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5 Best POS Systems For Gyms

Gym POS systems typically include features like membership management, recurring billing, and online appointment booking for personal training sessions.

    Kymberlin Bush
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Shannon Vissers
  • REVIEWED BY

    Shannon Vissers

    Lead Staff Writer

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

We’ve reviewed some of the best POS systems for small businesses to find the top POS systems for gyms.

The best POS for gyms will have features that allow you to manage gym memberships, take basic and recurring subscription payments, book sessions with a trainer or a spot in a class, and promote your business with affordable (or even free!) marketing services like email, SMS, and your own branded website.

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CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Square POS

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  • Best free gym management software
  • $0+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.5-2.6% + $0.10
  • Best free gym management software
  • $0+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.5-2.6% + $0.10

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Vagaro

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  • Best for large fitness clubs
  • $25+/month
  • Flat-rate processing starting at 2.2% + $0.19
  • Best for large fitness clubs
  • $25+/month
  • Flat-rate processing starting at 2.2% + $0.19

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Clover POS

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  • Best for small gyms
  • $0+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.3-2.6% + $0.10
  • Best for small gyms
  • $0+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.3-2.6% + $0.10

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Lightspeed Retail

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  • Best for gyms that sell merch
  • $89+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10
  • Best for gyms that sell merch
  • $89+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.6% + $0.10

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Shopify POS

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  • Best for customizable gym websites
  • $29+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.4-2.7%
  • Best for customizable gym websites
  • $29+/month
  • Flat-rate processing at 2.4-2.7%

Visit Site

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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

5 Best Gym Management Software Systems

These top-rated gym POS systems offer affordable pricing, transparent processing, and gym management features like subscription billing. While they all share common features and meet the needs of most gyms, some are better for more niche situations:

How The Best POS Software For Gyms Compare

Membership Management Team Management Class Scheduling Free Website Live Stream Features
Square
Vagaro
Clover App Integration
Lightspeed Retail App Integration App Integration
Shopify App Integration

Square POS: Best Free POS

Total Rating 4.9
Pricing4.9

Ease Of Use5.0

Features4.8

Customer Service4.7

User Reviews4.8

Pricing Range

$0/month

Contract

None

Equipment Cost

$49-$799

Get a free card swiper from Square at no cost when you create a free account. Claim your card reader.

Pros

  • Free POS app
  • Free online store
  • No long-term contract
  • Recurring billing & appointment functionality

Cons

  • Fund holds & account freezes

square appointments pos hardware

Why We Chose Square For The Best Free POS Software For Gyms

Square is the most comprehensive free POS system for gyms. The mobile POS app even includes a free card reader, free recurring subscription billing, a free website, and free online appointment booking (for one staff).

Without integrations, the free versions of Square (Square POS and Square Appointments) are somewhat basic, but for small fitness studios and independent personal trainers, this may be all you need.

Square Pricing

Square POS is free for the original Square Point of Sale App, and Square Appointments for a single calendar (e.g., a personal trainer) are also free. It’s also free to send recurring invoices through Square Invoices, which works with either version of the app.

Note: Square Point of Sale and Square Appointments are separate POS systems, and you’ll need to decide which one you will use. 

Paid Add-Ons

Square Features

Square POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards Add-on
Customer Loyalty Add-on
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management With Square for Restaurants
Delivery Management Add on
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Square includes the following features for gym management:

  • Manage online bookings with Square Appointments
  • Process recurring subscription payments with Square Invoices
  • Integrates with membership apps like Gymdesk, Here, & Billforward
  • Integrates with booking apps like Acuity, Appointy, Booxi, & GoDaddy Appointments
  • Add-ons for marketing, loyalty, gift cards, team management, & more
  • Accept tips on any version of the app
  • Free website & online store (Square Online)
  • Accept BNPL payments online or at your POS with built-in Afterpay integration
  • Mobile POS app works on smartphone, tablet, or proprietary hardware setup

Square Hardware Costs

Square accounts include one free swipe card reader. You can also purchase Bluetooth readers, tablet stands, and proprietary tablet setups through Square. For example, a Square Register, which comes with a POS screen, built-in payment reader, and customer-facing screen, is $799.

Square Payment Processing

All Square accounts include in-house payment processing via Square Payments. The standard rate is 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments, though very high-volume businesses might qualify for a discount. Paid Square Appointments users also qualify for a discount; processing on these plans is 2.5% + $0.10.

If you accept online bookings for personal training sessions with Square Appointments, you can accept pre-payments through your website at a rate of 2.9% + $0.30; this same rate is charged for card-on-file recurring invoice payments (for club memberships, for example).

What To Watch Out For

Square accounts are month-to-month with no contract. One caveat is that Square accounts do not come with a dedicated merchant account—instead, Square uses an aggregated account processing model, which can sometimes result in issues like unexpected funding holds and account freezes.

Square Is Best For Businesses That:

  • Need free POS software for their gym
  • Want flat-rate payment processing
  • Aren’t already partial to a third-party payment processor

Get Started With Square POS

Read our in-depth review

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Vagaro: Best POS For Large Gyms

Vagaro


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Pros

  • All-in-one gym management software
  • Affordable plans with built-in payment processing
  • No contract required
  • Built-in booking & membership management

Cons

  • Most gym-specific add-ons come with a fee

Vagaro POS equipment setup
Why We Chose Vagaro For The Best POS Software For Large Fitness Clubs

Vagaro has the most extensive fitness club feature set on this list. Specifically, Vagaro offers features that include independent contractor management and fitness class bookings, making it ideal for large gyms that hire personal trainers and/or offer group classes.

Vagaro Pricing

Vagaro’s plans vary based on the number of bookable calendars that you need:

  • One location, one bookable calendar, starts at $25/month.
  • One location, two bookable calendars, starts at $35/month.
  • One location, three bookable calendars, starts at $45/month.
  • One location, four bookable calendars, starts at $55/month.
  • One location, five bookable calendars, starts at $65/month.
  • One location, six bookable calendars, starts at $75/month.
  • One location, 7+ bookable calendars, starts at $85/month.

Each plan can also include any of these paid add-ons:

  • Vagaro MySite: A custom booking page for your business. $20/month.
  • Vagaro Online Store: Sell merch and make other online sales for an additional $10/month.
  • Vagaro Email & Text Marketing: Text marketing can be used for planned text campaigns or be triggered automatically based on specific events. Starts at $20/month. Email marketing is free and you get access to existing templates or you can pay to brand your campaign.
  • Vagaro Check-In App: Allows clients to check themselves in for classes and events. $10/month.
  • Vagaro Live Stream: Can be used to stream classes & consultations. $10/month.
  • Vagaro Drive: Securely store your photos, files, and previous live streams for future reference. Starts at $10/month.
  • Vagaro Forms: Create intake forms, surveys, and legal waivers that can be sent to a customer or required at the time of booking. $10/month.
  • Vagaro Marketplace: Get noticed by new clients in your area by being featured on the Vagaro Marketplace. $10/month.
  • Vagaro Branded App: Your very own custom app designed by you and created by Vagaro that makes it easy for your clients to stay up-to-date with your business and book their next classes/pay their membership fees. $200/month.

Vagaro Features

Vagaro is complete gym management software that includes an extensive list of functions, some of which will cost you more per month:

  • Membership management with autopay and different subscription tiers
  • Online booking on Vagaro, Instagram, Facebook, & Apple Maps
  • Customizable calendar with waitlist & resource management
  • Automated notifications & appointment reminders
  • 1,000 free email marketing messages to send each month
  • Live stream fitness classes and virtual training sessions
  • Self check-in with branded customer check-in app or by scanning phone, smart watch, or membership card at front desk
  • Detailed health club client profiles
  • Automatic rent collection from personal trainers who work at your gym
  • Built-in free loyalty program 

Vagaro Hardware Costs

Vagaro offers dual-screen “Pay Desk” POS hardware bundles to choose from but does not list pricing on its website.  Vagaro also works with iOS and Android devices.

Note: The check-in app only works with iPads and Android tablets (not the Pay Desk), so you’ll also need to purchase a separate tablet for check-in if you use this add-on with Pay Desk hardware.

Vagaro Payment Processing

Vagaro includes in-house payment processing. Vagaro charges “large merchants” processing $4,000+ a month a rate of 2.2% + $0.19, though this rate comes with a $10/monthly fee. For small merchants processing less than $4,000, Vagaro charges a flat rate of 2.75%.

The large merchant plan rate is 3.0% + $0.19 “per keyed-in transaction and association fees”; on the small merchant plan, it’s 3.5% + $0.15 per keyed-in transaction.

What To Watch Out For

Vagaro says its pricing is month-to-month, but it does mention a $100 hardware discount on one-year merchant account agreements. Before signing up with Vagaro, make sure you understand if your contract is month-to-month or requires a longer-term commitment.

Vagaro Is Best For Businesses That:

  • Have independent contractors like personal trainers
  • Need booking features for group classes
  • Want a POS system designed and including paid add-ons just for the fitness industry

Get Started With Vagaro

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Clover POS: Best POS For Small Gyms

Total Rating 4.3
Pricing4.0

Ease Of Use4.8

Features4.5

Customer Service4.4

User Reviews4.1

Pricing Range

Starts at $0/month

Contract

Depends on merchant services provider

Equipment Cost

$49-$1,799 per device

Pros

  • Affordable plans
  • Attractive hardware options
  • Available through multiple merchant service providers
  • Flat-rate, interchange-plus, cash discount, & other processing models available

Cons

  • Long-term processing contract

clover mini
Why We Chose Clover For The Best POS System For Small Gyms

Clover's core functionality is easy-to-use and somewhat simple, but it's perfect for many small gyms who only need basic features. If you have needs that aren't met by Clover's built-in features, you have access to the Clover App Market that helps you expand and customize your POS software.

Clover Pricing

Clover software plans start at $0/month for basic payment processing (and hardly any other features), though most gym businesses will want the $49.95/month Register plan to receive the full set of Clover features. Clover does not include built-in scheduling features so if you need this functionality, you will need to purchase a paid app that integrates with Clover.

To process recurring payments without using an integrated subscription app, you can use the Clover Virtual Terminal, which is included with most Clover plans at no additional charge.

Clover Features

Clover POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments Depends on hardware choice
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering Depends on software plan
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance Add-on app
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Some features Clover offers that are beneficial to small gyms include:

  • Integrates with membership apps for subscription billing, including Loyalzoo & bLoyal
  • Built-in recurring billing option
  • Integrates with online fitness class booking apps such as Warrior Studio Management & Inspire by STX
  • Order management for your smoothie bar
  • Retail management to sell your branded gym merchandise
  • eCommerce integrations for your gym website
  • Employee management features to manage permissions & shifts
  • Easy built-in loyalty program

Clover Hardware Costs

Clover has multiple proprietary POS hardware options, including the Clover Go handheld card reader ($49), Clover Flex smart terminal ($599), the Clover Mini space-saving countertop POS ($799), and the full-sized Clover Station countertop POS ($1,699 or $1,799). You can also mix and match, for example, by adding a portable Flex to a Clover Station or Mini setup.

Clover Payment Processing Costs

Clover offers flat-rate processing ranging from 2.3-2-6% + $0.10, depending on what plan you’re on. You can alternatively purchase a Clover system from an outside merchant services provider (MSP) with a different payment processing setup, such as interchange-plus.

Recurring payments processed through the Clover Virtual Terminal are charged the keyed-in transaction rate of 3.5% + $0.10.

What To Watch Out For

Clover pricing is fairly straightforward, but processing contracts are at least 36 months, with an early termination fee should you decide to leave your contract early. If you buy your system from another source, that provider will have their own contracts, which could include different fees, terms, or even an expensive equipment lease.

Make sure you’re choosing the best Clover reseller, as some Clover vendors can be less than honest or reliable.

Clover Is Best For Businesses That:

  • Need an affordable monthly plan with plenty of built-in features
  • Want to try to get a better deal through a reseller
  • Are interested in alternative payment processing

Get Started With Clover POS

Read our in-depth review

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Lightspeed Retail: Best POS For Merch Sales

Lightspeed Retail

Total Rating 4.1
Pricing3.7

Ease Of Use4.4

Features4.3

Customer Service4.1

User Reviews4.0

Pricing Range

$109-$289/month ($89-$239/month billed annually)

Contract

Monthly, annual, and custom

Equipment Cost

$199-$329

Pros

  • Pay-as-you-go option
  • Advanced retail functionality
  • In-house eCommerce add-on
  • Built-in appointments & subscription billing

Cons

  • Not designed exclusively for the fitness industry
  • Requires annual contract for best price

lightspeed ipad register with customer display
Why We Chose Lightspeed Retail As The Best POS System For Gyms That Sell Merch

Lightspeed is one of our favorite iPad POS systems because of its ease of use and depth of features.

Though Lightspeed Retail isn't expressly designed for the service or fitness industries, Lightspeed excels in multichannel retail -- which makes the POS ideal for gyms that also sell merchandise, either in-store or on their website.

Lightspeed Retail Pricing

All Lightspeed plans come with one POS register software license. You’ll pay an extra $59/month/device to add on more registers.

Lightspeed Retail Features

Lightspeed Retail Features Availability
Multi-Store Support
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling Standard plan and up
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty Advanced plan
Marketing Tools Standard plan and up
Online Ordering Standard plan and up
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Lightspeed Retail gym management software includes the following features:

  • Built-in appointment booking through your online store
  • Scheduling and booking integrations, such as booxi
  • Built-in subscription plans, including the ability for customers to sign up for subscriptions online
  • Advanced retail functionality, including purchase ordering and inventory analytics
  • Built-in SEO tools for your integrated online store
  • Add-ons for loyalty, gift cards, accounting, eComm, and advanced reporting

Lightspeed also integrates with third-party loyalty apps such as Loyal2, which may have lower pricing than using Lightspeed’s built-in loyalty solution.

Lightspeed Retail Hardware Costs

Lightspeed Retail works with iPads or desktop computers. If you need to purchase hardware, you can reach out to Lightspeed for a personalized quote.

Note: Lightspeed Retail now requires all new qualified merchants in the US and Canada to use Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed’s payment processor.

If you currently use a card reader from a third-party payment processor, you can’t use it anymore. Since you can’t use any existing payment terminals (card readers) with Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed is currently running a free terminal replacement promotion for eligible merchants that includes two free Lightspeed POS terminals (card readers) per qualified merchant.

Eligible merchants include business owners that process a minimum of $100/day in credit card payments, as measured by a monthly average. Apple products are not included in this promotion, so you’ll still need to source an iPad to take sales.

Lightspeed Retail Payment Processing

Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed’s in-house payment processor, is required for all new and existing merchants using Lightspeed. The processor charges a flat-rate fee of 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments and 2.9% + $0.30 for online and card-not-present payments.

Note: If you are a current Lightspeed Retail user in the US or Canada and use a third-party payment processor, and you qualify for Lightspeed Payments, you must switch to Lightspeed Payments within 30 days of receiving an email notifying you about the switch.

Lightspeed will also buy out third-party payment processing contracts, paying off your early cancellation fees if you process a minimum of $25,000 in card sales and then submit documentation of your previous payment processing contract that states your early termination fee within six months of meeting this minimum processing amount.

It’s important to note that the “paying off” comes in the form of discounted payment processing fees, not a chunk of cash that goes towards your termination fees when you switch to Lightspeed Payments.

What To Watch Out For

Lightspeed offers monthly and annual plans. While you get a good discount on annual plans, you will have to pay an early termination fee if you cancel your Lightspeed plan early. With this in mind, consider signing up for a monthly plan, then switching to a long-term one once you’re sure Lightspeed Retail is right for your gym.

You must verify any Lightspeed hardware purchases within five business days of receiving them, or the equipment will not be covered under Lightspeed’s 30-day hardware warranty (14 days on Apple products).

Lightspeed Retail Is Best For Businesses That:

  • Prioritize selling merch/other retail online
  • Want a pay-as-you-go option with tons of features
  • Need an in-house eCommerce add-on

Get Started With Lightspeed Retail

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Shopify POS: Best POS For Customizable Gym Websites

Total Rating 4.3
Pricing4.0

Ease Of Use4.9

Features4.4

Customer Service4.8

User Reviews4.4

Pricing Range

Starts at $29/month

Contract

None

Equipment Cost

$0-$500+

Pros

  • Affordable, pay-as-you-go plans
  • Built-in website & blog
  • Membership & booking integrations
  • Multiple processing options

Cons

  • Can get expensive with add-ons
  • Lowest price requires annual billing

shopify pos hardware for gyms
Why We Chose Shopify For The Best POS System For Customizable Gym Websites

Customizable Shopify websites are ideal for gyms that sell services and merch online. However, Shopify makes it just as easy to sell in person with its integrated Shopify POS.

Though Shopify was originally designed for retail commerce and is not dedicated gym management software, its wide assortment of app integrations lets you customize your system for any industry, including fitness.

Shopify POS Pricing

Shopify plans start at $29/month for the Basic plan (paid annually, or $39/month paid monthly), which includes basic in-person selling features and a full-fledged Shopify website.

If you want advanced in-person selling features (which may or may not be necessary since these features are mostly geared toward retail stores), you can add Shopify POS Pro for another $79/month ($89/month if paid monthly). Pricing to add third-party apps for features such as memberships or online bookings varies, though there are some free apps available.

Shopify POS Features

Shopify POS Features Availability
Multi-Store Support Supports multiple inventory locations
Contactless Payments
Multi-Channel Selling
Gift Cards
Customer Loyalty
Marketing Tools
Online Ordering
Inventory Management
Reporting
Menu Management
Delivery Management
EBT Acceptance
Employee Management
Text Messaging

Shopify has the following gym management software features:

  • Multitude of gym website templates to choose from
  • Sell services & merchandise on your website & in person
  • Website has built-in blog for content marketing
  • Integrates with numerous booking apps, including Sesami, Appointly, Servicify, & many more
  • Integrates with membership & recurring billing software like Appstle, Simplee, Conjured, BOLD & others
  • Retail management features for gyms that sell merch
  • Mobile selling with Shopify Lite
  • Advanced employee management with Shopify POS Pro

Shopify POS Hardware Costs

Shopify works on most smartphones or tablets—all you need to start taking in-person payments is a $49 Shopify mobile card reader. Shopify also supports Tap to Pay on iPhone which allows you to accept contactless payments without any card reader.

Most gyms, however, will want to purchase a full countertop register setup for an iPad or Android tablet. On Shopify’s website you can purchase a basic POS hardware bundle that includes a tablet stand and connected payment reader for $219. You can also source your own POS hardware as long as it’s compatible.

Shopify POS Payment Processing

Shopify payment processing depends on what level plan you’re on. Rates range from 2.4-2.7% for in-person payments and from 2.4-2.9% + $0.30 for online payments. You can also integrate an outside payment processor to use with Shopify, but there will be an additional fee added to each transaction.

What To Watch Out For

Shopify is month-to-month with no contract. However, it’s important to know that like Square, Shopify uses an aggregated merchant account model (Shopify Payments is actually powered by online payment processor Stripe), which can equate to less account stability than you’d get with a traditional merchant account. Also, you will need to pay for a year’s service in advance in order to get the lowest price.

Shopify POS Is Best For Businesses That:

  • Prioritize eCommerce
  • Need an affordable, pay-as-you-go plan
  • Don’t mind annual billing to get the lowest rates

Get Started With Shopify POS

Read our in-depth review

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Retail POS Review Methodology

Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing POS providers since 2012. Our writers have tested over 100 different point of sale systems, evaluating pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and user reviewers. Read more about how we rate POS providers.

Weighted Rating Breakdown

Pricing 40%
Features 30%
Ease Of Use 15%
Customer Service 10%
User Reviews 5%

When comparing different POS software systems, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the depth of niche features offered, the price of hardware, and any associated payment processing fees. Our lists of the best providers include only apps we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points. The POS vendors we pick share qualities such as widespread availability, accessibility, user-friendliness, and reasonable pricing. We also look carefully at niche features, such as check-splitting, inventory management, eCommerce, loyalty programs, gift cards, and more.

We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the providers included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.

80+

Vendors evaluated

65+

Attributes assessed per vendor

20+

Features weighed

30+

Combined years of experience


Which Gym POS System Is Right For Your Business?

Any quality gym POS system should have certain capabilities, including membership management, recurring subscription billing, and online appointment bookings. Though some fitness POS systems require third-party app integrations to provide these functions, others include them as built-in features. Either type of POS setup can work, provided that your gym management software apps don’t exceed your monthly budget and that all of your software integrations work seamlessly together.

The bottom line is that the best gym management software for your business is the one that includes everything you need to provide the services your business sells while also fitting your budget. If your budget is tight, there are plenty of free pos systems that can help you grow while not breaking the bank.

POS Systems For Gyms FAQs

Is there free gym management software?

Yes, there is free gym management software. Square is free and will let you set up recurring payments for gym memberships as well as book online personal training appointments. Clover POS has a free plan too, but it’s mostly just for taking payments.

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Kymberlin Bush

Kymberlin Bush

Expert Contributor
Kymberlin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Pacific University in 2020 and resides in Portland, Oregon.
Kymberlin Bush
View Kymberlin Bush's professional experience on LinkedIn.