Fresha vs Ovatu

Vagaro

Goldie

Acuity Scheduling

Vagaro is all-in-one software for beauty, wellness, and fitness professionals. Manage appointments, accept payments, run marketing campaigns, and grow your business all from one easy-to-use platform designed to help you save time and boost revenue.

Goldie is a comprehensive software designed for salon and beauty professionals. The platform offers appointment scheduling, automated client reminders, and integrated payment processing capabilities to help reduce no-shows and streamline business operations. Beauty professionals can manage their calendars, create branded online booking websites, and track business performance through detailed reports.

Acuity Scheduling is an online appointment scheduling solution that allows clients to self-schedule appointments or classes online, complete custom forms, receive confirmation notifications and reminders, and pay or donate with a credit card.

Business owner an aesthetician.

Warehouse manager

The platform is easy and effective however it lacks customisation and customer service takes a while to respond.

Creative Director

The Fresha team also seem to be working on the app software in the background all the time, and I appreciate that they're always looking for ways to better the experience for businesses and customers.

Director

I use the free version which means little contact with the fresha team.

Fresha is the world's leading online booking software for the beauty and wellness industry, including Med Spa's. 

Boost your sales and attract new clients with an all-in-one solution for salons, spas, barbers and therapists.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Alerts/Notifications

Appointment Management

Appointment Scheduling

Attendance Tracking

Automated Scheduling

Availability Indicator

Availability Management

Before & After Pictures

Billing & Invoicing

Booking Management

Booth Rental Management

Calendar Management

Calendar Sync

Class Management

Class Scheduling

Client Database

Client Management

Client Profiles

Commission Management

Confirmations/Reminders

Contact Database

Credit Card Management

Credit Card Processing

Customer Database

Customer History

Customer Mobile App

Customer Support

Customizable Branding

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Debit/Credit Card Processing

Discount Management

Electronic Payments

Email Management

Email Marketing

Email Reminders

Employee Management

Employee Scheduling

Faculty/Staff Management

Fitness Plan

For Barbershops

For Medical Spas

For Salons and Spas

For Yoga/Pilates Studios

Gift Card Management

Group Scheduling

HIPAA Compliant

In-Person Payments

Inventory Management

Inventory Tracking

Loyalty Program

Marketing Automation

Mobile Access

Mobile Alerts

Mobile App

Multi-Language

Multi-Location

Multiple User Accounts

Online Booking

Online Payments

Payment Processing

Payroll & Commissions

Payroll Management

Performance Metrics

Point of Sale (POS)

Practice Management

Price/Margin Management

Promotions Management

Ratings/Reviews

Real-Time Notifications

Real-Time Reporting

Recurring Appointments

Referral Tracking

Reminders

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Rescheduling

Room Booking

Sales Reports

Scheduling

Self Service Portal

SMS Marketing

SMS Messaging

SMS Reminders

Social Media Integration

Staff Management

Task Scheduling

Third-Party Integrations

Transaction History

Treatment Packages

Website Integration

By industry, Fresha reviewers are most commonly professionals in health, wellness and fitness (33%). The most frequent use case for Fresha cited by reviewers is appointment scheduling (70% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Most reviewers indicate that Fresha offers exceptional value for money, especially praising its free version and affordable pricing. However, some users report concerns about hidden costs and rising fees for certain add-ons and payment processing.

Value for money

Fresha is an appointment scheduling solution with key features that include appointment management, automated confirmations and reminders, online booking, mobile access, client database, and more.

Fresha

Web-based

iPad

iPhone

Android

Windows

Linux

Chromebook

Square Point of Sale

Phorest

Booksy Biz

Treatwell

Square Appointments

DaySmart Salon

GlossGenius

Mindbody

Jane

Rosy

Booker

Boulevard

Meevo

Setmore

Simple Salon

Clover

Team

Enterprise

Restrictive cancellation policies

Owner 

The least thing at this time is the feature for customers to book and reserve appointments for cancellations and no show fees. If a customer books with a credit card on file they can use any card without a dime on it and in the event they do no show or cancel their card is declined for insufficient funds!

58% of reviewers feel negative about cancellations. Users indicate that the platform’s cancellation features are inflexible, making it hard to manage appointment changes or enforce custom cancellation policies. Reviewers say they cannot always cancel or modify appointments easily, and sometimes face issues with no-show fees not being processed due to declined cards. Some users report being unable to turn off online booking or fully control cancellation settings, which complicates schedule management and can result in unwanted charges.

Opaque and high fees

owner

As they get better, they start charging businesses too much and greedy.1-Text messages are not unlimited anymore as promised, they start limiting down each month less and less.

Business owner

They charge 20% of every new client, let's say someone booked a package for $625, Fresha rudely takes $125.

68% of reviewers feel negative about charges and fees. Users report frustration with hidden or unclear fees, especially the 20% marketplace fee that is sometimes applied to existing clients or due to system errors. Reviewers say they struggle with unexpected charges, lack of transparency, and difficulty obtaining refunds for disputed fees. Some users mention that fee policies are rigid and not always communicated clearly, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. They feel these costs can add up and impact their business profitability.

Occasional technical glitches

37% of reviewers feel negative about bugs and issues. Some users report experiencing minor glitches, such as lag, crashes, or login problems. Reviewers mention concerns about the platform being web-based, which can lead to issues if there are internet disruptions. They say that while most problems are not severe, occasional technical difficulties can disrupt workflow and require manual intervention. Some users feel that certain features could be more robust or updated more frequently to address these concerns.

Problematic payment handling

switching to another software was a nightmare everything is wonky.commission was always incorrect but only for a few transactionsa couple times my scheduled deposits were delayed once for a over a week. unreliable.

Owner

Then for some reason after doing all of these steps, it was still depositing funds into my old account.

37% of reviewers feel negative about payment processing. Users report difficulties with verifying bank accounts, delayed or missing payouts, and challenges updating payment details. Reviewers say the onboarding process for payment features can be lengthy and complicated, sometimes requiring extensive documentation. Some users mention unreliable transaction processing, issues with declined cards, and a lack of effective support for resolving payment disputes. They feel these problems can create cash flow issues and add stress to managing their business finances.

Effortless initial configuration

100% of reviewers feel positive about the setup process. Users think the software is exceptionally easy to set up, even for those with limited technical skills. They appreciate that the setup is straightforward, quick, and intuitive, allowing them to get their business running in minutes. Reviewers say the platform offers a wide range of configuration options without being overwhelming. They find that both business owners and clients can navigate the setup smoothly, and they value the clear instructions and helpful support available during the process.

Customizable and organized layout

98% of reviewers feel positive about the layout. Reviewers indicate that the software’s clean, modern, and organized design makes it easy to access information and manage services. Users appreciate the high level of customization, allowing them to personalize the interface to fit their business needs. They value features like color coding, clear graphics, and the ability to easily modify menus and forms. Some users say the layout supports both desktop and mobile use, making navigation straightforward and visually appealing.

Automated client communication

97% of reviewers feel positive about client reminders. Users think the automated email and text reminders are a major time-saver, reducing no-shows and improving client communication. Reviewers appreciate that reminders are sent without manual effort, allowing them to focus on other tasks. They say clients value receiving confirmations and reminders, which enhances professionalism and organization. Some users mention the flexibility to customize reminder messages and the benefit of keeping all client interactions streamlined within the system.

Intuitive and modern interface

97% of reviewers feel positive about the user interface. Reviewers find the interface simple, modern, and visually appealing, making it easy for both staff and clients to use. Users say navigation is straightforward, with all key functions easily accessible. They appreciate seamless integration with websites and social media, as well as the availability of tutorials and support resources. Some users highlight that the interface supports efficient onboarding and helps businesses maintain a professional image.

Streamlined daily operations

98% of reviewers feel positive about the ease of use. Users say the software is simple to navigate, making daily business operations more efficient and less stressful. Reviewers appreciate that the platform is user-friendly, with an intuitive design that requires little to no training. They find it easy to learn, even for those who are not tech-savvy, and mention that the clean interface helps them manage bookings, track performance, and keep records without confusion or unnecessary complexity.

I will be cancelling my whole debit system and booking system with my salon with this company they like to charge everything that they absolutely can and there’s definitely just as good other companies out there for booking systems besides Fresha that does just the same.

President

It’s not a complex system which is appealing to a small business along with the cost, however there are some usability issues that could be easily be fixed if they had good product [sensitive content hidden] and tech support.

Massage Therapist

I have inquried about this to Fresha several times, as I use their QR code at my store to allow my clients to book an appointment, however, I still get charged for those customers, as if they intially found my services through Fresha, though this is not the case.

Student

Fresha can have some bugs or issues in its booking system at times, including error messages or blank screens.

Beauty therapist

Booking & payments easy, reduces no-shows with automated reminders, and helps attract new clients.

Holistic Therapist

I follow Fresha’s own advice by sending my direct booking link, yet the system still flags client as new marketplace clients. Despite clear evidence, support refuses to refund the fees, citing rigid policy and technicalities.

small owner - salon

Fresha deleted elderly (90yr +) client medical & profile information and replaced with another younger client (early 60yr+) profile information

Operations Manager

Unable to add two therapists to one appointment, latest pricing structure is far to expensive and unfair on very small businesses.

While the fee is supposed to apply to first-time clients who find my services via the Fresha website, I'm being charged for customers who scan my in-store QR code to book.

Manager

I wasn’t aware about this issue because normally small amount processing was working fine, until we had a more premium service like hair extensions required payment over $1000 and client did a runner, after that I realised we won’t be able to charge her.

The client calls for a reason something has come up there’s an emergency whatever the reason is we shouldn’t have to resort to tell our clients to go and do it Their selves.

Beauty Salon

I use it to manage my clients' appointments and have all my services organized and accessible to all my clients.

Result: no address to the frail elderly client on round the clock care to drive to their home to provide services.

Overall, it has been a good experience, but with the new pricing structure in place I am now looking to move to other (cheaper) products, as this is now far to expensive for myself as a small business owner.

Business Owner

they tell you about that BUT they don’t tell you for every card added to the system by the client when booking **even if they cancel or you never use the card at checkout!!

Fresha outline that a charge will be incurred for first time clients, who found my services via their website.

Very easy to use interface, good options for customisation, easy to set up schedules and services.  

Creative

Sometimes if you need to update the price it is hard to update it takes long time to update and when you invite the others sometimes it reject. and little over price for updating the service

Nail tech

Sometimes I’d be paying upwards of £70 a month which in my opinion is unacceptable.

The system should provide more protection to us as a business owner. If we require their security code to charge their card, then it didn’t make sense anymore.

My clients were all able to book in with ease, they all complimented how user friendly the system is.

Fresha vs Ovatu Comparison (2026)

Fresha

Ovatu

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives