F45 Training vs Massage Envy: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Fitness & Health Real Data Not Investment Advice
FT

F45 Training

Fitness & Health
$300K – $700K
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VS
ME

Massage Envy

Fitness & Health
$575K – $1.1M
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
F45 Training wins on investment range ($430K less) vs Massage Envy.
Fee Burden
Massage Envy wins on royalty rate (1.0% lower) vs F45 Training.
Unit Count
F45 Training wins on total units (550 more) vs Massage Envy.
Satisfaction
Massage Envy wins on franchisee satisfaction vs F45 Training.

Investment & Fees

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Min Investment $300K $575K
Max Investment $700K $1.1M
Franchise Fee $50K $60K
Royalty Rate 7.0% 6.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 2.0%

Unit Economics

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Avg Unit Revenue $550K $1.2M
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Total Units 1,700 1,150
Annual Growth 3.0% -1.0%
Failure Rate 7.0% 4.0%

Franchisee Performance

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Franchisee Satisfaction 60/100 62/100

Track Record

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Years in Business 11 22
Years Franchising 8 21

Financial Requirements

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Min Net Worth Required $500K $500K
Liquid Capital Required $200K $200K

Operations

Metric F45 Training Massage Envy
Avg Employees 8 20
Training Weeks 2 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is F45 Training or Massage Envy a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. F45 Training has 1,700 total units and a 60/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Massage Envy has 1,150 total units and a 62/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a F45 Training franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a F45 Training franchise requires an initial investment of $300K – $700K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Massage Envy franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Massage Envy franchise requires an initial investment of $575K – $1.1M. The franchise fee is $60K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for F45 Training vs Massage Envy?

F45 Training's royalty rate is 7.0%. Massage Envy's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means Massage Envy has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — F45 Training or Massage Envy?

F45 Training has 1,700 total units. Massage Envy has 1,150 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is F45 Training or Massage Envy semi-absentee friendly?

F45 Training is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Massage Envy is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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