Are you looking for the best tanning salon software to run your business on?
Then you’ve landed in the right place.
Unlike traditional beauty salons, tanning salons have unique requirements, such as consent forms, managing tanning bed availability, and ensuring compliance with other UV safety regulations.
And it’s not easy to understand and navigate the alternatives out there.
This is why I decided to research and test the top tanning salon software solutions with the highest user ratings and best reviews.
Let’s dive into my findings.
Quick Overview of The Best Tanning Salon Software Alternatives 2024
Consider all options before making a decision, as your choice depends on the size of your business, services offered, and specific medical and regulatory requirements like consent forms. (Where clients confirm that they have been informed of the risks and agree to the terms and conditions of using the tanning devices).
Mangomint
Top-rated tanning salon software with superior design and customer support
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$245 per month
U.S. and Canada
Vagaro
The feature rich and cost-effective tanning salon software
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$120 per month
U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK
Fresha
Tanning salon software without subscription fees
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$80 per month
Available in 22 languages in over 120 countries worldwide
GlossGenius
The top option for independent professionals
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$48 per month
U.S.
Zenoti
Tanning salon management software with extensive customization options
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$350 per month
Available in nearly 50 countries worldwide
Let’s Double-Click on Each Tanning Salon Software Alternative
Our impressions and assessments are based on usage and research. For detailed information and compatibility with your business, read the linked full reviews below.
Mangomint
Top-rated software with integrated consent forms and superior design and customer support
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$245 per month
U.S. and Canada
I first heard about Mangomint in 2022 and was immediately impressed by the sophisticated and intelligent software. My initial impression was finally, salon software that is fast, intuitive, smart, and beautiful to interact with.
Mangomint has continued to evolve with new features and a highly engaged community. It’s generating significant industry buzz and consistently receiving high marks on user review websites.
Mangomint stands out for its exceptional design, with every aspect crafted with care to be intuitive and user-friendly. It offers smart automations that streamline appointment management and business operations, beneficial for busy tanning salons.
The software covers essential salon features like calendar scheduling, online booking, POS, inventory management, payroll, and reporting. Mangomint excels in client interaction, with two-way client texting and targeted email marketing to build strong customer relationships.
Tanning salons will find Mangomint’s Integrated Forms essential. It allows custom digital consent forms, crucial for tanning businesses, and ensures HIPAA compliant, secure client data management.
Mangomint’s advanced resource scheduling feature is also beneficial for tanning salons, as it prevents double-booking of tanning beds and other equipment.
Mangomint’s vision is to make salon software seamless and intuitive, integrating effortlessly into daily operations. The software is a pleasure to use for salon staff and clients.
Mangomint is my top choice for tanning salons looking for a platform to simplify work, save time, and enhance business operations.
Pros and Cons
- Highest-rated customer service on the market
- Resource scheduling and integrated consent forms
- HIPAA compliant
- Modern, easy-to-use, interface
- Open data ownership and no contracts (you’re not locked into anything)
- Can integrate with any other platform that allow for integrations
- Doesn’t allow independent professionals to use the platform. Only teams.
- Higher entry-level price than many other tanning salon software
- Only available in the United States and Canada
Vagaro
The feature rich and cost-effective tanning salon software
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$120 per month
U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK
Are you searching for affordable yet comprehensive software to manage your tanning salon? Then Vagaro is a strong contender in the market that offers an impressive array of features at a very affordable price.
Vagaro serves a broad range of businesses and also ships with many relevant features for tanning salons:
– Online Booking: Streamline appointment scheduling for your clients.
– Resource Management: Efficiently manage tanning beds and other equipment.
– Integrated Contactless Payments: Offer modern, touch-free payment options.
– Automated Marketing: Keep your clients engaged with minimal effort.
– Detailed Client Profiles: Track customer preferences and history.
– Membership and Package Management: Easily handle various service offerings.
– Comprehensive Reporting: Gain insights into your business performance.
One of Vagaro’s best features is its Marketplace. This platform helps you attract new customers and increase your salon’s visibility at no additional cost, making it an excellent tool for business growth.
While Vagaro may not boast the sleek design of some high-end competitors, it compensates with robust functionality at an affordable price. This makes it an ideal choice for cost-conscious tanning salons or independent professionals seeking advanced software without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
- A wealth of features for tanning salons
- Affordable price
- Client marketplace for attracting more new clients
- Integrations with other software (QuickBook, Xerox, Facebook, Zoom)
- Subscription payments and membership features
- Pages could load faster and you may find some glitches as you use it
- Clients need to create a Vagaro account when booking which some find annoying
- There is a learning curve in the beginning
Fresha
Tanning salon software without subscription fees
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$80 per month
Available in 22 languages in over 120 countries worldwide
Fresha is a unique software option for tanning salons. It offers a rich feature set without a subscription fee or usage limitations. Despite being free, it provides comprehensive tools tailored to the tanning industry.
I see strengths with Fresha in its user-friendly interface, cost-effective model, and continuous development with regular feature updates. The recently introduced consultation forms are important for tanning salons.
One main advantage is the absence of monthly fees, especially beneficial during slow periods or when the salon is closed. This cost efficiency, coupled with time-saving automation, allows salon owners to manage their expenses better and enjoy more personal time.
The drawback is the limited customization options. While it works well out of the box, you can’t extensively modify the appearance of your booking page or fully integrate booking into your website. You’re restricted to linking out to the Fresha-designed booking page.
Keep in mind that, despite being subscription-free, you’ll be charged for each appointment and up to 20% of the appointment value for new clients from the Fresha marketplace. This fee structure is an investment in growing your client base
Pros and Cons
- Free-subscription for unlimited staff. Only usage-based pricing.
- Easy to use
- Available in many countries and languages
- Marketplace for promoting your tanning salon
- Limited options to customize the appearance (default designs look good, though)
- Clients are required to create a Fresha account to book
- Online booking cannot be integrated with your website (need to link out to your Fresha page)
- Limited support for integration with other platforms. You’re locked into using the Fresha tools.
GlossGenius
The top option for independent tanning studio professionals
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$48 per month
U.S.
Are you a tanning salon in need of user-friendly and visually appealing software? GlossGenius might be the solution.
GlossGenius has a high-end aesthetic, crafted with premium client satisfaction in mind, from the website to the card reader. What sets it apart is the seamless integration of beautiful design and ease of use, coupled with useful features for tanning salons.
I recommend GlossGenius for independent tanning professionals who want an attractive online booking experience and powerful marketing tools without technical complexities. Its client management features personalize the tanning experience and track client progress, with features like automatic history saving and photo storage.
GlossGenius offers workarounds for selling service packages, but may lack specific features for tanning salons, like dedicated package management or explicit tanning risk consent forms.
Larger tanning businesses may need more flexibility and team support. It’s a great choice for solo tanning artists, but businesses with multiple staff might want alternatives with robust team management features.
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive features that are easy-to-use
- Professional looking salon website in just a few clicks
- Integrated payments with a nicely designed card reader
- Affordable and transparent flat fee pricing
- Synchronize clients and calendars with your phone
- Limited flexibility (you need to follow pre-defined standards)
- Can only be managed via app (only calendar can be accessed in web browser)
- No booking widget to integrate on existing website (need to link to your GlossGenius website)
Zenoti
Tanning salon management software with extensive customization options
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$350 per month
Available in nearly 50 countries worldwide
Zenoti is feature-packed and offers standard salon software features like online booking, POS, mobile apps, product and inventory support, memberships, packages, gift cards, and a marketing suite.
The key features for tanning salons includes secure client data, detailed notes, and session management.
The package and session management capabilities are great for tanning salons. It allows for creating and managing multiple tanning packages, tracking remaining sessions for each client, and sending timely notifications about expiring or unused sessions.
Zenoti’s appointment scheduling system handles walk-ins and waitlists to optimize tanning bed use without overbooking. It also supports group bookings for clients who prefer to tan together, enhancing the customer experience.
Zenoti excels in customizability, allowing users to fine-tune minute details of their tanning salon operations, setting it apart from competitors.
But, extensive customization has a steeper learning curve. The many options and settings can overwhelm new users, requiring more time for setup and training.
Zenoti comes with a higher price and a year-long contract, which may not be ideal for all tanning salons, especially smaller or new ones.
Pros and Cons
- Can integrate with a large number of third-party applications via an open API
- Integrated payments through Zenoti Payments
- Includes both HIPAA and EMR support
- Help center and Zenoti University (training) available
- Memberships, packages, gift cards
- No free trial
- Pricing is not transparent + high starting cost (minimum $300)
- Mobile app has low-to-mixed ratings
- Requires a 12-month contract
Let’s Compare the Tanning Salon Software Options
Let’s compare your preferred systems. We’ll start with user scores and compare pricing before diving into features and integrations.
User Reviews Compared
This is how users of the top tanning salon software platforms rate their systems on the four most popular review sites. Mangomint earns the highest satisfaction scores. However, all of the platforms on our list receive strong ratings for user experience.
Mangomint 
Vagaro 
Fresha 
GlossGenius 
Zenoti Pricing Compared
Pricing varies significantly between systems, as do their payment models. This table provides approximate costs for mid-sized spa businesses. However, your actual costs will depend on your specific business needs and payment processing volume. To fully understand what you would pay, carefully assess the plan that best fits your tanning salon and factor in projected payment volume.
Mangomint
Average Price
$245 per month
Trial Options
30 day free trial
Minimum contract
Cancel any time
- Essentials: $165 /mo (10 service providers)
- Standard: $245 /mo (20 service providers and advanced features)
- Unlimited: $375/ mo (unlimited service providers)
- Integrated Forms: $50/ mo
- Two-Way Texting: $75/ mo
- Payroll Processing: $50/ mo + $8/ mo per worker
- Marketing: Pay as you go, 1¢ per marketing credit
- In-person: 2.45% + $0.15
- Virtual: 2.90% + $0.20
- Custom rates: Over $50k/mo in volume may qualify for custom rates
Vagaro
Average Price
$120 per month
Trial Options
30 day free trial
Minimum contract
Cancel any time
- Monthly subscription fee starts at $25 for individuals
- $10 for every additional user
- Everyone after the 7th user is free
- Multi-location businesses require Vagaro’s enterprise platform with personalized prizing.
- Automated text marketing: $20/month
- Website builder: $10/month
- Forms: $10/month
- Cloud storage: $10/month
- Check-in app: $10/month
- Additional visibility at the Vagaro client marketplace: $10/month
- Branded app: $200/month
- SMS marketing: $20/mo for 500 sms and they offer plans up to $400/mo for 20,000 sms.
- Email marketing: 1000 emails/mo are included in your plan. If you need more, you pay $10/mo for 5 000 emails up to $90/mo for 100 000 emails.
- Small merchants (less than $4000/month): 2.75% per swipe, 3.5% + $0.15 per keyed-in transaction.
- Multiple merchants (less than $4000/month): 2.5% + $0.10 per swipe, 3.5% +$0.15 per keyed-in transaction.
- Large merchants (more than $4000/month): 2.2% + $0.19 per swipe, 3% + $0.19 per keyed-in transaction. Monthly cost $10.
Fresha
Average Price
$80 per month
Trial Options
Free subscription
Minimum contract
Cancel any time
- No fixed monthly charge
- Marketplace new client fee: 20% (min $6 per new client). This only applies to new clients who book via the Fresha marketplace.
- Automated notifications: $0.01 per text (50 included for free)
- Email blast campaigns: $0.02 per email
- Text blast campaigns: $0.02 per email
- Insights (enhanced reporting): $9.95 per team member
- Card: 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction
- Tap to Pay: $0.10 per authorization
GlossGenius
Average Price
$48 per month
Trial Options
Free 14 Day Trial
Minimum contract
Cancel any time
- Standard: $24/month (core features, one user)
- Gold: $48/ month (includes more sophisticated features such as intake forms, waitlist, commission reporting, premium website designs, and multiple users).
- No add-ons. All features are included in the Gold plan.
- 2.6% on all transactions
Zenoti
Average Price
$350 per month
Trial Options
No free trial
Minimum contract
12 months
Zenoti doesn’t offer transparent pricing information on their website. These are the “recommended packages” they offered us as a potential salon client:
“Recommended Option #1” – $350 (per month, per location)
- “Salon Core Package”
- ezConnect (two-way SMS feature)
- 7500 marketing emails
- 1000 marketing texts
“Recommended Option #2” – $450 (per month, per location)
- Everything in Option #1, plus
- “Marketing Plus Package”
- Custom-branded client-facing mobile app
- ezRepute (review management feature)
“Recommended Option #3” – $500 (per month, per location)
- Option #1, plus
- Smartbot (AI powered chatbot feature)
- ezConnect – In-App Two-Way Text Messaging: $29 – $169 per month per location
- ezRepute – Reputation Management Suite: $189 per month per location
- Smart Bot (Web / IVR): $150 – $400 per month per location
- ezPulse – Employee Performance Tracking Suite: $49 per month per location
- Credits (Email & SMS Marketing Campaigns): $180 – $1500
Credit card processing rates through Zenoti Payments:
- Card Present
- All cards except Amex: 2.45% + 10c
- Amex: 2.95% + 10c
- Card Not Present
- All cards except Amex: 2.95% + 10c
- Amex: 3.25% + $0.10
Features Compared
Below is an overview of how rich in features each system is across the core salon software feature categories.
Calendar
Online Booking
POS
Team Management
Team
Marketing
Mangomint 5
5
5
5
4
Vagaro 5
5
4
3
5
Fresha 4
2
3
2
4
GlossGenius 3
4
3
2
3
Zenoti 3
4
3
4
5
Integrations Compared
In addition to core features, some systems enable integrations with other platforms to enhance capabilities. The depth of integrations can vary widely between solutions. Below we outline the integrations provided across systems, so you can assess which allows for the connections that best suit your needs.
Note
Does the platform allow you to create new integrations to support your business-specific needs?
Note
Built-in integrations that you can activate as needed
Mangomint
Vagaro
Fresha
GlossGenius
Zenoti Comparison Summary
While supported features are important when choosing a tanning salon software system, they are not the only consideration. Before examining the functionality of each system, here is a summary of how they compare on other key factors: design appeal, ease of use, pricing models, and customer service quality.
Ease of use
Design
Customer service
Pricing
Mangomint 5
5
5
4
Vagaro 3
3
3
5
Fresha 5
3
2
3
GlossGenius 5
5
3
5
Zenoti 3
2
4
2
Video Reviews and Tutorials
Kayle and I recently discussed and compared the alternatives listed here. The full discussion is available on YouTube below. Our YouTube channel also offers individual video reviews and tutorials of the majority of systems covered here.
Time to Decide
I believe the differences between the tools should start to clear now.
Mangomint: The sophisticated, user-friendly salon software with integrated consent forms and strong client management features is ideal for tanning salons.
Vagaro: An affordable, feature-rich tanning salon software offering comprehensive tools for appointment booking, resource management, and marketing.
Fresha: A subscription-free tanning salon software with a rich feature set, ideal for budget-conscious salon owners despite some customization limitations.
GlossGenius: The visually appealing, user-friendly software best suited for independent tanning professionals, offering strong marketing tools and client management features.
Zenoti: The feature-packed, highly customizable salon software with strong tanning-specific capabilities is suitable for salons willing to learn its features.
Summary of The Best Tanning Salon Software Alternatives 2024
Learn more about each system on the links below
Mangomint
The highest-rated, most well-designed tanning salon software with the best customer support (HIPAA compliant)
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$245 per month
U.S. and Canada
Vagaro
The feature rich and affordable tanning salon software
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$120 per month
U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK
Fresha
The 100% Subscription-free Spa Software Alternative
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$80 per month
Available in 22 languages in over 120 countries worldwide
GlossGenius
The best alternative for independent professionals
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$48 per month
U.S.
Zenoti
Tanning salon management software with extensive customization options
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note
Assumes you run a business with a mid-size team and have activated the more common add-ons. What you will pay will be lower or higher than this. See the separate section about pricing for full details.
$350 per month
Available in nearly 50 countries worldwide
