LightDay vs Treatwell: Software vs Marketplace
Treatwell is primarily a booking marketplace — it brings you an audience and takes commission on bookings made through it. LightDay is business software — it runs your whole operation for a flat price and never takes a cut. Many salons actually use a marketplace and software side by side; the question is what runs your business.
About Treatwell
Treatwell is Europe's largest beauty booking marketplace, with salon management tools attached. Its core value is discovery — new clients finding you through the Treatwell app — in exchange for commission on marketplace bookings. As business management software, its tooling is lighter than dedicated platforms; as a discovery channel, it can genuinely bring in new faces.
| Feature | LightDay | Treatwell |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time contraindication engine | Included — screens every booking | Not offered |
| One-click CQC compliance pack | Included as standard | Not offered |
| Spark AI lead generation | Included free on every plan | Marketplace visibility rather than AI campaigns |
| Klarna & Clearpay built in | Both included | Not built in (check current offering) |
| Flat pricing, no per-user fees | £59.99/mo salons, £69.99/mo clinics | Commission-based marketplace model |
| Commission on bookings | Never — 0% commission | Commission charged on marketplace bookings |
| UK-built with UK support | Yes — founders run a UK salon & clinic | European marketplace |
Feature availability based on publicly available information as of July 2026; offerings change — always confirm directly with each provider.
Pricing Compared
Treatwell's model centres on commission for bookings made through its marketplace, with subscription elements for its salon tools. Commission rates vary by booking type. 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
Stop paying for your own regulars
Once a client rebooks through a marketplace, you can keep paying commission on someone who's already yours. With LightDay, repeat bookings cost nothing extra.
A real management system
Compliance, ProfitLens reporting, room management and staff tools — depth a marketplace's attached software doesn't aim for.
Grow your own channel
Spark AI fills your diary from your own client list, building an asset you own rather than renting an audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LightDay a Treatwell alternative?
As business management software, yes — and without commission. If you specifically want marketplace discovery, some salons run Treatwell alongside LightDay and move repeat bookings onto their own system.
Does Treatwell take commission?
Yes — Treatwell charges commission on bookings made through its marketplace; rates vary by booking type. Check Treatwell's current terms for specifics.
Can I use LightDay and Treatwell together?
Yes — many businesses use a marketplace for discovery while running their operations, diary and repeat bookings on LightDay commission-free.
See the Difference Yourself
Run your real diary in LightDay free for 14 days — every feature included, no commitment.