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 |
“After comparing Vagaro and Acuity Scheduling, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
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
Is Vagaro or Acuity Scheduling better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Vagaro is best for salons and spas wanting everything integrated. Acuity Scheduling is best for consultants and service businesses. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Vagaro or Acuity?
Vagaro pricing: $25/month + add-ons. Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month. Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Vagaro to Acuity?
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 Vagaro and Acuity?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Vagaro's strengths include: All-in-one platform, Built-in POS. Acuity Scheduling's strengths include: Strong customization, Not industry-specific. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Vagaro and Acuity?
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.
Simple, powerful scheduling without add-on overload
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
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