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Bookwize vs Fresha — Best Booking Platform for Canadian Salons (2026)

Last updated: May 7, 2026

Fresha markets itself as "free" booking software, but that comes at a cost: a 20% commission on every new client. For growing Canadian salons, that adds up fast. Bookwize offers a transparent flat rate with zero commission, bilingual support, and full white-label branding.

Feature Comparison

Feature Bookwize Fresha
Starting Price $19/mo or $299 one-time "Free" (with commissions)
One-Time Payment Option Yes No
Commission on Bookings 0% 20% on new clients
White-Label Branding Yes No (marketplace model)
French + English Support Yes (bilingual) No
Based in Canada Yes (Montreal) No
Embeddable Widget Yes No
No App Download for Clients Yes — browser-based Optional (marketplace app)
Online Booking Yes Yes
Staff Management Yes Yes
Email Reminders Yes Yes
Business Model Your brand, your clients Marketplace — you compete for clients

The Hidden Cost of "Free"

Fresha's 20% commission on new clients means that for every $100 service booked by a new client, you lose $20. If you get just 15 new clients per month at $100 each, that is $300/month in commissions — far more than Bookwize's $19/month flat rate.

With the $299 one-time payment option, you could pay off Bookwize entirely in your first month and never pay again.

Why Choose Bookwize Over Fresha

  • Zero commission, always: Keep 100% of your revenue. No surprise fees on new clients, no marketplace cut.
  • Your brand, not a marketplace: With Bookwize, clients book on your branded page. With Fresha, your business is listed in a marketplace alongside competitors.
  • Built for Canada: Bookwize is based in Montreal with full French and English support. Fresha has no specific focus on the Canadian market.
  • Predictable pricing: $19/month or $299 once. No hidden fees, no commissions, no per-transaction charges on bookings.
  • Embed on your website: Add the Bookwize booking widget to your existing website. Clients never leave your site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fresha really free?

Fresha advertises as free, but charges a 20% commission on every new client booked through their marketplace. They also charge payment processing fees and fees for optional features like marketing. These costs add up quickly for growing businesses.

How does Bookwize compare to Fresha on pricing?

Bookwize charges a flat $19/month or a one-time $299 payment with zero commission on any booking. With Fresha, a new client paying $100 costs you $20 in commission. After just 15 new clients per month, Bookwize has already saved you money.

Does Bookwize support French-speaking clients?

Yes. Bookwize is built in Montreal and offers full bilingual French and English support for both the admin dashboard and client-facing booking pages. Fresha does not offer French language support for Canadian businesses.

Can I use my own branding with Bookwize instead of a marketplace?

Yes. Bookwize offers full white-label branding — your logo, your colors, your domain. Clients see your brand, not a marketplace. Fresha uses a marketplace model where your business competes alongside others for visibility.

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