Best POS Systems for Salons & Spas in 2025
Running a successful salon or spa requires more than exceptional services—it demands a POS system that understands the unique rhythms of beauty businesses. Service-based businesses face fundamentally different challenges than product-focused retailers.
Your POS needs to track appointment slots (not just inventory), manage multiple service providers with varying commission rates, and maintain detailed client histories. With staff turnover averaging 40-60% annually in the beauty industry, ease of training becomes critical. The best salon POS solutions balance powerful features with intuitive interfaces that new staff can master within hours.
🏆 Top 5 Salon & Spa POS Systems
1. Vagaro — Best Overall for Growth
Vagaro delivers the most comprehensive feature set for mid-sized salons. Its combination of scheduling, marketing tools, and marketplace exposure makes it ideal for growing businesses.
Strengths
- All-in-one scheduling and marketing
- Built-in client marketplace exposure
- Advanced commission structures
- Email and text marketing included
Limitations
- Per-staff pricing adds up
- Learning curve for advanced features
2. Boulevard — Premium Experience
Boulevard targets upscale salons that prioritize client experience above all. Its sleek interface and sophisticated booking flow justify the higher price for luxury establishments.
Strengths
- Premium client booking experience
- Sophisticated waitlist management
- Multi-location support built-in
- Exceptional customer support
Limitations
- Highest price point in category
- Overkill for small salons
3. Square Appointments — Best Value
Square offers the best balance of simplicity and capability. Its free tier works great for solo stylists, and integration with Square hardware makes it excellent for retail sales too.
Strengths
- Free tier for solo stylists
- Extremely intuitive interface
- Strong retail POS capabilities
- Staff training takes under an hour
Limitations
- Limited advanced commission options
- Basic marketing features
4. Fresha — Best Free Option
Fresha disrupts the industry with its subscription-free model, charging only for optional add-ons and payment processing. Professional-grade scheduling at no monthly cost.
Strengths
- No monthly subscription fees
- Global marketplace exposure
- Unlimited staff and locations
- Professional booking website
Limitations
- Marketplace fees on new clients
- Less robust reporting
5. Mangomint — Best Automation
Mangomint focuses on automation and efficiency, reducing front desk workload through intelligent scheduling. Perfect for salons wanting to operate lean while delivering premium experiences.
Strengths
- Exceptional automation capabilities
- Two-way texting with clients
- Smart scheduling optimization
- Express checkout features
Limitations
- Premium pricing tier
- No built-in marketplace
💰 Salon Industry Profitability
💡 Expert Tips: Choosing by Staff Size
Solo Stylists (1 Person)
Focus on simplicity and cost. Square’s free tier or Fresha provides everything you need without monthly fees. Avoid complex systems with features you won’t use.
Small Teams (2-5 Staff)
Commission tracking becomes important. Vagaro’s base tier offers excellent value. Ensure the booking system can handle multiple stylists with different specialties.
Growing Salons (6-15 Staff)
Marketing and retention tools matter more. Vagaro excels with built-in email marketing and marketplace exposure. Look for automated rebooking reminders and loyalty programs.
Large Salons (15+ Staff)
Invest in premium systems like Boulevard or Mangomint. Efficiency gains from automation will offset higher costs. Multi-location support becomes essential.
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Get Free Quotes Take the Quiz First❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between salon POS and regular POS systems?
Salon POS systems include appointment scheduling, staff commission tracking, and client history management that traditional retail POS lacks. They understand time-based inventory (appointments) rather than just products.
How much should I budget for a salon POS system?
Costs range from free (Fresha, Square basic) to $200+/month for premium systems. Most mid-sized salons spend $50-150 monthly. Factor in hardware ($300-800) and processing fees (2.5-2.9%).
Can I switch POS systems without losing client data?
Most salon POS systems allow data export and import. Client contacts, appointment history, and service records typically migrate. Plan for a 2-4 week transition period.
Do I need separate software for booking and payments?
No—modern salon POS systems integrate both. Using separate systems creates sync issues and complicates reporting. All systems reviewed here combine booking, payments, and client management.
How important is a client marketplace feature?
Marketplaces like Vagaro’s help new clients discover you, but charge fees (20-30%) on acquired bookings. Great for new salons building clientele; established salons may not need it.
What hardware do I need?
At minimum: tablet (iPad preferred) and card reader. Many add receipt printer and cash drawer. Larger operations may want dedicated checkout stations and multiple tablets for stylists.
Last updated: December 2025 | Written by the POSAdvice editorial team | We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links.
Salon POS Pricing Comparison
Understand what salon POS systems actually cost, from appointment booking to retail integration:
Retail POS Pricing Comparison
Compare pricing for retail point-of-sale systems. Find the best value for your store type.
Shopify POS
- Software From $29/mo
- Processing 2.4% + $0.30 (with Shopify Payments)
- Contract Monthly or annual (10% discount)
Square for Retail
- Software Free plan available
- Processing 2.6% + $0.10
- Contract None
Lightspeed Retail
- Software From $89/mo
- Processing 2.6% + $0.10 (Lightspeed Payments)
- Contract Annual billing required
Clover
- Software From $14.95/mo
- Processing 2.3% + $0.10 to 2.6% + $0.10
- Contract Varies by reseller
Detailed Pricing Breakdown
Shopify POS Pricing
Software Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shopify + POS Lite | $29/mo | POS app, Shopify store |
| Shopify + POS Lite | $79/mo | Professional reports |
| Shopify + POS Pro | $168/mo | Smart grid, unlimited staff |
Hardware Costs
Payment Processing
Rate applies to in-person card transactions. Online and keyed transactions may have higher rates.
Square for Retail Pricing
Software Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | FREE | Basic POS, inventory |
| Plus | $60/mo | Advanced inventory, reporting |
| Premium | Custom | Enterprise, dedicated support |
Hardware Costs
Payment Processing
Rate applies to in-person card transactions. Online and keyed transactions may have higher rates.
Lightspeed Retail Pricing
Software Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean | $89/mo | POS, basic inventory |
| Standard | $149/mo | Accounting, ecommerce |
| Advanced | $239/mo | Loyalty, advanced reports |
Hardware Costs
Payment Processing
Rate applies to in-person card transactions. Online and keyed transactions may have higher rates.
Clover Pricing
Software Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Register Lite | $14.95/mo | Basic retail POS |
| Register | $44.95/mo | Full POS, inventory |
| Counter Service | $54.9/mo | QSR, order tracking |
Hardware Costs
Payment Processing
Rate applies to in-person card transactions. Online and keyed transactions may have higher rates.
Get Your Personalized Quote
Actual pricing depends on your specific business needs. Get custom quotes from top providers.
Get Free QuotesCompare Salon POS Options
See how popular POS systems compare for service businesses:
- Square vs Clover – Popular for appointments + retail
- Shopify POS vs Square – For salons with product sales
- View All POS Comparisons
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The Definitive Guide for Retail Store Owners
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