The best waitlist app for barbershops and salons in 2026 is ScanQueue — it handles the walk-in chaos that's unique to barber and salon environments: customers scan a QR code, select their service, and wait wherever they want. When a chair opens up, they get a text. No crowded waiting area, no lost customers.
Walk-ins are the lifeblood of most barbershops. The Professional Beauty Association reports that walk-ins account for 30-45% of salon revenue. But a Square 2025 Beauty Industry Report found that 62% of walk-in clients leave if told to wait more than 15 minutes without visibility into when they'll be served. The right waitlist app captures that revenue instead of watching it walk out the door.
What Barbershops and Salons Need
- Walk-in + appointment hybrid — Most shops do both; the app should handle both seamlessly
- Service type selection — Haircut, beard trim, colour — different services, different wait times
- Simple SMS notifications — "Your barber is ready" is all the customer needs
- No app download — Walk-in customers won't download an app. QR code or web link is essential.
1. ScanQueue — Best for Walk-In Barbershops
ScanQueue is built for the walk-in model. Print a QR code, stick it on your door, and customers join the queue from their phone. They can select their service, see how many people are ahead of them, and leave to grab a coffee while they wait. When a chair opens, they get a text.
The multi-service queue feature is key for barbershops — a customer wanting a quick trim doesn't wait behind someone getting a fade + beard trim. Each service type has its own estimated wait time.
- Pricing: Free Starter. Growth: $99/mo. Pro: $249/mo.
- Best for: Walk-in barbershops and salons of all sizes
- Standout: Multi-service queues with per-service wait estimates
2. Waitwhile — Best for Booking-Heavy Salons
Waitwhile shines when your salon runs mostly on appointments but wants to accommodate walk-ins too. The calendar integration is smooth and the client experience is polished.
- Pricing: Free (1 location, limited). Paid from $59/mo.
- Best for: Salons with heavy appointment books
- Limitations: Per-location pricing. Walk-in features less developed than queue-first platforms.
3. NextMe — Best Budget Waitlist
NextMe offers a clean, simple waitlist for barbershops on a tight budget. The free tier covers the basics — add customers, notify via text, done.
- Pricing: Free tier. Pro from $55/mo.
- Best for: Single-chair or small shops needing basic waitlist
- Limitations: No service type selection. Limited analytics.
4. Booksy — Best for Online Booking (Not Queue-Focused)
Booksy is primarily a booking platform for beauty professionals, with a waitlist bolted on. If your business is 80%+ appointments, Booksy handles that well. But its walk-in queue management is basic.
- Pricing: From $29.99/mo per user.
- Best for: Appointment-only salons and barbers
- Limitations: Walk-in management is an afterthought. Per-staff pricing adds up fast.
5. Squire — Best for Premium Barbershops
Squire targets upscale barbershops with POS integration, booking, and a client loyalty system. It's a full business management platform, not just a waitlist.
- Pricing: From $150/mo. No free tier.
- Best for: Multi-chair barbershops wanting full POS + booking + waitlist
- Limitations: Expensive. Overkill if you just need walk-in management.
Pro Tip — The "Empty Shop" Effect: When walk-ins see 5+ people sitting in your waiting area, 60% won't even come through the door. A virtual queue empties your waiting area because customers wait elsewhere — making your shop look available even when it's booked solid.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Free Tier | Paid From | Walk-In Focus | Services | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScanQueue | ✓ | $99/mo | ✓✓✓ | ✓ | Walk-in shops |
| Waitwhile | ✓ | $59/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Appointment + walk-in |
| NextMe | ✓ | $55/mo | ✓✓ | ✗ | Budget shops |
| Booksy | ✗ | $30/mo | ✗ | ✓ | Appointment-only |
| Squire | ✗ | $150/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Premium shops |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free waitlist app for barbershops?
ScanQueue's free Starter plan handles unlimited walk-ins with a QR code and live dashboard. NextMe also offers a free tier with basic waitlist functionality.
Can a waitlist app handle both appointments and walk-ins?
Yes. Waitwhile and ScanQueue both support hybrid models. ScanQueue focuses on walk-in queuing with service selection; Waitwhile leans toward appointment management with walk-in support.
Will my barbers need to learn complicated software?
No. Modern waitlist apps are designed to be learned in minutes. If your barbers can use Instagram, they can manage a digital queue. The dashboard is one screen: a list of waiting customers with "Notify" and "Serve" buttons.
End the Walk-In Chaos
See how barbershops use ScanQueue to manage walk-ins, keep chairs full, and stop losing customers to long waits.
View Barbershop Solutions →ScanQueue Team
Queue Management Experts
Helping businesses reduce wait times and improve customer experience with smart queue management solutions.
