Fresha vs Treatwell vs Booksy: Which Is Best for UK Salons?

The Great Salon Software Dilemma

If you own a hair salon, barbershop, or nail studio in the UK, you have likely looked at Fresha, Treatwell, and Booksy. While these platforms are popular, their pricing models and marketplace setups can end up costing your business thousands of pounds in fees.

Below, we break down the pros, cons, and costs of each system to help you make an informed choice for your business.

1. Fresha: The "Free" Option with Acquisition Fees

Fresha is famous for having no subscription fee for its basic features. However, it is not actually free:

• Acquisition Fee: Fresha takes a **20% commission** on any new client that finds you through their marketplace.
• Competitive Ads: When clients use the Fresha marketplace, they see advertisements for competing salons in your local area.
• Higher Processing: Their payment processing fees are typically higher (2.19% + 20p) than independent Stripe rates.

Read our full comparison at Slotivo vs Fresha.

2. Treatwell: The Premium Marketplace Trap

Treatwell focuses heavily on its directory model, driving bookings through its app. But it comes at a very high cost for independent business owners:

• Heavy Commission: Treatwell takes up to **35% commission** on bookings from new clients.
• Repeat Fees: They even charge a 2% fee on bookings from repeat clients if they book via the Treatwell app.
• Data Lock-in: Exporting your client data and contact details to leave the platform can be notoriously difficult.

Read our full comparison at Slotivo vs Treatwell.

3. Booksy: The Per-User Subscription Model

Booksy does not charge commissions on regular bookings, but its subscription model scales rapidly as your team grows:

• High Subscription: Plans start at £45/month for just one user.
• Per-Barber Costs: Each additional staff member adds £10 to £20 to your monthly bill. For a team of 5, you could easily pay over £90/month.
• Marketplace Focus: Like the others, Booksy lists your salon alongside competitors on their public app.

Read our full comparison at Slotivo vs Booksy.

The Independent Alternative: Slotivo

Slotivo was built to give UK salon owners an affordable, independent option. Instead of listing you on a marketplace where competitors can steal your traffic, we provide an own-brand booking calendar.

• Unbeatable Price: Free Forever for 1-2 staff. Flat £5/month for teams of 3+ (unlimited staff included).
• 0% Commission: Keep 100% of your service price. We only charge a flat 10p transaction fee per booking.
• 100% Data Ownership: Export your clients and services in one click, anytime you want.

Compare plans and calculate your potential savings on our pricing page, or get started with a 14-day free trial.