5 Best Vagaro Alternatives for Fitness in 2025
Compare the best Vagaro alternatives for fitness from Exercise.com, Zen Planner, PushPress, and more.
Finding the best Vagaro alternatives for fitness is crucial for gyms, personal trainers, yoga studios, and martial arts schools seeking software solutions that offer enhanced features, flexibility, and scalability. While Vagaro is a popular platform, many fitness businesses find that other options better meet their unique needs.
This article explores top competitors, including Exercise.com, Zen Planner, PushPress, Mindbody, and Glofox, to help you determine the best Vagaro alternative for fitness businesses.
Many gym and studio owners rely on apps like Vagaro for bookings and client management, but fitness businesses quickly discover its limitations. Vagaro was built primarily for salons and spas, and while the Vagaro booking system works well for appointments, it lacks deeper tools for programming, CRM, and retention that fitness professionals demand. Thatās why so many are searching for Vagaro competitors, evaluating software similar to Vagaro, and asking what are Vagaroās main competitors?
If youāre looking for Vagaro alternatives wellness booking or exploring fitness apps similar to major booking platforms, the goal is simple: find a platform that doesnāt just book clients, but drives retention, increases revenue, and scales with your business. Thatās where Exercise.com becomes the clear choice.
Vagaro Alternatives Compared
| Platform | Strengths | Limitations Compared to Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise.com | True all-in-one platform: scheduling, CRM, branded apps, workout delivery, payments, reporting, and marketing automation | Noneābuilt specifically for gyms and studios, unlike Vagaroās spa/salon focus |
| Vagaro | Flexible Vagaro booking system, POS, marketplace exposure, and salon/wellness features | Fitness-specific tools missing: no workout programming, weak retention features |
| Mindbody | Well-known brand, broader marketplace, strong marketing features (Mindbody competitors category) | Higher fees, complex UX; lacks integrated workout delivery for gyms |
| WellnessLiving | Strong marketing suite and automation, loyalty programs, mobile booking | Less robust training/programming features, weaker branded app experience |
| Glofox | User-friendly, good for class bookings and studio scheduling | Limited CRM depth, no full workout delivery or advanced reporting |
| Zen Planner | Membership billing, martial arts tools, attendance tracking | Outdated interface, integrations needed for advanced features |
| PushPress | Great UX for CrossFit/functional gyms, strong class scheduling | Lacks CRM depth, limited marketing automation |
| Fresha / Acuity | Streamlined booking apps, popular for salons and small studios | Minimal fitness functionality, missing CRM, programming, and branded apps |
Why Exercise.com Is the Best Alternative to Vagaro
1. Fitness-Specific Design
While Vagaro is widely used across salons and wellness centers, it isnāt optimized for Vagaro fitness businesses. Exercise.com was built for gyms, trainers, martial arts schools, and fitness studiosāoffering all the tools you need in one place.
2. Advanced CRM and Retention Tools
Owners searching for Vagaro alternatives or apps similar to Vagaro often struggle with lead follow-up and member retention. Exercise.com solves this with a full CRM system, automated reminders, and retention analytics that keep members engaged.
3. Branded Mobile Apps
Instead of relying on a generic booking app, Exercise.com provides a fully branded mobile app for your gym or studio. This gives you the power to control your member experienceāsomething most Vagaro competitors cannot match.
4. Marketing Automation Beyond Vagaro
Some owners ask: Does Mindbody offer more marketing tools than Vagaro or Zen Planner? While Mindbody may have stronger campaigns than Vagaro, Exercise.com takes it further with automated SMS, push notifications, and email funnels directly inside your platform.
5. Workout Delivery and E-Commerce
Unlike Vagaro, which focuses on appointments, Exercise.com supports alternative to competitor gym software needs like selling digital training, offering hybrid programs, and tracking workouts. You can also sell gym merchandise, supplements, or add-ons through integrated e-commerceāsomething Vagaro users often find limiting.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Vagaro for Booking Wellness Services?
If youāre looking beyond Vagaro, you may be comparing Mindbody competitors, software similar to Vagaro, or apps like Vagaro for your wellness or fitness business. Exercise.com is the clear leader because it doesnāt just book clientsāit helps you manage leads, scale memberships, automate marketing, and deliver training programs.
When evaluating Vagaro alternatives wellness booking or searching for apps similar to Vagaro, the key question is: do you want a salon-focused booking system or a true fitness business growth platform?
Vagaro is a legitimate option for spas and salons, but for gyms and studios, it often feels like a mismatch. Exercise.com provides everything you needāscheduling, CRM, branded mobile apps, programming, billing, and marketingāin one place.
Get a demo today and see why Exercise.com is the best alternative to Vagaro software for fitness businesses that want to scale.
If youāre searching for the best Vagaro alternative for gyms or the best Vagaro alternative for personal trainers, this guide evaluates platforms based on features like booking systems, mobile apps, workout programming, invoicing, custom branding, and marketing automations. Discover why Exercise.com is the leading choice for fitness professionals. From the best gym software, the best yoga studio software, the best martial arts software, or the best personal training software, Exercise.com is the best Vagaro competitor for fitness businesses that want to scale and grow.
Comparison Table: Vagaro Alternatives
| Platform | Booking | Mobile Apps | Workouts | Custom Branded | Payments | Waivers | Invoicing | Assessments | Messaging | Marketing | Automations | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise.com | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zen Planner | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| PushPress | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Mindbody | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glofox | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vagaro | Yes | Yes | No | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes |
#1 Exercise.com
Exercise.com is the best Vagaro alternative for fitness businesses, providing an all-in-one platform that caters to gyms, personal trainers, yoga studios, and martial arts schools. Its fully customizable features help streamline operations and improve client engagement.
Pros
- Comprehensive features for booking, invoicing, assessments, and workouts
- Custom-branded mobile apps to enhance brand visibility
- Advanced marketing automations for client retention
- Detailed reporting tools for tracking business performance
- Exceptional customer support and onboarding services
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to simpler platforms
- Advanced features require a learning curve
Exercise.com excels with its custom-branded fitness mobile apps, enabling fitness businesses to offer seamless booking, workout tracking, and fitness payment processing under their brand. The platformās detailed fitness assessment tracking tools and robust marketing automations make it the ideal choice for businesses looking to scale and provide personalized services.
Compared to Vagaro, Exercise.com offers unmatched flexibility and fitness-specific features, making it the best Vagaro alternative for gyms and studios of all sizes.
Exercise.com stands out as the superior alternative to Vagaro for fitness businesses. Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key advantages of Exercise.com over Vagaro:
| Feature | Exercise.com | Vagaro |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | Fully customizable platform | Limited customization options |
| Branded apps | Custom-branded web and mobile apps | Generic app interface |
| Industry focus | Specifically designed for fitness businesses | Multi-industry (salon, spa, fitness) |
| Workout software | Advanced, versatile system for creating and delivering workouts | No workout creator or exercise library |
| Exercise library | Extensive library with custom exercise options | Not available |
| Client engagement | Enhanced features for progress tracking and in-app messaging | Basic client management tools |
| E-commerce | Comprehensive e-commerce capabilities | Limited e-commerce features |
| Reporting and analytics | Strong reporting and analytics capabilities | Lacks advanced reporting |
| Third-party integrations | Extensive integration options, including Zapier support | Limited third-party integrations |
| API access | Full API access | No full API access |
| Scalability | Suitable for businesses of all sizes | Better for small to medium-sized businesses |
| Nutrition tracking | Included in the platform | Not available |
Exercise.com offers a more comprehensive and versatile solution for fitness businesses compared to Vagaro. While Vagaro caters to multiple industries with a focus on scheduling and basic management, Exercise.com provides a holistic approach specifically designed for fitness professionals.
Process payments for open gym, classes, and personal training.
Create gym landing pages easily.
Manage fitness challenges (Read More: 100+ Fitness Challenge Ideas)
Offer on-demand fitness content.
Create classes and fitness groups.
Conduct gym livestreaming easily.
Engage with members via automations.
Manage leads with a gym CRM.
Create and send fitness assessments with ease.
Use fitness habit tracking to inspire and motivate gym members and clients.
Use fitness progress photos to engage with members.
Use fitness leaderboards to track event performance and inspire healthy competition.
Create exercise supersets in a snap.
Program exercise rep max progressions with ease.
Use the exercise demonstration video library or create your own custom exercise demonstration videos.
Create workout plans for parents and dependents, teams and more.
Cast gym TV workouts to in-gym TV screens quickly and efficiently.
Manage multiple gym locations with ease.
Manage gym members with ease.
Book appointments for parents and dependents with ease. (Read More: Best Gym Booking Software)
Gym check-in software that makes your life easy. (Read More: Best Gym Check-In Software)
Communicate with gym members, athletes, team members, personal training clients, class members, parents, and dependents via SMS, email, and in-app push notification.
View performance over time, track personal records, and other fitness stats with performance reporting dashboards.
And of course, view all of your gym business reports easily too.
All from your custom-branded fitness apps (Read More: Best Gym Mobile Fitness Apps Software) Many people think they want to make a fitness app all on their own, but what they really want is the speed and efficiency of a custom branded fitness app using the best white label fitness app builder software: Exercise.com.
The fully customizable platform and custom-branded apps of Exercise.com enhance professional image and client engagement. The advanced workout software, extensive exercise library, and comprehensive client engagement tools allow fitness professionals to create highly personalized workout plans and track client progress effectively.
Exercise.com’s robust e-commerce capabilities, advanced reporting, and extensive integration options provide a more streamlined and efficient business management experience. The platform’s scalability makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from individual trainers to large gym chains.
Exercise.com emerges as the best Vagaro alternative by offering a more comprehensive, customizable, and fitness-focused solution, making it the superior choice for fitness professionals looking to grow and manage their businesses effectively.
#2 Zen Planner
Zen Planner is a solid choice for gyms and fitness studios that prioritize membership and scheduling management. Itās particularly popular among martial arts schools and CrossFit gyms.
Pros
- Strong membership and scheduling features
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools
- Easy-to-use interface for staff
Cons
- Limited workout programming features
- Mobile apps lack customization options
Zen Planner simplifies membership management and scheduling while offering useful reporting tools to track attendance and revenue. However, its limited workout programming capabilities and lack of robust marketing tools may not meet the needs of larger gyms or personal trainers.
Compared to Exercise.com, Zen Planner lacks the flexibility and depth required for comprehensive fitness business management. Exercise.com remains the best Vagaro alternative for fitness businesses looking to scale and provide personalized services.
#3 PushPress
PushPress is a straightforward gym management platform designed for small fitness businesses. It focuses on core functionalities like payments, scheduling, and memberships.
Pros
- Easy-to-use platform for small businesses
- Affordable pricing
- Solid integration options with third-party tools
Cons
- Limited advanced features for assessments and workouts
- Basic marketing tools
PushPress provides a simple solution for managing memberships and payments, making it a good fit for smaller gyms. However, its limited advanced features may not meet the needs of growing fitness businesses.
Compared to Vagaro, PushPress offers a more straightforward approach but lacks the comprehensive tools of Exercise.com. For fitness businesses seeking an all-in-one solution, Exercise.com is the superior choice.
#4 Mindbody
Mindbody is a widely recognized platform for managing fitness studios, gyms, and wellness centers. It offers a broad range of tools for scheduling, memberships, and client management.
Pros
- Comprehensive booking and payment tools
- Marketing features like email campaigns and promotions
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
Cons
- Higher cost for premium features
- Complex interface may overwhelm smaller businesses
Mindbodyās extensive feature set makes it a popular choice for fitness studios, but its complexity and cost may deter smaller operations. Compared to Vagaro, Mindbody offers more tools but lacks the fitness-specific focus and customizability of Exercise.com.
For fitness businesses seeking a tailored yet powerful platform, Exercise.com is the best Vagaro alternative for gyms and studios.
#5 Glofox
Glofox is a sleek gym management platform designed for boutique fitness studios and small gyms.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with modern design
- Comprehensive booking and payment tools
- Marketing features like email campaigns
Cons
- Limited assessment and workout programming features
- Higher cost for premium features
Glofoxās simplicity and design make it a good choice for smaller fitness businesses. However, its limited advanced features may not meet the needs of larger gyms or trainers with diverse client demands.
Compared to Glofox, Exercise.com provides a more robust and customizable platform, making it the best Vagaro alternative for fitness businesses aiming to grow and scale effectively.
Who is Vagaro’s biggest competitor?
Vagaroās biggest competitor is Exercise.com, which provides a fully customizable platform for fitness businesses. Other notable competitors include Zen Planner, Mindbody, and PushPress, offering similar features for scheduling, payments, and business management.
How many gyms use Vagaro?
Vagaro is used by thousands of gyms worldwide, ranging from small boutique studios to larger facilities. The exact number of gyms using Vagaro is not publicly disclosed but represents a significant portion of its client base.
What is Vagaro and is it legit?
Is Vagaro legit? Yes, Vagaro is a cloud-based SaaS platform for booking, POS, marketing, and client management, tailored to salons, spas, fitness, and wellness businesses. It supports appointment booking, inventory, payroll, email/SMS alerts, and website integrations. Trusted across the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia, Vagaro earned “unicorn” status following a $1B valuation in 2021.
What are Vagaroās main competitors and alternative platforms for wellness booking?
Top Vagaro competitors include Mindbody, WellnessLiving, Acuity Scheduling, Fresha, GlossGenius, Boulevard, and ClassPass. These platforms serve as alternatives to Vagaro for booking wellness services, offering features like scheduling, client messaging, e-commerce, and integrated POS systems.
Which software is similar to Vagaro for fitness businesses?
For gyms and studios, look at apps similar to Vagaro like Mindbody, Glofox, PushPress, and Zen Planner. Exercise.com further evolves the concept by including digital workout programming, branded mobile apps, and advanced retention toolsāmaking it among the most comprehensive alternative to competitor gym software available.
Does Mindbody offer more marketing tools than Vagaro or Zen Planner?
Yes, Mindbody offers a more robust marketing suite, especially with social integration, promotional campaigns, and consumer marketplace visibility. However, Exercise.com surpasses both by blending marketing automation with CRM, workout programming, branded apps, and comprehensive reportingāall in one unified system.
What do Vagaro reviews say about its strengths and weaknesses?
Reviews of Vagaro highlight its strong appointment scheduling, client tracking, and integration capabilities. Some users praise its admin efficiency and marketplace reach, while others cite a steep learning curve and interface issues, particularly around customizations and loading delays.
How does the Vagaro booking system compare to others?
Vagaro offers a flexible booking system with staff selection, website integration, and inventory/retail add-ons. However, many find that platforms like Exercise.com, Mindbody, or Glofox offer deeper fitness-focused features like digital workouts, loyalty workflows, and fully branded experiencesāsurpassing Vagaroās more generalized interface.
How many fitness businesses use Vagaro?
Vagaro supports over 50,000 fitness and wellness businesses globally, including gyms, yoga studios, spas, and personal trainers. It is popular for its appointment scheduling and client management tools.
What are the best Vagaro alternatives for fitness businesses?
The best Vagaro alternatives for fitness businesses include Exercise.com, Zen Planner, and PushPress. Exercise.com is particularly well-suited for its customizable features, branded apps, and all-in-one platform for managing fitness businesses.
What are the best Vagaro alternatives for gyms?
For gyms, the best Vagaro alternatives are Exercise.com, Mindbody, and PushPress. Exercise.com stands out with tools tailored to gym management, including performance tracking, member engagement, and scalable solutions for multi-location gyms.
What are the best Vagaro alternatives for yoga studios?
Yoga studios seeking Vagaro alternatives should consider Exercise.com, WellnessLiving, and Momence. Exercise.com provides class scheduling, client engagement, and branded app capabilities, making it a strong choice for yoga businesses.
What are the best Vagaro alternatives for personal trainers?
Personal trainers looking for Vagaro alternatives should explore Exercise.com, TrueCoach, and Trainerize. Exercise.com offers tools for workout delivery, client management, and payment processing, designed specifically for trainers.
What are the best Vagaro alternatives for martial arts?
Martial arts studios can benefit from Vagaro alternatives like Exercise.com, Zen Planner, and MyStudio. Exercise.com supports martial arts businesses with tools for class scheduling, membership management, and customized training programs.
How much does Vagaro cost per month?
Vagaro costs start at $25 per month for a single user and increase based on the number of users and additional features. Branded apps, advanced marketing tools, and other add-ons can significantly raise the monthly cost.
Is Vagaro HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Vagaro offers HIPAA compliance features, making it suitable for businesses handling sensitive health information, such as med spas and wellness centers.
What percent does Vagaro take?
Vagaro charges a percentage fee for payment processing through its integrated system. The exact rate varies based on the agreement, typically including a flat fee plus a percentage of each transaction.
Who owns Vagaro?
Vagaro is privately owned and was founded by Fred Helou. The company operates independently, providing software solutions for fitness and wellness businesses worldwide.
Is Vagaro a CRM?
Yes, Vagaro functions as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, offering features for client management, appointment scheduling, and communication to help businesses build and maintain customer relationships.
Is Vagaro down?
If Vagaro is down, it may be due to scheduled maintenance or technical issues. Check Vagaroās status page or contact their support team for updates.
Is there an app similar to Vagaro?
Yes, apps similar to Vagaro include Exercise.com, Mindbody, and Zen Planner. Exercise.com stands out for its customizable branded apps and comprehensive features for fitness businesses.
What is the top fitness app alternative to Vagaro?
The top fitness app alternative to Vagaro is Exercise.com, which offers a fully customizable platform for scheduling, payments, client management, and branded apps, ideal for fitness businesses of all sizes.
Do you have to pay for Vagaro?
Yes, Vagaro is a paid platform, with pricing starting at $25 per month for basic plans. Additional users and features, such as branded apps and marketing tools, can significantly increase the cost.
What is similar to Vagaro?
Similar platforms to Vagaro include Exercise.com, Zen Planner, Mindbody, and WellnessLiving. These platforms provide tools for scheduling, payment processing, and client management tailored to fitness and wellness businesses.
Is Vagaro good for med spas?
Yes, Vagaro is a popular choice for med spas due to its appointment scheduling, payment processing, and client management tools. Its HIPAA compliance also makes it suitable for businesses handling sensitive health information.
Is Vagaro a software?
Yes, Vagaro is a cloud-based software designed for fitness and wellness businesses. It offers features like appointment scheduling, payment processing, and marketing tools.
Is Vagaro good for business?
Vagaro is a good choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution for scheduling, payments, and client management. However, for fitness-specific needs, platforms like Exercise.com may offer more tailored features.
What is Vagaro compatible with?
Vagaro integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and payment processors to streamline business operations and financial tracking.
Does Vagaro charge fees?
Yes, Vagaro charges payment processing fees, which include a percentage of each transaction plus a flat fee. Additional charges may apply for add-ons like branded apps or advanced marketing tools.
Can you do SOAP notes on Vagaro?
Yes, Vagaro offers SOAP notes functionality, allowing businesses to document client sessions securely. This feature is particularly useful for med spas, physical therapists, and other wellness professionals.
What is the difference between Vagaro and Vagaro Pro?
Vagaro and Vagaro Pro refer to the same platform, but Vagaro Pro is often used to describe the mobile app version specifically designed for professionals to manage their business on the go.
Are Vagaro forms HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Vagaroās digital forms are HIPAA compliant, ensuring that sensitive client data is securely stored and managed.
Can you tip on Vagaro?
Yes, Vagaro allows clients to add tips during the checkout process, making it convenient for businesses to handle gratuities.
Can customers see notes on Vagaro?
No, customers cannot see internal notes entered by businesses on Vagaro. These notes are for staff use only and are securely stored within the platform.
Is Vagaro compatible with QuickBooks?
Yes, Vagaro integrates with QuickBooks, allowing businesses to sync financial data and simplify accounting tasks.
Can Vagaro do payroll?
Yes, Vagaro offers payroll management features, enabling businesses to calculate wages, track hours, and process payments for staff efficiently.
What are the different types of appointments for Vagaro?
Vagaro supports various appointment types, including recurring appointments, group classes, private sessions, and workshops, making it versatile for fitness and wellness businesses.
What type of company is Vagaro?
Vagaro is a technology company that provides cloud-based software solutions for fitness, wellness, and beauty businesses, focusing on scheduling, payments, and client management.
Why is Exercise.com the best Vagaro alternative for fitness businesses?
Exercise.com is the best Vagaro alternative because it offers a fully customizable platform with features like branded apps, workout delivery, and seamless payment processing tailored specifically to fitness businesses. Unlike Vagaro, Exercise.com integrates advanced fitness tools in its core offering without requiring costly add-ons, making it the ideal solution for gyms, trainers, and wellness businesses.
