TEKA vs Fresha: AI booking assistant vs salon marketplace
Fresha is widely marketed as 'free' salon software but monetizes through fees on new-client bookings, card processing, and marketing add-ons, plus a marketplace. TEKA is an AI assistant that books appointments through your own Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and booking page, with transparent pricing: 2% per finished booking or 19 KM per worker per month.
| Feature | TEKA | Fresha |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | Flat 2%/booking or 19 KM/worker/mo | 'Free' + new-client & processing fees |
| AI booking assistant | Yes — 24/7 on messaging channels | Limited |
| Marketplace exposure | No — own brand only | Yes — clients can be cross-marketed |
| Instagram / WhatsApp booking | Yes — direct, automated | Partial |
| Free trial | 14 days, full access | Varies |
How are TEKA and Fresha different?
Fresha offers free core software and earns revenue from fees on new-client bookings sourced through its marketplace, payment processing, and paid marketing tools. TEKA doesn't run a marketplace — it gives you an AI assistant on the channels you already own, so customers book with you directly and you keep the relationship.
What does each really cost?
TEKA costs 2% of each finished booking (invoiced weekly), or 19 KM per worker per month (190 KM per year, about two months free). Every plan includes a 14-day free trial and you can cancel anytime. With Fresha, the headline is 'free,' but real costs come from new-client booking fees, card-processing rates, and optional marketing spend. TEKA's pricing is a single, predictable line: a small percentage of completed bookings, or a flat monthly fee per worker.
Which fits an Instagram-driven salon?
If most of your bookings start as Instagram or WhatsApp messages, TEKA's AI answers and books them automatically, 24/7, in the customer's language. Fresha is strongest if you want to be listed in its marketplace and use its built-in payments stack.
Who should pick which?
Choose TEKA for transparent, usage-based pricing and an AI assistant on your own channels. Choose Fresha if you want an all-in-one marketplace + payments platform and accept fee-based monetization.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
