GymMaster vs Vagaro
Both score 7.5/10. Compare features and pricing below.
Both score 7.5/10. Buy GymMaster if you run a 24/7 access gym or fitness center with 100-2,000 members and need integrated door access control without paying for a separate system. The access hardware integration is the real differentiator. Skip if you run a training-focused studio that needs workout programming, because GymMaster does not have it.
GymMaster 
Vagaro Rank
#13 of 21
Rank
#14 of 21
Features
16/18
Features
17/18
Starting at
$99/mo
Starting at
$30/mo
User reviews
— (181)
User reviews
4.6/5 (3787)
What they cost
| GymMaster | Vagaro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting at | $99 /mo | $30 /mo |
| Free trial | No | 30 days |
| Number of plans | 4 | 4 |
What the pricing really means
At first glance, Vagaro looks cheaper at $30/month vs $99/month. But sticker price is only part of the story. Look at what is included on the base plan, how many users you get, and whether you need add-ons to get the features you actually need. The $99/month plan that requires $200 in add-ons is actually more expensive than the $250/month plan that includes everything.
Where GymMaster wins
- Built-in 24/7 door access control with RFID and Bluetooth readers. No separate access system or monthly fee for a third-party provider like Kisi
- Highly customizable for specific gym workflows. Long-term users report tailoring membership types, billing rules, and access zones to fit their exact setup
- Support team responds fast and walks you through onboarding. Gym owners consistently praise getting real help, not canned responses
- 60-day money-back guarantee gives you two full months to test with real members before you are locked in
Where Vagaro wins
- Extremely affordable pricing starting at $30/month with all features unlocked at every tier
- Monthly cost caps at $90 regardless of how many staff calendars you add
- Built-in marketplace gives your business free exposure to Vagaro's consumer user base
- Generous 30-day free trial with no credit card required
Where GymMaster falls short
- Pricing starts at $99/mo for Lite and climbs to $190/mo for Plus: more expensive than basic tools like Zen Planner for similar member counts
- Initial setup takes time. Configuring access zones, membership tiers, and billing rules can easily eat a full week before you are running smoothly
- POS app gets poor reviews from gym owners. Selling retail items or supplements at the front desk is clunky compared to a basic Square terminal
- No workout builder or exercise programming. If you coach members on training plans, you need a separate tool like Exercise.com or TrueCoach
Where Vagaro falls short
- Primarily built for salons and spas, so gym-specific features like workout programming are missing
- No public API limits custom integrations and third-party development
- Users report recurring bugs, slowdowns, and crashes during peak booking hours
- Many useful features like forms and branded apps are paid add-ons that increase the real cost
Who is each product built for?
GymMaster
Target: 50-2000 members
Buy GymMaster if you run a 24/7 access gym or fitness center with 100-2,000 members and need integrated door access control without paying for a separate system. The access hardware integration is the real differentiator. Skip if you run a training-focused studio that needs workout programming, because GymMaster does not have it.
Vagaro
Target: 1-500 members
Vagaro is the best value pick for solo trainers and small fitness studios that also offer wellness or beauty services. The flat pricing model is unbeatable, but the lack of workout builders and API access means serious gym-only operations may outgrow it quickly.
Feature comparison
| Feature | GymMaster | Vagaro |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling & Booking | ||
| Class/session scheduling | ||
| Online booking | ||
| Attendance tracking | ||
| Members & Staff | ||
| Member management | ||
| Membership plans | ||
| Staff management | ||
| Client portal/app | ||
| Payments & Billing | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Automated billing | ||
| Retail/POS | ||
| Fitness Tools | ||
| Workout/program builder | ||
| Mobile app (client) | ||
| Mobile app (staff) | ||
| Waivers/forms | ||
| Marketing & Growth | ||
| Website builder | ||
| Marketing/email tools | ||
| Reporting/analytics | ||
| Integrations/API | ||
Common questions
Both score 7.5/10. GymMaster fits 50-2000 members, while Vagaro fits 1-500 members. Pick based on your team size and the features you need most.
GymMaster starts at $99/month. Vagaro starts at $30/month. Watch for add-on costs — the base price often does not include all features. Pricing last verified 2026-03-01.
GymMaster: No free trial. Vagaro: Yes, 30-day free trial. Always test with your actual workflow before committing to an annual plan.
GymMaster covers 16 of 18 features we track. Vagaro covers 17 of 18. Vagaro has broader feature coverage, but more features does not always mean better — pick the tool that covers what your business actually needs.
No, GymMaster does not have a mobile app. Vagaro does not have one either.
Yes. The main effort is migrating your data (customer lists, job history, invoices). Plan for 1-2 weeks of overlap where you run both. Most gym & fitness studio tools can import CSV data. Ask both vendors about migration support before you sign.
The bottom line
Pick GymMaster if...
Traditional gyms and 24/7 fitness centers with 100-2,000 members that need integrated RFID/Bluetooth door access control alongside membership billing
Pick Vagaro if...
Budget-conscious fitness studios, personal trainers, and multi-service businesses (salon/spa/fitness combos) that want full features at an affordable flat rate.