Commercial Tanning Beds vs. Booths: Which to Buy

Quick Answer

For most salons and gyms, a commercial tanning bed like the ProSun Onyx offers a compact, cost-effective entry point, while a stand-up booth like the ProSun V3 suits spaces with limited floor area and clients who prefer not to lie down.

Space and Layout: The First Trade-Off

Before comparing features, measure your available floor space. A tanning bed requires enough room for the unit itself plus clearance for clients to get on and off comfortably. A booth, on the other hand, has a smaller footprint because clients stand inside it, which can free up square footage in a busy salon.

The ProSun Onyx is described as compact, making it a workhorse for start-up salons or gyms where every inch counts. The ProSun V3 booth is also positioned as an entry-level option, but its vertical design changes how it fits into a room. If you have low ceilings or limited width, a bed may be the safer fit.

Session Length and Throughput

Session time directly affects how many clients you can serve per hour. The ProSun Onyx is a 15-minute bed, while the ProSun V3 booth offers a 10-minute session. A shorter session time can increase turnover, which matters if you have high demand during peak hours.

However, a 15-minute session may be more appealing to clients who want a longer, relaxing experience. Consider your clientele: if they prioritize speed, a booth's shorter cycle could be a selling point; if they value relaxation, a bed might be the better match.

Level and Client Comfort

Both units are Level 3 and Level 4 respectively, but the practical difference lies in how clients experience the session. The Onyx bed is Level 3, which is a common starting point for many tanners. The V3 booth is Level 4, which may be more intense. If your clients are new to tanning, a Level 3 bed might be more approachable; if they are experienced and want quicker results, a Level 4 booth could be the draw.

Comfort is subjective: some clients feel claustrophobic in a booth, while others dislike lying down. Offering both options in your salon can cater to different preferences, but if you have to choose one, think about your typical client's comfort zone.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Space: A bed needs more floor area for access; a booth uses vertical space. If your room is narrow, a booth like the ProSun V3 may fit better. Measure your space and include clearance for clients to enter and exit.
• Session Time: The Onyx bed has a 15-minute session; the V3 booth has a 10-minute session. Shorter sessions can increase client turnover. Forecast your peak-hour traffic to decide if faster turnover matters.
• Level: The Onyx is Level 3; the V3 is Level 4. Level 4 may be more intense, so consider your clients' experience level. If most clients are new, a Level 3 bed may be a gentler starting point.

Product Facts

• ProSun Onyx 15 Minute Level 3 Commercial Tanning Bed: The ProSun Onyx 15 Minute Level 3 Commercial Tanning Bed is compact and described as an ideal workhorse for start-up salons or gyms. Its small size and 15-minute session make it a low-risk, space-efficient choice for businesses just adding tanning services.

  

• ProSun V3 42 10 Minute Level 4 Commercial Tanning Booth: The ProSun V3 42 lamp 10 minute Level 4 Commercial Tanning Booth is an entry-level stand-up booth with an affordable price tag, ideal for salons or gyms extending their services. Its vertical design and shorter session time can help you serve more clients per hour in a compact footprint.

  

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Start-up salons or gyms with limited floor space and a budget-friendly entry point – the ProSun Onyx bed
• Salons with high client turnover who want a stand-up option that fits in a small footprint – the ProSun V3 booth

Not for

• Salons with very low ceilings or limited vertical clearance – a booth may not fit
• Businesses whose clients prefer a longer, relaxing tanning session – a 10-minute booth may feel rushed