# GlossGenius vs. Boulevard – Which Salon Software Fits Your Business? **URL:** https://thesalonbusiness.com/glossgenius-vs-boulevard/ **Date:** 2025-03-12 **Author:** John Hallberg **Categories:** Technology & Software **Tags:** hide mt --- **GlossGenius vs. Boulevard: Two premium salon and spa software suites offering great features but best suited for very different business types.** If you run a modern salon or spa, you likely have GlossGenius or Boulevard on your radar for managing clients and appointments. These two platforms have become top contenders for the best salon software this year. But they are pretty different and intend to serve different types of businesses. **GlossGenius**, founded in 2016, made a splash with its sleek, beauty-focused design and mobile-first approach, initially perfect for solopreneurs but now expanding with enhanced team features. **Boulevard**, also launched in 2016, matches GlossGenius’s polished aesthetics but takes a more robust approach to features as it serves more established businesses with a team. Both options stand out for their elegant interfaces compared to clunky legacy players. However, beyond appearances, these salon solutions differ significantly in their respective strengths. Read on as we break down how GlossGenius and Boulevard compare on pricing, ease of use, features, integrations, and real customer reviews. By the end, you’ll clearly understand which platform aligns best with your business needs and budget. Here’s what you’ll find in this GlossGenius vs. Boulevard comparison: - [An overview of each system](#system-overview) - [A comparison of the differences that separate them](#software-differences) - [A feature-by-feature comparison](#feature-comparison) - [Pricing differences](#pricing) - [Ratings & reviews from their users.](#user-reviews-anc) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/tsb-glossgenius-vs-boulevard-review--1024x1024.jpg) ## GlossGenius vs Boulevard Let's kick off with an overview of the two platforms we're diving into today. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) **GlossGenius** [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) **Boulevard** [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) **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. 4.4 4.3 **Starting price** Note Starting price reflects the lowest base plan offered by the platform. Actual costs will vary depending on team size, features, add-ons and payment processing volume. See the pricing section below for more details. $28/month $176/month **Who is it for** 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 Established beauty and wellness businesses with several service providers who want flexible reporting options and need an all-in-one marketing suite baked right into the software **Ease of use** 5 4.5 **Customer Service** 3 5.0 **Countries** U.S. U.S. **Key features** - 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 - Easy-to-use interface - Excellent online booking - Integrated email marketing suite - Highly detailed custom reports [on **Premiere **and above] ## A Double-Click on Each System Let’s cover what these systems are and the pros and cons of each. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius At a Glance Overall score 4.4 [Read detailed review](/glossgenius-review/) [Visit website](https://app.glossgenius.com/signup?utm_campaign=thesalonbusiness) [Compare with top alternatives](/glossgenius-alternatives/) GlossGenius is an all-in-one appointment, payment, and marketing app for salon and spa professionals in the USA. It offers rich support for independent professionals. Teams can also use the app but it’s primarily designed for solopreneurs. Here you manage your total business out of an easy-to-use, beautifully designed, mobile app. In my opinion, it’s the design and premium beauty experience that GlossGenius delivers that makes this tool truly unique. You can even adapt the design of their credit card reader to fit your brand. Pros and Cons - Interface design that signals beauty (and not tech) - Intuitive features that are easy-to-use - Professional looking website in just a few clicks - Integrated payments with beautiful hardware - Affordable and transparent flat fee pricing - 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) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard At a Glance Overall score 4.3 [Read detailed review](/boulevard-software-review/) [Request a demo](https://www.joinblvd.com/) [Compare with top alternatives](/boulevard-alternatives/) Boulevard is an up-and-coming cloud-based beauty and wellness software that offers a strong toolset of core features like appointment booking and POS, as well as advanced marketing features and two-way messaging. It natively integrates with over a dozen apps, including Quickbooks, Instagram, Shopify, and more. It is quite a pricey option, however, coming in at a starting price of $175 for the lowest-tier plan, which we (and Boulevard themselves) don’t recommend as it lacks some of Boulevard’s best reporting, marketing, and inventory features. Boulevard offers a free trial, but they require a 12-month minimum contract to sign up, so make sure you are 100% sure about your choice before signing up. Pros and Cons - Client data that you can actually use to boost client retention and sales - Can integrate with a large number of third party applications - Precision Scheduling_™_ tech to fill the best gaps on the calendar first - Well designed & easily-searchable help center - High price-point across all plans - Essentials plan lacks many of the best features Boulevard offers - Boulevard Professional mobile app is buggy & has low ratings on iOS & Android - Marketing suite can’t differentiate between bookings from emails vs other factors (you may end up paying more) ## Key Differences Between GlossGenius and Boulevard [GlossGenius](/glossgenius-review/) shines with its simplicity and visual appeal. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for less tech-savvy users to navigate. Customers love the booking experience and sleek client-facing apps. The mobile app is particularly well-received, with a 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store and 4.1 on Android, making it perfect for on-the-go management. However, GlossGenius historically lacked some advanced features for scaling businesses, though recent updates have significantly improved its team management capabilities. Their new Teams feature now includes time-tracking, commission tracking, and payroll management at $40/month plus $6 per team member. That said, if robust team support is your primary need, you might still prefer other options. Integrations are also light compared to Boulevard. [Boulevard](/boulevard-software-review/) impresses with its wide range of features, flexibility for customization, and tools optimized for higher-end salons. Precise scheduling helps maximize revenue and robust reporting provides data-driven insights. Its Front Desk view gives a comprehensive overview of who’s waiting, being served, and checked out – perfect for busy salon environments with multiple staff members. The downsides of Boulevard are its steeper learning curve and more corporate aesthetic. The interface can feel overwhelming, and while feature-packed, Boulevard lacks some convenience perks that make GlossGenius so easy to use. It also typically requires a 12-month contract commitment and rarely offers free trials, which can be a significant barrier for salon owners wanting to test before committing. GlossGenius simplifies salon operations with an elegant, user-friendly platform, while Boulevard offers more advanced capabilities for growth-focused owners. Consider your business’ maturity and needs to determine if user experience or breadth of features is more important. ## GlossGenius vs Boulevard Let's kick off with an overview of the two platforms we're diving into today. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) Ease of use 5 4 Design 5 4 Customer service 3 5 Pricing 5 3 Calendar and appointment management 3 4 Online booking 4 5 Point of sale and check out 3 4 Client data 3 5 Client communication 3 5 Inventory management 3 4 Team Management 2 3 Payroll 2 3 Marketing support 3 4 3rd party integrations 0 4 Mobile and tablet apps 5 3 ## Feature Breakdown: GlossGenius vs. Boulevard When it comes to features, GlossGenius sticks to just the essentials salon needs with some convenient extras. Core features like appointment scheduling, client profiles, online booking, and POS are beautifully designed for ease of use. Their integrated payment system offers a competitive 2.6% flat processing rate with stylish card readers that support tap, insert, and swipe payments. The Genius Forms feature automatically creates customized intake forms based on your specialty, streamlining client onboarding. GlossGenius also offers surprisingly robust marketing tools that allow for client segmentation and targeted campaigns, though design customization options remain limited. Boulevard offers a comprehensive suite of features for personalizing your software experience. Robust tools for client retention, revenue growth, and workflow optimization enable serious business expansion. Its intelligent POS system, highly customizable calendar, and detailed client tagging capabilities provide valuable business insights about visit frequency and shopping habits. Boulevard’s integrated marketing suite enables you to create specific audiences based on client data and craft custom marketing emails tailored to them. The platform also integrates with over a dozen essential business apps including Quickbooks, Instagram, and Shopify. Both systems cover the basics, but Boulevard has more advanced options, while GlossGenius prioritizes simplicity. ## Feature Comparison GlossGenius or Boulevard. Let's go through what these features are and where they differ. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) Online Booking **GlossGenius** **Boulevard** 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? Note You can enable/disable parts of the notification and add an additional message. Customize notification timings Note Can you change when reminders and other messages go out to your clients? Note Full customization not available. Options are limited to: 2 Days Before, 1 Day Before, and Same Day. 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? 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? 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? Two way SMS communication 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? 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? Note Not available on Essentials plan. 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 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 **GlossGenius** takes a simplified approach when it comes to integrations. With its focus on solo entrepreneurs, native support for other platforms is light. However, GlossGenius does allow you to sync appointment calendars and contacts from your phone. This is handy if you’re a solo business owner where personal and work communications often overlap. **Boulevard** shines when it comes to expanding capabilities through integrations. There are native integrations available for many popular platforms like Shopify, Instagram, Facebook, and more. This allows Boulevard users to unlock more advanced features as their business grows. So, if you want to scale up capabilities through integrations as your business expands, Boulevard has a clear edge. But GlossGenius still offers a seamless experience for one-person operations without needing many extras bolted on. ## Integrations GlossGenius does not offer integration support. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) 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 - Google Calendar - Phone contacts Note - On Enterprise plan only. - Green Circle - Okta SSO - Shopify - Facebook and Instagram Book Now - Quickbooks Online - Reserve with Google ## Making Sense of Pricing Options GlossGenius stands out for its simple, transparent pricing. There are only two monthly plan options to choose from. Transaction fees for credit card payments are also clearly stated upfront. This clarity makes it easy for small business owners to budget properly. Boulevard offers more pricing tiers to align costs with business needs. However, key features like commission tracking and advanced reporting require higher-tier plans. Entry-level pricing is affordable but lacks tools that leverage Boulevard’s potential. When it comes to cost predictability, GlossGenius is the most upfront. Boulevard’s pricing is also easy to find, but plan limitations aren’t as clearly communicated on their website. Make sure to closely review included features at each tier when budgeting for Boulevard. For solopreneurs and small salons focused on the basics, GlossGenius provides exceptional value transparency. Their recent addition of team features at $40/month plus $6 per team member makes it more viable for growing salons than before. Larger operations that want to take advantage of Boulevard’s expansive feature set will get more for their money at higher tiers. ## GlossGenius vs Boulevard Pricing GlossGenius has the most straight forward pricing model on the market. Boulevard makes it a bit harder to understand what you really will pay. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) Starting price $28/month $176/month Trial Options 14-day free trial Must request trial via a demo call Minimum contract length Cancel any time 12 months Plans - Standard: $28/month (core scheduling, booking site and POS) - Gold: $56/month (adds marketing tools, waitlists and team features) - Platinum: $168/month (includes unlimited team members and expanded marketing capabilities) - Essentials: $176/month - Premier: most popular plan – $325/month - Prestige: upper-tier plan – $455/month - Enterprise: custom plan for chains and franchises; pricing is custom Plans - Standard: $28/month (core scheduling, booking site and POS) - Gold: $56/month (adds marketing tools, waitlists and team features) - Platinum: $168/month (includes unlimited team members and expanded marketing capabilities) - Essentials: $176/month - Premier: most popular plan – $325/month - Prestige: upper-tier plan – $455/month - Enterprise: custom plan for chains and franchises; pricing is custom Add-ons - Payroll: $40 + $6/month per seat - Forms and Charts: $55/month per location - Contact Center: Starting at $25/month per location - QuickBooks Integration: $45/month per location - Automated Email Campaigns: $2 per completed appointment - One-Time Blast Emails: Specific # included with each plan, $0.01 per email thereafter Add-ons - Payroll: $40 + $6/month per seat - Forms and Charts: $55/month per location - Contact Center: Starting at $25/month per location - QuickBooks Integration: $45/month per location - Automated Email Campaigns: $2 per completed appointment - One-Time Blast Emails: Specific # included with each plan, $0.01 per email thereafter Credit card fees - 2.6% on all transactions With Offset Feature - 3% charged to client, business charged 1% Without Offset Feature - In-person payments: 2.6% + $0.10 - Online payments: 3.5% + $0.10 Credit card fees - 2.6% on all transactions With Offset Feature - 3% charged to client, business charged 1% Without Offset Feature - In-person payments: 2.6% + $0.10 - Online payments: 3.5% + $0.10 ## What Do Users Think of These Platforms? While I have shared my thoughts on these two systems, it’s important not to rely solely on my opinion. To provide a more holistic view, here is a summary of how users have rated these platforms. ## User Reviews Compared Let's compare scores for these systems on the major user review sites. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/GlossGenius-logo@2x.jpg) GlossGenius [Learn more..](/glossgenius-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Boulevard-logo@2x.jpg) Boulevard [Learn more..](/boulevard-software-review/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/themes/the-salon-business/images/captera.png) [4.8](https://www.capterra.com/p/174830/GlossGenius/) [4.6](https://www.capterra.com/p/180087/Boulevard/) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/themes/the-salon-business/images/g2.png) [4.3](https://www.g2.com/products/glossgenius/reviews?source=search) [4.4](https://www.g2.com/products/boulevard-labs-inc-boulevard/reviews?source=search) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/themes/the-salon-business/images/app.png) 4.5 4.7 ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/themes/the-salon-business/images/google-play.png) 4.2 3.4 ## What GlossGenius & Boulevard Alternatives Should You Consider? GlossGenius and Boulevard are good alternatives for many use cases. However, if you find yourself uncertain, I highly recommend exploring the platforms listed below. [Mangomint](https://www.mangomint.com/?utm_source=thesalonbusiness&utm_content=glossgenius-vs-boulevard) is the highest-rated software for salons and spas. If you have a team and you want the best customer service in the industry, this is the alternative you should try. [Square Appointments](/square-appointments-review/) is a popular alternative to Fresha and GlossGenius, serving independent professionals on a budget. ## Mangomint vs Square Appointments A quick comparison of the two Boulevard and GlossGenius alternatives. ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Mangomint-logo@2x.jpg) **Mangomint** [Learn more..](https://mangomint.com) ![](https://thesalonbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/Square-logo@2x.jpg) **Square Appointments** [Learn more..](/square-appointments-review/) **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 4.0 **Starting price** Note Starting price reflects the lowest base plan offered by the platform. Actual costs will vary depending on team size, features, add-ons and payment processing volume. See the pricing section below for more details. $165/month Free for individuals $49/month for teams per location **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 solopreneurs or small teams in any type of local service business (salon, spa, fitness, repair, cleaning, and professional services) who want access to Square's broad range of products. **Ease of use** 5 4 **Customer Service** 5 3 **Countries** U.S, Canada U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan,  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 of Boulevard and GlossGenius was helpful in your quest for the right salon software. For more alternatives, I highly recommend you read my [list of the best salon and spa software available right now](https://thesalonbusiness.com/best-salon-software/).