Fresha vs Vagaro,side by side.
Both are big, both are old, both do a lot. Here is how they actually compare on the things salon owners ask about first.
The essentials
What you actually get
- 01
Fresha
Free software funded by a marketplace and card fees. Best if you want marketplace reach and integrated payments.
- 02
Vagaro
Paid all in one salon, spa and fitness suite. Best if you need POS, memberships and marketing under one roof.
- 03
ZenSched
The calm alternative when you want a booking page, real rules and email reminders without a marketplace or a mega suite.
Side by side
How they compare
On the things buyers actually ask about.
| Feature | Fresha | Vagaro | ZenSched |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base price | Free (fee funded) | Paid per seat | Flat per location |
| Marketplace exposure | Yes | Not today | Not today |
| Fees on new client bookings | Yes | No | No |
| Payment processing built in | Yes | Yes | Not today |
| Multi location | Yes | Extra cost | Yes |
| Setup time | Hours | Days | 10 minutes |
| Custom booking fields | Limited | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Fresha really free?+
The software is free. Fresha earns from a marketplace fee on new clients booked through its app and from card processing. Whether that is cheaper than a flat subscription depends on how many marketplace bookings you take.
Is Vagaro worth the ramp up?+
If you need a full POS, memberships and marketing suite in one system, yes. If you just want a booking page and reminders, it is more than you need.
Where does ZenSched fit?+
In the middle of that gap. A branded booking page, real availability rules and email reminders. No marketplace and no mega suite you did not ask for.
Is ZenSched really free to try?+
Yes. The Free Beta plan gives you a full booking page, unlimited appointments and email reminders. No credit card to start.
Do you send SMS reminders?+
Not yet. Reminders go by email today. If SMS is a hard requirement for you, tell us — we ship based on what customers ask for.
Can I take deposits or payments through the booking page?+
Not today. ZenSched focuses on the calendar and the booking experience. Payment collection is on the roadmap; for now most customers collect payment in person or through their existing processor.
Read next
- ZenSched vs Fresha
- ZenSched vs Vagaro
- Salon booking software
- The Best Salon Booking Software in 2026 (Honestly Compared)
- The Best Booking App for Nail Techs (Solo, Studio, or Suite)
- How to Switch Booking Software Without Losing Clients
- Booksy vs Squire,
- Multi location booking
- A booking system
- Reminders that actually go out.
- Pricing
- See the booking flow
Want neither?Try ZenSched.
A calm booking page, real rules, email reminders. Live in ten minutes.
