Salon comparison

Square handles payments. Relay handles everything else — and books for you.

See how Relay compares to Square Appointments feature by feature.

Feature

Relay

Square Appointments

AI replies and booking

✓AI auto-replies to texts and calls, books appointments without staff involvement

No AI — all booking and messaging is manual

Swimlane scheduling

✓Visual swimlane view with per-stylist columns, drag-and-drop, and AI optimization

Basic calendar view, limited scheduling flexibility

Team chat

✓Built-in team messaging for shift coordination and client handoffs

No team communication features

Client messaging

✓Smart inbox with AI-suggested replies, conversation history, and context cards

Limited messaging — basic appointment confirmations and reminders

Purpose-built for salons

✓Designed specifically for appointment-based service businesses

POS-first platform with booking bolted on as a secondary feature

Call handling

✓AI receptionist answers missed calls and converts them to bookings

No call handling or voice features

Ready to switch from Square Appointments?

Import your clients and be up and running in minutes.

Relay vs Booksy

Booksy lists you on a marketplace. Relay runs your entire business.

Relay vs Fresha

Fresha is free until you process a payment. Relay is smart from day one.

Relay vs Mindbody

Mindbody was built for enterprise gyms. Relay was built for you.

Relay vs Vagaro

Everything Vagaro does, plus AI that actually books for you.