Head-to-head · Martial Arts Software
Zen Planner vs Gymdesk
Zen Planner leads on 0 checks, Gymdesk on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGymdesk · 5.4/10
- Lowest starting priceGymdesk · $75/mo
Gymdesk scores higher on our rubric for martial arts software: 5.4 against 4.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #1.
Gymdesk is cheaper to start at $75/mo against $99/mo.
Zen Planner is the better fit for established gyms needing broad integrations. Gymdesk is the better fit for small gyms wanting core membership and class tools.
- Zen Planner fits best
Established gyms needing broad integrations
- Gymdesk fits best
Small gyms wanting core membership and class tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Zen Planner 4.8/10 Visit ↗ | Gymdesk 5.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.8 | 5.4 |
| Ranking | #1 in Martial Arts Software | #4 in Martial Arts Software |
| Best for | Established gyms needing broad integrations | Small gyms wanting core membership and class tools |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $75/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Zen Planner 1/5 · Gymdesk 1/5 | ||
| Belt or rank tracking | Not published | Not published |
| Class scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recurring billing | Not published | Not published |
| Attendance tracking | Not published | Not published |
| Student mobile app | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Locations included | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Zen Planner is cloud and mobile gym-management software for fitness businesses, martial arts schools, studios, and academies. Its core workspace combines membership management, class scheduling and online booking, attendance, automated… Read the review → |
Gymdesk brings member records, memberships, class scheduling, attendance, online booking, recurring billing, digital waivers and communications into a cloud-based system for gyms, martial arts schools and studios. Its member-facing app… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Zen Planner — where it wins
- Covers memberships, scheduling, billing, attendance, waivers, payroll, and belt tracking
- Member and staff apps support web, iOS, and Android access
- Connects with tools including Zapier, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, and ClassPass
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; displayed pricing starts at $99 per month
- Marketing, website, app, and card-reader capabilities add separate monthly costs
- The broad feature set may exceed the needs of smaller, simpler programs
Gymdesk — where it wins
- Combines memberships, scheduling, attendance and online booking
- Supports recurring billing, digital waivers and member communications
- Offers a member-facing app on iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- The $75 monthly entry tier covers up to 50 members
- Multi-location support is limited
- The focus is on core gym operations rather than a broader feature set
- Zen Planner4.8/10 · From $99/mo
A broad gym and martial arts platform with scheduling, billing, tracking, apps, and integrations.
Visit Zen PlannerFull verdict → - Gymdesk5.4/10 · From $75/mo · 14-day trial
A straightforward gym system for managing memberships, classes, bookings and billing.
Visit GymdeskFull verdict →
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- Kicksite vs Gymdesk
- Gymdesk vs Spark Membership
All martial arts software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026