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 |
“After comparing Booksy and Fresha, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
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
Is Booksy or Fresha better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Booksy is best for barbershops and salons wanting marketplace exposure. Fresha is best for beauty pros avoiding monthly fees (if low volume). Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Booksy or Fresha?
Booksy pricing: $29.99/month + $20/staff. Fresha pricing: Free software / 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction. Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Booksy to Fresha?
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 Booksy and Fresha?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Booksy's strengths include: Client marketplace exposure, Dedicated mobile app for clients. Fresha's strengths include: No monthly subscription, Unlimited appointments. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Booksy and Fresha?
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.
Free scheduling without transaction fees
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
14-day free trial • No credit card required