Mindbody vs Arketa (2025 Surprise Winner!)
Mindbody brings detailed client management to fitness studios, contrasting with Arketa’s minimalist approach, yet Exercise.com leads with comprehensive features.
When comparing Mindbody and Arketa, the key differences lie in their target audiences, feature sets, and scalability. Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform designed for fitness studios, gyms, and wellness businesses, offering tools for scheduling, payments, and client management. Arketa (formerly “Sutra“), on the other hand, caters primarily to online fitness professionals and digital-first businesses, with a strong focus on virtual class delivery and branding. For fitness businesses looking for a fully customizable, all-in-one solution, the best Mindbody alternative for fitness, Exercise.com, combines the best of both platforms and more.
| Feature | Mindbody | Arketa | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Fitness studios, gyms, wellness businesses | Online fitness professionals and virtual studios | Gyms, yoga, martial arts, personal training, online fitness |
| Scheduling | In-person and online classes, appointments | Primarily virtual classes | Advanced scheduling for in-person and virtual classes |
| Payment Processing | Integrated with Stripe | Integrated with Stripe | Fully integrated and customizable payment workflows |
| Customization | Limited branding options | Strong branding focus | Fully customizable |
| Scalability | Suited for boutique fitness and wellness | Best for digital-first businesses | Highly scalable for all business models |
| Virtual Training Features | Basic virtual tools | Strong focus on virtual classes and branding | Comprehensive virtual and in-person tools |
For those looking for a platform that seamlessly integrates scheduling, custom branding, workout delivery, and client management, Exercise.com is the clear winner.
Exercise.com is widely recognized as the best gym software, the best personal training software, and the best boutique fitness software, offering tools that empower fitness professionals to grow their businesses efficiently.
| Feature | Mindbody | Arketa | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Limited | Yes (custom-branded) |
| Custom Branded | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Payments | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workouts | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waivers | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Invoicing | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Assessments | No | No | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Marketing | Basic | Basic | Advanced |
| Automations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reports | Yes | Basic | Yes (customizable) |
Mindbody and Arketa cater to different markets, but their limitations in customization and scalability may leave some fitness businesses underserved. For an all-in-one platform that combines virtual and in-person tools, customization, and scalability, Exercise.com is the best gym management software for your fitness business. Schedule a demo today to see how Exercise.com can transform your operations and help you grow!
Mindbody Overview
Strengths
Mindbody is a comprehensive business management software widely used by fitness and wellness businesses. Its key features include:
- Scheduling: Manage in-person and online classes, appointments, and staff schedules.
- Payment Processing: Accept payments for memberships, services, and retail items via Stripe integration.
- Client Management: Track attendance, purchase history, and engagement.
- Marketing Tools: Automate reminders, promotions, and email campaigns.
Mindbody is a reliable option for boutique fitness studios, yoga studios, and wellness centers. However, it may fall short for businesses prioritizing robust virtual tools or deep customization.
Limitations
- High Costs: Monthly subscriptions range from $129 to $599+, with additional fees for premium features.
- Limited Customization: Branding and workflows cannot be fully tailored.
- Scalability Challenges: Multi-location businesses may find the platform restrictive.
For a more customizable and scalable solution, the best gym management software is a stronger choice.
Read More:
- Best Mindbody Alternative
- Best Mindbody Alternatives for Fitness
- How to Use Mindbody
- Mindbody Pricing
- How to Cancel Mindbody
Arketa Overview
Strengths
Arketa is a digital-first platform designed for fitness professionals offering virtual services. Its standout features include:
- Virtual Class Delivery: Streamlined tools for hosting and managing online classes.
- Branded Experiences: Strong emphasis on creating cohesive branding for businesses.
- Simple Client Engagement: Tools for client interaction and engagement, optimized for online use.
Arketa is ideal for fitness entrepreneurs focusing on virtual classes and branding.
Limitations
- Limited In-Person Features: Best suited for online-first businesses, with fewer tools for managing in-person operations.
- Scalability Issues: Limited support for large, multi-location gyms.
- Niche Focus: Primarily caters to small online fitness brands, limiting its broader utility.
Key Differences Between Mindbody and Arketa
Target Market
Mindbody is designed for traditional fitness and wellness businesses, including gyms and boutique studios. Arketa focuses on online fitness professionals, offering tools for virtual classes and digital branding.
Features
Mindbody provides broader tools for in-person and online operations, while Arketa excels in delivering virtual fitness services. Both platforms integrate with Stripe for payment processing, but neither offers the full range of customization that Exercise.com provides.
Pricing
Mindbodyās pricing starts at $129 per month and can exceed $599 for advanced plans. Arketa offers more affordable plans but is limited in scope. Exercise.com delivers a cost-effective solution with transparent pricing and more comprehensive features.
Why Exercise.com Is the Best Alternative to Mindbody and Arketa
Exercise.com stands out as the best Mindbody alternative for fitness because it combines the best features of both platforms while addressing their limitations.
Comprehensive Features
Exercise.com provides tools for managing both in-person and virtual fitness operations:
- Scheduling: Advanced tools for in-person classes, virtual sessions, and resource management.
- Payment Processing: Fully integrated with Stripe, offering customizable workflows.
- Client Engagement: Automate reminders, personalized messaging, and performance tracking.
- Virtual and Hybrid Training: Host virtual classes and offer hybrid membership options seamlessly.
Full Customization
Unlike Mindbody and Arketa, Exercise.com allows full customization:
- Branded Apps: Deliver a seamless, branded experience for your clients.
- Custom Workflows: Tailor the platform to fit your unique business needs.
- Scalability: Grow your platform as your business expands, whether online or in-person.
Transparent Pricing
Exercise.com offers competitive and transparent pricing, eliminating hidden fees and providing excellent value for fitness businesses of all sizes.
Mindbody vs Arketa: Which Platform Is Best for Your Fitness Business?
When comparing Mindbody vs Arketa, it’s essential to understand the strengths and limitations of both platforms and how they align with your business goals. Mindbody has long been a popular choice for boutique fitness studios and wellness centers, offering comprehensive management tools for scheduling, payments, and marketing. Arketa, on the other hand, is a newer player in the fitness tech industry, focusing on helping creators, coaches, and small fitness businesses scale their online offerings. While both platforms offer valuable features, neither can match the flexibility and robust capabilities of Exercise.com, which provides the ultimate all-in-one solution for gyms, studios, and personal trainers.
When comparing Arketa vs Mindbody, it’s evident that both platforms have their unique strengths. Mindbody provides a more traditional approach to gym and studio management, focusing on in-person operations. Arketa, meanwhile, excels in supporting online fitness professionals but lacks comprehensive tools for managing in-person or hybrid fitness models. Neither platform, however, offers the all-in-one flexibility needed to scale a fitness business effectively.
Exercise.com is the ultimate solution for fitness businesses of all types. Unlike its competitors, it offers custom-branded mobile apps, workout delivery tools, and detailed performance tracking, making it an ideal choice for gyms, boutique studios, and personal trainers. Its advanced marketing features, automation capabilities, and robust reporting tools ensure that fitness businesses can streamline operations and enhance client experiences.
Ultimately, when comparing Mindbody vs Arketa (or Arketa vs Mindbody), Exercise.com rises to the top as the most comprehensive and versatile platform, empowering fitness professionals to achieve their goals and grow their businesses seamlessly.
