Fresha vs Planning Pod
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Event and venue management software.
The verdict
Both Fresha and Planning Pod are credible scheduling tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Fresha if you want a lower starting price (free), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Free booking platform for salons and spas
Planning Pod — Event and venue management software.
Fresha vs Planning Pod: side by side
| Dimension | Fresha | Planning Pod |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $49/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Free | Subscription |
| Best for | Salons, Barbershops | Smb, Agencies |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, AndroidWinner | Web |
| Rating | 4.8/5Winner | 4.4/5 |
Fresha key facts
- Vendor
- Fresha
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Salons, Barbershops
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- London, UK
Planning Pod key facts
- Vendor
- Planning Pod
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $49/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Smb, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Denver, CO, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Fresha better than Planning Pod?
Neither is universally better — Fresha edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Fresha or Planning Pod cheaper?
Fresha is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Fresha starts at free; Planning Pod starts at from $49/mo.
Can Fresha replace Planning Pod?
Yes for most teams — both are scheduling tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.