TimeToBook vs Fresha
Fresha calls itself free. But between marketplace commissions, transaction fees, and recent pricing changes, the costs add up. Here's how the two platforms actually compare.
The short version
Fresha markets itself as free but charges a 20% commission on new client bookings and has recently introduced per-staff monthly fees. TimeToBook is genuinely free for solo stylists, charges no commission ever, and keeps pricing transparent. If you want to own your client relationships without a marketplace taking a cut, TimeToBook is the better choice.
The real cost of “free”
Fresha's pricing has multiple layers. Here's what you actually pay.
| Cost | TimeToBook | Fresha |
|---|---|---|
| Solo monthly fee | Free | US$9.95/mo |
| Per additional staff | £7/mo | US$9.95/mo |
| New client commission | None | 20% (min US$6) |
| Payment processing fee | N/A | 2.29% + US$0.20 |
| Premium support | Included | US$14.95/mo extra |
Why salons are switching
No more marketplace commissions
Fresha charges 20% on every new client booking made through their marketplace — with a minimum fee of US$6 per booking. Salon owners report being charged for clients who found them through Google or Instagram, not through Fresha. TimeToBook never takes a cut of your bookings. Zero commission, no exceptions.
Your brand, not theirs
When clients book through Fresha, they book through Fresha's marketplace. The relationship belongs to Fresha, not your salon. With TimeToBook, your booking page is yours — your brand, your colours, your URL. Clients book with you directly.
No pricing surprises
Fresha originally promised free accounts forever, then introduced monthly fees. Salon owners who built their business on the platform were left with unexpected costs. TimeToBook's pricing is simple and transparent: free for solo, £7/month per additional staff. That's it.
Support that's actually reachable
Fresha paywalls phone and live chat support behind a US$14.95/month premium plan. Free users are limited to email support with reported wait times of days or weeks. TimeToBook support is included at every plan level — because you shouldn't have to pay extra to get help.
Feature comparison
| Feature | TimeToBook | Fresha |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking page | ||
| Calendar management | ||
| SMS reminders | ||
| Email reminders | ||
| Client management | ||
| Multi-staff support | ||
| Client self-cancellation | ||
| Branded booking page (your look) | ||
| Free solo plan (genuinely free) | ||
| No booking commissions | ||
| Support included free | ||
| Marketplace discovery | ||
| Built-in payment processing | ||
| Marketing campaigns |
Choose TimeToBook if you…
- Don't want to pay commission on your bookings
- Want your booking page to reflect your brand
- Want genuinely free solo plan with no hidden costs
- Value transparent pricing without surprises
Choose Fresha if you…
- Want marketplace exposure to find new clients
- Need built-in payment processing at point of sale
- Are comfortable paying commission on new client bookings
- Want marketing campaign tools built in
Keep 100% of every booking
No commission. No hidden fees. Free for solo stylists.