Managing schedules, spots and bookings in your cycling studio can be a hassle when done manually. So we looked at the best software to help you save time and money. We went over hundreds of real user reviews to bring you our top picks based on pricing, features, and client satisfaction.
Best Indoor Cycling Studio Software
More Indoor Cycling Studio Software
1. 🥇 Fitune - Best indoor cycling studio software
Transparent pricing: Yes
Price: Free to $199/month
Free website creator: Yes
Free client app: Yes
Ideal for indoor cycling studios: Yes
With Fitune, managing your class schedule becomes a breeze, allowing you to optimize your studio's capacity and revenue effortlessly.
Fitune stands out as the ideal software solution for cycling studios, offering a range of features that not only streamline daily operations but also enhance the overall client experience. With Fitune, you can quickly set up a professional, fully integrated website that reflects your brand, allowing you to start promoting your classes and attracting new clients right away.
The intuitive website builder is easy to use, requiring no technical expertise, so you can focus on what matters most—running your studio and helping clients achieve their fitness goals.
One of the major advantages of Fitune is its seamless scheduling system, which automates bookings, class capacity management, and waiting lists.
This automation eliminates the need for time-consuming back-and-forth communication, freeing up your time to concentrate on other aspects of your business.
Additionally, the platform includes a no-show penalty fee feature, which helps to maximize your studio's earnings by reducing last-minute cancellations and ensuring that your classes are always full.
Fitune's scheduling and calendar
Fitune also offers a free, branded client app, which is a game-changer for indoor cycling studios looking to improve client engagement and retention.
This app allows your clients to book classes, manage their appointments, and make payments directly from their smartphones. The ease of use and convenience of the app ensures that your clients stay connected and committed to their fitness routines.
Why Fitune's client app is essential for indoor cycling studios
By providing this level of accessibility and customization without any additional cost, Fitune not only saves you money but also strengthens your relationship with your clients, making it the best choice for any indoor cycling studio aiming to grow.
2. Pike 13
Transparent pricing: Yes
Price: $129 to $237/month
Free website creator: No
Free client app: No
Ideal for indoor cycling studios: Only if price isn’t a concern
Pike 13 offers solid basic functions but the starting price might be too high for the amount of features and not affordable for small-medium studios
Pike13 is a solid platform for indoor cycling studios, offering a range of essential administrative tools to help manage a business efficiently. With features like class scheduling, client management, basic reporting, and billing, Pike13 provides a foundation for studio owners looking to streamline their operations.
However, it's important to consider the costs and limitations that come with Pike13. The base plan, Pike13 Essential, starts at $129 per month when billed annually. While it covers the basics, it may not be sufficient for studios aiming to grow their business, as key features like website integration, payroll, and email marketing are locked behind higher-cost plans.
High costs for the advanced tools
To access these advanced tools, you'd need to upgrade to the Pike13 Advanced plan, which costs $179 per month, or even the Pike13 Premium plan at $237 per month if you're looking for premium brand recognition with your own customized branded app.
For a new or smaller studio, these costs can quickly add up, making Pike13 a less accessible option. The additional expenses associated with essential features like marketing emails, branded apps, and advanced integrations could stretch your budget thin, especially when you're just starting out.
While Pike13 does offer a comprehensive suite of features, it's important to weigh the high base costs and the need for expensive upgrades against your studio's budget and growth plans.
For studios looking for a more cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise on essential functions, exploring alternatives like Fitune, which offers a free branded app, automated bookings, and streamlined operations without the hefty price tag, might be a more viable option.
3. Glofox
Transparent pricing: No
Price: Undisclosed + App add-on
Free website creator: No
Free client app: No
Ideal for indoor cycling studios: Only for large chains
Glofox is a well-recognized platform in the fitness industry, particularly suited for multi-location studios with more complex operational needs. While it does offer essential features like class bookings, payment management, and even a merchandise shop, the platform has its limitations and is often seen as a viable option only for larger studios with significant budgets.
One of the primary concerns with Glofox is its pricing structure, which is not transparently disclosed on their website.
A small amount of features for the cost
Users are required to schedule a demo call to obtain pricing information, and many have reported that the costs can exceed $200 per month. This high price point contrasts with feedback from users who feel that the platform lacks the robust features expected at such a cost.
For smaller or newer studios, this can be prohibitive, making it difficult to justify the investment, especially when there are alternatives that offer more features at a lower price.
Additionally, Glofox does not offer a client-facing website builder, which means studios must invest in separate web development to create an online presence—a costly and time-consuming endeavor that many small businesses cannot afford.
While Glofox may work well for larger, multi-location studios that can absorb the high costs and have the resources to manage external integrations, it may not be the best choice for smaller or single-location studios. The combination of limited features, high costs, and technical issues makes Glofox a challenging option for studios that are just starting out or looking to grow steadily without significant financial strain.
4. Zen Planner
Transparent pricing: Yes
Price: $99 to $348/month
Free client app: Yes, but it’s not branded
Ideal for small to medium studios: No
Zen Planner offers good functionality and a free client app but its scaling costs can make it hard for your business to grow
Zen Planner is a robust platform designed to streamline fitness studio operations with its comprehensive feature set, which includes client management, scheduling, billing, and payroll. It consolidates various business activities into one platform, making it particularly useful for managing larger teams and complex schedules.
Users appreciate its intuitive interface and customer support, which ease the setup process and provide valuable assistance during daily operations.
Scalings costs that inhibit your business growth
However, Zen Planner's high costs and mobile app limitations are significant drawbacks. With basic plans starting around $99 per month and higher-tier options reaching up to $349 per month, the pricing can be prohibitive for new businesses or smaller studios.
For boutique studios or individual trainers, the steep cost and limitations of Zen Planner may make it a less viable option compared to other, more budget-friendly platforms. Despite its solid features and support, the investment required could be better suited for larger operations with established client bases rather than smaller or newer businesses looking for a cost-effective solution.
5. Mindbody
Transparent pricing: No
Price: Undisclosed + App add-on
Free website creator: No
Free client app: No
Ideal for indoor cycling studios: No
Mindbody is a well-known platform offering a broad range of features for fitness studios, including scheduling, management, and payment processing tools. However, despite its comprehensive capabilities, several issues make it less appealing for cycling studios.
One of the significant drawbacks of Mindbody is its complex setup and steep learning curve. New users often find the interface daunting and challenging to navigate, requiring considerable time and effort to set up basic functions.
This complexity is compounded by frequent glitches and bugs, particularly during booking and payment processes. These technical issues, combined with slow loading times and unresponsive features, can lead to a frustrating user experience and potentially disrupt daily operations.
Concerning costs and lacking features
Mindbody's pricing structure further complicates its appeal. The platform does not offer transparent pricing on its website, and users must schedule a demo call to learn about costs.
Many report that the base cost is relatively high, with additional fees for integrations and mobile app usage. This lack of price clarity and the overall expense make it a less attractive option for small to medium-sized studios, which may find the investment too steep for the value provided.
While Mindbody does offer useful features such as secure payments and detailed analytics, these benefits are overshadowed by the platform’s challenges. The high costs and the need for extensive customization and technical support can make it a less viable option for cycling studios just starting out or those looking for a more user-friendly, cost-effective solution.
Conclusions for the best indeed cycling studio software
In evaluating the best software for indoor cycling studios, Fitune clearly emerges as the top choice, offering a powerful combination of features, transparent pricing, and ease of use. Its ability to simplify class scheduling, automate bookings, and manage client interactions through a free branded app makes it a standout option for studios looking to streamline operations without breaking the bank. The user-friendly interface and seamless website builder further enhance its appeal, allowing studio owners to focus on growth and client satisfaction.
On the other hand, platforms like Pike13, Glofox, Zen Planner, and Mindbody each present their own strengths and weaknesses, but their higher costs and limitations make them less accessible, especially for smaller or newer studios. Pike13 and Zen Planner, while offering essential features, have pricing structures that can quickly become prohibitive as studios expand. Glofox and Mindbody, with their lack of transparent pricing and steep learning curves, further complicate the decision-making process, particularly for studios with limited budgets or technical expertise.
Ultimately, while each software has its merits, Fitune stands out as the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution, offering the tools necessary to efficiently manage an indoor cycling studio while fostering client engagement and business growth. Its balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use makes it the ideal choice for both new and established studios.
Ready to try Fitune? Start now for free or book a demo to learn how to grow your fitness business.
