ChairBook vs Fresha
Which is better, ChairBook or Fresha?
Choose Fresha if you want online booking, automated reminders and exposure in a local client marketplace at a low entry price; choose ChairBook if you already have your clients and want a private appointment book with client notes on your iPhone, with no marketplace involved. Reviewers note Fresha takes a commission on new clients who find you through its marketplace. ChairBook gives day and week views, a service menu with prices and durations, client visit history and notes, revenue reports and reminder cards you send through your own messaging apps. It does not offer online booking, payments or automatic SMS reminders, and it is iPhone only. It is free to download with limited free use; Pro is $19.00 monthly, $149.00 yearly or a $399.00 lifetime unlock (US App Store, Nov 2026). ChairBook is a newer app with few ratings.
ChairBook and Fresha side by side
| ChairBook | Fresha | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS | iOS, Android, Web |
| Price to download | Free to download | Free to download |
| Store rating | n/a | 4.8 (3,953 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| What it is | Appointment book and client notes you run yourself | Booking platform with online booking, reminders and a local marketplace [source] |
| Finding new clients | Not a marketplace; you bring your own clients | Local marketplace exposure [source] |
| Commission | No marketplace, so no new-client commission | Commission on new clients who come through the marketplace [source] |
| Reminders | Reminder card you send yourself through your messaging apps | Automated reminders [source] |
| Online booking | Not offered | Yes [source] |
| Pricing model | Free with limited use; Pro $19.00/month, $149.00/year or $399.00 lifetime (US App Store, Nov 2026) | Monthly plans for independents and teams [source] |
Choose ChairBook if
- You have a steady client list and don't want a marketplace taking a cut of new clients
- You only need an appointment book, client notes and simple revenue reports
- You prefer to message clients yourself
Choose Fresha if
- You are building a client base and want to be found in a local marketplace
- You want clients to book online and get automated reminders
- You or your team use Android or a computer
Questions
Does Fresha charge a fee on new clients?
Reviewers report Fresha charges a commission on new clients who come through its marketplace. ChairBook has no marketplace and no commission; you create appointments for your own clients.
Does ChairBook send automatic reminders like Fresha?
No. ChairBook creates a reminder card you share through your own messaging apps and you choose the recipient. Fresha sends automated reminders.
Sources: heygoldie.com, costbench.com, fresha.com, apps.apple.com