F45 Training vs Planet Fitness: 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
PF

Planet Fitness

Fitness & Health
$1.5M – $4.9M
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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 ($4.2M less) vs Planet Fitness.
Fee Burden
Both have the same royalty rate.
Unit Count
Planet Fitness wins on total units (800 more) vs F45 Training.
Satisfaction
Planet Fitness wins on franchisee satisfaction vs F45 Training.

Investment & Fees

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Min Investment $300K $1.5M
Max Investment $700K $4.9M
Franchise Fee $50K $20K
Royalty Rate 7.0% 7.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 7.0%

Unit Economics

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Avg Unit Revenue $550K $2.5M
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Total Units 1,700 2,500
Annual Growth 3.0% 6.0%
Failure Rate 7.0% 1.0%

Franchisee Performance

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Franchisee Satisfaction 60/100 82/100

Track Record

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Years in Business 11 32
Years Franchising 8 22

Financial Requirements

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Min Net Worth Required $500K $3.0M
Liquid Capital Required $200K $1.5M

Operations

Metric F45 Training Planet Fitness
Avg Employees 8 20
Training Weeks 2 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is F45 Training or Planet 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. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 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 Planet Fitness franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

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

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

Which has more locations — F45 Training or Planet Fitness?

F45 Training has 1,700 total units. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is F45 Training or Planet Fitness semi-absentee friendly?

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