Have you ever wondered if a single platform could really handle everything from salon clients to fitness class scheduling without feeling like you’re paying too much for bells and whistles you’ll never use? That’s exactly the question we’re explore today. Because while many people first think of Vagaro as a salon app, it’s surprisi’ng how often they overlook the fact that it also powers yoga studios, gyms, wellness centers, and full-service fitness businesses.
At the heart of it all is Vagaro Booking, the tool that ties the entire ecosystem together—clients can reserve appointments, trainers can manage schedules, and owners can keep payments and marketing in one streamlined flow. The app even includes a flexible Pay Later, Buy Now option, letting clients split payments across installments, which has become a quiet but powerful driver of loyalty.
Now, the big question is whether the price makes sense: is Vagaro cheap compared to competitors, or is it expensive but ultimately worth the money because of its flexibility and features? In this review, we’ll break down those details, explore what stands out most, and reveal a few things that might just surprise you along the way.
Courtesy of Vagaro
Table of Contents
A Quick Look At Vagaro
App interface preview of Vagaro
Vagaro software has carved out a niche as the control center for modern fitness studios, whether you’re tracking appointments or processing payments—it’s reprogramming how owners run their entire business. Imagine a yoga studio owner who used to juggle three different apps just to keep schedules, memberships, and invoices from falling apart.
With Vagaro studio fitness software, it all comes together in one seamless system that feels more like a true business backbone than just another digital add-on. For gyms, Pilates venues, and boutique studios that want to exude authority and keep customers locked in through consistent, polished experiences, this platform becomes the hidden infrastructure that enables growth.
→ RELATED See how Arketa (broad studios & gyms) and Momence (next-gen approach with strong automation & retention tools)
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- Branded app (own app with company branding)
- Vagaro Pay Later (Buy Now, Pay Later-function)
- Data Lake & power BI integration for advanced analytics
- Rent & Fee Collection (manage rental fees / fees for contract lessors)
- Redesigned forms builder (improved form management with digital waivers
- Inventory variants (products with variations in size, color
Visuals provided by Vagaro
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
✅ All-in-one platform with booking, payments, and marketing
✅ Automated SMS & email reminders reduce no-shows
✅ Flexible integrations like QuickBooks & API
✅ Unique features: branded app, rent & fee collection
❌ Cons
❌ Extra cost for premium features
❌ Steep learning curve for new users
Before You Subscribe
Before you click “Sign Up,” here’s the single most important thing to lock in your expectations: Vagaro’s base plan starts at $23.99/month for one bookable calendar.
- You’ll likely add on premium modules (e.g. branded app, text marketing, forms), and those extras stack up.
- Vagaro tends to be best for studios, gyms, and wellness businesses that need more than just a booking system — those who want a full operating platform.
- Assess how many calendars/locations/instructors you’ll need — each added calendar can bump your cost.
Is Vagaro Worth It?
$23.99/month for a smaller studio i understand it might be worth it, but first let me explain a few things.
Courtesy of Vagaro
To be fair, which I’m pretty sure you agree with me on by now, many owners first encounter it as Vagaro salon software, but the depth of the platform extends far beyond beauty and spa departments, which is why fitness studios, gyms, and wellness businesses are increasingly searching for answers to the question: what is Vagaro? in a clean output, and how does it actually work? and what makes sure this platform finds that it delivers the kind of infrastructure that allows their business to run with polish and consistency.
Great For:
- Fitness studio owners running group classes and memberships
- Boutique yoga and Pilates studios needing a branded client experience
- Salon and wellness entrepreneurs who want all-in-one booking and payments
- Multi-location businesses that require centralized control
Not Recommended For:
- Independent personal trainers who only need workout tracking
- Large franchises with complex, custom-built systems
- Budget-conscious owners who prefer free or ultra-light scheduling tools
Specs
| Vagaro | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | $23.99/month for one bookable calendar |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Branded App | $100/month add-on |
| Website Builder (MySite) | $20/month |
| Credit Card Processing | Starting at 2.2% + $0.19 per swipe |
Set Up Your Vagaro App Account
First thing you do is head over to the Vagaro login page and sign up or log in with your email, then you’ll land in the dashboard where everything begins. From there, set up your Business Profile — add your hours, services, and a description so clients know exactly who you are.
Next, import or add your client list so past customers don’t slip through the cracks. Don’t skip the part where you link up payment processing and configure membership or package rules — that’s the feature that really turns Vagaro from scheduler to revenue engine.
If you’re stepping in from another tool, their import options help you migrate without losing your history. Once you’re live, your booking widget, notifications, and branded app all fall into place, letting clients book, confirm and pay — all from one sleek system.
→ RELATED Check out our Kahunas App Review to see how their white label setup takes branded apps and scales them up
App interface preview courtesy of Vagaro
Vagaro Pro
When you upgrade your setup with a Vagaro business account via the Pro version, you step into a platform built for professionals who demand more control, deeper analytics, and full mobile access to the tools that power your operations.
Business Capabilities Inside Vagaro Pro App
- Vagaro Pro is the “business-oriented app” that enables owners and individuals to book, pay and report directly on their mobile.
- In the Pro app, you can view daily/weekly/monthly calendars, schedule recurring meetings and automate SMS/email reminders.
- You get full control over your customer data: history, purchases, gift cards and profile information – all in the app.
- The Pro version applications accepts contactless payments (e.g. Apple Pay / Google Pay), sells packages, memberships and products – directly via mobile or computer.
- In Pro, you get analytics and reports about your business: sales, bookings, customer behavior and more key figures.
- You can change services and classes (name, duration, length of stay, etc.) directly in the app’s “Service/Course Menu” via Pro.
Courtesy of Vagaro
Pros & Cons For (Vagaro Pro) Business Account
✅ Pros
✅ Mobile control of scheduling, payments, and client data
✅ Real-time analytics and reporting for smarter decisions
✅ Direct in-app editing of services and classes without needing desktop access
❌ Cons
❌ Extra cost for branded tools and add-ons
❌ Advanced reports may feel heavy for solo owners
Pricing & Value
The entry point is $23.99 per month for a single bookable calendar (this is the starting tier) — and when you examine Vagaro pricing more closely, you’ll see that each additional calendar adds $10/month (capped at seven), and a 30-day free trial lets you test virtually the entire platform before committing—all so you understand exactly what you’re paying for and how fast it could pay itself back.
Media from Vagaro
Guidance And Accountability
It offers a name called: Vagaro University, a full library of live workshops, video tutorials, and one-on-one coaching sessions to keep you on track. That means you’re never left guessing — whether it’s dialing in your settings, mastering marketing tools, or solving a workflow glitch, they’ve built in accountability for you as a business operator.
Need practical help? This sustainable platform also offers one-on-one training where you can schedule a video call with their experts and get real-time support tailored to your business.
Vagaro Vs GlossGenius
GlossGenius — PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- Automated waitlists & appointment reminders
- Free customizable booking site included
- Same-day payouts & integrated POS system
- Team features: scheduling, payroll, and staff management
- Free data import for clients and appointments
Media from GlossGenius
Pros & Cons GlossGenius
✅ Pros
✅ Sleek, intuitive, and visually polished user interface
✅ Same-day payouts improve cash flow for business owners
✅ Strong built-in marketing tools with automated client reminders
❌ Cons
❌ Advanced team features require higher-tier (Gold/Platinum) plans
❌ Some users report occasional card reader or checkout glitches
❌ Reporting and analytics are less robust for larger operations
Vagaro Vs GlossGenius Quick Side By Side
When you look closely at Vagaro vs GlossGenius, the first thing any business owner notices is how similar they appear on the surface — both platforms give you client management, online booking, integrated payments, marketing tools, and a modern interface designed to simplify the daily chaos of running a studio or salon. They each offer automated reminders, waitlists, and a free booking site, which is why many people searching for GlossGenius cost often end up comparing it directly against Vagaro’s flexible pricing.
Image credit: GlossGenius
So where do the real differences start to take place? well in structure and scale. GlossGenius keeps its pricing model incredibly straightforward — currently starting at a flat monthly fee with same-day payouts and most core features included, though advanced team features require moving into the Gold or higher plans.
Vagaro, on the other hand, begins at $23.99 per month per calendar and lets you add features a la carte, which makes it more modular and appealing to larger operations that want detailed reporting or multiple-location management. In short, GlossGenius feels more streamlined for solo professionals and small teams, while Vagaro is built to stretch into bigger business models that need more robust data and custom integrations.
| Specs | Vagaro | GlossGenius |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 30-Day Free Trial · Starting at $23.99 per calendar + add-ons | 14-Day Free Trial · Starting at $24–$148 flat tiers |
| Available On | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Booking | Custom site + widget | Free booking site |
| Payments | Variable fees | 2.6% flat, same-day |
| Team | Calendars, roles | Gold/Platinum only |
Customer Experience
Using Vagaro as a customer or business provides an experience that many describe as smooth and convenient – but with some annoying details along the way. Below, see what real users are saying.
One user said:
“The app’s interface is user-friendly … Overall, Vagaro has streamlined my experience of finding and booking wellness services.”
That comment reflects a recurring theme: that the interface is intuitive and that it’s easy to book, navigate, and manage past bookings.
But not everyone is as enthusiastic. Another user:
“It keeps sending me notifications that a spot has opened up in a class I’m on the waitlist for, but when I click on the link, it still shows as ‘full’. The random, repeated texts are starting to get annoying.”
This suggests that the notification and waitlist features sometimes work inconsistently which can be frustrating.
Customer Reviews
On Google Play, Vagaro holds a 4.3 star rating across ~7,000 reviews with over a million downloads.
On iOS (App Store), it’s rated around 4.7 stars from ~8,800 ratings.
On Capterra the platform is rated 4.7/5 based on 3,482–3,487 verified reviews, where users frequently praise its features but sometimes criticize support.
Many users highlight how it also simplifies appointment booking, handles client reminders reliably, and offers a clean, intuitive interface. But there is consistent feedback around friction with notifications, occasional glitches in checkout, and dissatisfaction with responsive support.
One recurring theme is the feedback on Vagaro’s customer service support, some users mention that responses can be quick and helpful, while others feel left behind when technical problems show up, especially with payments or hardware issues.
Our Take (Based On Real Feedback)
From what we see, this platform delivers a broadly positive experience for many users seeking smooth booking and client management. But if your operation leans on flawless workflows and quick support, you’ll want to keep an eye on how Vagaro customer service performs in edge cases. Feedback suggests the core app is strong, what may make or break user loyalty is how well their support responds under pressure.
The Conclusion
Now, what is Vagaro app if not a modern all-in-one system designed to simplify how salons, fitness studios, and wellness businesses run their daily operations? From online booking and automated reminders to integrated payments and staff management, it’s clear why so many small teams and larger operations lean on it.
Vagaro cost starts at $23.99 per calendar with modular add-ons, and there’s a 30-day free trial that gives business owners time to test the waters before making a decision. One of the most compelling details is how customizable it is—whether you want just a simple booking tool or a full system with reporting and branded add-ons, you can scale it as you grow.
- The base price can quickly climb if you need multiple features.
- The quality of customer support varies depending on your issue and urgency.
If you’re still comparing options, our guide to the best studio & gym management software of the century, offers a wider look at how Vagaro measures up against other major players in the industry.
Full Rating
Vagaro, Inc.
The platform is a U.S.-based software brand developed by Vagaro, Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California. Offering an all-in-one scheduling and business management platform trusted by salons, spas, fitness studios, and wellness professionals worldwide.
| Product | Vagaro |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Company: | Vagaro, Inc. |
| Product Currency | USD ($) |
| Product Price | $23.99 / calendar per month (modular add-ons) |
| Product Availability | Worldwide (Web, iOS, Android) |
| Editor’s Rating | ★★★★★ 4.9/5 |
Frequently Questions
What Is Vagaro Pay Later?
The “Pay Later” function is a financing option that lets customers split their payments into four interest-free installments, making it easier to book and pay for services without upfront stress.
What Is Vagaro Used For?
This App is designed for salons, spas, fitness studios, and wellness businesses to handle scheduling, payments, client booking, and staff management in one all-in-one platform.
