Your time is money, and in this industry, both are too valuable to waste. That’s why your software should take work off your plate, not add to it. If you’re comparing Vagaro and StyleSeat, you’re asking the right question: Which platform actually helps your business thrive?
Let’s break down the features, pricing, and perks of each one so you can choose the platform that matches your momentum.
Who is Vagaro?
Launched back in 2009, Vagaro set out to give beauty and wellness pros more control over their business while making it easier for clients to book everything from a haircut to a massage.
Since then, it’s evolved into a full-service platform that supports just about every type of business, from solopreneurs to multi-location salons and spas (and even fitness pros). With a toolkit that covers everything from scheduling and POS to marketing, Vagaro is built for pros across every corner of the beauty and wellness space, no matter how big your dreams are.
The Vagaro Marketplace is a free online directory and booking platform, similar to Google and Apple Maps, which allows people to discover and book services, purchase products, gift cards, or memberships from local businesses directly.
Who is StyleSeat?
StyleSeat came onto the scene as more of a discovery platform than a business management tool. Its goal? Help independent beauty professionals get booked by new clients.
Stylists choose StyleSeat when they want quick access to a marketplace. StyleSeat does booking and payments as well, but it’s not trying to be a one-stop shop for the back-office side of your business.
Key Features:
Let’s break down each key feature with a side-by-side comparison.
Adaptable Pricing
Here’s where things feel different.
Starts at $23.99/month for one user.
Add staff members for $10/month each.
Starts at $35/month for one user only.
Up to 20% fee on bookings from new clients through marketplace.
Online Booking
A 24/7 booking system keeps your calendar full without constant back and forth. Clients expect instant access and you deserve time back in your day.
Clients can book 24/7 through your Vagaro page or the Vagaro App.
Set your own policies, deposits, buffer times and waitlists.
Tools like recurring appointments and intake forms keep things seamless.
Bookings happen through your StyleSeat profile, in the app or online.
Clients can pre-pay, leave deposits, and you can enforce late or cancellation policy.
User friendly, but not as customizable as Vagaro.
Client Facing App
A branded app makes you look polished and professional, while marketplace exposure brings in new clients passively.
Clients can use the Vagaro app to find you on the Marketplace.
Option to have a fully branded app for $200/month.
No fees for new clients booked through Marketplace.
Clients can find and book you through the StyleSeat app.
Marketplace bookings charge a fee for new clients.
No custom branded app
Payment Processing & POS
You need to get paid—fast and securely, without friction. A strong POS handles cards, tips, memberships, and cancellations with ease.
Integrated payments with rates starting at 2.2%
Tools like instant payout, tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, and built in tip prompts
Easy to sell memberships, packages, and gift cards.
Hardware available for in person checkout
Processes payments automatically (no checkout process).
Rates starting at 2.75% with tips included.
Payouts take 1-2 business days. No instant payout option.
Doesn’t include a full POS or retail sales setup.
Calendar & Staff Scheduling
Efficient scheduling keeps your team on time and your services running smoothly. When looking for software, look for commission tracking and role-based access.
A color-coded, drag-and-drop calendar makes scheduling easy.
Staff permissions, commissions, payroll, and reporting are built in.
Syncs with personal calendars and allows custom service hours, breaks, and blocked time.
Built more with solo stylists in mind.
Easy to manage your calendar, but no real staff management or payroll features.
Each stylist needs to subscribe separately.
Marketing & Client Retention
Consistent marketing brings clients back and keeps your books full. Automation saves you hours of manual outreach every month.
1,000 free email sends every month, with campaign templates included.
Loyalty points, referral programs, and automated rebooking reminders built in.
Add SMS marketing when you’re ready to expand.
Marketplace exposure is its strongest marketing tool.
Provides mass email feature with templates.
Basic reminders and promotions are there, but no loyalty or referral systems.
Reports
Understanding what’s working (and what’s not) helps you grow smarter. Real-time reports support better decisions and smoother operations.
Detailed reports on sales, commissions, payroll, inventory, and more.
Reporting is straightforward, mainly focused on booking and revenue.
Inventory
Real-time inventory tracking with low-stock alerts, vendor tracking, and online retail sales.
The Takeaway
Vagaro is built for professionals who want an all-in-one system: scheduling, payments, marketing, POS and growth tools that scale with you. It’s a true business partner, not just a booking platform.
StyleSeat shines for independent stylists looking for discovery. Their marketplace can bring in new clients fast, but the tradeoff is higher fees and fewer back-end tools—unlike Vagaro’s own marketplace.
Both platforms are smart, stylish, and packed with potential but serve different priorities. If you want powerful features at a friendly price with beauty at its core? Vagaro is calling. If you want your staff to have their own accounts and run your business like a group of independent stylists, try StyleSeat.