Acuity Scheduling vs Vagaro
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Great for consultants
- Vagaro excels at: Built for salons/spas
- Acuity Scheduling wins 3 out of 5 categories
- Acuity Scheduling is best for: Consultants and general service businesses
- Vagaro is best for: Salons, spas, and beauty businesses
Quick Overview
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a powerful appointment tool owned by Squarespace. Best for consultants and service businesses.
Pros
- Great for consultants
- Payment integration
- Strong customization
- Class scheduling
- Intake forms
Cons
- No free plan
- Dated interface
- Not salon-specific
- Can be complex
Vagaro
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon and spa management platform. Best for beauty and wellness businesses.
Pros
- Built for salons/spas
- POS included
- Marketing tools
- Payroll features
- Client marketplace
Cons
- Overkill for simple needs
- Complex pricing
- Salon-focused
- Learning curve
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Acuity | Vagaro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Business | Excellent | Limited | Acuity |
| Salon/Spa Features | Basic | Excellent | Vagaro |
| POS System | Via integration | Built-in | Vagaro |
| Simplicity | Moderate | Complex | Acuity |
| Starting Price | $16/mo | $25+/mo | Acuity |
“After comparing Acuity Scheduling and Vagaro, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
Our Verdict
Vagaro is purpose-built for salons and spas. Acuity is more versatile for general service businesses. SchedulingKit offers the scheduling core without the complexity or cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity Scheduling or Vagaro better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Acuity Scheduling is best for consultants and general service businesses. Vagaro is best for salons, spas, and beauty businesses. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Acuity or Vagaro?
Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month. Vagaro pricing: $25+/month + add-ons. Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Acuity to Vagaro?
Yes, you can switch between these platforms, though there's no direct migration tool. You'll need to recreate your event types, update booking links on your website and email signature, and reconnect calendar integrations. Plan for 1-2 hours of setup time.
What are the main differences between Acuity and Vagaro?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Acuity Scheduling's strengths include: Great for consultants, Payment integration. Vagaro's strengths include: Built for salons/spas, POS included. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Acuity and Vagaro?
SchedulingKit offers a compelling alternative that combines the best features of both platforms. With a generous free tier and powerful features like automated reminders, intake forms, and team scheduling, it's worth considering if neither option fully meets your needs.
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