Vagaro vs Fresha for small businesses (2026)
Last updated October 18, 2026 · Prices and features change, so check the linked sources before you buy.
| Vagaro (US) | Fresha (US) | |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | $30/mo for 1 bookable calendar; +$10/mo per calendar up to 7, then more employees free [1][2] | Independent $19.95/mo (1 person); Team $14.95 per bookable team member/mo [3][4] |
| Marketplace | Free listing on the Vagaro Marketplace [2] | Listed on the Fresha marketplace [3] |
| New-client fees | Fill My Books / Daily Deals: 20% for new customers, 5% for existing, only when a booking happens [5] | 20% one-time commission on a new client’s first marketplace booking, minimum fee per client; returning clients and direct-link bookings free [3][6] |
| AI receptionist | See Vagaro’s add-ons | AI Concierge add-on, reported at $99.95 per location/mo for 200 minutes and 500 messages (third-party, Oct 2026) [4] |
What a 5-chair salon pays (subscription only)
| Monthly | |
|---|---|
| Vagaro: 5 calendars | $30 + 4 × $10 = $70 |
| Fresha Team: 5 bookable members | 5 × $14.95 = $74.75 |
| 8 bookable staff | Vagaro $90 (calendars 8+ are free) vs Fresha $119.60 |
Choose Vagaro if…
- You have 6+ stylists or therapists. The cap on calendar fees adds up to real savings.
- You want to switch marketplace promotion on only when you need to fill gaps.
Choose Fresha if…
- You work solo and want a straightforward single-person plan.
- You want an AI receptionist from your booking vendor. Compare it with GlossGenius and Boulevard in our salon AI guide.
Adoptly earns no commission from any tool on this page (as of October 18, 2026). Prices are US list prices from each vendor’s site on the date above unless we label them otherwise.
FAQ
Is Vagaro or Fresha cheaper for a salon?
It depends on team size. For 5 bookable staff, Vagaro is about $70 a month ($30 plus $10 per extra calendar) and Fresha Team is $74.75 ($14.95 each). From 8 staff Vagaro pulls ahead, because calendars beyond seven are free.
Does Fresha charge commission?
Fresha charges a one-time 20% commission on a brand-new client’s first booking through the Fresha marketplace, with a minimum fee per client. Returning clients, and bookings through your own link or social profiles, carry no commission.
Does Vagaro charge commission on new clients?
Only if you use its Fill My Books or Daily Deals promotions. Vagaro says those charge 20% for new customers and 5% for existing ones, only when a booking happens. A basic marketplace listing is free in the US.
Do Vagaro or Fresha have an AI receptionist?
Fresha sells an AI Concierge add-on that answers calls and messages. A third-party review lists it at $99.95 per location a month for 200 minutes and 500 messages. Check Vagaro’s add-ons for its current options.
Sources
- Vagaro US pricing
- Vagaro Support: Plans, pricing and premium features
- Fresha pricing
- PulseSignal: Fresha pricing 2026 (third-party summary of US prices)
- Vagaro Support: Changes to Get Featured and Daily Deals
- Fresha Help Center: Marketplace new client fees