Best Salon POS Software Guide: Features, Costs & Comparisons

One of the most important parts of the client’s journey in any salon occurs at the end. You may not be demonstrating your hair and beauty expertise or your knowledge of the client’s preferences, but a seamless and convenient check out experience is important to them, and it matters toward business efficiency. To that end, robust and flexible point of sale (POS) system is an indispensable tool for hair salons of all sizes. It’s also a key feature of a salon’s online booking system, which makes choosing the right salon and spa software especially important for beauty businesses.

Let’s dive into what components and capabilities you should look for when searching for the best salon POS system, and a list of the top providers out there.

1. Introduction to Salon POS Systems

What is a Salon POS System?

A salon POS system is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline the daily operations of hair salons, beauty salons, nail salons, and spas. This essential tool helps beauty businesses manage appointments, track inventory, process payments, and enhance the overall customer experience.

By integrating various functionalities into one platform, a salon POS system reduces administrative tasks, allowing beauty professionals to focus more on their clients and services.

With a robust salon POS system, businesses can efficiently handle credit card payments, manage bookings, and analyze sales data to make informed decisions. This not only improves operational efficiency but also helps in increasing revenue and customer satisfaction.

Whether you run a small nail salon or a large beauty salon, investing in a reliable POS system is crucial for the smooth running of your business.

2. What Makes a Great POS System: A Checklist of Software & Hardware

Leading hair salon POS software should go beyond basic service and retail sales transactions to integrate scheduling, inventory, and client management seamlessly. It should handle complex appointment booking with multiple providers, process different payment types smoothly, and track product inventory accurately. 

Here are the major elements of great salon POS software: 

a. Payment Flexibility

Your hair salon’s POS software should support contactless, swipe and tap-to-pay functionality and enable you to accept a range of payment types, from debit and credit card payment to online payment apps, including:

• Google Pay
• Apple Pay
• Discover, Visa & American Express

This flexibility in how you can process payments enhances the client experience, as it allows clients to check out in a way that is comfortable and convenient to them. In doing so, it adds a layer of modernity to beauty businesses, both of which help toward bringing clients back.

b. Portability

Salon POS systems have advanced well beyond a uniform, clunky and immovable terminal. Your Point of sale should be wherever you need to accept payments, whether that’s atop the front desk near your salon’s entrance, or beside the stylist’s chair. 

• Credit Card Reader: A compact, portable card reader that can enable clients to insert, tap or swipe to make their preferred debit/credit card payment. 

• Portable Tablet: A convenient, compact, user-friendly interface with which you can accept payment, sell products and checkout your clients. 

• Terminal: Okay, allow us to explain the terminal takedown above. We suggest a lightweight, moveable computer screen on a rotating base that clearly shows a checkout breakdown, and calendar for future appointments. 

c. Hardware

We’ve just touched upon this, but a salon POS system is more than just the software that makes service and retail sales transactions possible 

There is a range of essential and optional hardware that make up a full POS station, including: 

• Card readers 

• Receipt printers 

• Cash drawers 

• Tablets/terminals 

• Customer displays 

• Barcode scanners 

d. Security & Transparency

You can file these under the peace-of-mind umbrella. Your salon POS system should allow clients to clearly view a breakdown of their checkout amount, apply tips, leave their signature and pay all from one spot**.**  

Regarding security, every transaction should not only be swift, but secure, thanks to such factors as: 

• Point-to-point (P2P) Encryption: protects customer data by encrypting it the moment a card is swiped or inserted, and keeps that information secure throughout the entire payment process. 

• PCI Compliance: the system meets rigorous industry security standards through regular assessments and strict data security protocols. 

• EMV (Chip) Compliance: Creates unique encryption for each transaction while authenticating chip cards, significantly reducing the risk of counterfeit fraud. 

e. Integrations

Your salon POS system should be fully integrated with the rest of your salon software.

These integrations include: 

• Appointment Scheduling: A top-notch salon POS software should offer robust appointment scheduling capabilities. This includes managing bookings, sending reminders to clients, and allowing for easy rescheduling. Efficient appointment scheduling helps reduce no-shows and ensures a smooth flow of clients throughout the day.

• Financial Integrations: in addition to integrated payment processing, a comprehensive POS system should seamlessly connect with essential financial tools including accounting platforms and payroll systems for commission tracking, multiple payment processors, and automated tax reporting. 

• Inventory Management: Smart inventory integration means your POS can track products in real-time across multiple locations, automatically notify when it's time to reorder, sync with supplier databases, and process everything through efficient barcode scanning. 

• Client Data Management: Your point of sale software should serve as a robust client management hub by integrating client forms, service history, and customizable profile, while maintaining HIPAA compliance where relevant. 

• Business Analytics: A powerful POS system integrates comprehensive business analytics reports by tracking sales performance, staff productivity, service popularity, and customer retention while providing revenue forecasting tools and peak hour analysis. 

• Marketing Tools: Salon POS systems should connect seamlessly with your salon's marketing ecosystem, from email and SMS text platforms to social media management tools, while tracking loyalty programs and managing customer reviews. 

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): A good POS system should include CRM features that allow you to track client histories, preferences, and service records. This enables personalized service, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

These core features are indispensable for any salon or spa, as they streamline operations, minimize errors, and elevate the customer experience.

3. The List of Best Salon POS Systems

So, you know what to look for in salon POS software, but what about who? There are quite a few salon software providers that offer POS systems. To help you make the best choice for your business, here is an overview of some of the top salon POS software on the market. These solutions are part of comprehensive salon and spa software designed to streamline operations and meet the unique needs of beauty professionals.

Vagaro POS Software

We’ll start with what we know best. Vagaro’s PayPro Front Desk is a complete point of sale set-up for salons. Vagaro is the best all-around salon POS software on the market, ideal for everyone from solopreneur stylists to small, medium and large salon owners.

Vagaro differentiates itself among salon POS systems–and salon software as a whole–with a comprehensive feature set at accessible price points. An all in one solution, the platform distinguishes itself through extensive website integration capabilities, flexible deployment options, and essential team management tools that enhance communication and efficiency within teams.

Vagaro offers an impressive array of features and flexibility that makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes prioritizing comprehensive capabilities.

Starting Price: $30/month

Availability: Multiple platforms (web, mobile, dedicated hardware)

Score:

G2: 4.6/5

Capterra: 4.7/5

Core Strengths

Vagaro's point of sale system excels in the following critical areas: 

Website Integration 

• Direct appointment booking 

• Staff selection functionality 

• Integrated e-commerce 

• Seamless customer experience 

• No external redirects 

Platform Flexibility 

• Web browser accessibility 

• Mobile device compatibility 

• Dedicated pay desk hardware 

• Cross-platform synchronization 

• Multi-device support 

Technology Features 

• AI-powered content generation 

• Service description assistance 

• Marketing content creation 

• Professional online presence tools 

• Comprehensive business management 

Hardware

Vagaro offers powerful and versatile POS hardware options: 

• Designer pay desk system

• Card Reader

• Tablet 

• Mobile payment processing 

• Web-based terminals 

• Salon-appropriate aesthetics 

• Flexible deployment options 

Target Market

Vagaro is specifically designed for:  

• Feature-focused businesses 

• Multi-location operations 

• Growing beauty enterprises 

• Technology-adaptive salons 

Gloss Genius

GlossGenius is a premium all-in-one business management solution designed specifically for beauty professionals. The platform has an elegant design, mobile-first functionality, and seamless integration of essential business operations. It stands out as a comprehensive salon and spa software, offering functionalities such as appointment booking, client management, and marketing to streamline operations.

Gloss Genius particularly prioritizes both aesthetic presentation and operational efficiency, and this extends to its point of sale solution. Its mobile-first approach and premium design make it an ideal choice for independent professionals and growing beauty businesses seeking a sophisticated yet manageable solution.

Processing Rate:

2.6% flat rate

Availability: United States

Scores:

G2: 4/5

Capterra: 4.8/5

Core Strengths

Gloss Genius’s salon POS system stands out in three critical areas: 

User Experience 

• Premium aesthetic throughout platform 

• Intuitive mobile-first design 

• Seamless client interaction 

• High-end hardware design 

Advanced POS Capabilities 

• Multiple payment acceptance methods (tap, insert, swipe) 

• Integrated deposit collection 

• Customizable gratuity options 

• Streamlined payment processing 

• Competitive flat-rate pricing 

Business Integration 

• Comprehensive appointment management 

• Integrated marketing tools 

• Complete inventory tracking 

• Detailed business reporting 

• Team management features 

Hardware 

GlossGenius offers premium point of sale hardware designed for the beauty industry: 

• Elegantly designed card reader 

• Mobile-optimized payment solutions 

• Professional presentation 

• Portable payment processing   

Target Market 

GlossGenius is specifically designed for: 

• Independent beauty professionals 

• Mobile service providers 

• Design-conscious businesses 

• Growing beauty enterprises 

• Solopreneurs seeking scalability 

Square

Square Appointments combines a modern salon point of sale system with comprehensive business management capabilities, distinguished by its modular approach and seamless integration across all services.

The platform offers a unique “building block” model that allows businesses to scale their tools as they grow. Square shines for businesses seeking a scalable, integrated approach to operations. Its free entry point for solo providers and modular growth capability makes it an attractive option for both new and expanding businesses. Additionally, Square's team management tools enhance communication and efficiency within teams, making it a robust choice for staff management.

Pricing Model: Free for solopreneurs (revenue via processing fees)

Availability: Multiple countries with primary focus on U.S. market

Scores

G2: 4.7/5

Capterra: 4.7/5

Core Strengths

Square’s point of sale set up excels in these areas:

Hardware and Design

• Industry-leading POS hardware design

• Modern, professional aesthetic

• Integrated hardware ecosystem

• Seamless device interaction

Business Integration

• Complete appointment scheduling system

• Website building capabilities

• Comprehensive marketing suite

• Integrated payroll processing

• Cross-platform synchronization

• Payment processing infrastructure

Scalability

• Modular “Lego-style” feature adoption

• Flexible pricing structure

• Customizable tool selection

• Growth-oriented platform design

Hardware Solutions

Square’s hardware ecosystem offers:

• Modern POS terminals

• Mobile card readers

• Full register systems

• Customer-facing displays

• Integrated receipt printers

Target Market

Square Appointments caters to:

• Solo beauty professionals

• Growing salons and spas

• Multi-service businesses

• Tech-conscious enterprises

• Businesses seeking scalability

The platform’s strength lies in its ability to provide a complete business toolkit that grows with your needs, all while maintaining user-friendly simplicity.

Mangomint

Mangomint stands out as an exceptional POS and salon management system, distinguished by its modern design and intuitive user interface. The platform seamlessly integrates essential business operations with an emphasis on automation and user experience.

Mangomint shines in salons requiring robust team management and demanding operational requirements. Its extensive integration capabilities and team management tools make it an exceptionally versatile choice in the salon and spa management software category.

Monthly Cost: $245 (mid-sized business with standard add-ons)

Availability: United States and Canada

Scores:

G2: 4.9/5

Capterra: 4.9/5

Core Strengths

Mangonint’s POS system excels in three critical areas:

User Experience

• Sophisticated yet intuitive interface design

• Streamlined workflow automation

• Engaging interaction for staff and clients alike

Advanced POS Capabilities

• Innovative self-checkout system

• Smart waitlist management

• Dynamic waiting room coordination

• Flexible payment routing for booth renters

• Secure card storage for membership billing

• Comprehensive deposit management

Business Integration

• Extensive third-party platform compatibility

• Complete payroll processing integration

• Advanced marketing automation tools

• Robust email and SMS capabilities

Hardware

Mangomint’s hardware ecosystem is designed with modern salon environments in mind:

• Compact Bluetooth card processor

• iPad-compatible Front Desk Display

• Client-facing interface for gratuity and transaction completion

Target Market

Mangomint is ideally designed for:

• Multi-staff salons and spas

• High-volume establishments

• Businesses requiring sophisticated automation

• Operations seeking seamless integration capabilities

Fresha

Fresha distinguishes itself as the only completely subscription-free salon management platform with integrated POS capabilities. Through its partnership with Adyen, the platform delivers enterprise-level payment processing and security features without monthly fees. Additionally, Fresha offers comprehensive salon and spa software designed to streamline operations with functionalities like appointment booking, client management, and marketing.

Fresha is a solid choice for salons seeking a cost-effective, globally accessible platform. Its subscription-free model combined with enterprise-level security makes it an attractive option for both individual practitioners and growing salons.

Pricing Model: 100% subscription-free

Availability: Global, multi-currency support

Scores

G2: 4.4/5

Capterra: 4.8/5

Core Strengths

Fresha’s POS system excels in three critical areas:

Financial Management

• Global payment acceptance

• Multi-currency support

• Advanced fraud prevention

• Unified financial services

• American Express integration

Accessibility

• No subscription fees

• iOS and Android compatibility

• Simple user interface

• Basic but comprehensive functionality

• International availability

Business Tools

• Integrated salon management

• Online booking capability

• In-person payment processing

• Cross-platform synchronization

• Enterprise-level security

Hardware

Fresha’s hardware approach focuses on simplicity:

• Mobile card readers

• iOS device compatibility

• Android device compatibility

• Basic POS equipment integration

Target Market

Fresha is specifically designed for:

• Individual stylists

• Budget-conscious salon owners

• International businesses

• Growing beauty enterprises

• Multi-currency operations

Booker

Booker, operating under the Mindbody umbrella, represents a well-established POS solution with extensive payment processing flexibility. While featuring comprehensive functionality, the platform maintains a legacy interface that contrasts with modern alternatives. Booker also stands out for its team management tools, which enhance communication and efficiency within teams.

Booker suits businesses prioritizing marketplace exposure and payment processing flexibility over modern interface design. Its strength lies in comprehensive functionality and established market presence, though users must weigh these benefits against the dated user experience and contract requirements.

Contract Requirement: 12-month minimum

Availability: Global, with Mindbody Payments limited to U.S. & Canada

Scores

G2: N/A

Capterra: 4.1/5

Core Strengths

The system excels in three critical areas:

Payment Processing Flexibility

• Multiple processor compatibility:

• First Data

• Bank of America

• Payroc

• 3C Payments

• Worldpay

• Sublyme Payments

• PayPal integration (online and in-store)

• Rate comparison opportunities

• Multi-merchant account support

Integration Capabilities

• Automatic inventory synchronization

• Mindbody marketplace connection

• Direct deposit functionality

• Comprehensive system linking

• Multiple hardware compatibility

Enterprise Features

• Mindbody Payments system option

• Organized payout management

• Extensive reporting tools

• Multi-location support

• Inventory tracking

Hardware

Booker supports various payment hardware:

• WisePOS E desk terminal

• Stripe Reader M2 mobile swiper

• P400 desk terminal

• Multiple third-party readers

• Legacy hardware compatibility

Target Market

Booker is designed for:

• Established salons and spas

• Multi-location businesses

• Marketplace-focused enterprises

• Companies needing processor flexibility

• Businesses prioritizing integration

Boulevard

Boulevard positions itself as a premium salon and spa management solution, distinguished by its patented Precision Scheduling technology and innovative payment features. The platform caters to high-end establishments requiring sophisticated customization and comprehensive management tools, including essential team management tools that enhance communication and efficiency within teams.

Boulevard is a strong choice for larger, high-end salons that can leverage its comprehensive features and benefit from the Offset payment structure. While the platform offers sophisticated capabilities and potential cost savings, potential users should carefully consider the commitment requirements and regional limitations.

Contract Requirement: 12-month minimum

Average Cost Savings: $9,600/year (with Offset feature)

Availability: Limited regions

Scores

G2: 4.3/5

Capterra: 4.6/5

Core Strengths

The system excels in three critical areas:

Payment Processing

• Boulevard Payments integration

• Innovative Offset feature (3% client / 1% business split)

• Multi-merchant account support

• Card storage capability

• Customizable payment workflow

Operational Management

• Patented Precision Scheduling

• Comprehensive Front Desk View

• Real-time client status tracking

• Extensive menu customization

• Detailed reporting system

Integration Capabilities

• QuickBooks integration

• Instagram connection

• Shopify compatibility

• Dashboard checkout options

• iOS Professional App support

Hardware Solutions

Boulevard’s hardware ecosystem includes:

• Boulevard Duo iOS app

• Bluetooth card reader

• iPad-based checkout system

• Limited third-party hardware support

• Mobile payment capabilities

Target Market

Boulevard is specifically designed for:

• High-end salons and spas

• Larger team operations

• Premium service providers

• Businesses seeking customization

• Establishments with complex scheduling needs

A robust salon POS system hinges on several key factors. Reliability is paramount, ensuring seamless transactions and minimal downtime. Modern POS hardware compatibility and ease of use for staff are crucial for efficient operations at beauty businesses.

Excellent customer support is also essential for resolving issues quickly. Competitive processing rates and seamless integration with other business tools, such as inventory management, are vital for optimizing efficiency and profitability. With this guide you should now be able to choose the POS solution that works for your salon’s size and needs.