Shortcuts vs The Salon App

Calendly

Google Calendar

Goldie

Calendly is a scheduling automation platform that helps individuals, teams, and enterprises book meetings faster, eliminate back-and-forth emails, and connect their calendar, CRM, and video tools into one seamless scheduling workflow.

Google Calendar is an online calendar solution that enables users to manage business and personal schedules. The platform offers calendar migration options, allowing users to integrate existing calendars, including those from Microsoft and IBM. Google provides comprehensive tools and resources to facilitate data migrations into the Google Workspace ecosystem.

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.

Manager

The customer support was iffy sometimes and the software would fail very rarely.

Owner

The only good thing about this product is technical support

Shortcuts is a salon management software that helps businesses of all sizes with their daily operations, ranging from client to business management. Users can personalize customer interactions & market towards their target audience, all whilst ensuring that business operations are running smoothly.

Access Controls/Permissions

Appointment Management

Appointment Scheduling

Automated Scheduling

Automatic Re-ordering

Availability Management

Booking Management

Booth Rental Management

Calendar Management

Calendar Sync

Client Database

Client Management

Client Portal

Client Profiles

Commission Management

Confirmations/Reminders

Credit Card Processing

Customer Database

Customer History

Customer Mobile App

Customer Surveys

Customizable Branding

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Data Import/Export

Discount Management

Electronic Payments

Email Management

Email Marketing

Email Reminders

Employee Management

For Barbershops

For Salons and Spas

Gift Card Management

Group Scheduling

Inventory Management

Inventory Tracking

Loyalty Program

Mobile Access

Mobile Alerts

Multi-Location

Online Booking

Online Payments

Payroll & Commissions

Payroll Management

Performance Metrics

Point of Sale (POS)

Real-Time Reporting

Recurring Appointments

Reporting & Statistics

SMS Marketing

SMS Messaging

Social Media Integration

Third-Party Integrations

Wait List Management

Website Integration

Website Management

Open Source

Shortcuts

Web-based

Windows

Android

Linux

iPad

iPhone

Mindbody

Basic

Frequent technical disruptions

79% of reviewers feel negative about Shortcuts’ bugs and issues. Some reviewers report recurring software crashes and glitches, especially when accessing pricing or scanning barcodes. Users think system failures often require costly technical support and hardware replacements. Reviewers indicate that syncing errors, license timeouts, and unreliable online booking functions disrupt their workflow. Some users say the software’s dependence on a main computer makes the entire system vulnerable to single-point failures, and they find ongoing technical problems frustrating and time-consuming to resolve.

Comprehensive salon management tools

80% of reviewers feel positive about Shortcuts’ salon management capabilities. Some reviewers find the software offers a variety of reporting features that help them track salon performance and client history. Users think it streamlines day-to-day operations, allowing them to manage appointments, marketing, and statistics effectively. Reviewers appreciate that the system is easy to incorporate into busy salons and say it helps them organize their workflow, reducing reliance on physical books. Some users report that the software supports business growth and provides helpful customer support.

Smooth staff onboarding experience

88% of reviewers feel positive about Shortcuts’ ease of use. Some reviewers find the software’s user-friendly design makes onboarding new staff straightforward, even for those with limited computer skills. Some users report that transitioning from paper to digital systems is hassle-free, and they appreciate the educational resources that simplify training. Reviewers indicate that the intuitive interface allows them to quickly adapt and manage daily operations without confusion. Some users say the software’s simplicity benefits both experienced and less tech-savvy employees, helping them run their business efficiently.

I needed a way to set up appointments and track the hours of more than a dozen hairstylists and massage therapists.

We lost thousands not being able to see our appointment book as we do our bookings remotely.

Director

I enjoyed shortcuts and am grateful to have used it as a first time hair stylist it set the bar and allowed me to learn salon software .

During the pandemic I called shortcuts to cancel my service due to the difficulty of keeping track of clients whom I want to contact via email and to keep them informed about what was going on at the time of the lockdown.

Salon Receptionist

Sometimes this system needs rebooting as there can be a syncing error that occurs

Customer support never mentioned this to us that changing the plan will automatically renewed the contract for 2 more years.

I requested to keep the bare minimum so as to not incur so much expenses.

Salon Director

We would to Shortcuts advise to listen to your clients more and actually attempt to improve your software to stay relevant within the current climate.

This is a quick and easy software to use within our busy salon

Salon owner

They have horrible business practices and are only the there to milk you for as much money as possible.

It manager

Pretty easy to use and good functionality

Ease of Use

Customer Support

Pricing

Salon Management

Salon Reports

Bugs and Issues

Contract Terms

Time and Cost Efficiency

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Small Business

Freelancers

Shortcuts Software

Acuity Scheduling

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.

GlossGenius

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.

Vagaro

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.

The Salon App is an all-in-one software solution for hair and beauty professionals. It streamlines operations, saves time, and increases profits with its diary, reporting, and marketing suites. Tailored for all salon sizes, it's the ultimate tool for success.

Shortcuts vs The Salon App Comparison (2026)

Shortcuts

The Salon App

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives