GlossGenius vs. Mindbody

Selecting a business management platform is a critical decision for professionals in the wellness and beauty industries, leading many to compare options like GlossGenius and Mindbody. This article provides a detailed breakdown of what each service is, what features they offer, and how their pricing compares. The goal is to equip you with the information needed to decide which platform is the right fit for your business.

A quick overview on GlossGenius and Mindbody

What is GlossGenius?

GlossGenius is a business management platform for the beauty and wellness industries, providing solutions for appointment scheduling, payment processing, client management, and marketing. It is designed for a range of professionals, including barbers, estheticians, hair stylists, and medspa technicians.

The platform offers a flat 2.6% payment processing rate and provides clients with a booking website that does not require an app download or password. It also includes complimentary data transfer for new users and a 14-day free trial.

What is Mindbody?

Mindbody provides business management software for the fitness, beauty, and wellness sectors. The platform offers tools for operations like scheduling and payments, and connects businesses with consumers through its own app.

A key aspect of the platform is its consumer marketplace, which has over 2.8 million active users. Mindbody also integrates with ClassPass, offering businesses another channel for client acquisition.

Features of GlossGenius and Mindbody

GlossGenius features

The platform offers an all-in-one suite of tools designed to manage business operations and the client experience. Key features include:

• A customizable booking website where clients can schedule appointments without needing to download an app or create a password.
• A flat 2.6% payment processing rate with no hidden fees for different card transaction types, including tap-to-pay, card-on-file, and manual entry.
• Integrated marketing tools for creating email and SMS campaigns and automatically requesting Google reviews from clients after their appointments.
• A “Buy Now, Pay Later” option that allows clients to pay for high-value services in installments.

Mindbody features

Mindbody provides an all-in-one platform with a suite of tools designed to manage business operations and the client experience. Key features include:

• Mindbody App Marketplace: Businesses are listed on the Mindbody app, which provides access to a marketplace of over 2.8 million active users searching for and booking wellness services.
• Branded Mobile App: The platform offers the ability to create a custom-designed app for a business, enhancing the client experience with a dedicated booking platform.
• Messenger[ai]: An AI-powered messaging tool automates responses and booking requests, ensuring businesses can capture client interest 24/7.
• Integrated Payments: The system includes integrated payment processing to handle transactions, memberships, and sales within a single platform.

Comparing GlossGenius, Mindbody and Portrait Care's features

Why choose one over the other?

• You might choose GlossGenius if you are a solo professional or run a small team and prioritize affordability and simplicity. Its plans start at a significantly lower price point ($24/month) compared to Mindbody's entry-level plan, and it offers a transparent, flat 2.6% payment processing fee. Additionally, GlossGenius provides a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform directly, whereas Mindbody requires you to schedule a demo.

• Conversely, you would likely select Mindbody if your primary goal is client acquisition and you operate a larger, scaling business. Its main advantage is the consumer marketplace, which connects your business to millions of potential clients—a feature GlossGenius lacks. Mindbody also offers more advanced, enterprise-level tools like a fully branded mobile app and AI-powered messaging, making it better suited for established businesses looking to expand.

Considering Portrait Care vs GlossGenius and Mindbody

• You would choose Portrait Care if you run a medical aesthetics practice and need more than just a booking tool. Unlike general salon software, Portrait Care is an all-in-one platform built specifically for medical wellness, offering a free-to-start model with a freemium EHR, up to 60%+ savings on supplies, and essential services like medical oversight and compliance built-in. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive solution to run and grow your clinic, a feature set not offered by GlossGenius or Mindbody.

What are the customers saying?

GlossGenius reviews

User reviews for GlossGenius often mention its all-in-one system for managing appointments, payments, and client communications. Common feedback also includes requests for more advanced features, such as increased website customization, loyalty programs, and support for multiple business locations. Check out more GlossGenius reviews here.

Mindbody reviews

User reviews for Mindbody often point to the platform's complexity and a significant learning curve. Common feedback also includes mentions of issues with contract terms, technical problems, and the cancellation process. Check out more Mindbody reviews here.

Portrait Care reviews

Our partners consistently tell us they value our all-in-one platform for helping them achieve financial independence and business growth. They find our integrated approach, which combines technology, operational support, and exclusive supply savings, essential for running their clinics smarter and more efficiently.

A big benefit we provide is a robust electronic health record (EHR) platform that is available as a freemium service—the core functionality is free, with optional premium add-ons, and it is also free to get started unlike other software in the space. Want to learn more? Check us out here.

GlossGenius, Mindbody, or Portrait Care: Which is the best platform for you?

Ultimately, the best platform for your business depends on your specific needs. GlossGenius and Mindbody are both excellent choices for professionals in the broader beauty and wellness industries. However, for medical aesthetics and wellness clinics requiring a more comprehensive solution, Portrait Care is our top recommendation, as it uniquely combines specialized software, crucial operational support, and significant cost savings into a single, powerful platform designed for growth.