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 appointment book being showcased on an iPad being sat on an reception desk being used by a wellness practitioner

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.