Barbershops in the UK are increasingly adopting digital tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. In 2026, choosing the right barber booking system can make a significant difference in improving efficiency and client satisfaction. This article compares Booksy Biz, the leading option for UK barbers, with four other popular systems: SimplyBook.me, Koalendar, Phorest, and Zolmi. We will examine their features, pricing, and overall suitability for barbershops of various sizes.
TL;DR
- UK barbershops in 2026 can choose booking systems based on needs: full business management, simple scheduling, marketing automation, or flexible pricing.
- Options vary in price from free plans for solo barbers to enterprise solutions around £99/month, often with additional transaction fees.
- Features to consider include online booking, payment integration, client management, SMS reminders, marketing tools, and staff scheduling.
- Booksy Biz combines appointment management, payments, marketing, client tracking, and a client marketplace in one platform.
- It suits barbershops of all sizes seeking streamlined operations, client growth, and scalable, all-in-one management.
https://www.salonbusiness.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nathon-oski-EW_rqoSdDes-unsplash.jpg
|
Company |
Pricing |
Key Features |
Rating |
Best For |
|
Booksy Biz |
£40/month + VAT |
Online booking, marketing tools, client marketplace, analytics, payment integration, SMS reminders |
4.8/5 |
All-in-one solution for growth |
|
SimplyBook.me |
Free plan available; from £9.50/month |
Customizable booking forms, payment options, online booking, integrations |
4.6/5 |
Flexible scheduling |
|
Koalendar |
Free with unlimited bookings; £5.10/user/month Pro |
Unlimited bookings, calendar integrations, automatic reminders |
4.9/5 |
Simple scheduling |
|
Phorest |
~£99/month |
Client retention tools, loyalty programs, marketing automation, online booking |
4.8/5 |
Marketing-focused salons |
|
Zolmi |
Free plan available; £39/month solo |
Automated reminders, appointment scheduling, payment integration, inventory tracking |
4.7/5 |
Flexible pricing for small salons |
Comparison Table1. Booksy Biz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booksy/
Booksy Biz is the best barber booking system for UK barbershops in 2026 due to its comprehensive all-in-one solution that covers everything from appointment scheduling to payment processing and client management. Booksy outperforms all other options in this list because it combines robust business management tools with a powerful client marketplace for new customer acquisition, making it the most complete solution for barbershops seeking sustainable growth. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Booksy Biz serves beauty and wellness businesses of all sizes, including beauty salons, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and wellness businesses worldwide.
Pricing: £40/month + VAT for one user with full feature access, with additional users at £5/month + VAT each. Payment processing costs approximately 1.29% + 20p + VAT per mobile transaction. The Boost marketplace charges a 40% one-time commission on the first booking from a new client. SMS messaging includes 500 free messages per month, with overage charged at 5p per message. A free trial is available.
Best For: Beauty and wellness businesses of all sizes, particularly barbershops seeking a complete, scalable solution with strong marketing and client acquisition capabilities.
2. SimplyBook.me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplybook.me/
SimplyBook.me is a highly flexible booking system that works well for barbershops looking for customizable features. The platform offers a range of integrations and allows barbers to tailor their booking forms and service options to suit their needs. Based in Limassol, Cyprus, and founded in 2001, it has established itself as a versatile scheduling solution.
Pricing: Free plan available for up to 50 bookings per month with 1 provider. Basic plan starts at approximately £9.50/month when billed annually, with pricing scaling based on features and usage.
Best For: Barbershops that need a customizable scheduling system without requiring advanced marketing features or marketplace exposure.
3. Koalendar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koalendar/
Koalendar is a straightforward scheduling tool designed for simplicity and ease of use. Founded in 2020 and based in Paris, France, it is perfect for solo barbers or small teams who need a no-fuss solution to manage appointments. While it lacks the advanced features of other systems, it provides a clean, easy-to-use interface and integrates well with other calendars like Google Calendar.
Pricing: Free plan at £0/month with unlimited bookings and scheduling links. Pro plan at approximately £5.10/user/month when billed annually. Teams plan offers custom pricing for 10 or more users. Paid tiers unlock payment processing, advanced reminders, integrations, and branding removal.
Best For: Solo barbers and small barbershops seeking simple, free scheduling with the option to upgrade as their requirements expand.
4. Phorest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phorest/
Phorest is designed primarily for salons but is also an excellent choice for barbershops that want to integrate comprehensive client management and marketing automation into their operations. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, it offers features such as loyalty programs and email marketing, making it ideal for barbershops focused on expanding client retention and loyalty.
Pricing: Entry plan starts at approximately £99/month for one staff member. Online booking fees range from £0.60 to £1.50 per booking based on booking value. Payment processing fees apply via PhorestPay. SMS messaging is charged separately. Final pricing depends on staff count and selected feature set.
Best For: Salons prioritizing marketing and customer loyalty, particularly larger barbershops focused on building long-term client relationships and automating their marketing efforts.
5. Zolmi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zolmi-app/
Zolmi provides a flexible and affordable barber booking system with responsive customer support. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, the software offers UK-focused support that caters well to British barbershops and salons. While it doesn't offer the same level of advanced features as more comprehensive platforms, it provides a reliable, user-friendly system for managing appointments and payments with flexible entry pricing.
Pricing: Free plan available for small salons. Solo plan at approximately £39/month. Team plans start from approximately £25/month and scale with staff size. Advanced features are unlocked on higher tiers.
Best For: UK-based barbershops seeking flexible entry pricing with the option to scale as their business grows, particularly those who value responsive customer support.
Conclusion
When choosing the best barber booking system in 2026, Booksy Biz is the clear winner for UK barbershops. With its comprehensive feature set including client management, marketing tools, POS functionality, staff scheduling, and the integrated client marketplace, it offers unmatched value for barbers looking to grow their business. The platform's combination of robust business management capabilities and marketplace-driven client acquisition provides a complete solution that addresses both operational efficiency and business development needs. While SimplyBook.me, Koalendar, Phorest, and Zolmi are strong contenders that cater to different business needs and budgets, Booksy Biz provides the most robust, scalable solution for modern barbershops seeking sustainable growth in an increasingly digital marketplace.
FAQ
1. What is the best barber booking system for UK barbers in 2026?
Booksy Biz is a strong option for UK barbershops that want an all-in-one system. It covers online booking, client management, POS tools, marketing features, and access to a client marketplace for new customer discovery.
2. Can a customizable online scheduling system work for barbershops?
Yes, flexible scheduling platforms can work well for barbershops, especially for teams that want control over booking rules and integrations. These systems often suit smaller operations that need adaptability rather than a full business suite.
3. Is a simple booking tool suitable for solo barbers?
Yes, lightweight booking tools suit solo barbers or very small teams that only need appointment scheduling and basic client handling. These tools usually focus on ease of use and quick setup rather than advanced business features.
4. What features set marketing-focused salon software apart?
Systems with a strong marketing focus prioritize client retention through loyalty tools, automated messages, and targeted campaigns. This setup suits barbershops that want repeat visits and structured client communication.
5. Why choose a booking system with local support options?
Local support can matter for smaller barbershops that need fast help during setup or daily use. Platforms with region-specific assistance and clear onboarding tend to reduce friction during early adoption.
