Fresha vs Setmore: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Fresha and Setmore comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Fresha
Discover and book beauty and wellness appointments with top-rated salons and spas nearby.
Best for you if:
- • You need directories features specifically
- • Book beauty and wellness appointments online instantly.
- • Manage salon and spa operations with a comprehensive software suite.
Setmore
Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need meeting scheduling features specifically
- • Free appointment scheduling for up to 4 staff with online booking, payments, and calendar sync
- • Pro plan at $5/user/month adds SMS reminders, recurring appointments, and unlimited users
| At a Glance |  Fresha |  Setmore |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $8.95/moTeam | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Directories | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose Fresha or Setmore?
Choose Fresha if
Discover and book beauty and wellness appointments with top-rated salons and spas nearby.
- Easy to use for both clients and businesses
- Comprehensive features for salon management
- Attracts new clients through the Fresha marketplace
- Your work is directories-shaped, not meeting scheduling-shaped
Choose Setmore if
Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling
- Generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments
- Annual billing saves 58% compared to monthly at just $5/user/month
- Two-way calendar sync prevents double-booking across platforms
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is meeting scheduling-shaped, not directories-shaped
| Feature | Fresha | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 1,394 reviews | ★4.6/5 1,226 reviews |
| Categories | DirectoriesMeeting Scheduling | Meeting SchedulingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Fresha
Discover and book beauty and wellness appointments with top-rated salons and spas nearby.
Strengths
- +Easy to use for both clients and businesses
- +Comprehensive features for salon management
- +Attracts new clients through the Fresha marketplace
- +Automated reminders reduce no-shows
- +Flexible pricing with a free tier for basic use
Weaknesses
- -Transaction fees apply for online and in-person payments
- -Fees for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace
- -Additional costs for advanced features like client loyalty and enhanced insights
Key features
Setmore
Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling
Strengths
- +Generous free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly appointments
- +Annual billing saves 58% compared to monthly at just $5/user/month
- +Two-way calendar sync prevents double-booking across platforms
- +Built-in video meetings eliminate need for separate conferencing tools
- +Multi-channel booking from website, social media, and QR codes
Weaknesses
- -Free plan limited to 200 appointments per month
- -SMS reminders only available on the paid Pro plan
- -Live receptionist add-on restricted to US-based businesses only
- -No native invoicing or advanced billing beyond appointment payments
- -Limited customization options for the booking page design
Key features
Pricing: Fresha vs Setmore
| Plan | Fresha | Setmore |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12.95 per month Independent | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $8.95 per team member monthly Team | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom rates Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Fresha pricing and Setmore pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Setmore has a free tier. Fresha is paid only.
Go with: Setmore
Want the highest-rated option?
Fresha: 4.7/5 (1,394 reviews). Setmore: 4.6/5 (1,226 reviews).
Go with: Fresha
Value user reviews?
Fresha: 1,394 reviews (4.7/5). Setmore: 1,226 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Fresha
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Fresha is paid. Setmore is freemium. Setmore lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Fresha is a directories tool. Setmore is in meeting scheduling. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Fresha is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Fresha
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Larger review base (1,394 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Setmore
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for meeting scheduling
The Bottom Line
Fresha is our pick. Setmore has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresha or Setmore better?
Fresha is rated in our evaluation. Fresha is paid and Setmore is freemium.
What are Fresha and Setmore used for?
Fresha: Discover and book beauty and wellness appointments with top-rated salons and spas nearby.. Setmore: Automate bookings and reduce no-shows with 24/7 self-scheduling.
What does Fresha cost vs Setmore?
Fresha is a paid tool. Setmore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.