Momence vs Mindbody vs Acuity: Which booking system is right for your yoga, pilates, or barre studio?
If you run a yoga, Pilates, or fitness studio, you know that choosing booking software is no small decision.
It is, quite literally, the backbone of your operation: it determines how your students book appointments, how you collect payments, how you manage schedules, and, at the end of the day, whether your business grows—or not.
The question I keep getting asked is: "Should I stick with Mindbody, switch to Momence, or give Acuity Scheduling a try?"
So today we’re going to break down the three most popular options on the market. No corporate marketing, no affiliations, no empty promises. Just clear information so you can make the best decision based on your specific situation: the size of your studio, your budget, and where you want to grow.
This article is for you if:
You have a small or medium-sized studio and are considering which platform to use.
You're a freelance instructor growing your business and need to take it to the next level.
You already use one of these platforms but are considering switching.
Do you really want to understand what each system does (and what it doesn't do, which is also important)?
Table of Contents
First things first: What is each platform?
Before we get into the comparisons, let me give you a quick overview of each one.
Mindbody: the industry veteran that has been around for decades
Mindbody has been in the business since the early 2000s. For two decades, it has been virtually synonymous with "software for yoga and Pilates studios." It is the standard that defined the industry.
Their approach: It's an enterprise-level solution for all types of wellness businesses. Not just yoga and Pilates, but also spas, hair salons, physical therapy clinics... everything.
It's the most robust and comprehensive system available, but it's also the most complex. It has everything, but that means it has a lot.
A few years ago, it acquired ClassPass, which cemented its position as the undisputed market leader.
Keep in mind: The long-standing monopoly left many studios dissatisfied but somewhat "stuck" in its ecosystem. The complexity may be too much for small studios. There are features you'll probably never use, but they're there, taking up space on your interface and in your mind.
Momence: the challenger that promises simplicity
Momence is the newest entrant. It entered the market with a clear promise: "Everything you need, without the complexity of Mindbody."
In recent years, they've been running a super-aggressive campaign to attract users who are unhappy with Mindbody (if you own a studio, they've probably already called you trying to convince you to switch).
Its target audience: Boutique studios looking for a simpler, more modern solution. It’s particularly strong in ticketing for workshops, retreats, and events.
In early 2025, it was acquired by Club Essential Holdings. It is still too early to tell how this will affect the platform.
Keep in mind: Payment processing fees are 15–20% higher than Mindbody’s. This is no small matter and can significantly impact your profit margin. Additionally, following the acquisition, several reviews have reported a decline in technical support.
Acuity Scheduling: The Lightweight Alternative
Acuity has been part of Squarespace since 2019. And it takes a completely different approach from the other two: it doesn't aim to be a "full-featured management system," but rather an exceptional scheduling tool.
Its focus: Pure scheduling. Bookings and payments, done right. It’s very popular in the United States among independent instructors and small studios, especially if they already have a website on Squarespace.
If your website is on Squarespace, the integration with Acuity is seamless and works perfectly (because, well, they're from the same company).
Keep in mind: This isn't a full-fledged management system. It's just for bookings. If your studio grows significantly, you'll likely need to switch to something more robust at some point. But for getting started or for small studios, it's a godsend.
Detailed comparison of fitness studio booking management tools by feature
Now let's get down to business. I'm going to tell you how each one performs in the categories that really matter when you're running a studio.
1. Ease of use
This is important because you'll be spending time setting up and using this platform. If it's a constant headache, it doesn't matter how many features it has.
Mindbody:
It has a steep learning curve. It takes time and patience to master it.
The interface is robust, with tons of options. It can be overwhelming at first (and in the second month too, let's be honest).
It includes dedicated support for initial setup, but only on the higher-tier plans.
In short: powerful but complex. You'll need to spend time learning it or have someone on your team who can handle it.
Momence:
Moderate learning curve. Definitely more intuitive than Mindbody.
A clean, modern interface that's easy to navigate.
The onboarding process is less structured than Mindbody's. Some users say it's more of a DIY experience.
In short: a good balance between functionality and usability.
Acuity Scheduling:
Low learning curve. It is the easiest of the three to set up.
A minimalist, straightforward interface.
Clear documentation and video tutorials. Very self-service (in a good way).
In short: you can be up and running in hours, not days.
My take: If you value absolute simplicity, Acuity is the way to go. If you need a balance between features and ease of use, go with Momence. And if you’re willing to invest time in learning a robust platform, Mindbody gives you more tools.
2. Booking Features
This is where it gets interesting, because ultimately, what you need is for your students to be able to book easily and for you to be able to manage everything without going crazy.
Group classes:
All three handle recursive classes well. But there are differences:
Mindbody is the most comprehensive. It offers waitlists, a "pick-a-spot" feature that lets people choose their seat in the room, and handles complex workshop series (such as 200-hour teacher training programs).
Momence is solid here as well. It has waitlists and handles workshop series well. It doesn't have a "pick-a-spot" system, but for most studios, that's not a deal-breaker.
Acuity works, but it's more basic. The waitlists are limited, and for complex workshop series, you'd have to use some workarounds.
If you manage multiple classes at the same time with waiting lists and need very granular control, Mindbody or Momence are better options. Acuity works well if your setup is simpler.
One-on-one appointments (private sessions):
All three handle private appointments with ease. In fact, Acuity is particularly strong in this area because it started out as a scheduling tool for individual services.
Online/hybrid classes:
There are some important differences here:
Mindbody requires the "Virtual Wellness Platform" add-on (additional cost of about $50/month). It includes live streaming and on-demand video.
Momence includes Zoom integration in its basic plan. You can also record classes automatically.
Acuity has basic integration with Zoom. It works, but it's not very advanced.
If you teach a lot of online classes, Momence includes this at no extra cost (a plus). If you need a full-featured video platform with on-demand capabilities and the full suite of features, Mindbody—with its add-on—is more robust.
Comparison of booking features:
| Functionality | Mindbody | Momence | Acuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring classes | ⏺ Complete | ⏺ Solid | ⏺ Basic |
| Waitlists | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Limited |
| Pick-a-spot (choose a seat in the room) | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ No | ⏺ No |
| Workshop series (e.g., 200-hour training program) | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Workaround |
| Class capacity | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ Yes |
3. Payments and Processing
This is one of the most important yet least discussed topics. Processing fees can make a huge difference in your profit margin.
Processing fees (the hidden cost):
Mindbody: Approximately 2.6% + €0.10 per transaction. Competitive with industry standards.
Momence: Here’s the important part: their fees are 50% higher than Mindbody’s. They charge 3.9% + €0.30 per online transaction. That might not seem like much, but if you process €10,000 a month, we’re talking about an extra €130 a month just in fees.
Acuity: Uses external payment processors (Stripe, Square, PayPal). The fees are the standard rates for each processor (Stripe and Square charge 2.9% + €0.30). You choose which one to use.
Payment options you can offer your students:
All three offer class passes, memberships, and subscriptions. But there are differences:
Mindbody offers the most comprehensive range of features: vouchers, memberships, subscriptions, physical products (if you sell clothing or accessories at your studio), and gift cards.
Momence offers gift cards, memberships, and tickets for events and workshops. It isn't quite set up for retail sales of physical products.
Acuity handles session packages, subscriptions, deposits, prepaid payments, and gift cards. It is not designed for complex retail operations.
Let's look at the actual numbers:
Imagine you process €6,000 in reservations each month (a small-to-medium-sized studio):
Mindbody: €129/month (Starter plan) + €156 in fees (2.6%) = €285 total per month
Momence: €199/month + €234 in fees (3.9%) = €433 total per month
Acuity: €34/month (Growing plan) + €174 in fees (2.9%) = €208 total per month
The difference between Acuity and Momence is more than €225 per month. Over the course of a year, that’s an extra €2,700 that you could be investing in marketing, upgrading your practice, or simply setting aside as profit.
Acuity is more cost-effective if your volume isn't huge. Mindbody offers more payment options if you sell a variety of items (classes + products + memberships). And with Momence... you need to crunch the numbers carefully before deciding, because the higher fees could eat into your profit margin.
4. Marketing and Customer Acquisition
This is where Mindbody has an advantage that the other two simply can't match.
The Mindbody consumer app.
Mindbody has a consumer app with millions of users who are actively searching for yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes in their area. No one else offers this.
What does this mean for you?
When someone opens the Mindbody app and searches for "yoga in Madrid" or "Pilates in Barcelona," your studio can appear in those results. That's organic discovery of new clients.
According to data from Mindbody, this can cover up to 100% of the subscription cost—just from new clients who discover you through the app.
Momence and Acuity don't offer this. All the traffic you receive must come from your own marketing efforts (Instagram, Google, word of mouth, etc.).
Email marketing tools:
Mindbody: Includes automations, advanced segmentation, and integrated campaigns—all within the platform.
Momence: Basic email included. Limited automations.
Acuity: Does not include email marketing. You'll need to integrate with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or another external platform.
My take: If you're just starting out and need help landing your first clients, the Mindbody marketplace is incredibly valuable. It can make the difference between getting off to a quick start and taking months to fill your classes.
If you already have an audience and traffic (an active Instagram account, a strong local community, etc.), then Momence or Acuity can work perfectly well because you don't rely as much on organic discovery.
5. Instructor and Staff Management
Mindbody is the most comprehensive option here:
Integrated payroll management.
Staff profiles with highly granular permissions.
Automatic commission tracking.
Class substitution system.
If you have multiple instructors and need to manage payroll, Mindbody handles it all in one place.
Momence:
Instructor profiles with individual schedules.
Substitution system (which users really appreciate).
But it doesn't have an integrated payroll system; you'd have to set that up separately.
Acuity:
Calendars can be created by instructor.
Basic permissions (admin vs. contributor).
It works well for small teams, but if you have a lot of instructors, it falls short.
My take: If you have more than five instructors, Mindbody will make your life easier. For small teams or if you're working alone, Acuity is more than enough.
6. Reports and Analytics
If you make data-driven decisions, this matters to you.
Mindbody:
Robust dashboards with real-time metrics.
Customizable reports (sales, retention, most popular classes, etc.).
You can export to Excel/CSV whenever you want.
You can integrate with BI tools if you want to take it a step further.
Momence:
Basic reports included.
Some important reports require manual download (rather than real-time viewing).
Fewer customization options.
Acuity:
Very limited analytics.
Basically: who made the reservation, when, and how much they paid.
For more in-depth analysis, you'll need to integrate Google Analytics or export data.
My take: If you want data to optimize your business (which classes are most popular, when cancellations occur, retention rates, etc.), Mindbody is the only robust option. The other two offer just the basics.
Actual prices (including fees)
Here's what you'll actually be paying each month. Because the subscription price is only part of the story.
Mindbody
Main plans:
Starter: €129/month
Accelerate: €199/month
Ultimate: €399/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Processing fees: ~2.6% + €0.10 per transaction
Please note:
If you want the video platform (Virtual Wellness Platform), it's €50+ per month
If you want a branded app for your studio, starting at €100/month
Advanced marketing automation features are included in higher-tier plans
Momence
Pricing:
Starting at €199/month (base price, full plan)
Basic plan starting at €79/month (no staff, no reports, no retail)
"Flexible" pricing based on studio size
Some users report prices of €350–450 per month with add-ons
Processing fees: Here’s the key point: 50% higher than Mindbody
This means that you'll pay a processing fee of 3.9% + €0.30 per transaction instead of Mindbody's 2.6%.
What's included:
Scheduling
Payments
Basic Email
Integration with Zoom
Event ticketing
Acuity Scheduling
Plans:
Emerging: €20/month (€16/month with an annual plan) — 1 calendar
Growing: €34/month (€27/month with an annual plan) — up to 6 calendars
Powerhouse: €61/month (€49/month with an annual plan) — up to 36 calendars
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Processing fees: Uses external payment processors (Stripe, PayPal). The fees are the standard rates charged by each processor (for example, for Stripe—the most widely used—the fee is 1.5% + €0.25 for standard cards issued in the European Economic Area, according to the information on their website at the time of writing this article).
What's included:
Unlimited scheduling
Payments
Automatic reminders via email and SMS
Brand Customization
Basic integrations
Let's do the math
I'm going to give you two scenarios so you can see what the total cost (subscription + fees) comes out to:
Small studio: 80 classes/month, €6,000 in monthly revenue
| Platform | Subscription | Payment fees | Total/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindbody Starter | 129€ | €156 (2.6%) | 285€ |
| Momence | 199€ | €234 (3.9%) | 433€ |
| Acuity Growing | 34€ | €174 (2.9%) | 208€ |
Average studio: 200 classes per month, €15,000 in monthly revenue
| Platform | Subscription | Payment fees | Total/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindbody Accelerate | 199€ | €390 (2.6%) | 589€ |
| Momence | ~250€ | €585 (3.9%) | 835€ |
| Acuity Powerhouse | 61€ | €435 (2.9%) | 496€ |
What does this mean?
Acuity is consistently the most affordable.
When you add it all up, Momence ends up being the most expensive.
Mindbody is in the middle of the pack, but its app marketplace and additional features may make up for the extra cost.
Use Cases: Which platform should you choose based on your fitness studio's needs?
When to Choose Mindbody
You have multiple locations (or plan to have them)
More than 5 instructors on your team
Do you sell physical products in addition to classes (clothing, accessories, etc.)?
You need the marketplace app to find new customers
You have administrative staff who can handle the learning curve
Your budget is between €300 and €600 per month
Your profile: An established or rapidly expanding firm. You need an enterprise-level solution and are willing to invest time (and money) in learning the system.
Real-life example: You run a yoga studio with 3 locations and 12 instructors; you offer teacher training, regular classes, and sell clothing and accessories at the front desk. You need automated payroll and detailed reports to make informed decisions.
When to choose Momence
You have a medium-sized studio (1–2 locations, 2–5 instructors)
Do you regularly offer workshops, retreats, or special events?
You need hybrid classes (online + in-person) at no extra cost
Are you looking for something simpler than Mindbody but more robust than Acuity?
Your budget is €350–500 per month
Important: Be sure to crunch the numbers when it comes to processing fees. At 3.9% per transaction (compared to 2.6% for Mindbody or 2.9% for Acuity), if you have a high transaction volume, those fees can significantly eat into your profit margin.
Your profile: A boutique studio looking for a modern, simple solution. You’re willing to do without some of Mindbody’s enterprise features.
Real-life example: A Pilates studio with one location and three instructors. You organize quarterly retreats and offer hybrid classes. You do not sell physical products.
When to choose Acuity
Are you a freelance instructor or do you run a very small studio (1–3 instructors maximum)?
Your website is (or will be) on Squarespace
Limited budget (a total of €200–300 per month is your maximum)
All you need is scheduling and basic payment processing
You don't need a marketplace app (you already have a way to attract customers)
You don't sell physical products
Consider switching when:
Reach 5+ instructors
Do you need advanced reports to make business decisions?
You want a marketplace for new customers
Start offering physical products in addition to classes
Your profile: A freelance instructor or small studio that prioritizes simplicity, affordability, and independence.
Real-life example: A yoga instructor who teaches classes at her own studio and in clients’ homes. Website built on Squarespace. 90% of her clients come from referrals and Instagram. You don’t need enterprise-level features.
Summary table comparing Mindbody, Momence, and Acuity:
| Mindbody | Momence | Acuity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base price | €129/month | €199/month | €20–61/month |
| Processing fees | 2.6% | 3.9% + fees | 2.9% |
| Ease of use | Complex | Media | Easy |
| Marketplace app | ⏺ Yes | ⏺ No | ⏺ No |
| Online classes | +€50/month | ⏺ Included | Basic |
| Waiting lists | ⏺ | ⏺ | ⏺ Limited |
| Reports | ⏺ Advanced | Basics | Limited |
| Payroll | ⏺ | ⏺ | ⏺ |
| Retail | ⏺ | ⏺ Limited | ⏺ |
| Best for | Multi-location | Midfielders | Kids |
| Cost per month * | ~285€ | ~433€ | ~208€ |
* Estimated cost for a small firm with €6,000/month in revenue (subscription fees + commissions)
My final recommendation
After all that, which one is better?
The honest answer: it depends on where you are now and where you want to go. There’s no “absolute best”—just the best option for your specific situation.
Whether you're just starting out or are a freelance instructor:
Start with Acuity. It’s perfect for testing the waters without breaking the bank. If you grow and need more features later on, you can switch platforms. But to get started, that’s all you need.
If you have a small to medium-sized studio (1–2 locations, 2–5 instructors):
Here, the choice is between Momence and Mindbody.
Consider Momence if you prioritize simplicity and offer workshops or retreats on a regular basis. But make sure you crunch the numbers carefully when it comes to processing fees—they can be a deal-breaker.
Mindbody is a good choice if you want customers from the app marketplace and plan to grow aggressively. The marketplace can more than offset the extra cost.
If you have an established studio (3 or more locations, 5 or more instructors):
Mindbody is the only one that scales to an enterprise level. The learning curve is worth it at that level.
Helpful tip:
Take advantage of the free trials. All three offer trials (Acuity for 7 days, Mindbody and Momence for 14–30 days).
Don't make your decision based solely on descriptions or reviews on a website or from an AI. Try them out:
Set up 3–4 actual classes in your schedule.
Make a test reservation as if you were your own student.
Try canceling and rescheduling.
Take a look at what the confirmation email sent to the student looks like.
Try generating a basic report.
Set up a discounted class package.
Need help with your website?
If you've already decided which booking system to use (or if you already have one), the next step is to integrate it into your website in a way that looks professional and allows your students to book easily from their phones.
If you're interested, you can learn more about our web design service for fitness studios here.
![How to Sell Online Courses with Squarespace [Updated for 2024]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6788d438405dc03eabea6c99/1737020477911-65DRZUM6E66MDXLHVRT9/cursos-Squarespace.jpg)
