Aura'd vs Tonso
Aura'd
aurad.beauty
Tonso
tonso.com.auSide by side
| Figure | Aura'd | Tonso |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 4 |
| Spec score · Salon App Builder Software | 9.4 (#1) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Branded apps | Salon-branded appointment apps are offered for iOS and Android. | The product includes branded client apps distributed through the iPhone App Store and Android Play Store. |
| Headquarters | Chichester, United Kingdom | Enfield, NSW, Australia |
| Integrations | The API documentation describes calendar synchronization with Google Calendar and Outlook. | The pricing page says card payments can be processed in-app or at a terminal; the maker pages opened do not name external software integrations. |
| Payments | The service accepts cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Clearpay, and its FAQ also names Klarna. | TonsoPay accepts deposits or full payment at booking and can synchronize with cash or in-store terminals. |
| Security | The API section states it uses API key authentication and HTTPS encryption and claims 99.9% uptime. | Tonso's privacy policy says stored personal information is protected with encryption, firewalls and access controls. |
| Support | The site promises free setup assistance and lists priority support on the Business plan. | The contact page offers support through a web form, phone number 1300 368 313 and an Enfield address. |
| What it does | Aura'd is a salon booking and business-management platform for beauty professionals. | Tonso is a booking and business-management platform for barbershops, salons, spas, clinics, fitness studios and related service businesses. |
Plans
Aura'd
- API BasicFree
- FreeFree
- Solo£19 a month
- API Pro$29 a month
- Team£39 a month
- Business£69 a month
- API Business$79 a month
- Premium£149 a month
- API Enterprise$199 a month
Tonso
- Free when fees are passed to clientsFree
- Tonso service feeA$1, paid once
- Card processingA$1.70, paid once
- Pay-per-transactionPrice not published
In their own words
Aura'd
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.
Tonso
Tonso brings bookings, staff scheduling, customer engagement, and performance insights together for salon and beauty businesses. TonsoAlign pairs clients with experts using skills, availability, and workload balance. TonsoFlow learns service durations and expert pace to reduce gaps in daily schedules. For walk-ins, TonsoQueue lets clients scan a QR code, see wait times, and receive a notification when it is time to return. TonsoPay supports deposits or full payment at booking and syncs with cash or in-store terminals. Retention tools include automated reminders, tailored offers, coupons, gift cards, and loyalty rewards. The platform also includes inventory tracking, multi-branch management, commissions, analytics, and staff roster management. It runs on Android, iOS, and the web, and businesses receive branded iPhone and Android booking apps for clients. Resource scheduling and adaptive staff scheduling are marked as coming soon. A free plan is listed when booking fees are passed to clients; transaction and card processing fees may also be passed to clients.