Compare
The honest comparison.
Published prices and business models only, with sources and the date we checked. If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.
| Product | Published price | Trial | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald CX | $49 / $129 / $249 per location / mo | 14-day free trial, no card | Month-to-month, no marketplace commission | This site |
| Podium | Core $399/mo · Pro $599/mo (reported) | Demo-only; no self-serve trial listed | Messaging, reviews & payments focused | SocialPilot pricing overview(opens in a new tab) |
| Booksy | $29.99/mo + $20 per extra staff | See vendor site | Booking + marketplace; processing 2.49% + 10¢ | Booksy salon software comparison(opens in a new tab) |
| Square Appointments | Free · Plus $49 · Premium $149 per location / mo | Free tier | Booking + Square POS | Booksy salon software comparison(opens in a new tab) |
| Lightspeed | Quote-based — see vendor site | Demo / quote request | Retail, restaurant & golf POS | lightspeedhq.com(opens in a new tab) |
Competitor prices as researched October 21, 2026 from the sources linked. Some sources are written by a competing vendor; prices change, so check each vendor's site before deciding. Trademarks belong to their owners.
What's different about Emerald CX
Prices on the page
Every plan price is published. You don't need a demo call to find out what it costs.
No marketplace commission
We don't run a consumer marketplace, so we never take a cut of a booking from your own customers.
Booking, texting and payments in one record
One customer record ties together their texts, appointments, payments and follow-ups, so automations react to what actually happened.
Walk-ins and appointments together
A live walk-in queue sits on the same calendar as booked appointments, with honest wait times by text.
Retail basics included on Pro
Product variants, barcode scanning, purchase orders and an online shop — without a separate retail POS.
Leave whenever you want
Month-to-month, online cancellation, and a free full export of your data.
Your chair's wide open. Let's fill it.
Pick your industry, and your services, reminders and booking page are ready in about fifteen minutes.
No card required · Month-to-month