Timely vs Fresha
vs Pabau

Which scheduling software is better – Timely or Fresha?

Deciding on the best software solution for you is a big decision. Here, we uncover the differences between Timely and Fresha and find out which one takes the crown.

Plus, we show you how you an alternative option stacks up – Pabau.

What does Timely do?

Timely’s salon booking software puts you in control of the whole client experience. Based in the US, Timely will help you manage your hair or beauty business. They have a customizable calendar and tools you need to help you deliver an exceptional client experience. Timely is affordable, but they have a tiered pricing structure so you’ll have to pay more to unlock all of their features.

What does Fresha do?

Fresha is a subscription-free model for the beauty and wellness industry.

However, while it is technically ‘free’, they charge a commission fee on every new client booking that comes through the Fresha marketplace, which can quickly become expensive. In their own words, Fresha helps businesses boost sales and attract new clients via online bookings through Google search, Facebook and Instagram.

What does Pabau do?

Pabau is an all-in-one clinic management software specifically designed for medi aesthetic clinics. With clients all over the world, Pabau provides everything clinics need to reduce time spent on admin, improve the patient experience, and attract new customers. Because it’s purpose-built for med spas, it has key features that this client base will find particularly valuable.

What are customers saying

Why Choose Pabau Over Timely vs Fresha	Timely	Fresha	Pabau
No commission fees Fresha charges 20% commission on every new client that books through their online marketplace. Pabau and Timely won’t charge you commission fees for your online bookings.
No online marketplace Fresha places you on their online marketplace, where you’ll be pitched alongside competitors in your area. New Fresha subscribers also get preferable positions. With Pabau and Timely, you can customize the online booking experience with an online booking widget.
Online booking for medi aesthetic clinics In Pabau you can set your online booking system so that new clients can only book a consultation, not a service. Existing clients can click through to book an appointment using their login details. Fresha doesn’t have this option. Timely enables you to have a confirmed or pencilled-in appointment, but it’s not quite as smooth.
Automated consent forms, specific to the treatment Send automated consent forms, medical questionnaires, and pre-care and aftercare emails to a client in Pabau. Simply check a box at the time of booking and all the communication for that service is taken care of - you don't have to lift a finger.
Patient journey app Want a way of making sure you have all correct documentation on file before a client has their appointment such as consent forms, questionnaires, and photos? Use Pabau’s dedicated patient app to keep yourself right and ensure you never miss a step again.
Branded communication When you send any communication from Pabau, your brand will be front and centre. Texts and emails will come from your business and you can add your own logo and branding to emails. With Fresha this isn’t the case and it can be confusing for clients.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose
Pabau Over Timely and Fresha

Pabau is built for medi aesthetic clinics

The best software understands you, your business, and your challenges. Pabau has been built to meet the needs of media-aesthetic operators, not hair or beauty salons.

That’s why it has features that have been created specifically for this sector, such as automated pre-care and aftercare emails, electronic medical records (EMR), before and after photos, injection plotting, customizable forms, and so on. At Pabau, we get you.

All-in-one solution

Pabau isn’t the cheapest software on the market. But the great thing is you won’t need anything else as, in the words of one of our customers, “Pabau does it all.” While choosing Timely and Fresha means you’ll probably need to budget for additional tools, such as email marketing or online forms, this isn’t the case with Pabau. And because we’re so feature-rich, as your business grows, we’ll grow with you.

You won't pay for new clients

Getting new clients booking appointments with you should be something to celebrate - it means that your reputation is growing and you’re doing an excellent job, right?

That’s why, with Pabau, you won’t be stung with commission charges for new clients. You also won’t have to read the fine print about what constitutes a new customer. You can set up your online booking and know that every new client booking will be money in your pocket, not ours.

A 5-star booking experience

Booking an appointment online is one of the first touchpoints a client has with your business. But Fresha sends clients to their website to book, where your clinic is pitched alongside the competition - potentially losing you sales. Meanwhile, your branding is minimised. In Pabau, it’s a completely different experience. You create the end-to-end experience to fit with the look and feel of your brand. The client can book an appointment directly from your website - and there are no hidden fees or costs. Every online booking is money in your pocket.

A documented client journey

Clinics need to collect a LOT of documentation before an appointment, right? Don’t break a sweat trying to remember everything. With Pabau, you can simply use our app to ensure you have up-to-date health records, signed medical consents, and photos. Not every provider has this functionality, but we know how needed by med spa practitioners. Not only does it protect the client, it also protects your business.

Customers That Chose Pabau Over Others

“After 16 years of using about 20 different client management software systems, this is the only one I can honestly say does it all, and does it all very well.”

Roxanne Merchant,

Head of Operations, Juvea Medical

“Pabau is feature-rich, allowing us functionality to grow as our business needs grow, and at the same time quite intuitive to use. Competing software offerings can’t compete!”

Daniel, Doctor,

G2 review

“I’ve been in business for almost nine years. I’ve tried a lot of different software, but I was always missing some features. This software has everything that saves my time, keeps my records and medical forms in one place, and is easy to use.”

Angelina, Owner