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Phorest alternatives: Phorest vs Paired Plus salon software comparison
Phorest alternatives compared

11 Best Phorest Alternatives for Salons in 2026

Looking for a Phorest alternative? This guide ranks 11 options for hair, nail and beauty salons, barbershops and day spas by who each one fits, what it costs, whether it charges booking fees and where it stands out, using each vendor's own published information.

Quick Summary

The right Phorest alternative depends on your team size, how you win clients and how you like to pay:

  • Best Phorest alternative overall: Paired Plus, with one published, all-inclusive price, no booking fees and D.A.R.C.I. AI.
  • Best for premium or fast-moving salons: Boulevard and Mangomint.
  • Best like-for-like peers: Timely (simple per-staff pricing) and SalonBiz (commission-heavy and multi-location salons).
  • Best for marketplace discovery: Vagaro, Fresha and Booksy.
  • Best for solo pros: GlossGenius and Square Appointments. Best for large chains: Zenoti.
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Buying checklist

How to Choose the Right Phorest Alternative

Use this checklist to narrow the Phorest alternatives on your list.

  1. Get the whole invoice in writing. Phorest pricing is quote-only, so line up the plan, the branded app, 2-Way SMS, memberships, text messages and card processing next to each Phorest alternative's published price.
  2. Count what's metered. Texts, emails, staff seats and locations are where monthly bills creep. A Phorest alternative with unlimited email and included texting is easier to budget.
  3. Check how you get new clients. If a marketplace fills your book, compare its commission. If clients find you directly, favor a Phorest alternative that charges no booking fees.
  4. Match salon workflows. Look for color formulas, backbar tracking, saved service times, seasonal pricing and multi-location reporting.
  5. Test support. Ask who answers on a busy Saturday, from which time zone, and whether new-hire training costs extra.
  6. Plan the move. Before switching from Phorest, confirm data transfer, gift card and membership balances, contract notice and how long your old login stays live.
At a glance

11 Phorest Alternatives Compared

Starting prices and fees for each Phorest alternative come from the vendor's own pricing page as of Oct 23, 2026. "See vendor" means the price isn't published.

Phorest alternatives compared by best fit, starting price, booking fees and standout feature
SoftwareBest forStarting priceBooking fees / commissionsStandout feature
1. Paired PlusHair, nail and beauty salons, barbershops, day spas and multi-location groups$69/mo; every feature in every planNone, on any bookingD.A.R.C.I. AI, branded app and unlimited email included
2. BoulevardUpscale salons and spas built around the client experienceFrom $143/mo (Essentials, 1 location)None advertisedPolished, brand-forward booking flow
3. MangomintMulti-provider salons that want a fast front desk$120/mo per location + $10/userNone (Mangomint says it never takes a booking fee)Express Booking and quick checkout
4. TimelyHair and beauty teams that want simple per-staff pricing$26/mo per staff (Build, US)None (“no new client fees”)Published pricing, no contracts and a 14-day trial
5. SalonBizCommission-based salons, multi-location groups and cosmetology schoolsFrom $160/mo per location (with SalonBiz Payments; $185 without)None advertisedEvery feature on every plan, priced by team size
6. VagaroSalons that want a consumer marketplace behind their booking$30/mo base + $10/mo per extra calendar20% / 5% on opt-in Fill My Books and Daily Deal bookingsFree US marketplace listing
7. FreshaBudget-minded salons that want marketplace exposure$19.95/mo (Independent); $14.95 per team member (Team)20% one-time on new marketplace clients ($6 minimum)Large consumer booking marketplace
8. GlossGeniusSolo stylists, nail techs and small salons$28/mo ($24/mo billed annually)None advertisedClean design with a built-in booking website
9. BooksyBarbershops and independent pros who want an app-driven marketplace$29.99/mo + $20/mo per extra user30% one-time on opt-in Boost clients (max $100)Booksy consumer app and marketplace
10. Square AppointmentsSolo pros and small shops already using SquareFree plan; Plus $49/mo per locationNone; card processing fees applySquare payments and hardware in one place
11. ZenotiLarge salon and spa chains and franchisesSee vendor (quote)See vendorEnterprise controls and AI agents
For reference: PhorestGrowth-focused salons and med spas with 3+ staffSee vendor (quote); 4 plansNone listed; SMS 5¢ each above plan allowanceMarketing suite with results tracked to the till

"None advertised" means we found no booking fee or commission on the vendor's pricing page; card processing fees still apply. Prices change often, so confirm with each vendor before you choose a Phorest alternative.

Phorest pricing: what a quote covers

Phorest salon software is sold on four quoted plans: Starter (appointments, POS, online booking with deposits, reminders, the marketing suite and stock), Grow (adds the online store, pre-visit consultation forms, TreatCard loyalty and Reserve with Google), Complete Advantage (adds the reputation manager, staff goals, referrals and Cheat Sheet AI) and Elite, the only plan that bundles the branded app, 2-Way SMS and memberships.

  • SMS: 5¢ a message; 1,000, 5,000 or 27,000 free a month on the plans above Starter
  • 2-Way SMS add-on: $99, including 7,500 texts
  • Also sold separately: Ads Manager, Leads Management, Premium Consultations and Front Desk AI

From Phorest's US pricing page on Oct 23, 2026. Phorest lists no free trial, and some third-party sites still show old fixed monthly prices that Phorest doesn't publish, so get a written quote before you price any Phorest alternative against it.

Our top pick

1. Paired Plus: The Best Phorest Alternative for Salons

Best for: Hair, nail and beauty salons, barbershops, day spas and multi-location groupsStarting price: $69/moBooking fees: None

Paired Plus is family-owned salon software from ProSolutions Software, with US-based support in California and Oregon. Every plan includes every feature: $69/mo for a single stylist, $99 for 2 employees, $149 for 3–7, $299 for 8–15 and $399 unlimited, with 12 months free when you integrate card processing. There are no booking fees, data transfer and training are free, and no long-term contract is required. As a Phorest alternative, it swaps a tiered quote for one published price that already includes the app, texting and AI.

Phorest vs Paired Plus: what you get in every plan

Phorest alternative appointment book in Paired Plus with color-coded stylist columns
Included in every plan

Seasonal pricing and saved service times

Raise prices for prom, wedding and holiday season or for Saturdays once, and Paired Plus applies them automatically at checkout and online. Each client's real service time is saved to the profile, so a long balayage or a first full set is booked with the right length every time.

See Paired Plus appointment book

D.A.R.C.I. AI salon software assistant analyzing salon data across devices
Included in every plan

D.A.R.C.I. AI rebooking and theft monitoring

D.A.R.C.I. learns each client's own visit cycle and reaches out when they're due, flags unusual activity at the front desk, and answers plain-English questions about your numbers. It's part of every plan. Phorest sells Front Desk AI as an add-on and bundles Cheat Sheet AI only into its top two plans.

See Paired Plus D.A.R.C.I. AI

Paired Plus branded salon mobile app booking and schedule screens
Included; add-on or Elite-only at Phorest

A branded client app at no extra cost

Clients book, buy gift cards, get reminders and check in from an app with your salon's name on it, and staff see their day and sales on their phone. On Phorest salon software, the branded app is optional on Starter, Grow and Complete Advantage and only bundled in Elite. In a Phorest alternative like Paired Plus, it's simply part of the plan.

See Paired Plus branded client app

Paired Plus salon POS system checkout screen with a retail product
Included in every plan

A salon POS that deducts backbar automatically

Color formulas and backbar products are saved on the client profile and deducted from inventory when the service checks out, so usage and reorder numbers stay accurate without a manual count. Purchase orders and stock reports live in the same system.

See Paired Plus salon POS

Nail salon review request email sent with Paired Plus email marketing
Included; add-on or Elite-only at Phorest

Unlimited email marketing and two-way texting

Send birthday, rebooking, review and promotion emails to your whole list as often as you like, and let clients text the salon instead of calling. Phorest meters SMS at 5¢ a text above each plan's monthly allowance and sells 2-Way SMS separately below Elite.

See Paired Plus email marketing

Paired Plus salon online booking page with service details and prices
Included in every plan

Online store, gift cards and deposits with no booking fees

Sell gift certificates and retail around the clock and take deposits on online bookings to cut no-shows, with no booking fees on anything. Phorest's online product store starts on its Grow plan.

See Paired Plus online store and booking

Paired Plus vs Phorest: what's included

Paired Plus vs Phorest: what is included
ItemPaired PlusPhorest
PricePublished: $69–$399/mo by team sizeQuote only; 4 plans
Branded client appIncludedOptional add-on; bundled in Elite
Two-way textingIncluded2-Way SMS add-on ($99 incl. 7,500 SMS); bundled in Elite
Text messagesIncluded5¢ each above 1,000 / 5,000 / 27,000 a month on higher plans
MembershipsIncludedOptional add-on; bundled in Elite
Online storeIncludedGrow plan and up
Pre-visit e-formsIncludedGrow plan and up
AI assistantD.A.R.C.I. includedFront Desk AI add-on; Cheat Sheet AI in top two plans
SupportUnlimited, US phone teamOn call Mon–Sat; unlimited training
Booking feesNoneNone listed

Run a day spa inside a hotel or resort? Paired Plus also connects to hotel PMS systems such as Opera and Maestro. See all-inclusive pricing, hair salon, nail salon and barbershop setups, or client management and inventory features.

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Alternatives 2–11

More Phorest Alternatives Worth Considering

Each Phorest alternative below is strong for a particular kind of salon. Here's who each fits and how it compares.

2. Boulevard

Best for: Upscale salons and spas built around the client experienceStarting price: From $143/mo (Essentials, 1 location)Booking fees: None advertised

Boulevard is the premium Phorest alternative for salons that sell an experience as much as a service. It prices per location: Essentials covers one small location, while Premier is $234/mo per location on its current offer (normally $293) and Prestige is $328 (normally $410). Forms start at $65/mo per location as an add-on, and emails past the plan allowance cost a cent each.

Phorest vs Boulevard: where Boulevard stands out

  • A refined online booking journey that suits luxury brands
  • Unlimited providers from the Premier plan up
  • Enterprise plan with APIs for larger groups
  • Clinical add-ons such as e-prescribing for med spas

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus includes e-forms, the branded app and unlimited email in every plan, where Boulevard meters messages by tier and sells forms separately.

3. Mangomint

Best for: Multi-provider salons that want a fast front deskStarting price: $120/mo per location + $10/userBooking fees: None (Mangomint says it never takes a booking fee)

Mangomint is a modern Phorest alternative known for speed at the desk. It charges per location plus per user, with optional add-ons for a business phone line ($70/mo per line), marketing (from $30/mo) and payroll ($50/mo + $8 per worker).

Phorest vs Mangomint: where Mangomint stands out

  • Express Booking and a virtual waiting room
  • Forms and charting in the core platform
  • Unlimited confirmations and reminders
  • No contracts, with free onboarding for teams of two or more

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus folds email marketing and two-way texting into its plan price instead of selling them as add-ons.

4. Timely

Best for: Hair and beauty teams that want simple per-staff pricingStarting price: $26/mo per staff (Build, US)Booking fees: None (“no new client fees”)

Timely is the closest like-for-like Phorest alternative on this list: salon software born outside the US (New Zealand) and popular with hair and beauty teams in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the US. US plans are $26, $39 and $47 per bookable staff member a month, each with an SMS allowance per staff member and 5¢ per extra text. Card rates are published: 2.29% + 30¢ in person and 2.80% + 30¢ online.

Phorest vs Timely: where Timely stands out

  • Month-to-month billing with no contract
  • Waitlist, consultation forms and loyalty rewards from the Elevate plan
  • Rebooking reminders and a dedicated two-way SMS number on Innovate
  • Free data transfer from your current system

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus charges by team-size tier rather than per staff seat, and its plans include two-way texting, the branded app and D.A.R.C.I. AI.

5. SalonBiz

Best for: Commission-based salons, multi-location groups and cosmetology schoolsStarting price: From $160/mo per location (with SalonBiz Payments; $185 without)Booking fees: None advertised

SalonBiz is a long-running US Phorest alternative for salons that pay on commission and want deep reporting. All features come in every plan; you pay by team size. Essential is $265/mo ($300 without its payments service) and Premium is $370/mo ($415 without), with staff beyond 20 added in blocks of 10 for $55/mo.

Phorest vs SalonBiz: where SalonBiz stands out

  • Commission payroll and stylist-level reporting
  • Multi-location views, consolidated or per location
  • Staff and client apps included in the subscription
  • No long-term contract and a dedicated onboarding specialist

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus starts lower ($69/mo for a single stylist) and adds D.A.R.C.I. AI rebooking and theft monitoring to the same all-inclusive model.

6. Vagaro

Best for: Salons that want a consumer marketplace behind their bookingStarting price: $30/mo base + $10/mo per extra calendarBooking fees: 20% / 5% on opt-in Fill My Books and Daily Deal bookings

Vagaro is a peer Phorest alternative with a large consumer marketplace. The base plan is $30 a month (currently $23.99 for the first six months) plus $10 per extra bookable calendar, with the branded app, forms, online store and text plans sold as add-ons.

Phorest vs Vagaro: where Vagaro stands out

  • A free listing on the Vagaro marketplace
  • Vera AI for report questions and an AI receptionist add-on
  • Buy Now, Pay Later through Affirm
  • APIs, webhooks and single sign-on for larger groups

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus charges no booking fees on any client and includes the app, forms and store in every plan.

7. Fresha

Best for: Budget-minded salons that want marketplace exposureStarting price: $19.95/mo (Independent); $14.95 per team member (Team)Booking fees: 20% one-time on new marketplace clients ($6 minimum)

Fresha is a low-cost Phorest alternative paired with a consumer marketplace. The Independent plan is $19.95 a month, the Team plan is $14.95 per bookable team member, and brand-new clients who find you through the marketplace carry a one-time commission.

Phorest vs Fresha: where Fresha stands out

  • A low entry price for one-person businesses
  • Marketplace listing to reach new clients
  • No fee on returning clients
  • Integrated payments and inventory

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus has no marketplace and no commission, so every client you bring in stays commission-free.

8. GlossGenius

Best for: Solo stylists, nail techs and small salonsStarting price: $28/mo ($24/mo billed annually)Booking fees: None advertised

GlossGenius is a stylish, easy Phorest alternative for solo pros and small teams. Standard, Gold and Platinum cost $28, $56 and $168 a month (less billed annually); Gold is aimed at teams of up to nine. Payroll ($40/mo + $6 per seat) and its AI Reception service ($50/mo) are add-ons.

Phorest vs GlossGenius: where GlossGenius stands out

  • A custom booking website on every plan
  • Email and text marketing plus unlimited client notifications
  • Forms, waitlist and Google booking on Gold
  • No contracts and free data transfer

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus is built for multi-provider salons, with automatic backbar deduction, seasonal pricing and multi-location reporting at one price.

9. Booksy

Best for: Barbershops and independent pros who want an app-driven marketplaceStarting price: $29.99/mo + $20/mo per extra userBooking fees: 30% one-time on opt-in Boost clients (max $100)

Booksy is a popular Phorest alternative with barbers. One subscription covers every feature for $29.99 a month, extra team members are $20 each, and 2,000 marketing texts a month are included. Its optional Boost promotion takes a one-time fee on the first visit of a client it brings you.

Phorest vs Booksy: where Booksy stands out

  • Exposure in the Booksy consumer app
  • Every feature in one subscription
  • Free appointment confirmations and reminders
  • No commitment; cancel anytime

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus has no marketplace fees and puts your own salon's name on the client app.

10. Square Appointments

Best for: Solo pros and small shops already using SquareStarting price: Free plan; Plus $49/mo per locationBooking fees: None; card processing fees apply

Square Appointments is the simplest Phorest alternative here, adding scheduling to Square's payments platform. There's a free plan, with Plus at $49 and Premium at $149 per location per month.

Phorest vs Square Appointments: where Square Appointments stands out

  • A free plan to get started
  • Square POS, hardware and payments together
  • Cards on file, prepaid packages and no-show protection
  • No long-term contract

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus is salon software first, with color formulas, backbar deduction, e-forms and D.A.R.C.I. AI that a general POS doesn't focus on.

11. Zenoti

Best for: Large salon and spa chains and franchisesStarting price: See vendor (quote)Booking fees: See vendor

Zenoti is the enterprise Phorest alternative for big multi-location salon and spa brands, with booking, POS, payroll, marketing and a set of AI agents. Like Phorest, it quotes pricing rather than publishing it.

Phorest vs Zenoti: where Zenoti stands out

  • Central control across many locations
  • Payroll, commission and staff performance tools
  • AI receptionist and marketing agents
  • 24/7 global support

Where Paired Plus differs: Paired Plus publishes its pricing and serves single and multi-location salons without an enterprise sales cycle.

In fairness

Where Phorest Is Strong: An Honest Note

Phorest started in Dublin and now serves more than 12,000 salons, spas and clinics across Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia. Its strengths are real: a marketing suite with ready-made campaigns and free access to marketing consultants, results tracked back to the till, Client ReConnect for overdue clients, an online reputation manager, the TreatCard loyalty program, done-for-you setup and migration, and unlimited ongoing training. If those tools drive your growth and the quote works, staying can be the right call. If add-ons, metered texts or a branded app locked to Elite are why you want to switch from Phorest, a Phorest alternative from the list above is worth a demo.

Our recommendation

Which Phorest Alternative Fits Your Salon?

Here's how to match each Phorest alternative to your business:

  • Hair, nail and beauty salons, barbershops, day spas and multi-location groups that want one published price, no booking fees and a person on the phone: Paired Plus.
  • Luxury or high-volume salons focused on a premium client journey or a very fast desk: Boulevard or Mangomint.
  • Teams that want a close Phorest peer: Timely for per-staff pricing, SalonBiz for commission payroll and multi-location reporting.
  • Salons that rely on marketplace bookings: Vagaro, Fresha or Booksy (watch the new-client fees).
  • Solo stylists and techs: GlossGenius or Square Appointments. Large chains and franchises: Zenoti.

Whichever Phorest alternative you pick, compare the full invoice, the fees on new clients and the support you'll get after go-live.

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FAQ

Phorest Alternative FAQ

Straight answers to the questions salon owners ask most when they look for a Phorest alternative.

What is the best Phorest alternative for salons?

The best Phorest alternative depends on your team size and how you want to pay. For most hair, nail and beauty salons, barbershops and day spas, Paired Plus ranks first because its published price includes the branded app, two-way texting, unlimited email, an online store, e-forms and D.A.R.C.I. AI, with no booking fees and US-based phone support. Boulevard suits luxury salons, Mangomint suits fast multi-provider teams, Timely and GlossGenius suit smaller teams that want simple pricing, and Zenoti suits large chains.

How much does Phorest cost?

Phorest pricing isn't published. Its US pricing page lists four plans (Starter, Grow, Complete Advantage and Elite), all aimed at salons with three or more staff and all requiring a quote. SMS is 5¢ a message, with 1,000, 5,000 or 27,000 free texts a month on the higher plans. The branded app, memberships and 2-Way SMS are optional add-ons unless you're on Elite, and Ads Manager, Leads Management, Premium Consultations and Front Desk AI are sold as extras. Phorest doesn't offer a free trial. Ask for every line in writing before comparing a Phorest alternative on price.

Does Phorest charge booking fees or commissions?

Phorest doesn't list a booking fee or marketplace commission on its pricing page. The costs to watch are the subscription quote, metered SMS, add-ons and PhorestPay card processing, whose rates aren't published. Some Phorest alternatives do charge for new clients: Fresha takes 20% (minimum $6) on brand-new marketplace clients, Booksy's opt-in Boost takes 30% of a first visit (up to $100), and Vagaro's opt-in Fill My Books takes 20% or 5%. Paired Plus charges no booking fees at all.

Is the Phorest branded app included?

Only on Elite. Phorest's feature comparison lists the salon-branded iOS and Android app as optional on Starter, Grow and Complete Advantage. If a branded app is a must, either price Elite or choose a Phorest alternative that includes one. Paired Plus includes a branded client app in every plan.

Phorest vs Paired Plus: what's the biggest difference?

Packaging and pricing. Phorest vs Paired Plus comes down to a quoted, tiered plan where the app, memberships and two-way texting climb toward Elite, versus one published price where everything is included from $69 a month. Phorest's strengths are its marketing suite, marketing consultants and reputation tools. Paired Plus adds seasonal pricing, saved service times, automatic backbar deduction, D.A.R.C.I. AI rebooking and theft monitoring to every plan, and it's family-owned with support in California and Oregon.

Which Phorest alternatives fit barbershops and nail salons?

Barbershops often pick Booksy as a Phorest alternative for its consumer app and at Square Appointments for simple payments. Nail salons and solo techs often like GlossGenius. If you want one system for a busy shop with several chairs, a branded app and no booking fees, Paired Plus has dedicated setups for barbershops and nail salons at the same all-inclusive price.

Is it hard to switch from Phorest?

It's mostly a mapping project, and any good Phorest alternative should do the heavy lifting. Switching from Phorest means moving clients, history, services, staff, products, gift card balances, memberships and loyalty points. Paired Plus transfers your data for free, maps services before go-live, trains your team at no charge and keeps your old login available until you're ready. Before you switch from Phorest, check your contract's notice period and export any reports you'll need.

Does Phorest have AI features?

Yes. Phorest lists Front Desk AI for client conversations and Cheat Sheet AI for pre-visit client summaries, plus AI-built audiences in Ads Manager and rebooking predictions. Front Desk AI is an add-on, and Cheat Sheet AI is bundled only in the top two plans. In Paired Plus, D.A.R.C.I. AI is included in every plan and handles cycle-based rebooking, theft monitoring and plain-English questions about your data, so it's the Phorest alternative to look at if you want AI without an add-on.

Is Phorest salon software a good fit for US salons?

Phorest salon software is used by more than 12,000 salons, spas and clinics across Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, and it's strongest with growth-focused salons that lean on marketing. Its support is on call Monday to Saturday. US owners who want a published price, unlimited live phone support from a US team and every feature in every plan often shortlist a Phorest alternative such as Paired Plus.

See Why Salons Choose Paired Plus as Their Phorest Alternative

Get a free, no-pressure demo (about 45 minutes) built around your salon, and see a Phorest alternative running on your own services. Bring your Phorest quote or latest invoice and we'll compare it line by line.

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This list is based on public sources as of Oct 23, 2026: Phorest's US pricing page and US site; the pricing pages of Boulevard, Mangomint, Timely, SalonBiz, Vagaro, Fresha, GlossGenius, Booksy, Square Appointments and Zenoti; and pairedplus.com feature and pricing pages. All trademarks belong to their owners and are used here for comparison only.