Salon-specific features
DaySmart SalonBest Salon POS Systems and Software
Calculate your monthly cost estimate
Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
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Square POS Learn more on Square POS's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 5.0/5 Best for Overall | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Free plan; $60 Plus plan for retailers and restaurants. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Square POS's secure website |
Clover POS Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Customizability | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | ||
Lightspeed Retail POS Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Multilocation salons | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $89.00 for Lean plan, $149 for Standard plan, $269 for Advanced plan. | Learn more on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website | ||
DaySmart Salon | Best for Salon-specific features | N/A | $29.00 Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $129 Premier plan. |
Our pick for
Overall
Square POS
on Square POS's secure website
$0.00
Free plan; $60 Plus plan for retailers and restaurants.
Pros
- Deep list of features.
- Free version offers a lot of functionality.
- Square offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
Cons
- Can’t run on Windows devices.
- Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
Our pick for
Customizability
Clover POS
on Clover POS's secure website
$14.95
and up.
Pros
- Competitive flat rates for payment processing.
- Hardware performs well and is well designed.
Cons
- No free options.
- Pricing can be tough to understand.
Our pick for
Multilocation salons
Lightspeed Retail POS
on Lightspeed Retail POS's secure website
$89.00
for Lean plan, $149 for Standard plan, $269 for Advanced plan.
Pros
- Built-in POS system and payment processing; in-house POS hardware available.
- Generate unlimited barcode labels.
- One-on-one onboarding and a dedicated account manager included with all plans.
Cons
- Lowest-tier plan doesn’t include e-commerce features.
- Longer-term contract required.
Our pick for
Salon-specific features
DaySmart Salon
N/A
$29.00
Basic plan; $69 Deluxe plan; $129 Premier plan.
Pros
- Free trial period.
- Variety of plans offering extensive functionality.
- Integrated payment processing.
Cons
- Does not sell hardware.
- Unlimited training and phone support not included with cheapest plan.
Square: Best overall
Monthly POS software fee:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer.
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Clover: Best for customizability
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
- $49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
- $54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Lightspeed Retail POS: Best for multilocation salons
- $89 for Lean plan ($69 if billed annually).
- $149 for Standard plan ($119 if billed annually).
- $269 for Advanced plan ($199 if billed annually).
- $99 for Chipper 2X BT card reader.
- $199 for iPad stand or swivel stand.
- $299 for WisePOS E countertop reader.
- $429 for Lightspeed Lite Server for data backup and offline mode functionality.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
DaySmart Salon: Best for salon-specific features
- $29 for Basic plan.
- $69 for Deluxe plan (plus $9 for every additional user).
- $129 for Premier plan.
- Platinum plan is available but pricing is undisclosed.
What to look for in a salon POS system
- Payment flexibility. A good POS system enables you to accept and process all types of payments from your clients. It should also be easy to set up and have an intuitive interface.
- Industry customization. Ideally, your POS software should have certain key features used in the salon industry, such as appointment scheduling, employee tracking and payroll processing capabilities. These features can help ensure your stylists and estheticians are getting paid in full and on time.
- Inventory and loyalty features. If you sell products like most salons and spas do, sophisticated inventory management capabilities are a must. Because many clients may be repeat customers, it’s useful to have salon POS software that includes loyalty programs, gift cards, referral codes and other incentives to show your customers how much you value their patronage.
- Mobile capabilities. A system with mobile POS readers is crucial if you or your staff members make house calls or if you want to share your services outside your main location.
- Good pricing and good fit. Ultimately, the right POS system is the one with fees and hardware you can afford, features that streamline and automate your logistical processes and technology that you and your staff feel comfortable using. As you search, watch for free trial periods. That way, you can try out different salon POS software, risk-free, before making your final decision.