Fresha vs. PatientNow

Choosing between Fresha and PatientNow for business payment solutions involves considering their distinct focuses within the wellness and medical aesthetics industries. Both platforms provide integrated software, but are designed for different business needs. This article explains what Fresha and PatientNow are, compares their features and pricing, and provides the information needed to decide which is the better choice for your business.

A quick overview on Fresha and PatientNow

What is Fresha?

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

The company's pricing model includes a free plan for single-person businesses and a monthly per-member fee for teams. A one-time commission is charged for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace, while bookings from a business's existing clients or own channels are free of charge.

What is PatientNow?

PatientNow provides practice management software for the elective medical industry, including aesthetics and wellness sectors. Its solutions cover electronic medical records, patient engagement, integrated payments, digital marketing, and photography.

The platform is designed for specialties such as med spas, plastic surgery, and dermatology. Unique features include AI-enhanced workflows, digital skin analysis, and an integrated photography application for before-and-after comparisons.

Features of Fresha and PatientNow

Fresha features

• Fresha provides an online marketplace where clients can discover local businesses, book appointments 24/7 with instant confirmation, and pay for services.

• The platform offers integrated payment processing, automated appointment reminders, and digital consultation forms to streamline the client experience.

• A key feature is its subscription-free software model for individual professionals; a one-time commission is charged only for new clients acquired through the Fresha marketplace, with no fee for returning clients.

• Bookings can be made through the Fresha app as well as a business’s own website and social media channels, with integrations for Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

PatientNow features

PatientNow provides a platform with features tailored for the elective medical industry, combining several key functions into a single system.

• An integrated photography application, RxPhoto, automates the management of patient photos and provides tools for before-and-after comparisons.
• The software uses AI-enhanced workflows to automate SMS and email campaigns for marketing and patient follow-ups.
• It offers specialized solutions for different practices, including med spas and plastic surgery clinics, that combine EMR, patient engagement, and digital marketing tools.

Comparing Fresha, PatientNow and Portrait Care's features

Why choose one over the other?

• A business in the general beauty and wellness industry, such as a salon or spa, would choose Fresha for its accessible pricing and powerful client acquisition marketplace. Fresha offers a completely free plan for individuals and transparent, low-cost team plans, making it ideal for smaller businesses without the need for complex medical features. Its platform focuses on driving new business through a consumer-facing marketplace, charging a commission only for new clients it brings in.

• An elective medical practice, such as a med spa or plastic surgery clinic, would select PatientNow for its specialized, clinical features. The platform includes essential tools like Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and integrated photography apps for tracking patient progress, which are not available with Fresha. PatientNow is designed as a comprehensive practice management solution for the medical aesthetics industry, offering tailored packages and support for clinical workflows.

Considering Portrait Care vs Fresha and PatientNow

• While Fresha is built for general wellness and PatientNow offers clinical tools with opaque pricing, Portrait Care provides a superior all-in-one solution specifically designed to help independent medical aesthetics practices thrive. Our platform uniquely combines a robust, free-to-start EHR with essential services like medical oversight and marketing, plus exclusive access to national pricing power that saves you up to 60% on supplies. This allows you to launch and scale your business with greater financial control and operational support than either competitor can offer.

What are the customers saying?

Fresha reviews

User reviews for Fresha often comment on the platform's customer service and booking process, with some users reporting issues related to booking confirmations and payment security. Check out more Fresha reviews here.

PatientNow reviews

User feedback on PatientNow is varied, with some customers reporting issues related to critical alert features and business disruptions. Check out more PatientNow reviews here.

Portrait Care reviews

Our clients often tell us they feel empowered to achieve financial freedom with our all-in-one platform. A big part of this is that Portrait Care provides a robust electronic health record (EHR) platform that is available as a freemium service, with the core EHR functionality being free.

Optional premium add-ons are available for enhanced features, and it is also free to get started unlike other software in the space. Want to check us out? Click here.

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

Ultimately, the right platform depends on your specific business needs. Fresha is a strong choice for general wellness businesses, while PatientNow offers robust tools for established medical practices. For independent providers in the medical aesthetics space looking to launch and scale, Portrait Care presents a uniquely comprehensive solution that combines essential software, services, and significant supply savings. This all-in-one approach provides the tools to succeed without the complexities of other systems, making it our top recommendation for ambitious providers.