Vagaro vs Acuity Scheduling
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Vagaro excels at: All-in-one platform
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Strong customization
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- Vagaro is best for: Salons and spas wanting everything integrated
- Acuity Scheduling is best for: Consultants and service businesses
Quick Overview
Vagaro
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon and spa management platform. Best for beauty businesses needing everything in one place.
Pros
- All-in-one platform
- Built-in POS
- Payroll features
- Marketing tools
- Client marketplace
Cons
- Starts at $25/month
- Many features are add-ons
- Complex pricing
- Learning curve
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity by Squarespace is a powerful scheduling tool. Best for service businesses and consultants.
Pros
- Strong customization
- Not industry-specific
- Package and subscription sales
- Good for consultants
- Squarespace integration
Cons
- No free plan
- No built-in POS
- No payroll or marketing
- Dated interface
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Vagaro | Acuity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Beauty/wellness | General service | Tie |
| POS Integration | Built-in | Via Stripe | Vagaro |
| Starting Price | $25/month | $16/month | Acuity |
| Payroll Features | Add-on available | Not available | Vagaro |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive | Acuity |
| Free Plan | No | No | Tie |
“Vagaro's all-in-one approach was appealing for my pilates studio — scheduling, payments, payroll, even a website builder. But the jack-of-all-trades problem was real: nothing worked great. Acuity was stronger on scheduling but lacked the business tools. SchedulingKit focused on scheduling excellence and integrated cleanly with the other tools I already used.”
Our Verdict
Vagaro is a full salon management suite; Acuity is focused scheduling. Choose Vagaro if you need POS and payroll. Choose Acuity for flexibility. SchedulingKit offers powerful scheduling without the complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall, Vagaro or Acuity?
They tied in our comparison — each won 2 of 6 categories with 2 ties. Vagaro is stronger for salons and spas wanting everything integrated, while Acuity Scheduling is better for consultants and service businesses. The right pick depends on which workflow matters more to you.
What does Vagaro cost compared to Acuity?
Vagaro pricing: $25/month + add-ons. Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month. 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 Vagaro?
Users commonly cite starts at $25/month and many features are add-ons. If salons and spas wanting everything integrated is not your primary need, those limitations may outweigh its strengths.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Acuity?
The most frequent complaints about Acuity Scheduling include no free plan and no built-in pos. For teams that need all-in-one platform, these gaps can be deal-breakers.
Can I switch from Vagaro or Acuity 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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