GlowBook vs Optios: the alternative with a public price
Optios is an established Belgian salon-software vendor, active in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Solid choice, but its prices aren't online: you request a quote, and deposits, online gift cards and loyalty sit in the Pro plan. GlowBook includes all of that as standard in its €19 plan, at a price you know up front. Here's exactly where the gap is.
Why switch to GlowBook
WhatsApp reminders are standard, not an extra
Optios's pricing page lists fewer no-shows via email and marketing by text message and email; WhatsApp isn't mentioned. In Belgium and the Netherlands, WhatsApp is the default channel for salon appointments. With GlowBook you get an automatic WhatsApp reminder 24 hours before, no add-on required.
A price you know up front
Optios doesn't publish prices: you request a tailored quote. GlowBook costs €19 (Solo) or €39 (Team) per month, public and commission-free. Deposits run on Stripe with Bancontact (Belgium) and iDEAL (Netherlands) at the top, at standard Stripe rates.
Every feature in one plan, no staircase upgrades
At Optios, deposits, online gift cards and loyalty sit in the Pro plan, and forms start at Business Plus. In GlowBook Solo (€19) it's all bundled, plus discount codes and a waitlist. Upgrading to Team (€39) is only needed for multi-staff and newsletter.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | GlowBook From €19/month | Optios Price on request |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp reminders | ✓ | – |
| Bancontact & iDEAL-first checkout | ✓ | – |
| Deposits | €19 plan | Pro plan |
| Intake forms | ✓ | Business Plus |
| Waitlist with auto-notify | ✓ | – |
| Loyalty & points | €19 plan | Pro plan |
| Multi-staff | €39 plan | Business: up to 4 users |
| Supported languages | NL/FR/EN | – |
| No commission on bookings | ✓ | ✓ |
Based on publicly available information as of 2026-10-15. If you think something's wrong, let us know, we'll adjust.
What does it really cost?
Optios shows no prices on its website, so an honest calculation isn't possible. What is clear: deposits, online gift cards and loyalty are in the Pro plan, forms start at Business Plus, and the Business plan is capped at 4 users. Ask for a quote for Pro and put it next to GlowBook Solo: €19/mo = €228/year, with deposits, WhatsApp, waitlist, forms and loyalty bundled. (Checked September 2026 on their own pricing page.)
When is Optios the better choice?
- You want point-of-sale, stock management and HR in one package. GlowBook deliberately doesn't ship those; check whether the Optios plan you pick includes them.
- You already run Optios and don't want to migrate.
- You need a German UI. GlowBook supports NL/FR/EN, not DE.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my client list from Optios?+
Yes. GlowBook reads CSV files with name, email and phone. Export your clients from Optios and upload the file at /dashboard/klanten, ready in under a minute.
Does GlowBook work for multi-staff or chain salons?+
The Team plan (€39/mo) supports up to 5 staff members with individual calendars and availability, suitable for a small salon. More than 5 staff or multiple locations? Message us, we'll take a look.
Does GlowBook include a till / POS?+
No. GlowBook deliberately focuses on booking, reminders and deposits, not POS or stock. Many of our customers use a separate till and export GlowBook bookings to their accountant via CSV.
Does GlowBook have an app?+
No, and you don't need one. GlowBook runs in any browser on your phone, tablet and laptop, no download. Add 'glowbook.biz/dashboard' to your home screen for an app-like experience. Less maintenance, automatic updates, no App Store wait.