Booking software comparison
A Fresha alternative for salons and spas
Compare Separalo and Fresha for your salon or spa: US pricing, marketplace commission, booking and the tradeoffs to consider before switching.
By the Separalo team
Who Separalo fits
If clients already know your salon and you need a link where they can choose a service and time, Separalo may fit. It includes up to two businesses, with the owner and up to three additional team members per business; you collect payment for your services separately.
This comparison is written by the Separalo team. Separalo does not replace Fresha's client marketplace, integrated payments, deposits or team tools. If you rely on those capabilities, subscription price should not be your only consideration.
Pricing for one or three professionals
US prices checked September 2026, in USD. Compare subscriptions before tax; the final amount and other charges depend on what you use.
| Team | Separalo and Fresha |
|---|---|
| One professional | Separalo: $7.99. Fresha: $19.95 (Independent plan). |
| Three professionals at one business | Separalo: $7.99. Fresha: $44.85 ($14.95 per bookable team member). |
| Fresha marketplace commission | 20% one time for each new client who discovers you through the Fresha marketplace, with a $6 minimum. Clients who arrive through your own link generate no commission. |
| Card processing on Fresha | 2.19% + $0.20 per card transaction. Extra SMS and emails cost more. |
| Separalo limits | Up to 2 businesses, with the owner and up to 3 additional team members per business in one membership. |
Fresha is no longer free: it moved to a paid subscription model in 2025. If the marketplace brings you new clients steadily, that 20% commission can outweigh the subscription difference; run the numbers with your own monthly new-client count.
How booking works in Separalo
List your services with their prices and durations. A client opens your link, chooses services and an available time, and enters their details. After email verification, the appointment is confirmed or awaits your approval, depending on your settings; its status appears in your calendar.
Service menu from a Separalo demonstration salon.
Set your team's working hours and breaks. Duration belongs to each service; the buffer after each appointment is a business-wide setting.
Share your booking link or QR code. You can enable the day-before email reminder; clients also receive a private link to manage their booking under your rules.
Email reminder control in the demonstration settings.
When staying with Fresha makes sense
Fresha combines booking, payments and a marketplace reaching millions of potential clients. Before switching, check where your clients come from and which tools you use each week.
- If Fresha's marketplace brings you new clients, account for that value. Sharing a Separalo link does not replace that source of business.
- If you need deposits or online payments during booking, Separalo does not currently offer that capability.
- If you use Fresha's point of sale, inventory or team tools (commission tracking, clock-in timesheets), Separalo does not replace them.
- Separalo offers email reminders, not SMS, and does not automatically sync your external calendars.
Try your workflow before switching
- During the 14-day trial, set up your services, team and hours.
- Check how a client chooses a time and how the appointment appears in your calendar. Review cancellation and rescheduling options too.
- Review upcoming appointments before changing your public links. There is no automatic migration from Fresha; avoid offering the same availability in two systems.
- When you are ready, update the links you share with clients and explain where to book future appointments.