DaySmart Salon vs Goldie

Vagaro

GlossGenius

Aura Salonware

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.

GlossGenius is a booking and payment app for beauty and wellness professionals. With a custom website, card readers, smooth booking experience, text and email marketing, client reminders, and more, GlossGenius helps businesses make more and stress less.

Aura Salonware is a salon management software that helps businesses track inventory, create loyalty programs, manage clients, monitor activity bookings, and more on a centralized platform. With the point of sale module, team members can generate custom branded receipts, distribute gift cards, manage referral credits, and process payments via cash and online wallets.

Owner

No customer support on my tier. When setting up the program, naturally you will have some questions.

The support team has been very helpful...just call and they help you on the spot ..

Salon owner

I especially love the different colored services so at a glance, you can just know what services you have.

Easily manage scheduling, payments, and staff while maximizing time, built for salons, spas, and barbershops that want to save time and stay organized.

Activity Dashboard

Alerts/Notifications

Appointment Management

Appointment Scheduling

Automated Scheduling

Availability Management

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

Booking Management

Booth Rental Management

Calendar Management

Calendar Sync

Client Database

Client Management

Client Profiles

Commission Management

Confirmations/Reminders

Credit Card Processing

Customer Database

Customer History

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Discount Management

Drag & Drop

Electronic Forms

Electronic Payments

Email Marketing

Email Reminders

Employee Management

For Barbershops

For Salons and Spas

Gift Card Management

Inventory Management

Inventory Tracking

Loyalty Program

Mobile Access

Mobile Alerts

Multi-Location

Online Booking

Payroll & Commissions

Payroll Management

Performance Metrics

Point of Sale (POS)

Promotions Management

Real-Time Reporting

Recurring Appointments

Referral Tracking

Reporting & Statistics

Reputation Management

Sales Reports

SMS Marketing

SMS Messaging

Social Media Integration

Third-Party Integrations

Transaction History

Wait List Management

Waitlist Status Tracking

Website Integration

By industry, DaySmart Salon reviewers are most commonly professionals in cosmetics (29%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is salon management (82%).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers feel DaySmart Salon is reasonably priced and appreciate the included features, which they say offer good value. However, many users report high costs, extra charges for features, and frustration with fluctuating or non-localized pricing.

Value for money

DaySmart Salon is a salon program with key features that include appointment scheduling, client database management, automated confirmations and reminders, point of sale capabilities, and more.

DaySmart Salon

Web-based

iPhone

iPad

Android

Windows

Linux

Chromebook

Booker

Rosy

Fresha

Meevo

Mindbody

Phorest

Booksy Biz

Mangomint

EnvisionNow

Acuity Scheduling

ZENOTI

Boulevard

Timely

Basic

Deluxe

Deluxe Growth

Premium

Premium Growth

Complicated ticket handling

We loved using daysmart until about a year ago, the software started glitching out on us and changing ticket prices and inventory quantities, so we decided to cancel.

95% of reviewers feel negative about ticket management, reporting frequent errors with ticket calculations, difficulties editing closed tickets, and problems combining or transferring tickets. Users indicate that glitches can cause incorrect totals or duplicate services, leading to frustration during busy periods. Some reviewers express concerns about data access and retrieval after cancellation, and mention that the process for resolving ticket-related issues is time-consuming and inefficient. They also note challenges with billing, commission calculations, and the inability to print certain records, which complicates daily operations.

Unreliable payment processing

Sole prop

I constantly experience issues with my cc flex machine not completing the transaction, which in turn for my clients that relay in using credit to pay for their services are not able cause of me to loose revenue for that day because now I have to wait to run the card or they pay in their next visit!

Also the merchant hat they make you use is dated and you have to do a compliance questionnaire often or they will charge you 20.00 a month extra.

92% of reviewers feel negative about credit card processing, citing frequent transaction failures, unreliable hardware, and limited provider options. Users report that integrated payment systems are costly, have hidden fees, and often require inconvenient compliance steps. Some reviewers mention that syncing issues and lack of flexibility in choosing providers disrupt their business and client experience. They express frustration with technical problems, poor support for payment issues, and the cumbersome process for making adjustments or storing cards, which they feel impacts revenue and professionalism.

Persistent system glitches

Owner/Operator

Glitches often especially during checkout which is a major inconvenince and hassle.

Owner/Stylist

70% of reviewers feel negative about bugs and issues, describing frequent glitches, slow performance, and lagging, especially during critical tasks like checkout. Users report that updates sometimes introduce new problems and that technical support struggles to resolve recurring errors. Some reviewers say the system can crash or cause computer slowdowns, and they find it difficult to get timely help for technical difficulties. They mention that these ongoing issues disrupt their workflow and lead to frustration with the software’s reliability.

Flexible, accessible scheduling

I like being able to see my calendar from my cell

Appt scheduling and online scheduling are great!

91% of reviewers feel positive about the scheduling features, noting that they can manage appointments from anywhere, including mobile devices. Users say the scheduling tools are easy to use, allowing them to view, adjust, and access their calendars remotely. Some reviewers highlight the benefit of online scheduling for both staff and clients, and appreciate the ability to make changes on the go. They find that the system keeps their schedules organized and accessible, supporting efficient appointment management and team coordination.

Automated client reminders

Cosmetologist

I love how easy it is to use and set up and the client reminder text are great to combat against no shows or forgotten appointments!!

The text messaging and the reminder messages and the fact that you can customize the message is a great feature

94% of reviewers feel positive about the reminder notifications, stating that automated text and email reminders help reduce no-shows and forgotten appointments. Users appreciate being able to customize reminder messages, which they say enhances client communication and professionalism. Some reviewers mention that clients value receiving timely reminders, and that the system’s automation saves them significant time. They find the reminders effective for appointment confirmations and note that the feature is easy to set up and manage, making it a key tool for client retention.

Intuitive, hassle-free operation

Manager

96% of reviewers feel positive about the ease of use, reporting that the software is straightforward and simple to learn. Users indicate they can quickly navigate the system without extensive training or outside help. They find it easy to teach others and say it streamlines their daily tasks, reducing complexity in their workflow. Some reviewers appreciate that the intuitive design allows them to accomplish business needs efficiently, making their jobs less stressful. They mention that the platform’s simplicity saves time and effort, which is especially valuable in fast-paced environments.

User-friendly navigation design

Esthetician

I use this program for both of my businesses. Both easy to use and set up.

77% of reviewers feel positive about the user interface, describing it as user-friendly and easy to navigate. Users say the interface is straightforward, with intuitive menus and quick-access buttons that speed up their workflow. Some reviewers mention that the design makes it simple to set up and operate, even for those who are not tech-savvy. They appreciate that the layout helps them work efficiently and reduces the learning curve for new users, contributing to a smooth overall experience.

Administration

Even during our busiest days, the system keeps everything flowing seamlessly, giving us the ability to focus on what matters most which is our clients and the quality of service we provide.

Hair stylist

The DaySmart Salon app was a game changer for me and our Salon. Before we had a paper schedule and you had to physically be in the salon to book appointments or call the salon and interrupt a coworker (not great!).

I do like most the Features, it give you many options to manage your appointments and data of your clients

Hairdressing

That I dont get notification when someone cancels via txt and the appointment disappeared so I cant see who was booked there

Owner operator

If there is a problem it’s hard to get a live person on the phone also, wish there was an easier way to put our services in for our appointments

Massage therapist

Sometimes the system doesnt send the  reminders to the client.   When this happens it can cause confusion for the client.

Business Manager

it is very new user friendly even if you arent tech savvy it is very easy to navigate i love how you can make your own client forms in the website and it gives you templates and everything

It saves time, keeps my schedule organized, and supports the growth of my business.

We have 9 of us at our salon that uses DaySmart booking and everyone likes the ease of navigating around it

The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping businesses succeed. Whenever we have questions or need guidance, they are there with thoughtful solutions and a willingness to assist.

Hairstylist

I feel it manages my appointments and keeps everything organized and I feel secure when I am using it.

Proprietor

I'd like a way that clients can reschedule on their own using the website.

Hairdresser

Sometimes the back end settings are a bit hard to find. But mostly there arent any cons that makes me want to use another software.

They also do not have a way to track back bar usage (business use of products) and it would randomly change our inventory and tickets.

It is user friendly and all of my business is handled in the app from marketing, scheduling to inventory.

One small area for improvement would be the pricing structure for marketing text messages.

Also i have experienced the system sending the client the wrong appointment day which also causes confusion.

esthetician

I know theres a spot for processing ad finnishing but thats more hair dresser lingo.

That would be it when I move a client from one spot to another without canceling them.

Owner Hair Stylist

So at some point you could cash out clients the same on the phone as the computer.

For example, one time the website sent a cancellation message to my client that I didn't send.

owner

they lock you out of you acct on the same day if the subscription was not paid - I was waiting on my new cc from bank due to a fraud immediately i was locked out.

Also, sometimes the messages take a long time to load or I don't see them sent.

You can adjust features that fit your needs.

What stands out most is how well DaySmart supports a multi-location business.

Owner and stylist

There are a few glitches where service prices $0 out for certain stylists and we need to manually input the price.

I did have quite a bit of problems hooking up the credit card company that they use.

I would like my client to be able to get the new appointment reminder right away

I finally started using the website a year ago and scheduling took a burden off me personally.

Salon Owner Stylist

Let’s not forget Daysmart customer support services performance is top tier I’ve been with them for a while and they have always been professional and reliable!

It works well for managing our appointments.

Esthetician and owner

It's easy to use, the price is great, it's easy for me to manage my appts and for my clients to schedule.

Booth renter

Would like reminder messages to be more consistent.

Salon stylist

Is ok my first time using an app for appointments at the beginning I struggled.

The price point is reasonable for the features offered, and it provides great value for money.

I do believe it is a good value for my money especially with all that the software has to offer and continues to integrate.

Overall, it helps keep my business organized and running smoothly.

i wish there was a spot that you could block out for clean up time.

I had this many years ago sold that business got a new business years later and found that I wanted an appointment app.

With anything there are glitches , I have had some issues with my confirming appointments via apt reminders as texts .

I am considering changing my credit card processing if this can not get resolved because it is not reliable it is has been months this problem persist still.

I really like how the reminders for the clients.

The app is user friendly and the functionality works for what I need.

Browser front end allows employees to work from from anywhere and use their own equipment, and the salon no longer has to own and maintain a server, just inexpensive laptops

DaySmart Salon vs Goldie Comparison (2026)

DaySmart Salon

Goldie

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives