Boulevard vs Vagaro
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Boulevard excels at: Premium client experience
- Vagaro excels at: $25/mo base price
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- Boulevard is best for: High-end salons and spas prioritizing luxury client experiences
- Vagaro is best for: Budget-conscious salons wanting comprehensive management
Quick Overview
Boulevard
Boulevard is premium salon and spa software focused on delivering luxury client experiences with intelligent booking and client management.
Pros
- Premium client experience
- Intelligent waitlist
- Duo booking for couples
- Modern, elegant interface
- Self-checkout kiosk
Cons
- Custom pricing (typically $175+/mo)
- Premium price point
- Best for upscale salons
- Smaller market presence
Vagaro
Vagaro is a value-priced salon management platform with POS, payroll, marketing, and a consumer marketplace.
Pros
- $25/mo base price
- Built-in payroll
- POS system
- Consumer marketplace
- Comprehensive for the price
Cons
- $10/staff add-on
- Less premium feel
- Template-based interface
- Beauty/wellness only
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Boulevard | Vagaro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $175+/mo | $25 + $10/staff | Vagaro |
| Client Experience | Luxury-focused | Standard | Boulevard |
| Booking Intelligence | AI-powered waitlist | Standard booking | Boulevard |
| Payroll | Third-party | Built-in | Vagaro |
| Self-Checkout | Kiosk option | Not available | Boulevard |
| Value for Money | Premium | Excellent | Vagaro |
“We spent weeks going back and forth between Boulevard and Vagaro. Both had trade-offs we weren't happy with. A colleague recommended SchedulingKit and it turned out to be the best fit — similar features at a fraction of the cost with a much simpler setup.”
Our Verdict
Boulevard is built for upscale salons that want a luxury feel and don't mind paying $175+/month. Vagaro delivers more value per dollar for mainstream salons. SchedulingKit offers free AI-powered booking for beauty businesses at any price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulevard worth the price?
For high-end salons where client experience justifies $175+/month, yes. For most salons, Vagaro offers comparable functionality at a fraction of the cost.
Does Vagaro have smart booking?
Vagaro has standard online booking. Boulevard's intelligent booking and AI waitlist are more advanced.
Is there a free alternative?
SchedulingKit offers free scheduling with AI chatbot booking, which provides smart booking capabilities without monthly fees.
Free AI booking — luxury experience without the price tag
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