A Square Appointments alternative built for salons
Looking for a Square Appointments alternative? Puffly is a free CRM with missed-call text back and an AI receptionist for salons.
Who should switch
A salon, barber, or studio that takes appointments and also loses calls.
An owner who uses Square to get paid and wants the lead followed up, not only the visit checked out.
A shop that wants a free CRM, missed-call text back, and appointment booking together.
Why owners switch
Square Appointments is a booking calendar and checkout, and Square lists a free Appointments option. It is not a CRM for the call you missed between clients.
Puffly books appointments too, and it texts the missed call and can answer with an AI receptionist.
If Square is how you take cards, keep it. Puffly does not replace a card reader. It keeps the lead.
Where Square Appointments is still a good fit
Square Appointments sits next to Square payments, the point of sale, and a calendar. If the shop already runs on Square, that is a reason to stay.
Square publishes a free Appointments option. A single-chair shop that only needs a calendar may not need another product.
Checkout, cards, and a client book tied to payments are Square’s strength. Puffly does not process card payments.
Feature comparison
A mark means the product publicly offers that capability. A dash means we did not find it described in their public docs as of October 21, 2026. It may exist under another name.
| Feature | Puffly | Square Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| missed-call text back | ✓ | — |
| AI receptionist | ✓ | — |
| lead inbox | ✓ | — |
| appointment booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| review requests | ✓ | — |
| free plan available | ✓ | ✓ |
Other comparisons
Trades it fits
Questions people ask
Does Square Appointments have a free plan?
Square publishes a free Appointments option. Puffly’s CRM is also free to start. The difference is the missed call, the lead inbox, and the AI receptionist.
Can Puffly book an appointment?
Yes. Puffly has a booking page for appointment businesses. Square’s calendar is tied to Square payments, which Puffly does not replace.
Should I leave Square?
Not for payments. Many shops keep Square for cards and use a CRM for the leads and the calls. Puffly is that CRM.
Start with the free CRM.
Leads, contacts, and tasks are free. No card to start.
Start freeSquare Appointments is a trademark of its owner. Comparison based on public info as of October 21, 2026.