How Much Does Salon Software Cost in the US? (2025 Guide)

Running a salon in the US without the right software can cost far more than the subscription fee.

US salon owners pay anywhere from “free” to $500+ monthly, but the real cost of salon software in the US (2025) often doubles once commissions, payment processing, SMS reminders, and multi-location features kick in.

In this guide, I’ll break down salon software pricing in the US 2025—which tools offer transparent pricing, which hide fees, and why platforms like DINGG stand out with flat-rate, AI-powered value.

Methodology

I evaluated salon software using five weighted criteria:

• Pricing transparency (30%) — hidden fees matter as much as monthly rates.
• Core features + ease of use (25%) — how well booking, POS, and client tools actually work day-to-day.
• Customer support quality (20%) — because downtime during peak hours costs revenue.
• Integration capabilities (15%) — from accounting to payment processors.
• Security & compliance (10%) — especially important for payment data.

Data sources include vendor documentation, G2/Capterra reviews, salon owner forums, and official pricing pages. I also factored in how US salons report surprise costs with platforms like Fresha and Zenoti, versus predictable flat-fee models like DINGG’s transparent pricing.

Editor’s Picks

• Best overall: DINGG — transparent flat-rate pricing with AI-powered booking/chatbot and no commission fees. Most US salons will find this the best balance of cost, features, and growth potential.
• Best free option: Fresha — strong starter platform, but commissions eat into margins as soon as you grow.
• Best for enterprises: Zenoti — robust multi-location features, but only makes sense for large chains that can afford enterprise pricing.
• Best value for small salons: GlossGenius — affordable entry point with simple setup and payroll tools, but limited for scaling beyond 1–2 locations.

Feature Matrix

Factors That Impact Salon Software Pricing in the US

The biggest pricing divide in salon software costs in the US (2025) is between subscription models and commission-based models:

• Subscription models (DINGG, Vagaro, GlossGenius, Zenoti, Boulevard): predictable monthly costs, usually $50–$500 depending on features. DINGG stands out with a flat-rate plan ($79/month) that includes AI booking and marketing tools most competitors charge extra for.
• Commission models (Fresha): appear free upfront but take 10–20% of revenue from marketplace bookings. For a salon earning $5,000 monthly via Fresha’s marketplace, that’s $500–$1,000 lost to commissions.

Other cost factors include:

• Feature tiers: Basic plans ($20–80/month) offer booking and client records. Mid-tier plans ($80–200/month) add POS and marketing. Enterprise plans ($200–500+) cover chains and advanced analytics.
• Add-on fees: SMS reminders ($10–50/month), payment processing (2.4–2.9% + 10–30¢ per transaction), payroll ($20–100/month). DINGG includes automated reminders and integrated processing in its flat pricing.
• Multi-location pricing: Many providers multiply cost per location. By contrast, DINGG scales at $149/month for multiple salons, still commission-free.

Average Salon Software Costs in the US (2025)

The average cost of salon software in the US (2025) depends on your size and booking volume:

• Solo stylists & small salons (1–3 staff): $25–150/month.
  Entry-level platforms like GlossGenius ($24/month) or Vagaro ($30/month) start low, but true monthly costs often rise to $100–150 once you add SMS fees and payment processing. DINGG offers predictable pricing at $79/month with SMS reminders and AI booking included, making it a strong option for small salons that want value without add-ons.
• Mid-size salons (4–15 staff): $150–400/month.
  Most US salons in this bracket run $80–200 in subscription fees, but payment processing alone on $20,000 monthly revenue can add $400–600. DINGG’s transparent model avoids commission fees that platforms like Fresha charge, keeping scaling predictable.
• Large salons & multi-location businesses (15+ staff): $500–2,000+/month.
  Enterprise options like Zenoti can cost $110/month per location with contracts, and total spend easily exceeds $1,000 once revenue-based fees are factored. By contrast, DINGG caps multi-location pricing at $149/month a fraction of enterprise costs.

Key takeaway: Commission-based “free” models often end up costing more than transparent subscription models. Flat-fee software like DINGG prevents margin erosion as your business grows.

Popular Salon Software Pricing in the US (2025)

Fresha

Website

Fresha is one of the most popular salon software platforms globally and positions itself as the “free” option for salon owners. For basic appointment booking and client management, Fresha delivers on that promise, making it attractive to startups and solo stylists. But as businesses grow, commissions and transaction fees quickly add up, turning “free” into one of the most expensive choices.

Key features:

• Unlimited appointment booking and staff calendars
• Built-in POS with inventory tracking
• Client profiles and automated reminders
• Gift card sales and basic marketing tools
• Mobile app for staff and clients
• Marketplace exposure to acquire new clients

Pricing: Core platform is free, but comes with 20% commission on first-time marketplace bookings and standard payment fees of 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction as of 2025.

What's good: Truly free to start, comprehensive feature set for basic needs, marketplace visibility for new client acquisition, and a polished mobile app experience. No setup fees or contracts required.

What's not so good: Commission structure becomes costly for established salons, limited customization options, dependency on Fresha’s marketplace, and advanced reporting requires workarounds.

Who should use Fresha: Solo stylists or new US salons testing software for the first time, businesses with light booking volumes, or owners who are willing to exchange commissions for lower upfront costs.

Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Facebook, Instagram.

Support: Email and chat support, a detailed help center, and active community forums — but no phone support on free plans, which can be frustrating during urgent issues.

Security: PCI DSS compliant, SSL encryption, GDPR compliant with EU data storage options.

Expert opinion: “Fresha’s marketplace works brilliantly for salons looking to fill empty chairs, but for busy salons the commission fees often cost more than a flat subscription,” explains salon consultant Lisa Martinez.

Unique angle: Fresha is one of the few salon software platforms where the provider makes money when you do — through its marketplace. While innovative, it often leaves US salons paying more in fees than they would on flat subscription models.

DINGG

Website

DINGG positions itself as the transparent, AI-powered salon management platform designed for US salons of all sizes. Unlike commission-based models, DINGG offers flat monthly pricing that includes advanced features many competitors reserve for enterprise tiers.

Key features:

• AI-powered chatbot for 24/7 client inquiries and booking
• Comprehensive appointment scheduling with calendar sync
• Integrated POS system with inventory tracking
• Automated SMS/email marketing campaigns and loyalty tools
• Multi-location support with centralized dashboards
• Real-time reporting and analytics for smarter decisions

Pricing: Starts at $79/month for single salons with all core features included. Scales to $149/month for multi-location support. No commission fees or hidden charges as of 2025.

What's good: Predictable flat-rate pricing, AI chatbot reduces no-shows and staff workload, modern and intuitive interface, strong US-based customer support, and all-in-one features that typically cost extra with other providers.

What's not so good: Newer player compared to Fresha or Zenoti, smaller third-party integration library, and some advanced customizations still in development.

Who should use DINGG: Forward-looking US salon owners who want to avoid commission fees, streamline bookings with AI, and scale from a single location to multiple without unpredictable pricing.

Integrations: QuickBooks, major US payment processors (Stripe, Square), Google Calendar, email marketing platforms, with API access for custom connections.

Support: Live chat, email, and phone support with fast response times. Onboarding specialists available for US salons, plus detailed tutorials and video guides.

Security: PCI DSS compliant, end-to-end encrypted cloud infrastructure, GDPR-compliant, regular security patches and monitoring.

User experience: “DINGG’s AI chatbot now handles about 60% of our client booking requests automatically. Our staff spends less time on the phone and more time with clients,” says Rachel Martinez, a salon owner in Chicago.

Unique angle: Unlike Fresha’s commission-based model, DINGG’s flat pricing stays consistent no matter how many clients you book. Add to that AI-powered automation, and it delivers enterprise-grade efficiency at a small business price.

GlossGenius

Website

GlossGenius is a mobile-first salon management platform designed for solo stylists and small salons. It emphasizes simplicity and speed, with setup times often under 15 minutes. While affordable, its limited multi-location support and add-on fees make it less scalable compared to competitors.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop appointment scheduling
• Integrated POS with contactless payments
• Automated reminders and basic marketing tools
• Payroll and tax add-ons for teams
• Client profile management with notes/photos
• Insurance marketplace for independent stylists

Pricing: Starts at $24/month for solo users, $44/month for small teams. Payroll add-on: $20/month per employee. Standard payment processing fees apply (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction).

What's good: Affordable entry pricing, easy-to-use mobile interface, built-in payroll option, excellent customer support responsiveness, and strong appeal for solo beauty pros.

What's not so good: Limited functionality for multi-location salons, fewer advanced features than DINGG or Zenoti, and reporting/analytics are fairly basic.

Who should use GlossGenius: Solo stylists, estheticians, and mobile beauty pros in the US who value affordability and mobile convenience over enterprise-level features.

Integrations: QuickBooks, Stripe, Square, Instagram, Google Calendar, and basic email marketing tools.

Support: Phone, email, and live chat support during business hours, plus video tutorials and a help desk.

Security: PCI compliant, bank-level encryption, regular security audits.

User feedback: “GlossGenius saves me hours every week. The payroll add-on makes it worth the extra cost,” shares Maria Santos, NYC stylist.

Unique angle: GlossGenius stands out as a budget-friendly, mobile-first tool ideal for freelancers and tiny salons — but it’s less suited for salons planning to grow beyond 2–5 staff.

Vagaro

Website

Vagaro is a well-rounded salon management software popular with mid-size salons in the US. It offers strong marketing tools, robust POS functionality, and reasonable base pricing. However, the reliance on add-ons can make it more expensive than it appears.

Key features:

• Advanced appointment booking with waitlists
• Full POS with inventory management
• Built-in email and SMS marketing campaigns
• Staff scheduling and commission tracking
• Loyalty programs and gift card support
• Multi-location dashboards and reporting

Pricing: Plans start at $30/month for basic functionality and go up to $70/month for premium tiers. Payment processing is 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction. Additional fees apply for SMS, marketing credits, and payroll.

What's good: Competitive base price, strong marketing and loyalty tools, solid reporting, and widely adopted in the US (especially California and Texas).

What's not so good: Interface feels dated, advanced features require higher-tier plans, support can lag during peak times, and add-ons inflate costs quickly.

Who should use Vagaro: Mid-size US salons with 5–15 staff that prioritize marketing automation, loyalty programs, and inventory management at a fair base price.

Integrations: QuickBooks, Google, Facebook, Constant Contact, major payment processors.

Support: Phone, email, chat, training webinars, and a knowledge base with tutorials.

Security: PCI DSS Level 1 compliant, encrypted data storage, routine backups.

Industry feedback: “Vagaro is affordable upfront but the add-ons add up fast,” notes Sarah Chen, salon industry analyst.

Unique angle: Vagaro shines for salons that value built-in marketing automation — but it lacks the AI-driven innovation and transparent pricing that set DINGG apart.

Zenoti

Website

Zenoti is an enterprise-grade salon and spa management platform built for large chains and franchises. It offers powerful analytics, multi-location management, and advanced integrations, but its high pricing and steep learning curve make it unsuitable for most small to mid-size US salons.

Key features:

• Enterprise-level multi-location management
• Advanced analytics and custom reporting
• Comprehensive staff & payroll management
• Integrated marketing automation
• Inventory management across multiple sites
• API access for custom integrations

Pricing: Starts at $110/month per location with annual contracts. Enterprise pricing varies depending on location count and feature set.

What's good: Extremely robust feature set, deep reporting tools, strong support for large teams, and enterprise-level compliance and security.

What's not so good: Expensive for independent salons, requires long contracts, onboarding can take months, and staff training is resource-heavy.

Who should use Zenoti: Large US salon chains, med spas, and franchises needing enterprise-grade scalability, complex reporting, and advanced multi-location oversight.

Integrations: Broad API ecosystem, QuickBooks, Xero, payment processors, HR and marketing platforms.

Support: Dedicated account managers, 24/7 phone and technical support, extensive training programs.

Security: SOC 2 Type II certified, role-based access, GDPR and PCI compliant.

Industry feedback: “Zenoti is unmatched for multi-location chains, but it took us six months to fully implement,” reports David Kim, owner of a 12-location chain.

Unique angle: Zenoti positions itself as the ERP of beauty and wellness powerful for enterprises, but inaccessible for the majority of US salons.

Boulevard

Website

Boulevard markets itself as a premium salon and spa platform with a focus on client experience and brand customization. Its luxury positioning and pricing make it a niche fit for high-end salons rather than the average US business.

Key features:

• Branded client booking interface
• Advanced client profiles with preferences
• Customizable service menus
• Sophisticated marketing automation
• Staff performance analytics
• White-label mobile app options

Pricing: Starts at $185/month for small businesses and scales up with staff count and locations. Payment processing fees are 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.

What's good: Beautiful design, premium client booking experience, detailed analytics, white-label branding options, and priority customer support.

What's not so good: High cost excludes most US salons, features may exceed actual needs, limited integrations compared to Zenoti or DINGG, and requires upfront training.

Who should use Boulevard: High-end salons, med spas, and luxury service providers who prioritize client experience and brand presentation over cost efficiency.

Integrations: Payment processors, email marketing tools, accounting platforms (limited list).

Support: Premium-level support with dedicated success managers, onboarding specialists, and priority response times.

Security: PCI compliant, encrypted communications, secure cloud hosting, regular security checks.

Industry perspective: “Boulevard works beautifully for luxury brands but requires premium service pricing to justify the subscription cost,” says consultant Jennifer Walsh.

Unique angle: Boulevard differentiates itself by prioritizing luxury branding and client experience but at a cost that makes it impractical for most US salons.

FAQ Section

How much does salon software typically cost in the US (2025)?
Most US salons spend $80–250/month including subscriptions, SMS, and payment processing. Solo stylists can run lean at $25–80, while large chains exceed $500. Platforms like DINGG keep pricing predictable with flat rates, avoiding hidden commissions.

Is Fresha really free for US salons?
Fresha is free upfront, but US salons pay 20% commission on marketplace bookings plus payment fees. For busy salons, that often exceeds what a flat subscription like DINGG’s $79/month would cost.

Which salon software offers the most transparent pricing?
Platforms vary. Vagaro and GlossGenius are affordable but add costs for payroll or SMS. DINGG is one of the few with transparent, commission-free pricing in the US.

Do US salons pay extra for payment processing?
Yes. Most providers charge 2.4–2.9% + 10–30¢ per transaction depending on the software you choose.

What’s the best salon software for small to mid-size salons in the US?
For independents, GlossGenius and Vagaro are common picks. But for small to mid-size salons that need scalable features without surprise costs, DINGG is a stronger long-term choice.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing salon software in the US is less about the sticker price and more about total cost of ownership. “Free” options like Fresha get expensive once commissions add up. Enterprise systems like Zenoti and Boulevard deliver powerful features, but at a price point that excludes most independent salons.

That’s where DINGG fits best for US salons in 2025 transparent flat-rate pricing, AI-powered booking tools, and features you’d normally expect from enterprise systems, all without hidden fees. Whether you’re a two-chair salon or running multiple locations, DINGG gives you predictable costs and modern tools that grow with your business.

Book a free demo today and see how much time and money your salon can save with DINGG.