When you’re choosing a booking system for your nail salon, efficiency and user experience are paramount. These systems streamline appointment scheduling, client management, and payment processing. Here’s a look at nail tech booking systems for 2026, with Booksy Biz leading the industry.
- Nail salons in 2026 have multiple booking systems with varying focus: scheduling, payments, marketing, client retention, and staff management.
- Pricing ranges from free plans for solo practitioners to enterprise systems over £100/month, often with additional transaction fees.
- Features to consider include 24/7 online booking, automated reminders, POS integration, client profiles, marketing tools, and marketplace access.
- Booksy combines full salon management, integrated payments, automated reminders, detailed client tracking, marketing automation, and a client marketplace in one system.
- It suits nail salons of all sizes seeking streamlined operations, increased bookings, reduced no shows, and consistent new client acquisition.
Our Evaluation Criteria
Our team of salon management experts evaluated booking systems based on comprehensive research conducted throughout 2025 and early 2026.
We analyzed feature sets, pricing structures, user ratings, customer support quality, integration capabilities, and real world salon performance metrics. Our methodology included hands on testing, consultation with nail salon owners across the UK, and detailed comparison of technical specifications to ensure you receive accurate, actionable recommendations.
Comparison Table
| Company | Pricing | Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booksy Biz | £40/month + VAT (base user) | 4.8/5 | 24/7 online booking, integrated payments, marketing tools, client marketplace |
| Fresha | £14.95/month (independent) | 4.8/5 | Client marketplace, unlimited SMS reminders, integrated payments |
| Phorest | £99/month (entry plan) | 4.8/5 | Marketing automation, loyalty programs, branded booking app |
| Zolmi | £39/month (solo plan) | 4.7/5 | Inventory tracking, UK-focused support, automated reminders |
| Vagaro | £20/month (base plan) | 4.7/5 | Website booking widgets, integrated payments, payroll tools |
| Salon Iris | £39/month (solo user) | 4.3/5 | Offline functionality, payroll management, advanced reporting |
| Square Appointments | £0/month (free solo plan) | 4.5/5 | Integrated POS, automated reminders, client management |
| SimplyBook.me | £9.50/month (basic, annual billing) | 4.6/5 | Online booking, payment processing, customisable features |
| Mindbody | £109/month (business plan) | 4.1/5 | Advanced reporting, marketing tools, POS integration |
| Setmore | £4/user/month (pro, annual billing) | 4.9/5 | Multi-staff management, website booking, social media integration |
Top 10 Best Nail Tech Booking Systems for 2026
1. Booksy Biz
Rating: 4.8/5
Booksy Biz is the best nail tech booking system for 2026, combining salon management with built in client discovery. The platform manages bookings, payments, client records, marketing, and reporting in one system, removing the need for multiple tools.
It offers 24/7 online booking on all devices, integrated payments, and automated reminders that reduce no shows. The Booksy marketplace increases salon visibility among clients actively searching for nail services, supporting steady new bookings.
Booksy Biz includes detailed client profiles, POS functionality, reporting, and mobile apps for staff and clients. The system scales with salon growth, with additional users available at a predictable monthly cost.
Pricing: £40/month + VAT for one user with full access. Additional users £5/month + VAT. Mobile payment fees around 1.29% + 20p + VAT. Boost marketplace charges a 40% one time commission on the first booking from new clients.
Key Features:
- 24/7 online booking on any device
- Client marketplace exposure
- Automated SMS and email reminders
- Integrated payments
- Client profiles and history tracking
- Reporting and analytics
- POS integration
- Mobile apps for staff and clients
- Marketing automation
- Multi location support
2. Fresha
Rating: 4.8/5
This platform combines booking software with a built in marketplace for beauty and wellness businesses. It manages scheduling, payments, and staff management in one interface, replacing separate tools.
Fresha provides online booking across devices, integrated payments, and automated client communications. Its consumer marketplace increases salon visibility among clients searching locally for beauty services.
The system includes staff scheduling, inventory management, reporting, and mobile apps for businesses and clients. Team plans scale through per user pricing.
Pricing: £14.95/month for independent operators. Team plans £9.95/month per staff member. 20% commission on new client bookings via the marketplace. Standard card fees apply.
Key Features:
- Online booking across devices
- Client discovery marketplace
- Unlimited SMS reminders
- Integrated payments
- Staff scheduling
- Inventory tracking
- Reporting and analytics
- Mobile apps
- Automated email communications
- Multi location support
3. Phorest
Rating: 4.8/5
Phorest focuses on marketing automation and client retention for beauty and wellness businesses. It combines appointment scheduling, POS, and loyalty management in one system.
The platform offers online booking, integrated payments, and branded client apps. Automated marketing campaigns target clients based on booking history and behavior, supporting repeat visits.
Phorest includes loyalty tools, staff scheduling, reporting, and integrated payments. Higher pricing reflects its advanced marketing and retention focus.
Pricing: From £99/month for one staff member. Online booking fees £0.60–£1.50 per booking. Transaction fees apply to payments. SMS charged separately. Final pricing depends on staff count and features.
Key Features:
- Online booking and scheduling
- POS integration
- Marketing automation
- Loyalty programs
- Branded client app
- SMS and email communications
- Staff scheduling
- Reporting and analytics
- Integrated payments
- Multi location support
4. Zolmi
Rating: 4.7/5
Zolmi provides salon management software with UK focused customer support. It combines scheduling, POS, and inventory management in one interface.
The platform supports online booking on all devices, website integration, and automated reminders. UK based support operates during business hours with responsive assistance.
Zolmi includes inventory tracking, staff management, reporting, and marketing tools. A free plan allows small salons to test the system.
Pricing: Free plan available. Solo plan £39/month. Team plans from £25/month, scaling with staff. Advanced features unlock on higher tiers.
Key Features:
- Online booking
- POS integration
- Inventory management
- Website integration
- Automated reminders
- UK based support
- Staff scheduling
- Marketing tools
- Reporting and analytics
- Mobile access
5. Vagaro
Rating: 4.7/5
Vagaro offers broad business management software covering bookings, POS, marketing automation, and payroll in one system. It provides website booking widgets, integrated payments, and marketing tools, alongside payroll features for staff payments. The platform also includes inventory tracking, loyalty programs, staff management, and reporting across operations.
Pricing: £20/month base plan per location. Website add on £15/month. Branded app £50/month. Payments from 1.15% + £0.20. Pricing scales with staff, features, and locations.
Key Features:
- Online booking and scheduling
- Website booking widgets
- Integrated payments
- POS and reporting
- Marketing automation
- Payroll management
- Inventory tracking
- Loyalty programs
- Staff management
- Business reporting
6. Salon Iris
Rating: 4.3/5
Salon Iris provides booking and management software with offline functionality. It supports appointment management, payroll, and reporting through desktop based workflows.
The system continues operating without internet access, maintaining functionality during outages. Detailed reporting offers insight across business operations.
Salon Iris includes staff management, payroll tools, and integrated payments, with offline mode setting it apart from cloud only systems.
Pricing: From £39/month for solo users. Team plans scale by user count. Free trial available. Payments, bookings, and reminders included.
Key Features:
- Appointment scheduling
- Offline mode
- Detailed reporting
- Payroll processing
- Desktop focused interface
- Staff management
- Integrated payments
- Automated reminders
- Client management
- Business analytics
7. Square Appointments
Rating: 4.5/5
Square Appointments delivers scheduling within a wider payment ecosystem. It combines booking, POS, and payments without requiring separate terminals.
A free plan supports single users, while paid tiers add advanced features and multi location support at competitive rates. The system includes reminders, client management, and native integration with Square payment hardware.
Pricing: Free plan £0/month. Plus £29/month per location. Premium £69/month per location. In person payments 1.75% + VAT. Online payments 2.9% + 25p + VAT. Instant transfers incur additional fees.
Key Features:
- Online booking
- Free solo plan
- POS hardware integration
- Automated reminders
- Client management
- Payment ecosystem integration
- Staff scheduling
- Add on features
- Multi location support
- Hardware compatibility
8. SimplyBook.me
Rating: 4.6/5
SimplyBook.me offers customizable scheduling software for service businesses. It combines online booking, payments, and flexible configuration without custom development.
A free plan allows up to 50 monthly bookings, with paid tiers expanding capacity and features. The platform includes customizable booking pages, automated reminders, and modular add ons for tailored setups.
Pricing: Free plan up to 50 bookings. Basic £9.50/month billed annually. Standard £29.50/month. Premium £49.50/month. Payment processing fees apply.
Key Features:
- Online booking
- Custom booking pages
- Free starter plan
- Payment integration
- Automated reminders
- Calendar sync
- Client management
- Marketing tools on paid plans
- Multiple provider support
- Intake forms
9. Mindbody
Rating: 4.1/5
Mindbody provides enterprise scheduling and management software for wellness businesses. It supports appointments, classes, and marketing in one system.
The platform manages both one to one services and group sessions, with scalability for large multi location organizations. Mindbody includes client profiles, marketing automation, reporting, and educational content tools, reflecting its enterprise focus.
Pricing: From £109/month for business plans. Virtual classes £39/month. Video on demand £79/month. Card not present payments 2.19% + 20p. Final pricing set after consultation.
Key Features:
- Appointment and class scheduling
- Client profile management
- Marketing automation
- Enterprise reporting
- Educational content tools
- POS integration
- Multi location management
- Staff scheduling
- Integrated payments
- Branded mobile apps
10. Setmore
Rating: 4.9/5
Setmore provides scheduling software with a generous free tier for small teams. It manages bookings, payment integrations, and social media connections without mandatory subscriptions.
The free plan supports up to four users with unlimited appointments, while paid tiers add advanced functionality. Social media booking, simple setup, and core scheduling tools make it accessible for growing businesses.
Pricing: Free for up to 4 users. Pro £4/user/month billed annually. Monthly plans £7–£9.50/user. SMS, video meetings, and calendar sync on paid plans.
Key Features:
- Unlimited appointments on free plan
- Social media booking
- Website booking widgets
- Automated reminders
- Payment integrations
- Calendar sync
- Staff scheduling
- Multi provider support
- Class and group bookings
- Simple setup
Conclusion
For 2026, Booksy Biz is the best nail tech booking system due to its comprehensive all in one functionality, advanced client management tools, and built in client marketplace that actively drives new business to salons.
The platform delivers the most complete solution for nail salons of all sizes, from single chair operations to multi location enterprises. While other platforms exist with varying features and price points, Booksy Biz consistently outperforms alternatives in feature depth, user experience, and business growth impact.
Your investment in Booksy Biz pays dividends through increased bookings, reduced no shows, streamlined operations, and access to a constantly growing client base actively seeking your services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nail tech booking systems cost?
Pricing for booking systems varies significantly based on features and scale. Booksy Biz starts from £40/month + VAT for base features with full functionality included. Some systems offer free plans for solo practitioners with limited features, while others charge per user per month.
Mid range options typically cost £20 to £40 monthly, while enterprise platforms can exceed £100/month. Keep in mind that most systems charge additional transaction fees for payment processing, typically ranging from 1% to 3% per transaction plus fixed fees.
What features should I look for in a booking system?
You should prioritize 24/7 online booking, automated reminders, POS integration, client management tools, and marketing automation. Consider whether you need inventory tracking, payroll management, offline functionality, or access to a client marketplace.
Evaluate your salon’s specific needs when selecting the right system. If you’re a solo practitioner, basic scheduling might suffice, but growing teams require staff management and advanced reporting capabilities.
Is there a free trial available for these systems?
Yes, most booking systems including Booksy Biz offer free trials that allow you to explore features before committing to a paid subscription. Some platforms even offer permanent free tiers for solo practitioners, though these typically come with significant feature limitations.
Trial periods usually range from 7 to 30 days, giving you adequate time to test the system with real appointments and clients.
Can I integrate these systems with my website?
Yes, most modern booking platforms offer website integration options. Website booking widgets are a standard feature, allowing you to embed scheduling functionality directly into your existing website.
This enables clients to book appointments without leaving your site. The integration process typically involves copying a simple code snippet into your website’s HTML.
How do these systems help with customer retention?
Booking systems support customer retention through multiple mechanisms. Automated reminders reduce no shows and keep your salon top of mind.
Loyalty programs incentivize repeat visits by rewarding regular clients. Marketing automation tools send targeted campaigns based on client behavior, such as birthday discounts or re engagement messages for clients who haven’t booked recently.
Client marketplaces help maintain visibility and attract returning customers who are actively searching for services. Booksy Biz excels in client retention with sophisticated marketing automation tools that send targeted campaigns based on detailed client behavior analysis.
