Fresha vs. Zenoti: Features, Pricing, Reviews Compared (2024)

Fresha vs. Zenoti – two very popular and very different platforms that serve salon and spa businesses around the world.

Fresha, stepping into the limelight with its no-monthly-fee structure, has garnered attention as a budget-friendly contender, charging only when you begin to see revenue from its use.

Zenoti, on the other hand, is a veteran in the space, offering a vast array of features aimed at salons that require a more expansive suite of tools and have the resources to invest in extensive software solutions.

In this comparison, my goal is to illustrate the difference between Fresha’s cost-effective and user-friendly approach and Zenoti’s comprehensive and feature-rich platform.

While Fresha offers simplicity and affordability, Zenoti provides a wide range of features, albeit with a less user-friendly interface.

Here is a breakdown of everything you will learn in this Fresha vs. Zenoti comparison:

• An overview of each system
• A comparison of the differences that separate them
• A feature-by-feature comparison
• Pricing differences
• Ratings & reviews from their users.

Fresha vs Zenoti

Let's kick off with an overview of the two platforms we're diving into today.

Fresha

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.

4.1

3.6

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.

$80 per month

$350 per month

Who is it for

For the independent professional or business on a budget that want to avoid subscription fees and a big technical learning curve.

Business owners who want a highly-detail-oriented piece of salon and spa software that offers deep data insights and great reporting and who need in-depth reputation management tools to build their brand online.

Ease of use

5

3.5

Customer Service

2

4.0

Countries

Available in 22 languages in over 120 countries worldwide

Available in nearly 50 countries worldwide

Key features

• FREE subscription with unlimited staff
• Fresha marketplace where clients can discover your salon
• Easy to use with a modern minimalistic design interface
• Available in over 120 countries!

• 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 cover what these systems are and the pros and cons of each in my Fresha vs. Zenoti guide.

How Do They Compare? Strengths and Weaknesses

When weighing Fresha against Zenoti, each platform has distinct advantages and potential drawbacks.

Fresha’s headline feature is its free-to-use model, charging fees only upon processing payments, attracting new customers, or using some features.

This has made it a hit with smaller businesses and individual operators.

Fresha’s approach allows for scalability without the burden of upfront costs. However, while its simplicity is its strength, it may lack the depth of features larger businesses require.

Zenoti, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of functionality, offering extensive tools for reputation management and analytics that appeal to established businesses focused on brand and growth.

It’s the leading software for large enterprises, salons, and spa businesses.

Yet, the platform’s complexity and pricing can be prohibitive for smaller operations or those just starting, and the absence of a free trial may deter some potential users.

Both platforms have integrated features like payment processing, marketing tools, and mobile applications, but they aren’t without their issues. Zenoti’s mobile experience has received mixed reviews, which could be a stumbling block for businesses that prioritize on-the-go management.

Let’s Talk Features: Fresha vs. Zenoti

Fresha’s platform is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that even those with minimal technical expertise can easily navigate its system. This user-friendly nature is at the core of Fresha’s appeal, understanding that not every salon owner is also a tech guru.

Zenoti, on the other side of the spectrum, boasts an arsenal of advanced features to give a business every possible tool for success. Its ezRepute system is a standout, providing businesses the power to manage their online reputation across a vast network of sites.

Both platforms cover the basics very well, with online booking, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and integrated payment solutions. Where they part ways is in the depth and scope of these features.

Zenoti offers a more granular level of control, which can be a significant advantage for larger salons and spas that require intricate customization and detailed reporting.

Fresha vs Zenoti

Zenoti offers more features than Fresha. Let's go through what these features are and where they differ.

	Fresha	Zenoti
Online Booking	Fresha	Zenoti
Website booking widget Note Can you integrate the entire online booking experience directly into your website?
Branding control Note Can you customize the look and feel of the booking experience to fit your brand?
No-show protection Note Can you store credit card details and charge deposits to reinforce your cancellation policy?
Service customization Note Can clients adapt their service when they book, and can this change the price and duration of the booked appointment?
Free from account creation Note Can clients book without having first to create an account with the software?
Integrated gift cards Note Can you sell digital gift cards as part of the booking process?
Calendar and Appointment Management
Customize notification messages Note Can you change the text sent to your clients as part of appointment reminders and other messages?
Customize notification timings Note Can you change when reminders and other messages go out to your clients?
Client waitlist management
Rooms and resource scheduling Note Can you manage equipment, rooms, and other resources required to complete a service?
Repeat appointments Note Can you schedule clients for recurring appointments?
Time block Note Can you block out time on your calendar?
Processing time Note Can you allow for double booking of service providers by accepting appointments during service processing time?
Duration and price by staff Note Can you adapt the price and time needed for a service based on who is performing the service?
Automated check-in Note Can clients check in to their appointments themselves?		Note Not by default. Available through Zenoti Go add-on.
Point of Sale/ Check out
Tablet compatible Note Can you run the POS on any tablet or do you need special hardware?
Dedicated POS hardware Note Does the system provider offer hardware to improve the check out expereince?
Self check out Note Can clients check out from their appointment themselves?		Note Not by default. Available through Zenoti Go add-on.
Route payments to renters Note If you have booth renters in your business, can you route payments directly to them?
Cards on file Note Can you store credit card details and charge the customer later?
Integrated payments Note Does the software offer a first-party payment processing solution?
Client Data & Communication
SMS Notification
Email Notificition
Dedicated business SMS number Note Do you get a business phone number that your messages and notifications are send from?		Note Available through ezConnect premium add-on for an additional fee
Two way SMS communication		Note Available through ezConnect premium add-on for an additional fee
Forms Note Can you create intake forms, store SOAP notes, and have clients sign your forms?
Client notes Note Can you store notes about clients on their profile?
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
Inventory and Product Types
Inventory tracking Note Will the system keep track of stock levels, notify you when it’s time to re-order?
Purchase orders Note Can the system create automatic purchase orders for you?
Retail
Memberships
Packages
Gift cards
Team Support & Payroll
Fully integrated payroll Note Can you run payroll and cut paychecks directly through the software?
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)?
Payroll reports	Note Fresha offer reports on staff commission, working hours, tips, and service and product sales by staff
Commission support Note Can you track and report on commission for service, retail, and other product types?
Multi-location support Note Does the system have specific support for businesses with multiple locations
Booth renter support Note Can the system help with rent collection, payments, and other booth renter management tasks.
Marketing Support
Email marketing
SMS marketing
Website builder
Client marketplace Note Does it offer a platform where potential clients can browse businesses using the software?
Add-on offers Note Can you promote service add-ons/upsells as part of the online booking flow?
Cloud & Mobile App Access
Full-featured mobile app Note Can you access all software features in the mobile app?
Web browser
iPad
iPhone
Android

Integrating with Other Platforms for Additional Features

The ability of salon software to integrate with other platforms is a significant consideration. Fresha, while celebrated for its user-friendly design and free-to-use model, offers limited integrations.

This could be a hurdle for businesses that rely on a suite of digital tools and wish to have them all interconnected for streamlined operations.

Zenoti takes a different approach to integrations. Instead of only relying on a wide range of direct integrations, it offers a customizable open API. By creating bespoke integrations tailored to their needs, businesses get access to a more personalized system than off-the-shelf integrations.

For salons that depend heavily on e-commerce or social media platforms such as Shopify, Facebook, and Instagram for client engagement and appointment bookings, the limited direct integrations offered by Fresha could be a notable limitation.

Fresha vs Zenoti

Fresha offers very limited third-party integration while Zenoti shines with an open API.

	Fresha	Zenoti
Custom integrations Note Does the platform allow you to create new integrations to support your business-specific needs?
Native integrations Note Built-in integrations that you can activate as needed	Reserve with Google	Quickbooks Xero Smartkart Wisely Gantner Gympass

Pricing: Fresha vs. Zenoti

Fresha’s most compelling selling point is its subscription-free model, which allows users to access basic features without a monthly fee.

However, when you opt into Fresha Plus, which includes additional perks like online booking and credit card processing, transaction-based fees come into play. A pay-as-you-grow approach means that costs will rise in tandem with your revenue, which can be seen as an investment in your business’s growth.

Zenoti’s pricing, by contrast, is not as straightforward. They avoid publishing standard rates, preferring to offer custom pricing tailored to the individual needs of each salon.

If low cost is important to you, then you will be better off with Fresha or another alternative on my top salon and spa software list.

Fresha vs Zenoti Pricing

Fresha is more attractively priced than Zenoti.

	Fresha	Zenoti
Average Price	$80 per month	$350 per month
Trial Options	Free subscription	No free trial
Minimum contract length	Cancel any time	12 months
Plans 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. 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)
Plans	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.	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)
Add-ons 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 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
Add-ons	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	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 fees Card: 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction Tap to Pay: $0.10 per authorization 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
Credit card fees	Card: 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction Tap to Pay: $0.10 per authorization	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

What Do Users Think of These Platforms?

My opinion isn’t the only one that matters. To give you a better understanding, let me summarize how users have rated these platforms.

Fresha vs Zenoti

Let's compare scores for these systems on the major user review sites.

	Fresha	Zenoti
	4.8	4.4
	4.2	4.2
	4.0	2.6
	4.0	1.4

What Fresha & Zenoti Alternatives Should You Consider?

Fresha and Zenoti are both awesome choices for a range of businesses. But, if you’re not quite sure, take a look at the platforms listed below.

Mangomint is the highest-rated software for salons and spas. If you have a team and want the absolute best customer service available, check out this option.

GlossGenius is my recommended alternative for independent professionals who have lean operations and want to keep their costs down.

Mangomint vs GlossGenius

A quick comparison of the two Fresha and Booker alternatives.

Mangomint

GlossGenius

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.

4.9

4.4

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.

$245 per month

$48 per month

Who is it for

The highest-rated software for salons & spas. Designed for businesses with a team who want the best design experience, smart automations, and the flexibility to integrate with other systems.

For independent professionals who want to start accepting payments and get appointment scheduling, a website and marketing up fast without compromising on the experience of their brand

Ease of use

5

5

Customer Service

5

3

Countries

U.S. and Canada

U.S.

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

• Premium beauty-inspired interface design
• Professional-looking website in just a few clicks
• Integrated payment and card reader with customizable design
• Affordable, transparent, flat fee pricing

Conclusion

I hope this comparison between Fresha vs. Zenoti has answered some of your questions.

For more alternatives, please read my list of the best salon and spa software for 2024.

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