Booksy vs Fresha
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Booksy excels at: Client marketplace exposure
- Fresha excels at: No monthly subscription
- Booksy wins 3 out of 6 categories
- Booksy is best for: Barbershops and salons wanting marketplace exposure
- Fresha is best for: Beauty pros avoiding monthly fees (if low volume)
Quick Overview
Booksy
Booksy is a beauty and wellness booking app with a client marketplace. Best for barbershops and salons wanting exposure.
Pros
- Client marketplace exposure
- Dedicated mobile app for clients
- Great for barbershops
- Built-in marketing tools
- Commission tracking
Cons
- No free plan ($29.99+/month)
- Staff costs $20/month each
- Beauty industry only
- Premium features expensive
Fresha
Fresha is a free salon software with transaction-based pricing. Best for those avoiding monthly subscriptions.
Pros
- No monthly subscription
- Unlimited appointments
- Unlimited team members
- Client marketplace
- Full-featured software
Cons
- 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction
- 20% fee on marketplace clients
- Locked to Fresha payments
- Fees add up quickly
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Booksy | Fresha | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $29.99+ | $0 | Fresha |
| Transaction Fees | Varies | 2.19% + $0.20 | Booksy |
| Client Marketplace | Good | Good | Tie |
| Staff Pricing | $20/staff/month | Unlimited free | Fresha |
| Mobile App | Dedicated client app | Web-based | Booksy |
| Best for High Volume | Fixed costs | Fees add up | Booksy |
“I spent a full month trialing Booksy and Fresha side by side at my barbershop. Booksy had the marketplace exposure but took a cut of every booking. Fresha was truly free but locked you into their payment processor. SchedulingKit let me keep my existing payment setup and still gave my clients a polished booking experience.”
Our Verdict
Booksy has fixed monthly costs but team pricing adds up. Fresha is free but transaction fees hurt high-volume businesses. SchedulingKit offers a truly free plan with no hidden fees or marketplace commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall, Booksy or Fresha?
In our feature-by-feature comparison, Booksy came out ahead in 3 of 6 categories. That said, Fresha is specifically built for beauty pros avoiding monthly fees (if low volume), so it can be the better choice if that matches your use case. There is no single "best" — it depends on your priorities.
What does Booksy cost compared to Fresha?
Booksy pricing: $29.99/month + $20/staff. Fresha pricing: Free software / 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction. Watch for extras — SMS reminders, payment processing, and additional team seats often add 30-50% to headline prices on both platforms.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Booksy?
Users commonly cite no free plan ($29.99+/month) and staff costs $20/month each. If barbershops and salons wanting marketplace exposure is not your primary need, those limitations may outweigh its strengths.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Fresha?
The most frequent complaints about Fresha include 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction and 20% fee on marketplace clients. For teams that need client marketplace exposure, these gaps can be deal-breakers.
Can I switch from Booksy or Fresha to SchedulingKit?
Yes. You will need to recreate your event types and update booking links on your website and email signature, but calendar connections carry over through standard integrations. Most users complete the switch in under an hour. Our migration guides cover the process step by step.
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