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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At its core, the ideal salon management system transforms your business operations, handling the day-to-day details so you can concentrate on your priorities: maximizing appointments, creating exceptional client experiences, supporting your staff, and building sustainable financial success. With so many salon software options flooding the marketplace, identifying the perfect fit for your specific business requirements can be challenging.
Among the leading contenders, Vagaro and GlossGenius stand out as exceptional choices, particularly for beauty establishments, spas, and salons. But what distinguishes these two powerful platforms from one another, and how do they stack up when placed side by side?
Vagaro made its debut in 2009 as a digital platform serving two key purposes: providing wellness and beauty professionals with online scheduling capabilities and enabling consumers to easily find and book local services such as haircuts—creating what would eventually be known as the Vagaro Marketplace.
The platform's flexibility serves businesses of all sizes, from independent practitioners to mid-sized businesses and larger organizations. With its wide array of features, Vagaro effectively supports professionals across diverse sectors, regardless of their specific industry specialization.
GlossGenius emerged as a full-featured booking and client management solution specifically tailored for beauty industry professionals. The platform has gained a reputation for its visually striking, user-friendly design and specialized features crafted particularly for professionals like hair stylists, makeup artists, estheticians, and wellness providers.
The software offers substantial benefits for solo practitioners managing individual schedules as well as for salon owners coordinating multiple staff members and seeking operational efficiency.
Our comparative review of these salon software leaders will examine the essential factors to consider when selecting the right platform, from fundamental features to long-term business goals.
Online Booking | ||
Available On All Devices | ||
Service Provider App | ||
Client-Facing Booking App | ||
Appointment Reminders | ||
Waitlist | ||
Self Check-In | ||
Booking Widget Integration | ||
Marketplace | ||
Automated Cancellation/No-Show | ||
Two-Way Communication | ||
Management | ||
Forms | ||
Inventory Management | ||
Built-In Marketing Tools | ||
Payment Processing | ||
Point-of-Sale Hardware | ||
Mobile Payments | ||
Buy Now Pay Later | ||
Employee Management | ||
Payroll | ||
Employee Management | ||
Rent Collection | ||
Business Expansion | ||
Multi-location | ||
Business Funding | ||
Cost | Starts at $23.99/month | Starts at $24/month |
Online booking and calendar management are key functions most people think about when they think of salon software. Every software has online booking, but the question is how far the capability stretches. Modern, tech-savvy clients expect the ability to book appointments whenever and wherever it suits them.
The Vagaro platform allows customers to make appointments across all devices. Beyond desktop booking options, Vagaro's dedicated customer app makes the booking and rebooking process remarkably straightforward. Client convenience is enhanced through additional features such as self-check-in capabilities, personalized appointment notifications, and a customizable waitlist system.
GlossGenius provides an equally efficient, user-friendly booking interface with color-coded organization. The platform shares many functionalities with Vagaro, including waitlist management, appointment reminders, and client note capabilities. The key distinction is that GlossGenius does not offer a separate app for clients. Depending on your perspective, this could be considered either a limitation or a benefit for clients who prefer not to download additional applications to their devices.
When customers book services, they often use multiple channels beyond a company's website or booking application. Integration with platforms where clients already spend time (such as social media or review sites) creates a more convenient experience that promotes customer loyalty. This approach also capitalizes on positive reviews.
The Vagaro platform allows customers to make appointments across all devices, with straightforward desktop booking options and a dedicated customer app. Client convenience is additionally enhanced through features such as self-check-in capabilities, personalized appointment notifications, and a customizable waitlist system.
GlossGenius provides a user-friendly, color-coded booking interface. The platform shares certain functionalities with Vagaro, including waitlist management, appointment reminders, and client note capabilities. The key distinction is that GlossGenius does not offer a separate app for clients, which could be considered a limitation.
An effective calendar system is fundamental for appointment scheduling and management. This digital tool is considered a cornerstone feature of any booking software, with virtually all platforms offering their own version to manage daily schedules. However, significant differences exist in functionality and capabilities between systems.
Vagaro's calendar system is user-friendly and adaptable, allowing for client information storage and automated recurring appointment scheduling. The platform automatically synchronizes service providers' calendars to prevent double-bookings and errors, while featuring a customizable automated waitlist that prioritizes clients based on user preferences.
Vagaro includes automated cancellation and no-show policy enforcement to protect time and revenue. Additionally, service providers can personalize their availability and easily reserve time off when needed.
GlossGenius provides similar calendar functionality, though certain features require upgrading to their Gold Membership, including staff calendar synchronization. Similar to Vagaro, GlossGenius offers protection against scheduling disruptions through what they term their No-Show Protection Stack (including client deposits and stored payment information). Their waitlist feature is also available but requires upgrading to Gold Membership. GlossGenius users can similarly customize their schedules and block personal time as needed.
Creating personalized client experiences relies on software that helps businesses understand and record client preferences to consistently deliver exceptional service. When businesses can recall specific client details - such as a client with brittle hair and their suitable service options - customers feel valued and tend to become regular patrons.
Vagaro's client-facing application makes the booking and rebooking process exceptionally straightforward for customers. The client experience is further enhanced with features including self-check-in capabilities and personalized notifications such as appointment reminders. Client profiles contain detailed information ranging from contact details and payment methods to appointment history, service preferences, booking patterns, liability documentation, and special notes. Service providers can access these profiles directly from their calendar interface.
Additionally, Vagaro offers a two-way client communication platform called Connect, allowing service providers to engage with clients in real time through SMS messaging.
GlossGenius also provides comprehensive CRM functionality, including automated text and email communications for appointment reminders, confirmations, thank you messages, and follow-ups. Similar to Vagaro, GlossGenius client profiles store comprehensive information including contact details, payment methods, appointment history, service preferences, booking patterns, liability documentation, and special notes. The platform features a distinctive tool that asks clients how they discovered the business during the online booking process.
Currently, GlossGenius does not offer a dedicated client communication platform like Vagaro's Connect.
The ability to create and distribute custom digital forms is a straightforward yet valuable functionality that plays a crucial role in day-to-day business operations. From initial client information collection to post-service feedback surveys, this feature helps businesses operate more efficiently, increase profitability, and maintain a customer-centered approach.
Vagaro offers a custom forms builder that includes ready-made templates or allows users to create forms from scratch. The system features intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, basic modules for text and image integration, and a visual preview option. Vagaro's forms are HIPAA-compliant and securely store client information in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. While widely utilized, this feature is available as a premium add-on (+$10) rather than in the standard package.
GlossGenius similarly provides a comprehensive and user-friendly forms and waivers creation tool. Their form builder can automatically generate questions based on the service provider's specialty and allows customization of completion frequency requirements for clients. Like Vagaro, GlossGenius fully integrates forms into the booking process. Access to the forms feature requires an upgrade to GlossGenius's Gold Plan.
Effective inventory management requires tracking products, managing supplier relationships, and making data-driven decisions. Quality management software should offer features that simplify these processes, allowing businesses to monitor stock levels, receive timely alerts, and automate reordering.
Vagaro provides integrated inventory tracking that monitors stock levels with automatic low-stock alerts and reordering capabilities. The platform includes performance reports covering sales trends, stock turnover rates, and inventory valuation. These analytics help businesses optimize inventory levels, identify best-selling products, and make informed purchasing decisions.
GlossGenius delivers comprehensive inventory management tools integrated with its point-of-sale (POS) and client management systems. Features include automatic quantity updates at checkout, barcode scanning functionality, quick item lookup, low-stock alerts, and detailed inventory reports.
Effective marketing tools include email and text messaging, alongside features like campaign analytics, website builders, and client segmentation. These tools help businesses promote services, special offers, and events while also supporting client retention. Text messaging, in particular, offers a high click-through rate and immediate reach.
Vagaro offers a range of marketing features, including automated branded emails—providing businesses with 1,000 free emails per month as part of an add-on feature. Client list segmentation based on demographics, purchase history, and preferences enables targeted marketing efforts. Text message marketing is also available as an add-on.
Additionally, Vagaro includes a “Free Marketplace” where customers can discover and book services without added fees to the business. The platform also provides the “MySite” branded website builder for creating a customized online presence
GlossGenius includes many of the same marketing features as Vagaro, such as email and text marketing, as well as a custom website builder. However, unlike Vagaro, these tools are included in its Standard Plan rather than as add-ons. Businesses that upgrade to the Gold Plan also gain access to an advanced AI-powered email tool designed to streamline email marketing efforts.
While GlossGenius does not offer a “Marketplace” feature, its built-in marketing tools provide businesses with multiple ways to engage clients and promote services.
Seamless credit card processing is a fundamental feature of booking software. However, differences arise in how platforms structure their payment processing rates. Some offer fixed rates for simplicity, while others adjust fees based on business size and transaction volume, potentially providing cost savings for higher-volume businesses.
Vagaro includes a free Contactless Card Reader (with Merchant Services) and offers flexible payment processing rates that scale with a business’s size. Rates start as low as *2.2% + 19¢ per transaction, catering to high-volume merchants.
GlossGenius takes a different approach with a flat 2.6% processing fee on all transactions, which can simplify financial planning for businesses as they grow.
Credit card processing is included in GlossGenius’s Standard Plan, but some key features—such as chargeback protection for card reader transactions and Tap to Pay on iPhone—are only available with the Gold Plan.
A well-rounded POS system should support various payment methods, from cash and credit/debit cards to mobile payment apps, ensuring a seamless checkout experience for clients. Beyond payment processing, robust POS functionality can also enhance operational efficiency by managing sales, inventory, and customer transactions.
Vagaro’s integrated POS system offers a range of features, including deposit collection, sales tracking, inventory and gift card management, and invoicing for both services and retail products. It supports all major payment types, including chip cards, contactless (NFC) cards, Tap-to-Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Additionally, businesses can securely store customer card information for faster checkouts.
For businesses looking to offer flexible payment options, Vagaro Pay Later allows clients to split purchases into four interest-free installments while the business receives full payment upfront. (Currently available in the U.S. only.)
Vagaro also provides hardware solutions:
GlossGenius’s POS system also supports all major payment types, including chip credit and debit cards, contactless (NFC) cards, iPhone Tap-to-Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Businesses can also securely store customer card information for streamlined transactions.
Unlike Vagaro, GlossGenius focuses on a mobile-first approach, enabling businesses to process contactless payments exclusively through a mobile device and card reader. This minimalist setup may appeal to businesses looking for a sleek, hardware-free front desk.
As of this review, GlossGenius does not offer a Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) option.
Manually managing payroll can be time-consuming and prone to errors, which can lead to complications every pay period—especially during tax season. A well-integrated payroll system helps streamline time tracking, wage calculations, and tax withholdings while reducing administrative workload and ensuring accuracy.
Vagaro’s built-in payroll system automates wage calculations, custom commissions, and deductions. It tracks employee hours, including overtime and breaks, while also managing staff leave requests and PTO balances (vacation days, sick leave, and other types of leave).
The system supports multiple payout structures—including hourly, commission-based, booth rental, or hybrid models—as well as payment methods such as direct deposit and check. Additionally, Vagaro automates payroll tax filings, reducing compliance burdens for businesses.
GlossGenius also offers a built-in payroll solution that syncs automatically with appointments, tips, commissions, and employee timesheets, minimizing the need for manual entry. Like Vagaro, it supports various payment structures, including commission, booth rental, and hybrid models.
Employees have self-service access to digital pay stubs, and the system handles payroll tax calculations and filings. GlossGenius also provides team management tools, including synced staff calendars, customizable permissions, and commission reporting. However, many of these advanced features are available only with the Gold Plan.
Efficient team management is essential for maintaining a productive, motivated workforce. Salon software should provide tools that simplify staff scheduling, performance tracking, and internal communication to help business owners manage their teams effectively.
Vagaro’s team management features allow employees to view, update, and manage their schedules from any device. Managers have full visibility into staff schedules, including appointments, breaks, and time-off requests, all in real time.
Performance tracking tools provide data-driven insights into key metrics such as revenue generation, client retention, appointment efficiency, and service quality. These insights help managers assess performance and identify areas for growth.
Additionally, Vagaro Connect serves as both a client communication tool and an internal messaging platform, enabling direct messaging between employees and group chats.
GlossGenius offers similar team management features, including shared team calendars, multi-device scheduling access, and customizable roles and permissions. Visual performance reports highlight top-performing employees, and managers can track progress in real time.
However, as of this review, GlossGenius does not offer a built-in messaging platform for employee communication.
For salons that rent out chairs/booths, an efficient rent collection system helps streamline payments, track due dates, and maintain accurate records. Software with built-in rent management features can simplify the process and reduce administrative workload.
Vagaro’s Rent Collection feature addresses a key challenge for salon owners by providing tools to automate and manage booth rental payments. The system allows businesses to charge booth renters, set up recurring payments, store digital rental agreements, and deduct commissions from rent as needed.
As of this article, GlossGenius does not offer a built-in rent collection feature.
For businesses operating in multiple locations, having a booking system that centralizes management can simplify operations and improve efficiency. Some platforms offer tools specifically designed to streamline multi-location scheduling, staff coordination, and reporting.
Vagaro provides a suite of multi-location management tools, including:
These features allow businesses to manage multiple salon and spa locations seamlessly within a single Vagaro account.
As of this review, GlossGenius does not support multi-location management within a single account and does not offer the same level of multi-location functionality as Vagaro.
For businesses operating in multiple locations, having a booking system that centralizes management can simplify operations and improve efficiency. Some platforms offer tools specifically designed to streamline multi-location scheduling, staff coordination, and reporting.
Vagaro offers Vagaro Capital, a business funding program that provides approved businesses with cash advances ranging from $1,000 to $300,000 within 48 hours. The repayment structure is determined during the application process and is based on a percentage of daily credit card transactions, making payments proportional to business revenue.
As of this article, GlossGenius does not offer business funding options.
While many salon software platforms offer similar features, pricing structures vary based on factors such as business size, budget, usage volume, and future growth plans. Understanding these differences can help businesses choose the best option for their needs.
Vagaro's pricing starts at $23.99 per month for a single user, with an additional $10 per month for each extra calendar. However, the cost caps at seven calendars, meaning additional users beyond that are included at no extra charge. This flexible pricing model is designed to accommodate businesses of different sizes.
Vagaro's standard plan includes most core business management features, but some tools—such as email and text marketing and digital forms—are offered as à la carte add-ons rather than bundled into tiered plans. This allows businesses to customize their subscription based on specific needs.
GlossGenius's pricing follows a simplified tiered structure with three plans:
Many essential features are included in the Standard Plan, making it a cost-effective option for solo professionals or small teams. However, advanced employee management tools require an upgrade to the Gold or Platinum plans. Some businesses may prefer this straightforward, tiered membership structure over an à la carte model.
Both Vagaro and GlossGenius provide strong booking and business management solutions for salons and spas. Each platform delivers valuable features at a competitive price, though they take different approaches to pricing, customization, and functionality.
Vagaro, designed for a wide range of industries, offers an extensive feature set, high customization, and a robust POS/front desk system. Its à la carte pricing model allows businesses to tailor their plan to their needs, but some may find the added costs for premium features less appealing.
GlossGenius, with its beauty-industry focus, is known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly experience, whether for solo professionals or teams. It provides powerful appointment booking and client management tools, though some advanced team features require an upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
For growing businesses with multi-location needs and enterprise capabilities, Vagaro currently offers more flexibility, while GlossGenius remains focused on small-to-mid-sized beauty and wellness businesses. However, both platforms charge extra for certain key features—Vagaro through add-ons and GlossGenius through tiered plan upgrades.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on a business’s size, budget, and specific needs. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!