- Mindbody alternatives side by side
- Nine studio booking platforms to try instead of Mindbody
- Studio booking software features worth checking
- Questions for a studio software vendor before you commit
- Which type of studio software suits your gym or class business
- Switching studio booking platforms smoothly
- Booking system errors studio owners make
- Newer studio booking providers worth a look
- Narrowing down your studio booking platform
- Frequently asked questions
The right studio booking software depends on what you teach, how big your team is and how members book. Look for class and appointment booking, flexible memberships, a member app and clear reports. This page lists nine options in no particular order, then covers how to choose and how to switch.
Mindbody is one of the best-known names in studio and wellness software, and many yoga, pilates and gym owners start there. But it isn't the only place to run class bookings, memberships and client messages. Perhaps your studio is small, perhaps you want a simpler set-up, or maybe you'd like to see how other platforms handle the same jobs.
Here are nine Mindbody alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've mixed smaller and newer names with a couple of established ones, and every description comes from each company's own website rather than guesswork. If you're still working out what you need, my roundup of booking websites for small businesses is a useful starting point.
Mindbody alternatives side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the company's own site says there's a permanent free plan. Trial only means there's a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means neither is stated on the site, which is common where you book a demo first. Terms change, so check the current offer before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arketa | Studio booking software | Yoga, pilates and wellness studios with an online presence | Trial only |
| Glofox | Gym and studio software | Memberships, class booking and a member app | No |
| Mariana Tek | Boutique fitness software | Boutique studios with one or many locations | No |
| Momence | Studio software | Classes, appointments and events in one place | Trial only |
| Punchpass | Class scheduling software | Passes, memberships and online class booking | Trial only |
| PushPress | Gym management software | Independent gyms and CrossFit-style boxes | Yes |
| TeamUp | Fitness management software | Mixed studios with memberships and add-ons | Trial only |
| Vagaro | Booking and business software | Studios and salons that offer appointments too | Trial only |
| Walla | Boutique studio software | Studios focused on keeping members coming back | No |
Nine studio booking platforms to try instead of Mindbody
Arketa
Best for: Wellness studios that want classes, workshops, retreats and on-demand video sold through one branded site and app.
Glofox
Best for: Gyms and studios that want recurring memberships, class booking and a branded member app in one system.
Mariana Tek
Best for: Boutique studios running pilates, cycling or barre classes who want wait lists, check-ins and automated messages.
Momence
Best for: Studios that offer classes, workshops and appointments and want bookings, marketing and messages together.
Punchpass
Best for: Yoga, dance and martial arts studios that sell class passes and want simple online booking and reminders.
PushPress
Best for: Independent gyms and strength studios that want memberships, check-ins and a member workout app.
TeamUp
Best for: Studios offering group classes, personal training and workshops who want customisable memberships and a member app.
Vagaro
Best for: Wellness and beauty businesses that mix appointments with classes and want a booking calendar and website builder.
Walla
Best for: Boutique studios that want booking, memberships and tools that flag members who may be drifting away.
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Studio booking software features worth checking
Almost every studio platform handles class schedules and memberships, so the real differences sit in how smoothly the day-to-day jobs run for you and your clients.
- Class and appointment booking. Check it handles what you sell, whether that's group classes, one-to-one sessions, workshops, events or all four.
- Memberships and class passes. Look for flexible options such as monthly memberships, class packs and drop-ins, plus clear handling of freezes and cancellations.
- A member app and website widget. Clients should be able to book from their phone or from a button on your own website.
- Wait lists and reminders. Automatic reminders and wait lists keep classes full and cut no-shows.
- Messaging and marketing. Email and text automations help you welcome new clients and win back quiet ones.
- Reports. You'll want to see attendance, memberships and busy times without exporting spreadsheets.
Questions for a studio software vendor before you commit
- Will you help move my clients, memberships and class history across from my current system?
- Does it connect to the card payment provider and accounting package I already use?
- What does a client see when they book, and can it carry my own branding?
- What happens to my data if I decide to leave later?
- Is support available on weekends and in the evenings, when studios are busiest?
- Does it cover everything I offer now, such as video classes, appointments or door access?
Which type of studio software suits your gym or class business
- Boutique studio platforms suit yoga, pilates, barre and cycling studios built around scheduled group classes.
- Gym and box tools suit independent gyms, strength studios and martial arts schools with memberships and check-ins.
- Pass-and-class tools suit smaller studios that sell class packs and want a simple booking page.
- Appointment-first platforms suit spas and wellness businesses where treatments sit next to classes.
- All-in-one platforms suit studios that want marketing, a website and an app from the same supplier.
If keeping members is your biggest worry, my article on using AI automation to reduce gym member churn covers messages worth automating.
Switching studio booking platforms smoothly
- Ask for a demo or trial and book a few real classes through it as a client would.
- Export your client list, memberships and class history from the old system before you cancel anything.
- Pick a quiet week to switch and tell members in advance how booking will work.
- Check how class passes and active memberships carry over, so nobody loses what they've already got.
- Keep your old system available for a short overlap in case something needs checking.
Booking system errors studio owners make
- Choosing a platform built for large gym chains when you run a single studio.
- Skipping the client's view, then finding booking is awkward on a phone.
- Forgetting teachers and front-desk staff, who use the system every day.
- Assuming every platform supports your country's payment methods and tax settings.
Newer studio booking providers worth a look
Smaller and newer studio platforms often focus on one type of business, so the screens and wording match how you teach. Support can feel more personal, and they're usually keen to hear what you need.
Before you rely on one, check it's still being updated, that its member app has recent reviews in your app store, and that its website is clear about what's included. Ask how they'd help you move your clients across.
Do you make booking or studio management software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
Narrowing down your studio booking platform
Pick two platforms that suit your type of studio. Book a few real classes through each, from a client's phone, then ask your teachers and front-desk staff which one they'd rather use all day.
Frequently asked questions
What should a yoga or fitness studio look for in booking software?
Look for easy class booking, flexible memberships and class passes, reminders, a member app and clear reports. Then check how well it handles the way you teach.
Is there free studio booking software?
A few platforms offer a permanent free plan, and many offer a free trial. Plans and limits change, so check each company's own website for current terms.
Can I move my clients and memberships from my current system?
Usually yes. Many providers import client lists and some help with the move, but how memberships carry over varies. Ask before you commit.
Do small studios need dedicated booking software?
Not always, but once you're managing bookings, passes and reminders by message and spreadsheet, a dedicated system can save time and reduce no-shows.
Can clients book from their phones?
Most platforms offer a member app, a mobile-friendly booking page or a booking button for your website. Look at the client's side in a demo.


