Softalon vs Boulevard
Boulevard is premium software for salons and spas, with no marketplace. Softalon skips the marketplace too, and adds an AI Receptionist that books from Instagram and WhatsApp messages, plans from $49 a month and no yearly contract.
Prices and features checked in November 2026.
Quick Verdict
Which One Fits Your Salon?
Choose Softalon if
- Most of your clients message you on Instagram or WhatsApp.
- You want plans from $49 a month instead of $159 per location.
- You want to pay monthly, without a yearly contract.
- You want clients to book without entering a card.
- You want your booking site on your own domain.
Stay with Boulevard if
- You want an AI that answers phone calls.
- You run a high-end salon or spa and want a premium booking experience.
- You run many locations and need enterprise tools like a full API.
Key Differences
What Sets Softalon Apart
The three things salons switching from Boulevard notice first.
An AI That Lives in Your DMs
Softalon's AI Receptionist answers Instagram DMs and WhatsApp messages and books in the chat. Boulevard's AI Receptionist answers phone calls, sends a booking link by text and doesn't reply to incoming texts.[3][4]
Lower Price, No Yearly Contract
Softalon plans start at $49 a month, billed monthly. Boulevard starts at $159 a month per location, or $143 billed yearly, and its agreement sets a 12-month term that renews automatically.[1][2]
Your Domain, No Card to Book
Your booking site runs on your own domain, and clients book without an account or card unless you ask for a deposit. On Boulevard, a valid card is required for every online booking.[7]
REPLY INSTANTLY, 24/7
AI Receptionist
Answers your clients on Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and live chat, and books, reschedules and takes deposits right in the chat, 24/7.
Booking in the Chat
Clients see open times and book without leaving the conversation. The AI only offers your real services, prices and free slots.
Reschedule & Cancel
Clients who booked in the chat can move or cancel in the same thread, following your cancellation policy. The freed slot opens up right away.
Deposits in the Chat
When a service needs a deposit, the AI sends a secure payment link, so the appointment is secured before the visit.
3 more...
Side by Side
Softalon vs Boulevard
Included, paid add-on, limited, planned or not available, with the source for every Boulevard claim.
Fair Comparison
Where Boulevard Is the Better Fit
No software is right for every salon. Here's when Boulevard makes more sense.
AI That Answers Calls
Built for Premium Salons and Spas
More than 5,000 businesses and 85,000 professionals use Boulevard, with over 2 million appointments booked every month.[6]
Sources
- Boulevard pricing: https://www.joinblvd.com/pricing
- Boulevard Main Services Agreement: https://www.joinblvd.com/legal/main-services-agreement
- Boulevard support center, AI Receptionist Overview: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/16105086-ai-receptionist-overview
- Boulevard support center, AI Receptionist FAQ: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/16105159-ai-receptionist-frequently-asked-questions
- Boulevard support center, AI Receptionist Pricing: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/16102622-ai-receptionist-beta-pricing
- Boulevard blog, The Next Chapter in Boulevard's Journey: https://www.joinblvd.com/blog/boulevards-next-chapter
- Boulevard support center, The Client Booking Experience: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/5941525-the-client-booking-experience
- Boulevard support center, Client Portal: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/8648439-client-portal
- Boulevard support center, Messages: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/5941436-messages
- Boulevard support center, Personal Calendar Syncing: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/5941554-personal-calendar-syncing
- Boulevard support center, Boulevard Integrations: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/7880786-boulevard-integrations
- Boulevard Open API: https://www.joinblvd.com/features/api
- Boulevard support center, Rating requests: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/10207593-rating-requests
- Boulevard support center, Appointment Reminder Notifications: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/8448164-appointment-reminder-notifications
- Boulevard support center, Automated Campaigns: https://support.boulevard.io/en/articles/10068551-automated-campaigns-overview-setup
- Boulevard Duo: https://shop.joinblvd.com/products/duo
Boulevard is a trademark of its owner. Softalon is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Boulevard. Information about Boulevard comes from its public website and help center, checked in November 2026. Prices and features change, so check Boulevard's website for the latest. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
More Comparisons
Softalon vs Fresha
Softalon vs Fresha: an AI that books from Instagram and WhatsApp DMs, 0% commission vs a 20% new client fee, your own brand and the real monthly cost.
Softalon vs Booksy
Softalon vs Booksy: an AI that books from Instagram and WhatsApp DMs, 0% commission vs a 30% Boost fee, your own brand and domain, no client accounts.
Softalon vs Vagaro
Softalon vs Vagaro: an AI that books from Instagram and WhatsApp DMs, one plan instead of paid add-ons, your own brand and domain, no client accounts.
Softalon vs GlossGenius
Softalon vs GlossGenius: an AI that books from Instagram and WhatsApp DMs vs a phone AI, your own domain, editable reminders and salons outside the US.
Softalon vs Phorest
Softalon vs Phorest: both skip the marketplace. Compare AI on Instagram and WhatsApp, your own domain, booking without an account, and monthly plans vs a yearly contract.