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 Planner | Mindbody | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $99–$348/month | $179–$599+/month |
| Founded | 2006 | 2001 |
| Businesses Served | 15,000+ | 50,000+ |
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zen Planner | Mindbody | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (monthly) | $99/mo | $179/mo | Zen Planner |
| Teacher Training Tracking | Yes | Limited | Zen Planner |
| Curriculum/Belt Progression | Yes | No | Zen Planner |
| Mindbody Marketplace | Mindbody | ||
| Branded Client App | Included | Add-on ($) | Zen Planner |
| Online Booking | Tie | ||
| Membership Management | Tie | ||
| Automated Marketing | Good | Advanced | Mindbody |
| Reporting | Good | Advanced | Mindbody |
| Ease of Use | Good | Complex | Zen 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
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.
Get WellnessLiving Free Demo →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.