Not sure which salon software is right for you? Here’s how Baxus stacks up against the three most common alternatives. No spin, just the facts.
Baxus vs Timely
Timely charges per staff member, just like Baxus. The difference is how much. Timely’s entry plan is $42 NZD per staff member per month. Their mid-tier plan is $65. Baxus is $7. Same model, very different bill.
| Baxus | Timely | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $7 per staff member | $42–$65 NZD per staff member |
| Lock-in contract | No | No |
| Online booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reminders | ✓ | ✓ (100 SMS included) |
| POS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stock management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | 14 days |
The bottom line
Timely is a solid platform. But you’re paying a premium for features most small salons will never touch. If you want the same core functionality at a fraction of the price, Baxus is the better call.
Baxus vs Fresha
Fresha has repositioned since its “free forever” days. It now charges a monthly subscription plus a 20% commission on every new client who books through their marketplace. The subscription looks affordable until you factor in those commissions.
| Baxus | Fresha | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $7 per staff member | $19.95 (solo) / $14.95 per member (team) |
| New client commission | None | 20% via marketplace (min $6) |
| Lock-in contract | No | No |
| Online booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS reminders | ✓ included | 100 free then $0.02 each |
| You own your client list | Yes | Shared with marketplace |
| POS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | 7 days |
The bottom line
Fresha suits someone brand new who wants marketplace exposure and doesn’t mind commission fees as a cost of growth. For an established salon that wants clean, predictable pricing and full ownership of its client relationships, Baxus is the cleaner choice.
Baxus vs Shortcuts Aire
Shortcuts Aire is the lightweight, cloud-based product from Shortcuts built specifically for solo operators and small teams. It’s genuinely good software and the free plan for solo operators is hard to argue with. But once you need a team or proper reporting, the picture changes.
| Baxus | Shortcuts Aire | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $7 per staff member | Free (solo) / Paid pro plan (teams) |
| Team size limit | Unlimited | Up to 6 staff |
| Lock-in contract | No | No |
| Online booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS reminders | ✓ included | Pro plan only |
| POS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stock management | ✓ | Basic (product catalogue) |
| Reporting | ✓ included | Pro plan only |
The bottom line
If you’re a solo operator just starting out, Shortcuts Aire’s free plan is worth a look. If you have a team, want reporting included, and don’t want to hit a staff cap as you grow, Baxus gives you more for less.