Zen Planner vs Mindbody

Which yoga studio management software is right for your studio?

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Quick Summary

Zen Planner and Mindbody have both been serving fitness and wellness studios for over 15 years. Zen Planner built its reputation in structured fitness — martial arts, CrossFit — but has strong yoga and yoga teacher training features. This comparison helps you decide which platform fits your studio's specific model.

At a Glance

Zen PlannerMindbody
Price Range$99–$348/month$179–$599+/month
Founded20062001
Businesses Served15,000+50,000+

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureZen PlannerMindbodyWinner
Starting Price (monthly)$99/mo$179/moZen Planner
Teacher Training TrackingYesLimitedZen Planner
Curriculum/Belt ProgressionYesNoZen Planner
Mindbody MarketplaceMindbody
Branded Client AppIncludedAdd-on ($)Zen Planner
Online BookingTie
Membership ManagementTie
Automated MarketingGoodAdvancedMindbody
ReportingGoodAdvancedMindbody
Ease of UseGoodComplexZen Planner

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Zen Planner if...

  • You run yoga teacher training (YTT) programs and need to track curriculum completion
  • You offer certification programs with progression tracking
  • Budget matters and you want a branded client app included
  • You want easier setup and a more intuitive interface than Mindbody

Choose Mindbody if...

  • Mindbody Marketplace exposure is important for new client acquisition
  • You need the most advanced marketing automation in the industry
  • Your studio has very complex scheduling across 10+ instructor
  • You're in a market where clients specifically search for studios on Mindbody
Our VerdictWinner: Zen Planner for structured programs; Mindbody for marketplace

Zen Planner wins for yoga studios that also run structured programs like yoga teacher training, kids programs, or belt/certification progressions. Its curriculum and progression tracking features are class-leading. Mindbody wins when marketplace discovery and brand recognition matter. For a pure scheduling-and-membership yoga studio, WellnessLiving or Vagaro are better value than either.

Our Top Pick: WellnessLiving

For most yoga studios, WellnessLiving delivers Mindbody-level features at 40–60% of the cost. Includes branded client app, automated marketing, livestream classes, and best-in-class Mindbody migration support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zen Planner good for yoga studios specifically?

Yes, though Zen Planner started with martial arts studios and still has stronger roots there. It works well for yoga studios, particularly those running structured programs like teacher training. For a traditional drop-in class model, WellnessLiving or Vagaro may be a better fit.

How does Zen Planner pricing compare to Mindbody?

Zen Planner starts at $99/month and scales to $348/month for larger studios. Mindbody starts at $179/month but most studios need the $349/month Accelerate plan. Zen Planner is generally 30–40% cheaper than comparable Mindbody plans, and includes a branded client app while Mindbody charges extra for it.

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