Helmox: a Fresha alternative focused on your salon, not a marketplace

Fresha vs Helmox: an honest comparison

Both Fresha and Helmox help salons manage appointments. But they operate on fundamentally different models. Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right tool for your business.

Fresha: the marketplace model

Fresha positions itself as "free" salon software, but revenue comes from its marketplace. When a new client finds your salon through Fresha's directory and books, Fresha charges a commission (typically 20% of the first booking). Beyond that, Fresha charges for payment processing, no-show protection features and various optional add-ons.

The marketplace model means your salon appears in a directory alongside competitors. Clients who find you through Fresha are Fresha's clients first — they can easily book a different salon next time. Your data lives within Fresha's ecosystem, and exporting it can be difficult.

Helmox: the tool model

Helmox is not a marketplace. It is a salon management tool that belongs to you. There is no public directory, no commission on bookings and no competing salons shown alongside yours. Your booking page is exclusively yours — clients book with you and only you.

Pricing is flat and predictable: €0/month (Starter), €19/month (Pro) or €39/month (Team). What you pay is all you ever pay. There are no booking fees, no transaction percentages and no hidden costs. Your client data can be exported anytime in CSV format.

Key differences at a glance

• Commissions — Fresha charges up to 20% on marketplace-acquired clients. Helmox charges zero commissions, ever.
• Marketplace — Fresha lists your salon alongside competitors. Helmox gives you a private booking page — no other salons visible.
• Data ownership — Helmox lets you export all data to CSV. Your clients belong to you.
• Pricing transparency — Helmox has three fixed plans. No surprise fees at month end.
• Client acquisition — Fresha can bring new clients through its directory (at a cost). Helmox does not source clients — you bring them through your own marketing.
• Simplicity — Helmox is lightweight and focused on core salon needs. Fresha has more features but more complexity.

When to choose Helmox over Fresha

Helmox is the better choice when:

• You already have a client base and do not need a marketplace to find new customers.
• You want predictable costs with no commission surprises.
• You value data ownership and the ability to export your information freely.
• You prefer a simple, focused tool over a feature-heavy platform.
• You do not want your salon displayed next to competitors in a public directory.
• You are a small salon or solo professional who needs an affordable, straightforward solution.

When Fresha might still make sense

If you are a new salon with no existing client base and want marketplace visibility to attract first-time customers, Fresha's directory can help — provided you are comfortable with the commission structure. If you need integrated payment processing and POS hardware, Fresha offers that as part of their ecosystem.

This is not about one being better than the other in absolute terms. It is about which model fits your situation. If you value independence, simplicity and predictable costs, Helmox is designed for you.

What you get with Helmox

Explore all features in our complete beauty salon software overview.

Switching from Fresha to Helmox

1. Sign up for Helmox free — Create your account at helmox.app in under a minute.
2. Set up your services — Add your treatment catalog with durations and prices.
3. Add your clients — Import them manually or let them appear as they book through your new link.
4. Share your Helmox booking link — Replace Fresha links on your social profiles and website.
5. Enjoy zero commissions — From your first booking onward, you keep 100% of your revenue.

Also compare Helmox with Treatwell to understand how we differ from other marketplace platforms.

Disclaimer: The information about Fresha on this page is based on publicly available data at the time of writing. Features, pricing and policies may change. We encourage you to verify current Fresha terms on their official website. This comparison is intended to help you make an informed decision, not to disparage any competitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take back control of your salon

No commissions. No marketplace. No competing salons beside yours. Just a clean, powerful tool that puts your business first. Try Helmox free today.