# Compare Windward System Five vs Phorest 2026 | Capterra

> Unsure of what to choose? Check Capterra to compare Windward System Five and Phorest based on pricing, features, product details, and verified reviews.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/compare/43189-113530/Windward-System-Five-vs-Phorest-Salon-Software

---

# Windward System Five vs Phorest Features and Cost Comparison

Last updated July 10th, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews  
moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

Your comparison:

Windward System FivePhorest2/4 selected

[Windward System Five](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/)[3.8 (189)](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/reviews/)

[Phorest](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/)[4.8 (431)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/reviews/)

[## Windward System Five](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/)[3.8 (189)](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/reviews/)

Starting Price

$135.00/month

Value-for-Money

3.6

Functionality

3.8

Ease of Use

3.7

Customer Service

3.7

Reviews Sentiment

MB

JG

Based on [189 reviews](#user-reviews)

Positive

135

Neutral

20

Negative

34

[## Phorest](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/)[4.8 (431)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Value-for-Money

4.4

Functionality

4.5

Ease of Use

4.7

Customer Service

4.8

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [431 reviews](#user-reviews)

Positive

410

Neutral

11

Negative

10

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## Summary

* * *

Key features rated by users

Features selected based on 2,710 reviews from retail pos system software users.  
about the Fit Score methodology.

Fit Score methodology

Our Fit Score reflects how reviewers rate a product’s performance against a set of features reviewers rate as most important. A higher score indicates the product is rated better in delivering what reviewers most care about.

  

If the Fit Score is not shown for a specific product, that only means there are currently not enough relevant data points to develop a meaningful score. It does not indicate that the product should be excluded from further evaluation. Best for Methodology

70%Fit

High performer

Feature ratings

For Retail

3.4

Payment Processing

3.0

Inventory Management

3.9

Sales Reports

4.2

eCommerce Management

3.0

62%Fit

Missing features

Feature ratings

For Retail

NA

Payment Processing

4.5

Inventory Management

4.2

Sales Reports

4.7

eCommerce Management

NA

User satisfaction

User satisfaction

3.8

User reviews[189](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/reviews/)

Ease of use

3.7

Functionality

3.8

Value for money

3.6

Customer support

3.7

User satisfaction

4.8

User reviews[431](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/reviews/)

Ease of use

4.7

Functionality

4.5

Value for money

4.4

Customer support

4.8

Price starts from

Price starts from

$135Per User, Per Month

-   Free version
-   Free trial

Price starts from

\--

-   Free version
-   Free trial

Best for

Best for

Independent retailers, wholesalers, and service businesses replacing disconnected apps with one configurable platform for POS, inventory, CRM, accounting, and real-time reporting.

Best for

Phorest is used by over 12,000 businesses and over 155,000 professionals worldwide.

## User reviews

Pros & cons

MB

Mason B.

Sales Associate

> "Searching for historic records of customer purchases, inventory tracking over time, and loyalty program points still..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6867392)

MB

Mason B.

Sales Associate

> "An outdated and clunky UI makes it much harder to utilize to its full capabilities, occasional long loading times, and..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6867392)

JG

Jeff G.

PARTS MANAGER

> "The system has many good functions and tracking abilities."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#SoftwareAdvice___6280649)

GH

Greg H.

Owner

> "It would appear that no one at Windward has EVER used the software for any length of time because bugs and usability..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6837346)

NC

Nava C.

Owner

> "WWS5 helps us keep track of items in inventory, current prices and mark-ups for inventory, general price increases..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3620314)

SH

Shauna H.

Accounts Payable Manager and Bookkeeping Assistant

> "The bugs that can happen where the system is not updating correctly."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6579201)

KM

Kathi M.

CEO

> "We couldn't do without them and their service is fantastic. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6333636)

JG

Jeff G.

PARTS MANAGER

> "That function does not exist and system 5 support team as well as account manager act as if I am the first..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#SoftwareAdvice___6280649)

RF

Rossie F.

Owner

> "The Support is A1 and the features of everything from Inventory to Sales Invoices, everything is connected and very..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589555)

AU

Anatoly U.

owner

> "spent alot of resources and time to get their web module to sell online and they discontinued it the next year just as..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___5006523)

JS

Justin S.

President

> "The integrated CRM is very useful for keeping track of appointments and follow ups."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3477329)

GH

Greg H.

Owner

> "Exporting our data is a nightmare."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6837346)

RF

Rossie F.

Owner

> "Reports are easy to run, reconciliations, sales and purchase invoicing, ageing, financials are easy to read and all..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589555)

GH

Greg H.

Owner

> "From one of System 5's oldest customers - stay out of this swamp!"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6837346)

GF

Grant F.

IT Manager

> "They worked with me in implementing and transferring our data with only a few hickups."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3611104)

GH

Greg H.

Owner

> "Please please please save yourself - DO NOT buy into this software."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___6837346)

HA

Heather A.

owner

> "When we first started with windward it was fantastic. If we needed support, we called in Australia and it was fixed...."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589775)

CN

Christine N.

Controller

> "The control numbers should change what is in the je. When I addressed the issue, I was brushed off and just told to..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603641)

JR

Jordan R.

Sales Associate

> "Plenty of automated systems, the required orders feature is nice."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591398)

DM

Derek M.

V.P.

> "Service and online capability was not good. While we paid for 24/7 service, we had to setup tickets and would get a..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591330)

JG

Jody G.

general manager

> "We have invested heavily in to the software on the years and would.lien to feel we can get value added serviced..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589707)

BN

Bob N.

Co-Owner

> "The support crew at Windward work well to address issues; however, our account manager failed to address items that..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3599240)

BN

Bob N.

Co-Owner

> "The fact that System 5 is in the cloud is one of the primary reasons we purchased the product."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3599240)

AF

Adirna F.

Accounting Manager

> "It can take them up to 2 weeks to get critical fixes completed or for you do discuss with a developer because tech..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3619722)

HS

Heidi S.

Accounts Payable

> "POS is easy to use and we also use it for some accounting and for work orders/purchase orders."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589695)

NL

Nannette L.

owner

> "Having to buy hours for pricing updates and having them expire before all our vendors print their new pricing."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591532)

MD

Madison D.

PURCHASER

> "The reports have vast options which we utilize often."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603502)

SB

Stephine B.

Office Manager/ Owner

> "Have not figured out how to use the special order part and see if we are ordering a lot of one part and therefore..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3618125)

FH

Frank H.

President

> "I like the reporting ability and the integration across all departments, jobs and overall robust accounting ability"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2679839)

BN

Bob N.

Co-Owner

> "Not enough explanation of defaults in System 5 caused redundancy in our chart of accounts."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3599240)

TY

TODD Y.

manager/it

> "Integration between order taking and purchasing has helped speed up the ordering process & stop mistakes being made. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2684601)

AF

Adirna F.

Accounting Manager

> "Running reports has become cumbersome as you have to run on their remote desktop and copy to your own."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3619722)

EH

Edith H.

Owner/operator

> "It has saved me about $2000.00/year in accountant fees. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3625158)

LS

Lori S.

Buyer

> "Handling back orders arent great as well as a few glitches that are waiting to be fixed."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591308)

BK

Bilal K.

General Manager

> "Windward Software's system allows us to stay on track and be able to organize vital information."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2727138)

RF

Rossie F.

Owner

> "We didn't like that it didn't have a payroll feature when we started with it but now it does."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589555)

LL

Larry L.

Purchaser

> "The product also includes a rental component which is also fairly simple to operate."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603750)

NC

Nava C.

Owner

> "When we first installed Windward, there were issues with understanding the larger picture during set-up. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3620314)

EH

Edith H.

Owner/operator

> "So easy to upload inventory that is new from an excel spreadsheet."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3625158)

CN

Christine N.

Controller

> "Having trouble intigrating Windward System Five, with shipping programs."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603641)

ET

Eva T.

Controller

> "Over the years there was a lot of frustration with support but it has been getting better and quicker"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3619918)

SB

Stevenson B.

director

> "The payroll reports (designing) are difficult to understand"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591369)

EH

Edith H.

Owner/operator

> "A new employee who had experience with other systems encouraged me to purchase."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3625158)

TY

TODD Y.

manager/it

> "That was done, but they didnt change non-stock special orders where you have to manually type in the characters. ..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2684601)

LL

Larry L.

Purchaser

> "Ease of use, Windows familiarity help to make a decent experience."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603750)

AF

Adirna F.

Accounting Manager

> "We have had issues with inventory which is a critical part of our business. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3619722)

KK

Kezia K.

Sales/Reception

> "In comparison to previous software used, the finalization of the inventory process within Windward is rather..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2498467)

RF

Rossie F.

Owner

> "Inventory was a huge issue for us before we started using System Five. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589555)

EW

Ed W.

Partner

> "We needed a lot of hand holding when we first started--I had no previous experience with POS software--and Windward..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2649278)

MD

Madison D.

PURCHASER

> "There is not one week we do not have issues in our system, user or system error."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603502)

FH

Frank H.

President

> "Overall, this has been a great money saving tool. But the shortcomings in the software probably has more to do with..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2679839)

HS

Hyacinte S.

Bookkeeper

> "A lot of times when there are issues it is not easy to find the help in your help section."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591685)

BK

Bilal K.

General Manager

> "Nationwide Furniture Mattress Outlet looks forward to continuing and growing our partnership with Windward Software."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2727138)

ZW

Zoe W.

Owner

> "Windaward technicians use a licence you have paid for to investigate their system's issues further undermining your..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#SoftwareAdvice___2510835)

JS

Justin S.

President

> "I am very happy I made this investment"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3477329)

JS

Justin S.

President

> "Booking orders use to take me days to put together."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3477329)

LJ

Laura J.

Corporate Secretary/Business Manager

> "Seemed easy to set up."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#SoftwareAdvice___3448158)

EW

Ed W.

Partner

> "That feature no longer works for us in the cloud, and I'm told that the reason why is that the cloud version of..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2649278)

SB

Stephine B.

Office Manager/ Owner

> "Easy to use and teach employees."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3618125)

DS

Derek S.

Manager

> "Lack of multiple kits."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3589561)

JM

Julie M.

Controller

> "We were able to import with very little mistakes."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2684410)

BA

Bob A.

CFO

> "Upgrades are hard to keep updated again ,the users fault."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3591594)

EW

Ed W.

Partner

> "Another thing I like about Windward is the quality of Windward's support. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2649278)

MD

Madison D.

PURCHASER

> "We always seem to be chasing down issues and fixing bugs."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3603502)

LH

Larry H.

CFO and Owner

> "The cloud-based system is easy to access and use on a daily basis."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2651670)

VV

Victoria V.

Accounts Receiable

> "Some of the reporting features make getting an accurate snapshot of what is occurring in the company a little difficult"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2649123)

JM

Julie M.

Controller

> "Setting up a new customer is very easy."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___2684410)

GF

Grant F.

IT Manager

> "Not as customizable as I would like."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#Capterra___3611104)

[View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/reviews/)

SS

Syed S.

Secretary

> "I love appointment managemetn system, scheudling, and tons of other features that you cannot find in other spa management softwares,..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6886175)

MI

Maria I.

Director of Operations

> "I wish the new app for guests would allow us to manage the guests who use the "rebook previous appointment" tool, as it has been hard..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6883611)

SS

Syed S.

Secretary

> "I am happy with Phorest, there are still need of few specific features (for instance billing to customer for taking payment through a..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6886175)

CQ

Christina Q.

Owner Operator

> "My client do sometimes get confused by the dates on the reminders - it would be nice if it was changed to Jan/Feb/March instead of..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094226)

Heather E.

Director of Team Development

> "We are a salon company with 5 locations and navigating Phorest can sometimes be overwhelming, the ability to receive personalize..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6877309)

MM

Mario M.

Salon owner

> "The cost for what you get and support staff that is supposed to reach out and don't. When asked to fix or change things the response..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7097485)

FD

Felor D.

salon Davachi by Felor

> "I am running my business with Phorest Company study and their trusted, and never anything wrong with the app you can run your..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094418)

SM

Sherrilyn M.

Operations Manager

> "I do not like the fact you can't create a schedule for the breaks to appear in certain peoples schedule and need to do it one by one."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874145)

LGG

Luisa Gladymir G.

CEO

> "Phorest played a major role in saving my company, especially through the Staff Performance tools, which keep my team engaged and..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6880927)

AW

Angela W.

Salon owner

> "Overall fair, has improved over the last year, but I’m getting frustrated with the lack of bug fixes for waitlist and package updates."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094198)

LH

Laura H.

Salon Ops Manager

> "The client management features are easy to navigate, allowing staff to store notes, preferences, and history for a personalized..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874085)

NE

Nelly E.

Hair stylist

> "The least I like is I can’t scroll through all my clients on the app like I can on a computer."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094196)

SM

Sherrilyn M.

Operations Manager

> "The fact there is such supportive staff who are always quick to help when we are in need, there is also a support button with step by..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874145)

MH

Michelle H.

Director of Education

> "Sometimes when using a laptop or desktop computer, it takes a long time before the reports open, or before I can see the client..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874855)

LH

Laura H.

Salon Ops Manager

> "Its intuitive interface makes scheduling appointments fast and simple, even for staff with minimal technical experience."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874085)

NF

Nichole F.

Owner

> "I don’t like the that the online booking isn’t a request for an appointment."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094477)

LGG

Luisa Gladymir G.

CEO

> "Their Marketing Suite was a lifeline during the pandemic and a devastating flood, helping me stay connected with guests."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6880927)

LP

Lauryn P.

Salon Coordinator and Online Representative

> "I still have open support tickets from 10 months ago that haven’t been resolved or followed up on."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7095556)

NF

Nichole F.

Owner

> "It has been good however, sometimes my text reminders don’t go through to every guests."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094477)

AAA

April Arreola A.

salon leader and marketing director

> "the drag and drop is a bit laggy and tends to be harder to see where things are getting moved to."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874617)

DF

DENNIS F.

Owner

> "All the reports which are available make monitoring your business relatively simple."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094492)

MH

Michelle H.

Director of Education

> "Also the waiting list feature should not be specific to a certain date or time."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874855)

NC

Nina C.

CEO

> "We use the paid ads feature and it has increased bookings, and revenue."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6884117)

TY

Tori Y.

CEO

> "It was 6 months and I was paying for features I had no access to and the sales people couldn’t ever tell me when it would be finished,..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6659568)

NC

Nina C.

CEO

> "The reporting shows us how effective the ad is, and how it measures against industry averages."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6884117)

ML

Matt L.

Manager

> "The customers that state they have difficulties usually say it has to do when they are entering in the email."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6880636)

Sheridan C.

Owner, Educator

> "We can't really imagine switching to something else at this point, as it keeps growing and Phorest keeps adding more updates that..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874064)

JG

Jami G.

Owner

> "The system is very slow, it freezes up and makes it very difficult to work with."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6457440)

KK

Kendra K.

Owner

> "Every time I need a number to support my teams growth it is so easy to find!"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7096320)

SO

Sean O.

Owner

> "I don’t think there’s currently a better product at this price point."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094530)

KK

Kendra K.

Owner

> "Anytime I have questions or need support they are right there to help you! Plus their marketing features are amazing!"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7096320)

TY

Tori Y.

CEO

> "Customer service is bad."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6659568)

MR

Maria R.

Salon owner and stylist

> "The app and desk top are Easy to use and always works well for the salon staff and clients."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094218)

TY

Tori Y.

CEO

> "Onboarding was horrible."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6659568)

MI

Maria I.

Director of Operations

> "We can see the results of our referral program and monetize it."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6883611)

TY

Tori Y.

CEO

> "This company has horrible customer service."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6659568)

OM

Oxana M.

Owner and Stylist

> "We enjoy it and usually find whatever we can't find, the customer support is able to help us with pretty quickly."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6882266)

PT

Pamela T.

President

> "Too many reports that are too complex and not user-friendly. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6249758)

NP

Natasha P.

Owner

> "I love that they do a yearly audit too."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7095722)

GD

Gm D.

KTF

> "It is less powerful when you want to select multiple services in one appointment - still works but a little more confusing."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___4651521)

JA

James A.

Manager

> "The staff we interact with and support we get are truthfully our favorite part."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094206)

KL

Kaitlin L.

Owner

> "The marketing is inferior, difficult to share reviews, difficult to modify existing prices and services"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___4126195)

DF

DENNIS F.

Owner

> "Scheduling system is easy to use and provides a lot of flexibility."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094492)

AB

Angelica B.

University Intern

> "The price of Phorest is a disadvantage because it could be too expensive for smaller or independent salons."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___4845208)

GC

Garrett C.

Business Owner

> "sensitive content hidden\] is amazing, she helped us go paperless, automate marketing and helped us save 5 hrs a day by helping us use..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6579559)

EU

Ela U.

spa manager

> "quite limited with reporting, cant store credit card details, can have only one confirmation email and can't re-send it."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___3049470)

SS

Susan S.

Owner

> "Phorest is very versatile, so it offers options that work with each salon's specific needs."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6579526)

VR

Verified Reviewer

CEO

> "Also if you have multiple sites, none of their reports or stock inventory work across multiple locations so you have to go into each..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___2675311)

NF

Nichole F.

Owner

> "It’s helpful when running reports"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094477)

VR

Verified Reviewer

CEO

> "For example they introduced a feature called client reconnect which is supposed to text clients when they are overdue their..."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___2675311)

LH

Laura H.

Salon Ops Manager

> "Overall, the system significantly improves efficiency and provides a smooth, hassle-free user experience."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6874085)

EU

Ela U.

spa manager

> "a very basic system, not quite what I would like in the busy spa"

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___3049470)

AR

Adriana R.

CEO

> "We are very happy with the switch weed from ClienTrak software."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7094220)

VR

Verified Reviewer

Owner

> "Way to expensive for the service you receive."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___3189273)

NP

Natasha P.

Owner

> "I like the weekly reports and all that too."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___7095722)

VR

Verified Reviewer

CEO

> "They charge inflated prices for simple things and hide the charges so you aren't aware of them. "

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___2675311)

LGG

Luisa Gladymir G.

CEO

> "The appointment schedule system is very intuitive and easy to learn, which makes training staff smooth and efficient."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___6880927)

CV

Chris V.

owner

> "Another thing I disliked was the customer service never wanted to fix a situation, just to help make an issue right."

[See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#Capterra___2462229)

[View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/reviews/)

## User interface

3.80 (189)

[Phorest](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/)

4.77 (431)

## Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation

Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs.

### Features

Windward System Five

Top features

47/50

-   Accounting Integration
-   Activity Dashboard
-   AI Copilot
-   API
-   Barcode Recognition
-   Barcode/Ticket Scanning
-   Billing & Invoicing
-   Cash Management
-   Commission Management
-   Credit Card Processing
-   Customer Database
-   Customer History
-   Customizable Reports
-   Data Import/Export
-   Data Synchronization
-   Discount Management
-   eCommerce Management
-   Electronic Payments
-   Electronic Signature
-   Email Marketing
-   Employee Management
-   For Retail
-   Generative AI
-   Gift Card Management
-   Inventory Management
-   Inventory Replenishment
-   Inventory Tracking
-   Loyalty Program
-   Multi-Currency
-   Multi-Location
-   Order Management
-   Payment Processing
-   Point of Sale (POS)
-   Price/Margin Management
-   Pricing Management
-   Product Catalog
-   Promotions Management
-   Purchase Order Management
-   Real-Time Data
-   Real-Time Reporting
-   Real-Time Updates
-   Receipt Management
-   Reporting & Statistics
-   Retail Inventory Management
-   Retail Management
-   Returns Management
-   Returns Tracking
-   Sales Reports
-   Sales Tax Management
-   Sales Trend Analysis

[See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/43189/Windward-System-Five/#features)

Phorest

26/50

-   Accounting Integration
-   Activity Dashboard
-   AI Copilot
-   API
-   Barcode Recognition
-   Barcode/Ticket Scanning
-   Billing & Invoicing
-   Cash Management
-   Commission Management
-   Credit Card Processing
-   Customer Database
-   Customer History
-   Customizable Reports
-   Data Import/Export
-   Data Synchronization
-   Discount Management
-   eCommerce Management
-   Electronic Payments
-   Electronic Signature
-   Email Marketing
-   Employee Management
-   For Retail
-   Generative AI
-   Gift Card Management
-   Inventory Management
-   Inventory Replenishment
-   Inventory Tracking
-   Loyalty Program
-   Multi-Currency
-   Multi-Location
-   Order Management
-   Payment Processing
-   Point of Sale (POS)
-   Price/Margin Management
-   Pricing Management
-   Product Catalog
-   Promotions Management
-   Purchase Order Management
-   Real-Time Data
-   Real-Time Reporting
-   Real-Time Updates
-   Receipt Management
-   Reporting & Statistics
-   Retail Inventory Management
-   Retail Management
-   Returns Management
-   Returns Tracking
-   Sales Reports
-   Sales Tax Management
-   Sales Trend Analysis

[See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/113530/Phorest-Salon-Software/#features)

### Recognition

No recognitions have been awarded to Windward System Five

Phorest is recognized as a top-rated tool in 1 Capterra Shortlist reports

### Deployment & support

Windward System Five

Deployment

-   Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
-   Desktop Mac
-   Desktop Windows
-   Desktop Linux
-   On-Premise Windows
-   On-Premise Linux
-   Desktop Chromebook
-   Mobile Android
-   Mobile iPhone
-   Mobile iPad

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Phorest

Deployment

-   Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
-   Desktop Mac
-   Desktop Windows
-   Desktop Linux
-   On-Premise Windows
-   On-Premise Linux
-   Desktop Chromebook
-   Mobile Android
-   Mobile iPhone
-   Mobile iPad

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

### Company Details

Windward System Five

-   By Windward Software
-   Located in Canada
-   Founded in 1984

Phorest

-   By Phorest Software
-   Located in United States
-   Founded in 2005

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