LightDay vs Fresha: Subscription vs Marketplace
Fresha is one of the world's most-used salon platforms, known for its free-to-start marketplace model. LightDay takes the opposite approach: one flat UK subscription with everything included and no commission. Which suits you depends on how you feel about marketplaces, fees and who owns the client relationship.
About Fresha
Fresha is a global salon and spa platform with a subscription-free entry point. Its model includes fees for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace and charges for payment processing and certain add-ons. It's a polished product with a large marketplace audience — best suited to businesses comfortable trading fees and marketplace exposure for that reach.
| Feature | LightDay | Fresha |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time contraindication engine | Included — screens every booking | Not offered as a core feature |
| One-click CQC compliance pack | Included as standard | Not offered |
| Spark AI lead generation | Included free on every plan | Marketing tools available; AI campaign generation not equivalent |
| Klarna & Clearpay built in | Both included | Not a built-in payment option (check current offering) |
| Flat pricing, no per-user fees | £59.99/mo salons, £69.99/mo clinics | Free to start; fees for marketplace clients, payments & add-ons |
| Commission on bookings | Never — 0% commission | Fees apply to new clients from the Fresha marketplace |
| UK-built with UK support | Yes — founders run a UK salon & clinic | Global platform |
Feature availability based on publicly available information as of July 2026; offerings change — always confirm directly with each provider.
Pricing Compared
Fresha advertises subscription-free access with revenue from payment processing, marketplace new-client fees and paid add-ons. For a busy salon those variable fees can exceed a flat subscription — model your own booking volume. Competitor details are based on publicly available information as of July 2026 and may change — always check the provider's current pricing and feature list directly.
Why Businesses Choose LightDay
Your clients stay yours
No marketplace showing your clients competing salons, and no new-client fees on people who found you.
Predictable monthly cost
One flat price however busy you get — easier to budget than per-transaction fees.
Compliance built in
Contraindication screening and CQC packs are LightDay standards Fresha doesn't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LightDay cheaper than Fresha?
It depends on your volume. Fresha is free to start but earns through marketplace new-client fees, payment processing and add-ons; LightDay is a flat £59.99–£69.99/month with everything included and 0% commission. Busy businesses often find flat pricing cheaper — run your own numbers.
Does Fresha have contraindication checking?
Real-time contraindication screening at booking is not a core Fresha feature. It's a world-first feature included as standard in LightDay.
Can I move from Fresha to LightDay?
Yes — LightDay helps migrate your client records as part of onboarding, and every plan starts with a free 14-day trial.
See the Difference Yourself
Run your real diary in LightDay free for 14 days — every feature included, no commitment.