Comparing 4 Major Studio Software Platforms
Mindbody, WellnessLiving, Momence, & Arketa
Navigating the maze of fitness studio software can feel like a workout itself. And just like every class or session you design, your software needs to be tailored to your studio’s specific goals and operational flow. Whether you’re after simplified scheduling, robust analytics, or seamless client engagement, there’s a tool out there that’s perfect for where you are now—and where you’re headed.
In this article, we’ll review four powerful software options: Mindbody, WellnessLiving, Momence, and Arketa. These platforms represent a range of features and pricing structures, covering various phases of studio development and different types of client-focused businesses. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of each platform’s strengths, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your studio’s current stage and future goals.
Top 4 Software Options for Fitness Studios
With a sea of software options, I’ve narrowed it down to four standout platforms. Each brings something special to the table, whether you’re building client loyalty, fine-tuning your operations, or expanding to a second (or third) location. Consider this your starter pack to find the software that’s the perfect partner for your studio’s growth.
Which fitness studio software should you choose?
Mindbody
Best for: Large studios with diverse needs.
WellnessLiving
Best for: Studios seeking all-in-one simplicity.
Momence
Best for: Mid-sized studios focused on client experience.
Arketa
Best for: Studios looking for sleek design and high customizability.
Mindbody
Mindbody is the tried-and-true powerhouse in fitness management software. For studios with multiple locations or complex scheduling needs, Mindbody’s built for the long haul, loaded with features that keep your operations as seamless as possible. Yes, it’s robust—and maybe a little hefty for smaller studios—but if you’re scaling and need every tool under the sun, Mindbody is ready to take on the challenge right alongside you.
WellnessLiving
If you’re looking for powerful features without the big-ticket price tag, WellnessLiving’s all-in-one platform has you covered. It’s the affordable option that doesn’t skimp on essential tools, with built-in rewards and automation that make client engagement a breeze. Perfect for studios that want to grow without getting bogged down by a complex system, WellnessLiving keeps things straightforward while still delivering on impact.
Momence
For studios where the client journey is everything, Momence shines. It’s modern, intuitive, and packed with customizable workflows that keep clients coming back. From two-way messaging to personalized reminders, Momence helps you stay connected while freeing you up from repetitive tasks. This is a go-to for boutique studios that want every client touchpoint to feel like an experience—not just a booking.
Arketa
For studios where brand identity is key, Arketa brings sleek, high-end design and marketing muscle to the table. Known for its beautiful customization options, Arketa doesn’t just support your studio operations—it elevates them. Perfect for those looking to create an immersive client experience, Arketa makes it easy to stay on brand from scheduling to client communication. If ‘brand-forward’ and ‘experience-driven’ describe your studio, Arketa could be the perfect match.
Mindbody: Comprehensive Solution for Established Studios
Images courtesy of Mindbody. GIF by Paige Maria Creative.
Price Range:
Starts at $139/month for basic features; advanced packages available for higher fees.
If your studio is well-established or expanding across multiple locations, Mindbody offers the robust tools needed to handle the complexity of larger operations. Known for its powerful scheduling, analytics, and extensive integrations, this software is ideal for studios ready to scale and needing a platform with a comprehensive set of features. While Mindbody is incredibly feature-rich, smaller studios might find its interface a bit overwhelming—yet it’s a go-to for those looking to grow with serious functionality.
Best For: Large, growing studios needing powerhouse features and integrations.
Signature Strengths: Mindbody is known as the “all-in-one fitness management giant.” With extensive features, advanced analytics, and integration with ClassPass and Google, it’s a platform geared toward multi-location fitness chains and complex studios that need serious scalability. The software is all about giving you the power to manage a high volume of clients and bookings, with access to just about any feature you’d ever need.
Scheduling and Membership Management: Mindbody’s scheduling capabilities are extensive, with options for class reservations, private sessions, and membership tiers. Its scheduling features are intuitive, allowing both staff and clients to easily manage bookings across multiple locations. Studios that run recurring classes, events, or private sessions find Mindbody’s scheduling tools invaluable for keeping everything organized.
Client Experience and Engagement: Clients appreciate the familiarity of Mindbody’s app, which allows them to book classes, view schedules, and even join waitlists. The platform also includes tools for client retention, including loyalty programs and feedback requests. Mindbody’s experience with large fitness chains shines here, as it offers a user experience built on years of development.
Marketing and Automation: Mindbody offers a range of built-in marketing tools, from email campaigns to automated reminders. Studios can set up workflows to send clients promotions, reminders, and re-engagement emails. While the marketing features are functional, some users feel they are more basic compared to dedicated email marketing platforms.
Reporting and Analytics: Mindbody’s reporting tools are robust, with detailed reports on revenue, attendance, client engagement, and instructor performance. These reports are easy to customize, making it simpler to track key performance indicators that are essential to studio growth.
Integrations and Additional Features: Mindbody integrates with a variety of external platforms, including Google Calendar, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks. The integrations make it easier to streamline operations, particularly for multi-location studios or those with more complex back-end needs.
Ease of Use: Mindbody’s interface is powerful but can be overwhelming, particularly for smaller studios. That said, the platform is reliable and consistent, making it worth the investment for studios looking for advanced features.
WellnessLiving
Value-Driven with All-In-One Functionality
Images courtesy of WellnessLiving. GIF by Paige Maria Creative.
Price Range:
Begins at $99/month, with customizable plans to suit different needs.
For studios focused on growth without breaking the bank, WellnessLiving combines an intuitive design with everything you need to engage clients and manage daily operations. With strong options for client loyalty, automation, and reporting, it’s a great fit for small to medium-sized studios wanting an all-in-one solution that’s easy to navigate and doesn’t require tech expertise. If your studio values client engagement and efficiency, WellnessLiving could be the perfect match.
Best For: Small to mid-sized studios and gyms focused on affordability and ease of use.
Signature Strengths: WellnessLiving shines as a user-friendly, all-in-one option with a commitment to affordability and customer engagement. Known for its built-in rewards program, WellnessLiving helps you keep clients connected, and its automation options simplify the daily grind. This platform excels at client loyalty, making it ideal for small studios that want an easy setup without extra bells and whistles.
Scheduling and Membership Management: WellnessLiving offers a streamlined scheduling system with features for both classes and appointments. Members can sign up for classes, book private sessions, and join waitlists, with real-time availability updates. The platform’s membership management is flexible, supporting various membership types, passes, and packages.
Client Experience and Engagement: WellnessLiving emphasizes client engagement with tools like automated birthday greetings, loyalty rewards, and post-class surveys. Its Achieve Client App allows clients to book and manage their sessions, further boosting engagement. Overall, WellnessLiving is designed to make the client experience both smooth and engaging.
Marketing and Automation: Marketing tools are extensive, with automated email and SMS campaigns, a built-in rewards program, and the ability to segment clients for targeted outreach. The software also includes tools for referral programs and promotional campaigns, making it easy to drive growth and retain clients.
Reporting and Analytics: WellnessLiving’s reporting capabilities are strong, with dashboards for revenue, attendance, and member activity. The platform allows you to track important metrics like client retention, membership growth, and revenue by service type.
Integrations and Additional Features: WellnessLiving integrates well with tools like Mailchimp, QuickBooks, and Zapier, making it adaptable to a variety of operational needs. Its all-in-one nature means fewer add-ons, keeping things simple and cost-effective.
Ease of Use: The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making WellnessLiving accessible to studio owners who may be new to business management software. Support is widely praised, with responsive customer service for troubleshooting.
Momence
Modern, Customizable Solution for Client-Centric Studios
Images courtesy of Momence. GIF by Paige Maria Creative.
Price Range
Starts at around $79/month for core features; mid-tier and advanced plans offer additional tools and customization options.
Momence is tailored for studios that want to provide a highly personalized, engaging experience for clients. It’s designed for boutique fitness studios, wellness spaces, and hybrid setups, offering flexible memberships, seamless automation, and client-centered communication tools. With easy client journey mapping and custom workflows, this platform is a favorite for studios that want an extra level of control over every client interaction, without sacrificing user-friendliness.
Best For: Boutique studios, wellness centers, and studios prioritizing a personalized client journey.
Signature Strengths: Designed with the client journey in mind, Momence has become the go-to for studios that want highly customized client interactions. Known for its versatile sequences and custom workflows, it’s all about creating memorable client experiences. Momence also streamlines multi-channel communication with tools like two-way texting and social messaging, making it ideal for studios where personalization and community-building are top priorities.
Scheduling and Membership Management: Momence’s scheduling system is designed for both simplicity and flexibility. The software allows for easy booking of group classes, private sessions, and multi-day events. Memberships can be fully customized, allowing studios to offer flexible terms, free trials, and package options.
Client Experience and Engagement: Momence’s emphasis on user experience shines with its mobile-friendly design and client-centric features. Clients can book, view their schedules, and engage with content directly from the app. The platform also supports automated client reminders and notifications, helping studios build consistent client relationships.
Marketing and Automation: Momence’s marketing suite includes tools for automated workflows, client segmentation, and personalized campaigns. Studios can set up custom sequences for tasks like onboarding new members, reminding clients of expiring memberships, and sending targeted promotions.
Reporting and Analytics: The reporting features provide insights into key metrics such as client retention, class attendance, and revenue breakdowns. The dashboards are customizable, allowing studios to prioritize the data most relevant to their growth goals.
Integrations and Additional Features: Momence integrates with popular tools like Mailchimp, Google Calendar, and Stripe, as well as offering a direct Zoom integration for virtual classes. The platform’s API also allows for custom integrations.
Ease of Use: With a straightforward interface, Momence is easy for staff to learn and manage. Its user-friendly design is a plus for studios that prioritize a streamlined experience for both clients and staff.
Arketa
Design-Forward Platform with Strong Branding and Marketing
Images courtesy of Arketa. GIF by Paige Maria Creative.
Price Range
Starts at $149/month, with options for additional features and customizations.
If your studio is all about creating a cohesive, branded experience for your clients, Arketa’s design-focused platform could be what you’re looking for. With visually appealing scheduling, loyalty programs, and custom app options, it’s built for studios that prioritize brand identity alongside functionality. Perfect for boutique and high-end studios, Arketa makes it easy to create a beautiful client experience that keeps people coming back, while allowing you to manage bookings, memberships, and content in a visually cohesive way.
Best For: High-end boutique studios, yoga and wellness spaces, and brand-conscious studios.
Signature Strengths: Arketa is known for helping studios bring their brand vision to life, both in look and feel. It’s the design-first platform that lets you customize almost everything—from scheduling widgets to your app layout, even offering AI-powered marketing. Arketa is perfect for studios that want clients to be completely immersed in their brand, whether booking classes or browsing on-demand content. It’s the go-to choice for studios aiming to create a premium, cohesive experience.
Scheduling and Membership Management: Arketa offers simple, visually appealing scheduling for group classes, private appointments, and virtual sessions. Membership management is flexible, allowing studios to create various membership types with custom perks and billing options.
Client Experience and Engagement: Arketa’s design-first approach makes it easy for clients to book, pay, and engage with your studio. The app is branded to match each studio’s aesthetic, creating a seamless experience that keeps clients engaged and returning.
Marketing and Automation: With built-in marketing automation, Arketa lets studios send out personalized email campaigns, push notifications, and promotional updates. The platform’s loyalty programs, referral options, and engagement tools are particularly strong, making it ideal for studios focused on brand loyalty.
Reporting and Analytics: Arketa includes customizable reports that track revenue, client attendance, and other key metrics. The dashboards provide clear insights, allowing studio owners to monitor growth and identify top-performing classes and promotions.
Integrations and Additional Features: Arketa integrates with platforms like Zapier, Mailchimp, and Stripe. The API allows for further customization, making it a flexible option for studios with more specific integration needs.
Ease of Use: The platform’s interface is sleek and user-friendly, with a focus on design that makes it easy for studio owners to keep branding consistent across their client-facing elements.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Key Features of Top Fitness Studio Software
| Feature | Mindbody | WellnessLiving | Momence | Arketa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Comprehensive scheduling, suited for multi-location and complex class setups | Simple and intuitive scheduling, works well for small to mid-sized studios | Customizable and user-friendly, with support for in-person and virtual bookings | Clean, visually-driven scheduling for group and private classes |
| Membership Management | Flexible membership tiers, suited for large studios with various membership options | Supports multiple membership types, including packages and passes | Fully customizable memberships with trials and package options | Flexible membership types with visual customization options |
| Client Experience | Known for a familiar, user-friendly app | Engaging app with loyalty programs and post-class surveys | Mobile-friendly with strong client-centric design | Strong branding and custom app design, creating a seamless experience |
| Marketing & Automation | Basic email marketing and workflows, good for standard re-engagement | Robust email and SMS campaigns, referral programs, and rewards | Automated workflows with AI tools, including personalized client journeys | Strong focus on loyalty, referrals, and branded marketing campaigns |
| Reporting and Analytics | Detailed reports on revenue, client activity, and staff performance | Customizable reports on client engagement, sales, and more | Comprehensive metrics, including client retention and conversion rates | Visual reports on top-performing classes, revenue, and client activity |
| Integrations | Extensive integrations with platforms like Google Calendar, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp | Integrates with tools like Mailchimp, QuickBooks, and Zapier | Works with Mailchimp, Google Calendar, and Stripe, plus API for custom connections | Integrates with Zapier, Mailchimp, and Stripe, with API for additional flexibility |
| Ease of Use | Powerful but can feel overwhelming for small studios | Simple interface, praised for ease of use and customer support | Modern and straightforward, great for staff and client navigation | Sleek and visually appealing, easy for brand-aligned client experience |
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Software for Your Studio
When it comes to choosing the best fitness studio software, the right platform depends on your studio’s specific needs, growth stage, and client experience goals. Here’s a recap to help guide your decision:
Mindbody offers an all-encompassing solution with robust integrations and detailed analytics, making it ideal for established, multi-location studios. However, the interface can feel complex for smaller studios.
WellnessLiving provides an affordable, feature-rich solution that excels in client engagement and simplicity. Its all-in-one functionality makes it a strong contender for small to mid-sized studios that want a powerful tool without extensive costs.
Momence is designed for the modern, client-focused studio. With customizable workflows, automation, and a mobile-friendly experience, Momence is an excellent choice for studios looking to elevate their client journeys and personalize interactions.
Arketa stands out for its design-first approach and branding capabilities. Boutique studios and wellness brands that prioritize a cohesive, branded client experience will find Arketa’s tools for loyalty programs, custom apps, and visual design particularly compelling.
In the end, finding the perfect studio software isn’t about picking the most features—it’s about choosing what complements your unique style, supports your growth, and elevates your client experience. Whether you’re drawn to the powerhouse tools of Mindbody, the client-friendly design of WellnessLiving, the seamless journeys of Momence, or the branding prowess of Arketa, each platform has its sweet spot. So think about what your studio truly needs to thrive, and make the choice that’s going to keep your business running smoothly and your clients coming back for more.
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Running a fitness studio is demanding enough without the added complexity of tech integrations. If you're looking for a seamless, branded experience that brings together your studio software and website beautifully, I’m here to make it easy. Let’s create a system that works smoothly behind the scenes, so you can focus on what matters most—your clients and growing your business.
