10 best salon booking apps in 2025: Your favorite option is here

Missed appointments, double bookings, and frustrated clients calling during peak hours can turn your dream business into daily chaos. If you're a salon owner, you know exactly what we're talking about. The constant juggling act of managing client appointments while trying to actually run your hair salon or beauty salon can feel overwhelming.

The right salon booking app can completely transform your salon business by automating appointments, reducing no-shows, promoting services and letting clients book appointments 24/7 from their phones. The best salon booking software in 2025 goes way beyond basic online booking; we're talking automated reminders, payment processing, and staff management tools that free up your time and actually boost revenue.

In this guide, you'll find detailed reviews of the 10 best salon booking apps, including pricing comparisons, must-have features, and what makes each platform unique. Whether you're a solo stylist or manage multiple locations, we'll help you pick the perfect booking software to grow your salon and keep your clients coming back.

What makes a great salon booking app in 2025

The most successful beauty businesses are moving beyond basic salon scheduling software to embrace AI-powered systems that work around the clock. Here's what you should prioritize:

• User-friendly design: New clients should be able to book appointments in under three minutes; any longer and you risk losing them.

• Smart automation: Traditional appointment software only handles salon scheduling. Modern salon management software uses AI chatbots to boost conversions while reducing your workload. This means fewer administrative tasks and more time for what you do best.

• Multi-channel communication: Your booking page should handle customer questions across WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, and your website. This approach captures more new clients than basic online booking forms ever could.

• Security and analytics: Choose appointment management software with secure payment processing and detailed analytics. Good client management tools help you understand booking patterns, track appointment history, and improve your service offerings.

• Intelligent FAQ handling: AI chatbots can instantly answer common questions about pricing, specific services, location, and availability. This frees your front desk staff to focus on clients coming through the door while still providing 24/7 customer support.

• Lead qualification and nurturing: Smart salon booking software can identify high-value prospects, collect customer details, and nurture relationships through personalized follow-up messages, all automatically.

• Seamless human handoff: When questions get complex, the system should smoothly transfer conversations to your team members without losing context or important client information.

Quick comparison: Top salon booking apps

Finding the right booking app for your beauty business can feel overwhelming with so many salon software options available. Here's a quick breakdown of the top options to help you decide.

Best salon booking apps: Detailed reviews

Still unsure what to pick? Let’s explore the details.

Chatfuel

Chatfuel stands out as a comprehensive no-code AI customer service chatbot platform that transforms how beauty businesses handle customer interactions across multiple channels. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly blend appointment booking with intelligent customer engagement. It's like having a dedicated receptionist working 24/7 who never takes a day off.

Best for: Salons ready to embrace AI-powered customer engagement while maintaining the personal touch that clients love. We help you turn every client interaction into a potential booking opportunity.

Ready to transform your salon's booking experience? Try Chatfuel free for 7 days and see why thousands of beauty professionals trust it to grow their businesses.

Key features

• GPT-powered AI agents that handle complex conversations about services, pricing, and availability while simultaneously managing your salon booking system

• Built-in booking and CRM that integrates with calendars, eliminating the need for multiple platforms

• Lead qualification tools that automatically identify serious prospects and collect valuable customer details before appointments are even booked

• Beauty salon appointment booking template specifically designed for the industry, handling everything from service consultations to appointment confirmations

• Multi-channel approach that works across WhatsApp Business, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, TikTok and your online booking page, all managed from one dashboard

• Intelligent service recommendations based on customer needs, using beauty industry terminology naturally

• Automated reminders and follow-ups that reduce no-shows and improve client retention

Pricing

Chatfuel offers transparent pricing starting at $23.99/month for Facebook and Instagram automation, or $49.49/month for WhatsApp integration, both including 1,000 conversations monthly. The pricing scales with your business. A 7-day free trial lets you test all features without credit card requirements.

For serious salon operations, the Enterprise plan starting at $400/month includes personal account management, priority support, and 10 hours of professional bot-building services, which are valuable when you need the system customized for your specific workflow.

User reviews

Source: G2

ManyChat

Source: G2

ManyChat has become a leading conversational marketing platform, particularly powerful for salons that want to leverage social media for client bookings. The platform excels at turning social media interactions into actual appointments through sophisticated automation flows.

Best for: Salons with strong social media presence looking to convert followers into booked clients.

Key features

• Multi-channel automation across Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS, and email for comprehensive client management

• Growth Tools including Comment Growth, where potential clients can comment on your posts to automatically receive booking information

• Pre-built templates for appointment booking and e-commerce that make setup straightforward

• Visual Flow Builder that allows for complex conversation paths without coding

• Integration capabilities with tools like Shopify, Calendly, and Google Sheets

• Automated booking funnels that start with an Instagram story and end with a confirmed appointment

• Product sales support for salons that sell products alongside services

For those looking to compare options, check out these ManyChat alternatives to find the perfect fit for your salon's needs.

Pricing

• Free option

• Pro: $15/month

• Elite: Custom pricing

User reviews

Source: G2

Setter AI

Source: Setter AI

Setter AI represents the next generation of appointment booking, using advanced artificial intelligence to handle complex scheduling scenarios. The platform specializes in understanding natural language requests and managing multi-step appointment management processes.

Best for: Tech-forward salons that want modern AI booking capabilities with instant lead response.

Key features

• Fast response time to leads with instant follow-up and human-like conversations

• Conversational AI that understands complex requests and processes availability, stylist preferences, and service requirements

• Calendar system integration with major platforms like Calendly for seamless salon scheduling

• Multi-channel booking through text, WhatsApp, and website chats

• Automatic follow-ups and reminder systems that reduce no-shows

• Customizable AI tone and language to match your brand voice

• Lead source integration with Facebook Lead Ads, LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms, and website submissions

Pricing

• Free option

• Hobby: $49/month

• Standard: $199/month

• Pro: $499/month

• Custom plan available

User reviews

Source: ProductHunt

Botpress

Source: RepoCloud

Botpress is an open-source platform for creating sophisticated chatbots with advanced customization options. For salons with specific requirements or technical expertise, it provides flexibility in designing client booking experiences.

Best for: Technically skilled salon owners or those with development resources who need highly customized booking solutions.

Key features

• Knowledge Agents that can be trained on your specific services and salon policies

• Personality Agents that maintain your brand voice throughout conversations

• Multiple LLM models including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini

• Complex booking flows that handle multiple locations, specific services, and staff management preferences

• Visual flow builder with advanced logic and conditional responses

• Multi-channel capabilities, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and website integration

• Custom integrations with existing salon management software

• Open-source flexibility for unique business requirements

Pricing

• Pay-as-you-go: $0 + AI spend

• Plus: $89/month + AI spend

• Team: $495/month + AI spend

• Enterprise: $2000/month + AI spend

User reviews

Source: Capterra

Intercom

Source: Intercom.com

Intercom brings enterprise-grade customer messaging to salon operations, offering sophisticated chatbot capabilities alongside human support tools. While traditionally used by SaaS companies, forward-thinking salon owners use it for premium client experiences.

Best for: Upscale salons or spa chains that prioritize premium customer service and have complex support needs.

Key features

• Resolution Bot that handles appointment booking, service inquiries, and support requests with high sophistication

• Seamless handoffs between bots and human agents while maintaining conversation context

• Customer health scoring for better client retention

• Proactive messaging based on client behavior patterns

• Detailed conversation analytics to improve service quality

• Unified client management across all touchpoints for multiple locations

• Integration ecosystem including popular salon management tools, CRM systems, and payment processing

• Advanced support features for complex customer service scenarios

If you’re considering different options, explore these Intercom alternatives that offer similar functionality.

Pricing

• Essential: $39 monthly for a seat

• Advanced: $99 per seat monthly

• Expert: $139/seat/month

• Fin AI Agent: $0.99 per resolution

User reviews

Source: Capterra

GlossGenius

Source: GlossGenius

GlossGenius is a comprehensive solution for independent beauty professionals, combining booking, payments, point of sale, and marketing tools in one sleek platform. Its modern design and focus on user experience make it particularly appealing to stylists who want professional-grade tools without complexity.

Best for: Independent beauty professionals and small teams who want an all-in-one solution with sophisticated aesthetics.

Key features

• Client-friendly booking system with no app downloads or password requirements

• Integrated payment processing 

• Automatic appointment reminders 

• Client profiles that update automatically with appointment history and preferences

• Marketing tools, including email campaigns, text messaging, and automated Google review requests

• Inventory management system that tracks product sales and updates quantities automatically

• Team features, including integrated payroll processing and separate accounts for booth renters

• Custom booking page that matches your brand aesthetics

• Mobile-first design for managing your business on the go

Pricing

• Standard: $28/month

• Gold: $56/month

• Platinum: $168/month

User reviews

Source: Capterra

StyleSeat

Source: GetApp

StyleSeat works as both a booking platform and a marketplace, connecting beauty professionals with new clients while providing comprehensive business management tools. Its dual approach makes it unique in helping stylists both manage existing clients and discover new ones.

Best for: Individual beauty professionals looking to build their client base while managing appointments efficiently.

Key features

• Marketplace exposure that allows clients to discover you based on location, specific services, and reviews

• An at-a-glance availability display that makes salon scheduling transparent for clients

• Direct messaging for consultations before appointments

• Payment processing with deposit collection and no-show protection

• StyleSeat Payments trusted checkout solution with card-on-file options

• Client discovery tools that help you reach people who've never heard of you

• Mobile app for managing your salon business on the go

Pricing

Free trial, then $35/month.

User reviews

Source: Capterra

MobileMonkey (Customers.ai)

Source: G2

MobileMonkey (now Customers.ai) is a comprehensive chat marketing platform with strong capabilities across multiple messaging channels. For salons active on social media, it provides sophisticated automation while maintaining personal connections with clients.

Best for: Salons with active social media presence looking to convert social engagement into bookings.

Key features

• OmniChat technology allowing unified conversations across Facebook, Instagram, SMS, and webchat

• Cross-channel messaging that automatically moves conversations between platforms based on customer preferences

• Chat blaster for reaching multiple clients at once with high engagement rates

• Drip campaigns that nurture leads over time

• Free templates for quick setup

• Team collaboration features with template sharing

• Analytics and reporting to track booking conversions

Pricing

• Starter: $600/month

• Grow: $900/month

• Scale: $1500/month

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

User reviews

Source: G2

Tidio

Source: Tidio

Tidio combines live chat, chatbots, and email marketing in an accessible package that's particularly strong for website-based customer engagement. Its ease of use and generous free plan make it popular among salons just starting with automated booking.

Best for: Small to medium salons focusing on website traffic conversion and customer support.

Key features

• Lyro AI Agent that can be trained on your salon's specific information

• Intelligent Q&A about specific services, pricing, and policies

• Visual flow builder for creating sophisticated booking conversations without coding knowledge

• Behavior-based triggers, including visitor behavior, time on site, and specific page visits

• Mobile application for managing client bookings and conversations on the go

• Smooth handoff from AI to human agents when needed

• Email marketing integration for targeted campaigns

• Extensive customization options of the chat widget, matching your online booking page design

Pricing

Tidio has four different plans starting at $0 for up to 50 conversations and $29/month for 100 conversations. Growth plan starts from $59 and depends on the number of monthly conversations you need. Plus is $749/month and Premium has custom pricing.

User reviews

Source: G2

YourGPT

Source: YourGPT

YourGPT offers sophisticated natural language processing specifically trained for service-based businesses like salons. The platform focuses on delivering human-like conversations while maintaining booking efficiency.

Best for: Salons wanting modern AI conversation capabilities with minimal setup complexity and multilingual support.

Key features

• AI that understands context and supports multiple languages for personalized interactions

• WhatsApp integration for collecting booking details like name, date, time, and service type

• Multi-platform support including Discord, Slack, Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, and website embedding

• Calendar and CRM integration through API calling

• Training capabilities using website links, sitemaps, Help Center links, Notion documents, YouTube videos, or uploaded files

• Complex booking flows that handle multiple service combinations

• Code execution nodes for advanced functionality

• Unique widget codes for easy website integration

Pricing

• Essential: $59/month

• Professional: $129/month

• Advanced: $499/month

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

User reviews

Source: G2

Pick the right salon booking software for your needs

Choosing the perfect booking app depends on your salon's unique needs and growth stage. Solo stylists thrive with commission-free platforms like GlossGenius, while social media-focused salons benefit from ManyChat's Instagram integration.

However, for salons serious about scaling through intelligent automation, Chatfuel is the clear winner. Its AI-powered multi-channel approach transforms how you engage clients across WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and your website, turning every interaction into a potential booking while maintaining that personal touch clients expect.

Unlike other salon software options that focus on just one aspect of your business, Chatfuel handles customer questions, qualifies leads, manages your online booking, and nurtures client relationships, all automatically. The result? More bookings, fewer no-shows, and happier clients.

Ready to experience the future of salon booking? Start your free trial and join thousands of beauty professionals already growing their businesses with AI-powered customer engagement.

FAQs

Are free salon booking apps worth using?

Free salon booking apps can be excellent starting points, especially for new beauty businesses or solo practitioners. Platforms like ManyChat or Setter AI offer basic features for free, making them valuable for testing automated booking.

However, they come with limitations: restricted conversation volumes, limited customization options, or commission-based pricing on client bookings. For serious salon operations, the monthly subscription fee usually pays for itself through increased bookings and reduced no-shows.

Can salon booking apps integrate with my existing website?

Yes, most modern booking software, like Chatfuel, offers seamless website integration you can set up in just a few clicks.

It’s as simple as creating an account and installing the plugin, plus a few minutes to customize the appearance and add branding. The best integrations feel native to your website, maintaining your brand aesthetic while providing powerful appointment booking capabilities.

What's the difference between salon software and booking apps?

Salon and spa software are comprehensive systems that manage your entire business and handle appointments, point of sale, inventory management, staff management, and financial reporting.

Booking apps focus specifically on appointment scheduling, solo and group bookings and customer communication, often with lighter feature sets but better specialization in conversion and client experience.

The trend is toward booking apps with CRM capabilities, combining the best of both worlds: specialized booking expertise with broader salon management features.

Can I use salon booking apps for multiple locations?

Most professional booking apps support multiple locations.

Key features for multi-location operations include:

• Centralized client databases across all locations

• Location-specific availability and services

• Unified reporting and analytics

• Staff management across multiple sites