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Guides•July 14, 2026•7 min read

Best Free Salon Software in 2026 (Compared)

By Slotivo Editorial Team• Updated

A free subscription and a free trial are different offers. This guide is published by Slotivo, one of the products discussed. We checked the linked provider pages on 21 September 2026; verify your local quote and payment fees before deciding.

Slotivo: a free subscription for 1–2 staff

Slotivo includes a branded booking page, staff calendar, email reminders and Stripe deposit collection. The subscription stays free for one or two staff; teams with three or more pay £10/month with unlimited staff included. Stripe payment processing costs are separate. See the free salon software plan and try the working demos.

Booksy: a trial, then a paid subscription

Booksy lists a seven-day trial followed by £40/month for one user and £5/month for each additional user, excluding VAT. Standard marketplace bookings are included; optional Boost promotion and payment processing have separate charges. Check Booksy’s official UK pricing and our Booksy alternative and switching guide.

Fresha: paid software with separate marketplace fees

Fresha publishes Independent and Team subscriptions with a trial. Its new-client marketplace acquisition fee is separate from the subscription, and does not apply to returning marketplace clients. Prices depend on your market: check the UK view of Fresha’s pricing page. Do not treat a free booking link as a free software subscription.

Vagaro: check the trial, subscription and optional tools

Check Vagaro’s pricing in your country and list the staff calendars and optional tools you need. Confirm which features remain included after the trial and what extra messaging or website tools cost.

Test the workflow before choosing on price

  • Book a service with your actual duration, price and staff availability.
  • Add an extra treatment and check that the total time still fits.
  • Check confirmations, cancellation rules and any deposit payment.
  • Ask what client data you can import and export.
  • Calculate the subscription, processing, acquisition, messaging and tax costs separately.

A low subscription only helps if the system handles your daily work. Explore Slotivo salon software for appointments, or class booking software for capacity-controlled sessions. For a broader shortlist, read our UK salon software buying guide.