AestheticsPro vs. Fresha

Choosing the right business management software is a critical decision for professionals in the aesthetics and wellness industries, especially when considering payment solutions. This article provides a direct comparison of AestheticsPro and Fresha to help you navigate your options. We will examine what each platform is, compare their features and pricing structures, and help you determine which is the better choice for your business.

A quick overview on AestheticsPro and Fresha

What is AestheticsPro?

AestheticsPro provides a cloud-based software platform designed for the medical aesthetics industry. Its business solutions include a HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, marketing tools, online scheduling, and payment processing.

The company has over 30 years of software development experience and incorporates 15 years of client feedback into its product. It was an early provider of cloud-based electronic charting and its software is used by nearly 30% of medical spas in the US and Canada.

What is Fresha?

Fresha offers a platform for businesses in the beauty and wellness industry that includes a consumer-facing marketplace for booking services. Its software provides tools for appointment scheduling, point-of-sale, client management, marketing, and inventory management.

The platform is subscription-free for independent professionals, with fees applied per team member for larger businesses. It has processed over one billion appointments for more than 130,000 businesses in over 120 countries.

Features of AestheticsPro and Fresha

AestheticsPro features

AestheticsPro provides several features tailored to the operational and clinical needs of medical aesthetic practices. Its platform includes several key functionalities:

• An advanced medical photo solution, AP Focus, with alignment guides and ghosting for consistent before-and-after imaging.
• A HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system with a built-in tool for creating custom e-records and forms.
• Integrated telemedicine for conducting secure, virtual consultations that are tied to client records.
• E-Prescribe functionality that allows providers to transmit prescriptions electronically.

Fresha features

Fresha provides a suite of tools for both businesses and their clients, centered around a booking marketplace.

• A consumer-facing platform that allows users to discover, book, and review local beauty and wellness services.
• Integrated in-app payments and automated appointment reminders for clients.
• A business model that charges partner businesses a one-time 20% commission for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace, while bookings from returning clients or a business's own channels do not incur this fee.
• A network of over 130,000 businesses and 500,000 professionals available for bookings.

Comparing AestheticsPro, Fresha and Portrait Care's features

Why choose one over the other?

• AestheticsPro is the superior choice for medical aesthetic practices requiring specialized, clinical features. It offers a HIPAA-compliant EMR system, telemedicine, and e-prescribing, which are essential for medical spas but are not core features of Fresha. Furthermore, its predictable subscription pricing provides financial stability, unlike Fresha's model which includes a potentially costly 20% commission on new clients.

• Fresha is better suited for businesses in the broader beauty and wellness industry, such as salons or barbershops, that don't require clinical tools. Its primary advantages are its subscription-free plan for solo practitioners and its consumer-facing marketplace, which actively helps businesses attract new customers. This built-in marketing engine and lower barrier to entry make it a compelling option for smaller businesses focused on growth.

Considering Portrait Care vs AestheticsPro and Fresha

• You would choose Portrait Care because it is the only platform that truly integrates software, essential services, and significant supply savings into one seamless solution for medical wellness clinics. Unlike the high subscription costs of AestheticsPro or the heavy marketplace commissions of Fresha, Portrait Care provides its core EHR functionality for free, empowering you to scale your business profitably while maintaining complete independence.

What are the customers saying?

AestheticsPro reviews

User reviews for AestheticsPro mention issues with device compatibility, particularly on certain iPads, and difficulties with patient forms not saving or completing correctly. Check out more AestheticsPro reviews here.

Fresha reviews

User reviews for Fresha often focus on customer service interactions and the platform's general usability. Some users have reported issues related to booking, payments, and account management. Check out more Fresha reviews here.

Portrait Care reviews

Our partners often tell us our unique approach is a major benefit to their business. We provide a robust electronic health record (EHR) platform as a freemium service, with core functionality being free and optional premium add-ons available.

This model helps clinic owners achieve greater financial independence, and it's also free to get started, unlike other software in the space. Want to learn more? Check us out here.

AestheticsPro, Fresha, or Portrait Care: Which is the best platform for you?

Ultimately, the best platform for your business depends on your specific needs, and both AestheticsPro and Fresha offer strong solutions for different segments of the wellness industry. However, for ambitious providers looking to build and scale a modern medical wellness business, Portrait Care stands out as the comprehensive choice. By combining end-to-end software, essential services, and significant supply savings into a single platform, it provides the tools and support necessary for growth and financial independence.