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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Your salon software should feel like a reliable teammate, not another source of stress. If you’re a beauty pro searching for the best salon POS systems (POS), this guide is for you. The right point of sale solution isn’t just about processing payments. It’s about helping you spend less time wrestling with receipts or no-shows and more time creating balayage that turns heads, cuts that built loyalty, and client experiences that they can't stop raving about.
If your current system feels more like extra work than actual support, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Today’s best POS systems for salons, spas, and beauty businesses come loaded with essentials like appointment scheduling, inventory tracking, and CRM tools that help you build lasting client relationships. Whether you’re running a busy salon or starting fresh with a single chair, this article breaks down the features you can't skip, how to choose the right fit, and which platforms are leading the pack in 2026.
Salon and spa software refers to specialized solutions designed for beauty salons, spas, and related businesses, offering features tailored to their unique needs. In short, it’s the digital payment processing hub for your business. But in reality? It’s so much more. A salon point of sale acts as a central management hub for appointments, inventory, marketing, and reporting under one roof. Think of it as your backstage crew making sure the show runs smoothly, so you can shine in the spotlight.
A good POS will:
Taking payments should be simple, fast, and stress-free. The best salon POS systems let you accept just about every kind of payment, from tap to pay and mobile wallets to chip, swipe, split payments, and even online pre-payments. With integrated payment processing, including credit cards, checkout becomes seamless for both your team and your clients.
Picture this: a client just wrapped up her highlights but realizes her wallet is sitting in yesterday’s purse. With a card saved on file, she is checked out in seconds. No awkward “I’ll pay you later” conversations. Or maybe you are ringing up a bridal party splitting the bill five ways. A solid POS makes that painless too.
Pro Tip:
When checkout feels effortless, clients tend to tip more generously. Many salon POS systems let you add custom tip prompts so instead of scribbling numbers on a receipt, clients simply tap a button. That small nudge often means bigger gratuities for your team.
No-shows and last-minute cancellations can throw off your entire schedule and cut into your revenue. The best salon POS systems give you tools to enforce policies fairly and automatically, so you are not left scrambling.
Automated client notifications, whether by email or SMS, keep clients updated on their upcoming appointments, cancellations, receipts, and even feedback requests. This level of communication helps reduce no-shows and keeps your calendar running smoothly.
If you require a card on file, the system can charge a cancellation fee when someone backs out at the last minute. No awkward conversations, no chasing clients down later. Your chair stays filled with clients who value your time, and your team gets paid even when an appointment falls through.
This is where the all-in-one magic really shows up. A salon POS system that connects your booking and payment tools can do much more than tell you how much you made today. With integrated business features, your POS becomes a powerful hub that streamlines operations and gives you insights you can actually act on.
Detailed reports can reveal:
Once you have this information, you can adjust pricing, design smarter promotions, or even decide when it’s time to hire another stylist. Think of it as having a business coach built right into your software.
Not every POS system is built the same. The best one for your salon depends on how you work and what your business truly needs. Choosing the right salon POS system means looking closely at features like appointment scheduling, inventory management, and customer loyalty tools to make sure it supports your day-to-day operations.
That said, there are a few must-haves when shipping for the best salon POS system. An all-in-one platform can be especially valuable since it combines scheduling, payments, and client management in one place. This kind of setup not only simplifies operations but also keeps your business running smoothly behind the scenes.
Taking payments should always feel quick, reliable, and polished. To make checkout seamless, your salon POS system needs dependable hardware such as a POS terminal, card reader, mobile card reader, and handheld POS devices. Whether you are selling services, products, or collecting tips, having the right set up is essential.
Features like tap-to-pay and online payments make transactions easier for your clients, while support for contactless options such as Google Pay adds even more convenience. Pair that with an integrated receipts printer, and you have a smooth, professional checkout process that benefits both your business and your customers.
Your calendar shouldn’t give you a headache. It’s important to choose a POS system that can offer appointment scheduling as a core feature, ensuring your salon runs smoothly and efficiently. Look for 24/7 online booking, no-show reminders, recurring appointments, and waitlist options that keep you fully booked without chaos.
From formulas and past services to birthdays and loyalty points, your software should help you remember the details that make clients feel like VIPs. Customer management features allow salons to efficiently track client information and personalize services, ensuring every visit feels tailored and special.
No one wants to run out of best-selling heat protectant spray on a Saturday afternoon. Choose a system that tracks stock, predicts reorders, and keeps retail flowing. Inventory management tools help salons manage inventory efficiently, track stock levels, and streamline retail sales.
If you’ve got a crew, you need tools for scheduling, commissions, and payroll. Employee management is a key feature to look for, as it helps streamline scheduling, track commissions, and handle payroll efficiently. Bonus points if it manages tips automatically and shows you who’s crushing it on the floor.
Here’s the truth about running a salon: you already know how to make people feel their best, and your POS system should be just as committed to making your business shine. The best salon POS systems go beyond ringing up payments. They help you nurture the client relationships that keep people coming back. Think of it as your sidekick with marketing tools that make it easy to build real connections while tracking loyalty rewards that make regulars feel truly valued.
When you’re balancing appointments, managing inventory, and perfecting that flawless balayage, the last thing you need is to juggle multiple apps just to send a reminder. That’s where integrated email and SMS marketing becomes your secret advantage. With it, you can share promotions and appointment updates that feel personal instead of pushy. For salons ready to grow, platforms such as Vagaro deliver robust marketing tools inside a single POS system so building strong client relationships feels seamless.
The best part is what happens behind the scenes. When you lean on built-in marketing features, you simplify your promotions and free up time to focus on your craft. Your salon POS system quietly supports you, client retention improves, and your business keeps moving forward. With the right tools, growth feels natural.
Your numbers should tell a story. The best systems show you trends in bookings, revenue, and retention so you can make smart moves without being a data nerd.
Running a salon means you are already spinning a dozen plates at once, but one thing you should never have to worry about is protecting your business and your clients’ information. A reliable salon POS system acts like a trusted partner, safeguarding every transaction with features such as end-to-end encryption that keeps sensitive data away from prying eyes. The best systems follow strict industry standards like PCI-DSS compliance and stay current with regular updates, so your business runs securely without missing a beat.
Some POS providers stand out for making security a top priority. Square, for example, is well known for building secure payment environments that give peace of mind with every swipe, tap, or online payment. Vagaro is another strong choice, offering encrypted payment processing and built-in data protection as part of its promise to beauty professionals.
With the right salon POS system in place, you can focus on growing your business and delighting your clients while knowing their information and your reputation are protected. Security should not be a stressor; it should be the invisible shield that lets your salon shine.
Your salon has big dreams, and your POS system should be ready to grow right alongside them. The best salon POS is not just software, it’s a true partner that adapts as you add new services, bring fresh talent onto yout team, or take the exciting leap into opening another location. Scalability means you can expand features, users, and locations without hitting reset or dealing with a messy transition.
Vagaro is built with salon owners in mind, giving you the power to manage multiple services, employees, and locations from one easy-to-use dashboard. It keeps everything organized so you can stay focused on what you do best. Software that is web-based adds another layer of flexibility, letting you keep an eye on your salon from anywhere...because life doesn’t always happen behind the front desk.
The right POS system makes growth feel natural, not overwhelming. With scalability and flexibility built in, you are free to embrace new opportunities, meet client needs, and keep building the business you have always imagined.
Before you get dazzled by features, keep these checkpoints in mind:
Let’s be honest: figuring out the true cost of a salon POS system can feel like peeling an onion. There are layers, and sometimes they might make you want to cry. That is why it’s so important to look beyond the upfront price and really understand what you’re paying for. A smart investment means factoring in hardware costs, monthly software fees, payment processing charges, and any extra costs for support or advanced features. Hidden fees and long contracts have a way of sneaking up and cutting into your profits if you are not careful.
Taking the time to compare options and read the fine print, (yes, it’s worth it) will save you headaches down the road. The right salon POS system should support your business goals, not drain your profits when you least expect it.
A salon POS system is only as strong as the team standing behind it. When you choose a tech partner, you want a vendor that understands what it takes to run a salon and shows they genuinely care about your success. Because let’s face it, tech hiccups will happen, and when they do, you need support that treats your business with the urgency it deserves.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing help is always within reach is a nice breath of fresh air. When the software you choose views your success as their success, you gain a true partner. That means you can keep your energy focused on what matters most: creating the beauty experiences that bring your clients back again and again.
Now that we’ve covered what to look for, let’s see which softwares are leading the way this year:
Vagaro is the all-in-one system that checks nearly every box: booking, POS, inventory, marketing, reporting—you name it. Payments are flexible, whether it’s tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, or splitting a bill. You can store cards on file to enforce no-show and late cancellation policies without awkward conversations. Tipping is easy with customizable prompts at checkout, which means your team often walks away with more.
Vagaro’s reporting is especially strong by tying payments to client history so you can see what services drive revenue and which stylists are hitting their numbers. It scales beautifully, too, whether you’re a solopreneur or running multiple locations.
Price: from $23.99/month after a free 30-day trial
GlossGenius shines for independent pros who want simplicity without losing polish. Its card readers are sleek and trendy, support mobile wallets, contactless payments, and tips with one tap. Cards-on-file make enforcing cancellation policies simple, which is key for solo stylists juggling every part of the business.
Client profiles and reporting are more lightweight, but intuitive and visual. It could be a great tool to track service tales and repeat clients without getting lost in spreadsheets.
Price: from $24/month after a free 14-day trial
Square is a payment-processing giant that almost everyone’s heard of. It's easy to set up, with POS basics for solo stylists and scalable plans if you’ve got a team. Since it started as a payment processing company first, Square supports tap-to-pay, digital wallets, and cards-on-file. Plus, it makes checkout and tipping seamless (their default tip screen is a classic for nudging clients to add a little extra love).
Reporting is solid, showing daily total, busiest hours, and best-selling products. It’s not really tailored to salons unlike Vagaro or Boulevard. It’s reliable, especially if you’re just starting out and want something familiar.
Price: from $29/month after a free 30-day trial
Fresha is a budget-friendly option that’s popular with smaller salons and independent pros. It offers booking, POS, and payment tools, but with some add-ons for online payments and marketplace promotions. Payments are straightforward with support for major cards and mobile options, though tip prompts aren’t as customizable as with other systems. Fresha does let you collect cards on file to charge for no-shows or late cancels, which is a huge win for time protection.
Reporting is clean and simple, giving you revenue and booking breakdowns, but it’s not as deep as Vagaro or Meevo.
Price: from $19.95/month after a free 14-day trial
Boulevard is designed for high-end salons & spas that want white-glove service. Its scheduling tools include smart waitlists, recurring appointments, and automated confirmations. On the payments side, Boulevard supports all the flexible options like tap-to-pay, digital wallets, and stored cards for easy policy enforcement. The tipping experience is smooth, with checkout flows that feel polished and client-first.
Boulevard also has advanced reporting and client insights, helping luxury salons fine-tune services and pricing to maximize revenue. It’s on the pricier side, while offering very similar features and tools as other POS systems, but it’s a strong choice if you want to splurge.
Price: from $158/month without a free trial period
Meevo is built for mid to large size salons that need a lot of reporting power. Payments are robust, covering contactless options, cards-on-file, and even membership or package sales. Tipping can be automated by team members, making payroll and commissions seamless.
What sets Meevo apart is its customizable dashboards. You can tailor the data you see, whether it’s average ticket price, retail-to-service ratio, or no-show trends. It's a strong choice for owners who want to run their salon like a well-oiled machine.
Price: from $158/month without a free trial period
Mindbody is a cross-industry tool, popular in wellness and fitness, but still used in salons and spas. Its POS supports flexible payment methods including memberships and packages, though its salon specific features (like detailed color formulas or advanced tip management) aren’t as strong as others on this list.
Reporting is robust and ties in with client activity, but the platform feels more geared toward fitness studios than hair or nail salons. If you’re running a hybrid business, it could be a good fit.
Price: from $139/month without a free trial period.
The best salon POS software does more than just process payments. It enforces your policies without the drama, helps your team earn more in tips, and gives you the data to make smart, profitable moves. With the right system, you have fewer no-shows, more loyal clients, and a calendar that actually works for you.
Whether you’re after simplicity or an all-in-one powerhouse, the perfect POS is out there. The trick is choosing the one that lets you work smarter, not harder—and lets you focus on the art, not the admin.