Softalon vs Fresha
Fresha is built around its marketplace. Softalon is built around your salon: your brand, no commission on any client, and an AI Receptionist that books from your Instagram and WhatsApp messages.
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 bookings under your own brand and domain, without other salons next to yours.
- You don't want to pay a commission when a new client books.
- You want clients to book without creating an account.
- You want to send reminders and notifications whenever and however you like.
Stay with Fresha if
- You rely on a marketplace to bring you new clients.
- You want an AI that answers phone calls.
- You work alone and want the lowest starting price.
- You need card terminals for in-person payments.
Key Differences
What Sets Softalon Apart
The three things salons switching from Fresha notice first.
An AI That Lives in Your DMs
Softalon's AI Receptionist answers Instagram DMs and WhatsApp messages and books the appointment in the chat. Fresha's AI Concierge is a paid add-on for phone calls and Fresha's in-app chat, with Instagram coming soon.[8][1]
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 Fresha
Included, paid add-on, limited, planned or not available, with the source for every Fresha claim.
Fair Comparison
Where Fresha Is the Better Fit
No software is right for every salon. Here's when Fresha makes more sense.
A Large Marketplace
AI That Answers Calls
AI Concierge answers phone calls, with 200 minutes a month included in the $99.95 plan. Phone answering is on Softalon's roadmap, but today the AI Receptionist works in messages.[1]
Low Starting Price and Hardware
$19.95 a month for a solo professional, card terminals from $139 and lower card fees in person.[1]
Sources
- Fresha pricing, United States (archived October 21, 2026): https://web.archive.org/web/20261021174212/https://www.fresha.com/pricing
- Fresha help center, Marketplace new client fees: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/billing-and-fees/188-marketplace-new-client-fees
- Fresha marketplace: https://www.fresha.com/for-business/features/marketplace
- Fresha help center, Add a book button to your website: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/online-profile/152-add-a-book-button-to-your-website
- Fresha AI Concierge: https://www.fresha.com/for-business/features/ai-concierge
- Fresha help center, Set up AI Concierge replies on Client Connect: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/ai-concierge/102354-set-up-ai-concierge-replies-on-client-connect
- Fresha blog, AI Concierge launch: https://www.fresha.com/blog/fresha-ai-concierge-launch
- Fresha Client Connect: https://www.fresha.com/for-business/features/connect
- Fresha online booking, "Log in or sign up to book" step (checked November 4, 2026), and help center, How clients book appointments online: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/online-presence/102398-learn-how-clients-book-appointments-online
- Fresha help center, Launch your website: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/online-presence/109897-launch-your-website
- Fresha help center, Types of automated messages: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/marketing/103992-types-of-automated-messages
- Fresha help center, Update automated messages: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/marketing/104002-update-automated-messages
- Fresha help center, Send appointment reminders: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/calendar/167-send-appointment-reminders
- Fresha help center, Google Rating Boost: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/online-presence/101348-maximise-reviews-with-google-rating-boost
- Fresha help center, Sync your Fresha calendar: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/calendar/101373-sync-your-fresha-calendar
- Fresha features, Add-ons and integrations: https://www.fresha.com/for-business/features
- Fresha help center, Xero accounting connection: https://www.fresha.com/help-center/knowledge-base/billing-and-fees/101867-manage-your-xero-accounting-connection-and-settings
- Fresha for business: https://www.fresha.com/for-business
- Fresha Privacy Policy: https://terms.fresha.com/privacy-policy
- Fresha Partner Terms: https://terms.fresha.com/partner-terms
Fresha is a trademark of its owner. Softalon is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Fresha. Information about Fresha comes from its public website and help center, checked in November 2026. Prices and features change, so check Fresha's website for the latest. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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