GlossGenius vs Square Appointments
Which nail and beauty salon software is right for your firm?
Quick Answer
GlossGenius is the better choice for beauty professionals who want a platform built specifically for the beauty industry — its client-facing design, built-in card reader, and optional 0% processing on the Gold plan set it apart. Square Appointments wins if you want deep integration with Square's broader business ecosystem (payroll, loans, hardware).
At a Glance
| GlossGenius | Square Appointments | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $24–$48/mo | Free (solo) / $29–$69/mo |
| Best For | Beauty professionals wanting salon-first design and 0% processing | Businesses wanting Square's ecosystem and hardware |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GlossGenius | Square Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| Salon-Specific Design | ||
| Built-in Card Reader | Sold separately | |
| 0% Platform Fee Option | Gold plan | |
| Instagram-Worthy Booking Page | ||
| Custom Forms & Waivers | Via integrations | |
| Consumer Marketplace | ||
| Payroll Integration | Square Payroll | |
| Hardware Ecosystem | Card reader only | Extensive |
| Business Loans | Square Capital | |
| Third-Party Integrations | Limited | Extensive |
| Free Plan | Solo only | |
| Website Builder | Via Square Online |
Pricing Comparison
GlossGenius Pricing
- Booking
- POS + card reader
- Client management
- Marketing
- Website
- Everything in Standard
- 0% platform processing fee
- Advanced marketing
- Smart Pricing
- Custom forms
Square Appointments Pricing
- 1 provider
- Online booking
- Basic scheduling
- Square POS integration
- Up to 5 staff
- Resource management
- Custom availability
- Advanced reports
- Unlimited staff
- All features
- Priority support
Who Should Choose What?
✅ Choose GlossGenius if...
- You want a platform designed specifically for beauty professionals
- You want a card reader included without buying separate hardware
- The Gold plan's 0% processing saves you significant money on transactions
- You want beautiful, customizable client-facing booking pages
- Custom intake forms and waivers are important for your services
✅ Choose Square Appointments if...
- You already use Square POS and want seamless booking integration
- You want Square Capital financing options based on payment history
- You need Square's broader hardware ecosystem (stands, displays, etc.)
- You want Square Payroll for employee management
- You want a free solo plan with no monthly fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GlossGenius include a card reader?
Yes. GlossGenius includes a complimentary card reader with every paid account. Square Appointments requires you to purchase a card reader separately (starting at $49 for the basic reader, $299 for Square Terminal). For new beauty professionals, GlossGenius's included reader reduces startup costs.
Which has lower payment processing fees?
GlossGenius Standard: 2.6% per card transaction. GlossGenius Gold: 0% platform fee (you pay network interchange only, typically 1.5–2%). Square Appointments: 2.6% + $0.10 card present. For high-volume solo operators, GlossGenius Gold's 0% processing fee is typically the most economical option.
Is Square Appointments good for nail salons?
Square Appointments works well for nail salons, especially those in the Square ecosystem. It handles scheduling, staff management, and integrates with Square's inventory and POS. However, it lacks the beauty-industry-specific features that GlossGenius offers, like consultation forms and the nail/beauty-optimized service templates.
Can I get a loan through GlossGenius?
GlossGenius does not offer business loans. Square offers Square Capital — flexible business loans based on your Square processing history. If access to business financing is important, Square's ecosystem advantage here is real.
Which has better customer support?
GlossGenius is known for responsive support specifically focused on beauty professionals who understand your business context. Square has larger support infrastructure but more generic responses. GlossGenius Gold plan includes priority support. Most GlossGenius users report faster, more relevant responses to beauty-specific questions.
The Verdict
GlossGenius wins for beauty professionals who want a platform purpose-built for their industry, with a beautiful booking page, included card reader, and optional 0% processing. For most nail techs and stylists, GlossGenius delivers more value per dollar. Square Appointments wins for businesses embedded in Square's ecosystem. If Square is your POS, payroll, and payment processor, staying in one ecosystem simplifies operations significantly.
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