Aura'd vs Next

Aura'd is salon booking software for hairdressers, lash technicians, and other beauty professionals. Clients can book at any time through a branded app or website, with availability updated in real time. Salon operators can manage client lists, promotions, preferences, and appointment notes. Automated SMS and email reminders are described as reducing no-shows by up to 90%. Aura'd integrates with Stripe and accepts cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Clearpay, and Klarna. All plans have zero booking commission; card processing costs 1.9% + 20p. Branded salon appointment apps are available for iOS and Android, and web and API platforms are listed. The REST API covers services, availability, bookings, and client management, with access on Premium. The free plan allows 50 bookings per month and five services, with a basic booking page and email confirmations. Solo costs £19 a month, Team £39 a month, Business £69 a month, and Premium £149 a month. Aura'd says setup takes under 15 minutes and offers free setup assistance.

Next is a free booking app for salon professionals working in salon suites. Professionals can set booking rules, choose request-based or direct booking, customize service durations and stack appointments. Marketing tools support email, in-app and SMS campaigns, including prepared or custom campaigns. Its point-of-sale system supports deposits, cards on file, coupons, discounts, touch and touchless payments, and merged or split payments. The payment page lists a flat 2.52% processing rate on chipped card transactions, including AMEX and Discover, with no per-transaction fees. Next can connect with participating salon suite locations for rent management, website booking, cross-marketing and maintenance requests. The maker identifies hairstylists, barbers, nail artists, makeup artists, lash technicians, estheticians, massage therapists and other personal-care professionals as its audience. The app is available on Android, iOS and the web. Booking features are free; unlimited SMS texts are an optional $5 a month plan. Connection to a salon suite website and check-in system is marked as coming soon.