Comparisons
Honest comparisons, including where we lose.
We sell booking software, so read us with that in mind. These pages say plainly which businesses are better served by Fresha or Booksy, because a comparison that never concedes anything is an advert.
Reviewed SEPTEMBER 2026
The short answer
Which one you want depends on one question.
Do you need new clients?
If discovery is the gap, a marketplace is doing something we do not. Fresha and Booksy put you in front of people who have never heard of you.
Or do you need the ones you have to turn up?
If your diary fills but a fifth of it evaporates, the problem is enforcement. That is what Salonier is built around, and it is a narrower product because of it.
Do you run a till as well?
Retail, stock and full POS in one system is a real requirement, and one we do not meet. If that is you, the answer is not us.
Switching
If you have already decided to move.
Fresha alternative
Fresha is capable software with a large marketplace behind it. If what you actually need is a deposit taken at booking and a policy that runs without you, the fit can be wrong in a way more features will not fix.
See the Fresha alternativeBooksy alternative
Booksy is built around a consumer marketplace. If your clients already know you and the problem is the ones who do not turn up, you are paying for discovery you do not need.
See the Booksy alternativeIn full
Every comparison we have written.
- 12 OCT 2026 · 6 minLash appointment booking: a guide to full sets and infillsSet up lash appointment booking with clear full-set and infill options, realistic timings, deposit explanations and a simple check before sharing your link.
- 29 SEPT 2026 · 5 minBarber appointments and walk-ins: how to run one reliable diaryRun barber appointments and walk-ins in one reliable diary. Use a sample schedule, realistic service times and a clear process to prevent double bookings.
- 29 SEPT 2026 · 5 minSalon booking software costs in the UK: a practical fee guideCompare salon booking software costs beyond the monthly price: deposit fees, card processing, booking limits and a worked UK salon budget.
- 29 SEPT 2026 · 6 minNail salon online booking: set up services, timings and depositsSet up online booking for your nail salon with clear services, removal options, nail art timings and deposit details that help clients book correctly.
- 29 SEPT 2026 · 6 minHow to switch salon booking software without losing appointmentsMove to a new salon booking system with a practical checklist for future appointments, deposits, client records, testing and changing your booking links.
- 24 DEC 2025 · 15 minSalonier vs Booksy (2026): Best Booking App for Barbers Who Take DepositsHonest comparison of Salonier and Booksy for UK barbers. Compare deposit workflows, no-show prevention, client reliability, and daily booking operations to choose the right app.
- 24 DEC 2025 · 7 minFresha vs Booksy vs Salonier: UK Pricing & Booking Guide (2026)Compare Fresha, Booksy and Salonier for UK salons: subscriptions, deposit fees, marketplace costs and a practical checklist for testing your booking workflow.
- 24 DEC 2025 · 16 minBest Booking Apps for Nail Techs & Walk-In Nail Bars in the UK (2026)Compare the best booking apps for UK nail techs and nail bars in 2026. Honest guide covering walk-ins, appointments, deposits, and no-show protection for nail salons.
- 24 DEC 2025 · 16 minSalonier vs Fresha (2026): Which Booking System Is Better for Reducing No-Shows?An honest, balanced comparison of Salonier and Fresha for UK barbers and small salons. Compare deposits, cancellation policies, client experience, and pricing to reduce no-shows.
- 17 DEC 2025 · 18 minBest Booking Apps for Barbers & Salons in the UK (2026 Guide)Compare the top booking apps for UK barbers and salons in 2026. Honest pros, cons, pricing, and deposit features for Fresha, Booksy, Square, Timely, Setmore, and more.
What Salonier costs, plainly
£24 a month on Starter with a 2% platform fee on deposits, up to £96 on Pro where the platform fee is 0%. Stripe charges its own processing fee separately — 1.5% + 20p for UK cards on Stripe’s standard pricing. Nothing is taken from the service price your client pays you in the chair.
Protect the diary before Saturday.
Add your services, set one policy, connect Stripe. Ten minutes, and every booking after that holds its own seat.
- 7-DAY FREE TRIAL
- NO CARD REQUIRED
- CANCEL ANYTIME