Booker vs. Zenoti – Both are highly popular choices for salons and spas but are targeted at very different businesses and users.
Which will you choose?
In this comparison, I’ll give you all the information you need to make a solid decision between Booker and Zenoti.
Both have carved out their distinct places in the market, with Booker appealing to a wide range of businesses looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly platform and Zenoti targeting franchise and enterprise businesses in search of a system with detailed reporting and technical capabilities above all else.
Booker has been around since 2007 when it was founded as SpaBooker. It’s a product that continues to operate under the Mindbody umbrella since its acquisition in 2018, offering a blend of marketing, booking, and sales tools that are functional if somewhat dated..
Zenoti, founded in 2010 as ManageMySpa, has emerged as a global force, now powering nearly 30,000 businesses worldwide through its extensive suite of features. Since achieving “unicorn” status with a $1 billion valuation in 2020, the company has continued to expand its market presence.
Zenoti stands out for its in-depth analytics and granular control, catering to salons, spas, and wellness businesses that need comprehensive management tools and are willing to navigate a more complex interface.
In 2025, both platforms have evolved their offerings, with Zenoti emphasizing its “AI First” approach and Booker leveraging the Mindbody ecosystem to enhance client acquisition opportunities. However, the core philosophies of both platforms remain largely unchanged.
Booker presents itself as an accessible, almost turnkey solution for many salon and spa operators, with its simple interface and straightforward functionality.
Zenoti, in contrast, offers a deep dive into the operational analytics that larger or more detail-oriented businesses crave, even if it means a steeper learning curve.
Read on to find out which platform is the best choice for your salon or spa’s needs.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:
Booker vs Zenoti
Let's kick off with an overview of the two platforms we're diving into today.
Booker
Zenoti
Overall score
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average price
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.
Who is it for
Ease of use
Customer Service
Countries
Available almost worldwide
Available in nearly 50 countries worldwide
Key features
- Two-way messaging available (only on Ultimate and Ultimate Plus)
- AI chatbot feature to help with scheduling (only on Ultimate Plus)
- Integrated payments through MindBody Payments (US & Canada only)
- Mindbody Explore Marketplace listing included with all subscriptions
- Integrated email marketing suite
- Two-way client messaging (via paid add-on feature: ezConnect)
- Reputation management suite (via paid add-on feature: ezRepute)
- Employee performance tracking (via paid add-on feature: ezPulse)
A Double-Click on Each System
Let’s look at the details of these two platforms and analyze the pros and cons of each.
Booker At a Glance
Overall score
Booker by Mindbody, is a subscription-based salon and spa software that has existed in some form since 2007. Booker is headquartered in San Luis Obispo CA, and is available nearly worldwide.
Booker’s strengths lie in its new client acquisition opportunities and integrated marketing capabilities.
While Booker’s lowest-tier plans are relatively affordable compared to the competition, they lack many of the noteworthy features that make Booker an attractive option, putting them somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to price-to-feature comparisons.
The integration with Mindbody Explore Marketplace remains a key draw for Booker, offering exposure to a wide audience of potential clients.
Pros and Cons
- Straightforward pricing
- Enhanced new client acquisition opportunities through MindBody Explore marketplace
- Integrated email marketing suite (on higher-tier plans)
- No free trial
- Must commit to a minimum 12-month contract before ever using the software
- US-based customer support only available to Ultimate and Ultimate Plus plans (outsourced on Starter and Accelerate plans)
Zenoti At a Glance
Overall score
Zenoti has existed in some form since 2010, when it was initially founded as ManageMySpa, officially becoming Zenoti in 2015.
Zenoti’s features build on the blueprint established by businesses like Booker and Mindbody, and expand the customizability and capability of those features with control over even the most minute details. The level of detail in data and reporting is a step ahead of some of the other big-name competitors in the industry, and its reputation management features are rather impressive.
That said, Zenoti also falls prey to some of the same mistakes that veteran salon software companies like Mindbody and Booker are still making.
Booker, Mindbody, and Zenoti all suffer from the uglies of bad, outdated user interface design, sporting plain, drab menu systems that tuck away important features in layers of nested menus and strip out crucial information (such as icon labels) you need to find the tools you need at a moment’s notice. Zenoti has made strides to address these concerns by incorporating AI-driven solutions, including an AI assistant for easier navigation. However, the core interface remains dated, which can be particularly frustrating for newer users.
Likewise, Zenoti doesn’t list their fees online, hiding their monthly pricing behind a demo/sales call just as Mindbody does.
Pros and Cons
- Can integrate with a large number of third-party applications via an open API
- Integrated payments through Zenoti Payments
- Custom reports
- Help center and Zenoti University (training) available
- No free trial
- Pricing is not transparent + high starting cost (minimum $300)
- Mobile app has low-to-mixed ratings
- Requires a 12-month contract
Key Differences Between Zenoti and Booker
I’ve already noted that Booker suits salons and spas that value simplicity over complexity. Its interface is user-friendly, and the process for scheduling and point-of-sale transactions is something that has been overall streamlined (although adding new clients from the calendar is still a bit of a pain), emphasizing the software’s strength in simplifying everyday tasks.
Yet, the Booker interface hasn’t kept pace with the visual and functional updates that define contemporary software solutions. Despite being acquired by Mindbody in 2018, Booker’s desktop interface still feels stuck in a time capsule from the early 2000s, with features buried in nested menus and a dated look. Ironically, their iPad app looks modern and sleek – it’s what you see in their marketing materials, creating a disconnect between expectations and reality.
Turning our attention to Zenoti, the platform is a powerhouse when it comes to analytics and detailed reporting. Salons can use this data to make informed decisions that drive business growth and enhance marketing strategies.
Zenoti is markedly more complicated than Booker, with cascading sets of menus and seemingly infinite controls to tweak within the settings.
In 2025, Zenoti has made strides with their “AI First” approach, introducing features like their AI assistant Zeenie and automated phone systems. However, the core platform still shows its age. The level of detail available is both impressive and overwhelming – you can customize practically everything, right down to the smallest employee settings.
Likewise, the complexity of Zenoti’s menu systems will require more onboarding training hours and post-launch education, a better fit for larger businesses with staff dedicated to management and knowledge-sharing than small teams.
For both platforms, the high initial investment and lack of a free trial can be significant barriers to moving forward with a subscription. In fact, with Booker, you have to sign a 12-month contract before you ever get access to the software – you can’t even try before you buy.
Zenoti similarly requires you to be locked in for at least a year, and you won’t be able to click a single button inside the app until you sign that contract. Furthermore, the mobile app experience often falls short of expectations for both brands, with user reviews reflecting a range of experiences from functional to frustrating.
Booker Mobile has a user rating of 3.8/5 stars on the Apple App Store but only 1.6/5 stars on the Google Play Store. Many users report glitches, random logouts, and crashes – issues that have persisted for years without fixes. Zenoti’s mobile app reviews tell a similar story, with ratings on app stores coming in at less than half the score of reviews on sites like G2 and Software Advice.
In my view, Booker is likely to appeal more to those who prioritize ease and efficiency in software management, while Zenoti will attract larger and multi-location businesses that require extensive data insights and are prepared to navigate its complexities.
Booker vs Zenoti
Let's kick off with an overview of the two platforms we're diving into today.
Ease of use
Design
Customer service
Pricing
Calendar and appointment management
Online booking
Point of sale and check out
Client data
Client communication
Inventory management
Team Management
Payroll
Marketing support
3rd party integrations
Mobile and tablet apps
Core Features Compared: Booker vs. Zenoti
The basics are well-covered across both platforms, with an intuitive calendar and appointment booking system, online booking features, POS, and integrated payment solutions. Both apps also have premium add-on features like two-way messaging and an AI booking chatbot.
Starting with Booker, it’s clear that the platform has been designed with a team-oriented business in mind. Its feature set aligns well with a salon or spa that has multiple staff members and requires a system that can manage a busy schedule.
Booker’s Marketing Suite is one of the few major innovations to come out of the software in recent years. While it lacks the polish of some competitors, it’s a useful tool for business growth. The Mindbody Explore marketplace is an incredible opportunity for new and growing businesses focused on client acquisition – the visibility it offers as an included perk is of considerable value.
However, Booker may not be the ideal choice for solopreneurs primarily due to its high average price point. In that regard, Zenoti is also not a great choice for solopreneurs or small teams.
Zenoti impresses with its suite of reputation management tools and robust reporting functions that cater to a busy salon’s need for detailed data and actionable business insights.
The ability to monitor and manage reviews across over 200 platforms is genuinely impressive, and for those who care about their brand and the dialogue around it online, that toolset can be a great asset. Zenoti’s AI-powered features are also noteworthy: an intelligent phone system that handles missed calls and provides customer insights, AI-driven marketing automation, and advanced analytics powered by data from their vast network of businesses.
Feature Comparison
Booker or Zenoti. Let's go through what these features are and where they differ.
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Booker
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Zenoti
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| Online Booking | Booker | Zenoti |
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Website booking widget Note Can you integrate the entire online booking experience directly into your website? |
Note Not included by default. Requires custom web development and API access fees. |
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Branding control Note Can you customize the look and feel of the booking experience to fit your brand? |
Note Not included by default. Requires custom web development and API access fees. |
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No-show protection Note Can you store credit card details and charge deposits to reinforce your cancellation policy? |
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Service customization Note Can clients adapt their service when they book, and can this change the price and duration of the booked appointment? |
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Free from account creation Note Can clients book without having first to create an account with the software? |
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Integrated gift cards Note Can you sell digital gift cards as part of the booking process? |
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| Calendar and Appointment Management | ||
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Customize notification messages Note Can you change the text sent to your clients as part of appointment reminders and other messages? |
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Customize notification timings Note Can you change when reminders and other messages go out to your clients? |
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| Client waitlist management | ||
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Rooms and resource scheduling Note Can you manage equipment, rooms, and other resources required to complete a service? |
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Repeat appointments Note Can you schedule clients for recurring appointments? |
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Time block Note Can you block out time on your calendar? |
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Processing time Note Can you allow for double booking of service providers by accepting appointments during service processing time? |
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Duration and price by staff Note Can you adapt the price and time needed for a service based on who is performing the service? |
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Automated check-in Note Can clients check in to their appointments themselves? |
Note Not by default. Available through Zenoti Go add-on. |
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| Point of Sale/ Check out | ||
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Tablet compatible Note Can you run the POS on any tablet or do you need special hardware? |
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Dedicated POS hardware Note Does the system provider offer hardware to improve the check out expereince? |
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Self check out Note Can clients check out from their appointment themselves? |
Note Not by default. Available through Zenoti Go add-on. |
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Route payments to renters Note If you have booth renters in your business, can you route payments directly to them? |
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Cards on file Note Can you store credit card details and charge the customer later? |
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Integrated payments Note Does the software offer a first-party payment processing solution? |
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| Client Data & Communication | ||
| SMS Notification | ||
| Email Notificition | ||
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Dedicated business SMS number Note Do you get a business phone number that your messages and notifications are send from? |
Note Available on Ultimate & Ultimate Plus plans only |
Note Available through ezConnect premium add-on for an additional fee |
| Two way SMS communication |
Note Available on Ultimate & Ultimate Plus plans only |
Note Available through ezConnect premium add-on for an additional fee |
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Forms Note Can you create intake forms, store SOAP notes, and have clients sign your forms? |
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Client notes Note Can you store notes about clients on their profile? |
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Client files and images Note Can you store files and image on in the client’s profile? |
Note Can upload files to forms, but not client profiles |
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| Inventory and Product Types | ||
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Inventory tracking Note Will the system keep track of stock levels, notify you when it’s time to re-order? |
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Purchase orders Note Can the system create automatic purchase orders for you? |
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| Retail | ||
| Memberships | ||
| Packages | ||
| Gift cards | ||
| Team Support & Payroll | ||
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Fully integrated payroll Note Can you run payroll and cut paychecks directly through the software? |
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3rd party payroll integration Note Does the software allow you integrate and share data with a 3rd party payroll solution (e.g. Gusto, ADP, Paychex, etc)? |
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| Payroll reports | ||
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Commission support Note Can you track and report on commission for service, retail, and other product types? |
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Multi-location support Note Does the system have specific support for businesses with multiple locations |
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Booth renter support Note Can the system help with rent collection, payments, and other booth renter management tasks. |
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| Marketing Support | ||
| Email marketing | ||
| SMS marketing | ||
| Website builder | ||
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Client marketplace Note Does it offer a platform where potential clients can browse businesses using the software? |
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Add-on offers Note Can you promote service add-ons/upsells as part of the online booking flow? |
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| Cloud & Mobile App Access | ||
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Full-featured mobile app Note Can you access all software features in the mobile app? |
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| Web browser | ||
| iPad | ||
| iPhone | ||
| Android | ||
Integrating with Other Platforms for Additional Features
Integration is an area where Zenoti pulls ahead of Booker. While both platforms have open APIs that allow connecting with third-party apps, Zenoti offers far more direct integrations right out of the box.
Over 200 apps are available to connect with the Zenoti platform, spanning categories like payments, eCommerce, marketing, telephony, analytics, and more. This means you can easily expand functionality without needing advanced technical skills.
Booker has the potential to integrate but will require more heavy lifting. You’ll need to license Booker’s open API to build those connections or (more likely) hire a developer.
This may deter less tech-savvy business owners or those who don’t want to pay for development and licensing fees on top of their monthly subscription.
Integrations
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Booker
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Zenoti
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Custom integrations Note Does the platform allow you to create new integrations to support your business-specific needs? |
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Native integrations Note Built-in integrations that you can activate as needed |
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Pricing: Booker vs. Zenoti
Zenoti doesn’t disclose standard monthly fees on their site. Pricing is customized based on your business needs, and you must take a sales call with their team to get pricing information. As a potential salon customer, Zenoti offered me an entry-level package price of over $300 – considerably higher than Booker’s.
With Zenoti, you pay for the specific features you want rather than traditional package tiers. This à la carte model works better for large businesses with a more complex management structure (eg. there are likely multiple managers making business decisions about the software that their team will be using).
When it comes to value for money, Booker likely wins for smaller salons on a tighter budget. Its straightforward pricing makes it easy to predict costs and its simpler app means less fiddling with settings to run daily operations.
Zenoti offers greater customization as your operation expands, but its opaque pricing makes direct comparisons tricky for potential customers and requires them to get on a Zoom call for information that should legitimately be on the website.
If low cost is important to you, neither of these solutions is the best option. For better alternatives, check out our list of the top salon and spa software for 2025.
Booker vs Zenoti Pricing
Booker has more transparent pricing.
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Booker
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Zenoti
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| Average Price | ||
| Trial Options | ||
| Minimum contract length | ||
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Plans
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| Plans | ||
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Add-ons
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| Add-ons | ||
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Credit card fees
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| Credit card fees | ||
What Do Customers Think of These Platforms?
Alright, now that you’ve read what I think about Booker and Zenoti, let’s see how salon and spa owners rate the two platforms.
User Reviews Compared
Let's compare scores for these systems on the major user review sites.
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Booker
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Zenoti
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What Alternatives Should You Consider?
Booker and Zenoti are two great options for more established businesses. If you’re still unsure if either is the right fit, consider the platforms below.
Mangomint is the highest-rated software for salons and spas. If you have a team and you want the best customer service in the industry, I highly recommend you give them a try.
Square Appointments is a popular alternative for smaller businesses, serving independent professionals on a budget with a suite of must-have features.
Mangomint vs Square Appointments
A quick comparison of these two Booker and Zenoti alternatives.
Mangomint
Square Appointments
Overall score
Note
The overall score considers ease of use, customer service, features, user ratings, and cost. Scores are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average price
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.
Who is it for
Ease of use
Customer Service
Countries
U.S. and Canada
U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK.
Key features
- Modern, intuitive, and easy to use
- Smart automations that help cut down on time spent managing business operations
- Open data ownership and no contracts (you’re not locked into anything)
- Can integrate with any other platform who allows for integrations
- Highest-rated customer service on the market
- Large amount of native integrations with other apps
- Comprehensive, easy-to-use, marketing tools
- Best looking POS hardware on the market
- Free, sophisticated, website builder and online store
Conclusion
I hope this comparison was helpful in your search for the right salon and spa software for your business!
For more alternatives, please read my list of the best salon and spa software of 2025.
