F45 Training vs Orangetheory Fitness: Which Is the Better Investment?

Based on FranchiseStack.ai's analysis of 188+ franchise FDD filings — side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Updated 2026.

Fitness & Health Real Data Not Investment Advice
FT

F45 Training

Fitness & Health
$300K – $700K
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VS
OF

Orangetheory Fitness

Fitness & Health
$560K – $1.6M
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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 ($898K less) vs Orangetheory Fitness.
Fee Burden
F45 Training wins on royalty rate (1.0% lower) vs Orangetheory Fitness.
Unit Count
F45 Training wins on total units (200 more) vs Orangetheory Fitness.
Satisfaction
Orangetheory Fitness wins on franchisee satisfaction vs F45 Training.

Detailed Analysis: F45 Training vs Orangetheory Fitness

According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, F45 Training and Orangetheory Fitness are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Fitness & Health sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. F45 Training has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.

From a capital perspective, F45 Training has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. F45 Training charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.

Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Orangetheory Fitness leads with a 76/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.

Investment & Fees

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Min Investment $300K $560K
Max Investment $700K $1.6M
Franchise Fee $50K $60K
Royalty Rate 7.0% 8.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 2.0%

Unit Economics

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Avg Unit Revenue $550K $1.3M
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Total Units 1,700 1,500
Annual Growth 3.0% 3.5%
Failure Rate 7.0% 2.5%

Franchisee Performance

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Franchisee Satisfaction 60/100 76/100

Track Record

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Years in Business 11 14
Years Franchising 8 12

Financial Requirements

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Min Net Worth Required $500K $1.0M
Liquid Capital Required $200K $500K

Operations

Metric F45 Training Orangetheory Fitness
Avg Employees 8 12
Training Weeks 2 4

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is F45 Training or Orangetheory Fitness 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. Orangetheory Fitness has 1,500 total units and a 76/100 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 Orangetheory Fitness franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Orangetheory Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $560K – $1.6M. The franchise fee is $60K, with ongoing royalties of 8.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for F45 Training vs Orangetheory Fitness?

F45 Training's royalty rate is 7.0%. Orangetheory Fitness's royalty rate is 8.0%. That means F45 Training has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — F45 Training or Orangetheory Fitness?

F45 Training has 1,700 total units. Orangetheory Fitness has 1,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is F45 Training or Orangetheory Fitness semi-absentee friendly?

F45 Training is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Orangetheory Fitness 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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