why choosing the right platform depends on your business model.
If you’re a solo esthetician, simplicity and affordability might be the top priorities. You’ll want lightweight scheduling, payment options, and client notes without paying for features you’ll never use.
If you’re running a day spa, features like memberships, group scheduling, and loyalty programs become more important. Keeping multiple staff members and services coordinated requires a more robust system.
For medical spas, HIPAA compliance, SOAP notes, and advanced client management are essential. The ability to securely store treatment histories and photos can’t be compromised.
Wellness centers that combine skincare with massage or holistic treatments need flexible scheduling and integration across service categories. The best esthetician software will tie in the entire client experience.
At the heart of every thriving esthetics business is strong client trust. People don’t just come for a facial or a peel; they come because they believe you understand their needs and will help them achieve their goals.
Software supports this in a subtle but powerful ways: When a client books a follow-up appointment and receives a gentle reminder, it shows you value their time. When they see you’ve remembered their favorite moisturizer or checked in on their last treatment’s results, it shows you care.
Progress photos, SOAP notes, and loyalty rewards all reinforce that each client is more than just a transaction. Over time, this builds a loyal base that refers friends, writes glowing reviews, and keeps your schedule full.
With dozens of options on the market, how do you know which is best? Here are the standout platforms making a difference for estheticians this year:
Vagaro is a versatile, all-in-one platform trusted by thousands of med spas and wellness businesses. It serves solopreneurs and multi-location enterprises alike, providing streamlined booking & scheduling, e-prescriptions, client management tools, payment processing, and marketing—all while boosting revenue and efficiency.
Mangomint is a user-friendly, all-in-one med spa platform with scheduling, payments, and HIPAA-compliant client management. Its intuitive design and reliable features make daily operations smoother and more efficient.
Boulevard offers a modern, all-in-one solution for scheduling, client management, and payments. HIPAA-compliant for spas, it streamlines operations, boosts client retention, and supports business growth.
Ideal for large or multi-location spas, Zenoti offers advanced scheduling, client engagement tools, memberships, and centralized reporting. It helps deliver a consistent, premium experience while tracking performance and revenue across locations.
Acuity is a cloud-based platform that simplifies appointment scheduling, client reminders, and online payments. Its customization options and integration capabilities make it ideal for med spas seeking a flexible, client-friendly booking system.
Phorest offers spas online booking, automated reminders, loyalty programs, and reporting tools. It’s designed to increase client retention, track performance metrics, and support business growth.
Fresha is a low-monthly-fee platform for spas, offering online booking, client management, and payment processing. It’s simple, mobile-friendly system helps small and mid-size practices manage appointments and streamline operations without heavy overhead.
SimpleSpa is a HIPAA-compliant software for small-to-medium spas, offering scheduling, CRM, and reporting. It combines online scheduling, client management, and automated reminders in a single platform.
Rosy is an intuitive med spa software platform that simplifies scheduling, client records, and billing. It’s designed for easy adoption, giving teams more time to focus on treatments while keeping operations organized and HIPAA-compliant.
Each of these platforms has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and long-term goals.
Pricing varies based on team size, features, and add-ons like marketing or photo storage.
Common models include:
Value matters more than cost. A few fewer no-shows, one extra membership sold, or even half an hour of admin saved per week can more than cover the software.
Choosing software is like choosing your perfect skincare routine. It has to match your unique needs. Ask yourself:
The best esthetician software won’t just fit your business today; it will grow with you, adapting as you add services, staff, or new locations.
Running a skincare business has always been a balance of creativity, science, and logistics. By investing in the best esthetician software, you’re not just streamlining the back office, but also elevating the entire client experience.
From solo estheticians to busy med spas, the right platform is the difference between barely keeping up and building a thriving, scalable business. Choose the system that feels like a partner, one that simplifies your daily workload, and gives you the freedom to focus on what you do best: helping your clients look and feel amazing!
What’s the best software for beginners?
Square Appointments or Vagaro. Both are affordable, intuitive, and quick to launch.
Which platforms support SOAP notes and photos?
Vagaro and Mangomint.
Do I need HIPAA compliance?
Yes, if you offer medical treatments or store health-related records.
How much does it cost?
Most estheticians spend $20 to $200 per month.
Can I migrate my data?
Yes, most providers offer guided onboarding and data imports.