Quick Answer — FranchiseStack.ai FDD Analysis
Planet Fitness requires $1.5M–$4.9M with a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score and targets the $10/mo mass-market gym segment. F45 Training requires $300K–$500K and targets premium boutique fitness with 45-minute coached sessions. Planet Fitness averages $2.5M per location; F45 averages ~$500K. Two completely different investment tiers and business models — not direct competitors.
Planet Fitness
🏢 Franchise: $1.5M–$4.9M
💰 AUV: ~$2.5M per location
📍 2,500+ locations
⭐ 82/100 franchisee satisfaction
F45 Training
🏢 Franchise: $300K–$500K
💰 AUV: ~$500K per location
📍 1,700+ locations globally
⭐ Premium boutique model
Data from FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database. Different investment tiers — Planet Fitness is a major-capital gym; F45 is boutique fitness. See the full comparison below.
At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1% | 7% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +6%/yr | +3%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 14.0% | 9.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Planet Fitness vs F45 Training
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Planet Fitness and F45 Training 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. Planet Fitness 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. Planet Fitness leads with a 82/100 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.
Planet Fitness vs F45: Gym Business Models Compared (2026)
These are fundamentally different investment tiers and business models, not direct head-to-head competitors. Planet Fitness is a mass-market gym chain; F45 is a boutique fitness studio. Comparing them is useful for franchise investors deciding which fitness segment to enter.
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Investment | $1.5M–$4.9M | $300K–$500K |
| Average Unit Revenue | ~$2.5M per location | ~$500K per location |
| Royalty Rate | 7% | 8% |
| Total Locations | 2,500+ | 1,700+ globally |
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | Not publicly disclosed |
| Target Member | Mass market, $10/mo | Premium, $20–$35/session |
| Operating Model | Open gym, minimal staffing | Coached 45-min group sessions |
Investment Reality Check
Planet Fitness's $1.5M–$4.9M entry range reflects real estate-heavy buildouts: 20,000–25,000 sq ft locations with significant construction costs. F45 studios run 1,500–2,500 sq ft in boutique retail locations — a fraction of the real estate footprint. At $500K franchise investment vs $2.5M+ for Planet Fitness, F45 is accessible to a much broader pool of franchise investors.
The revenue gap is proportionally large: Planet Fitness at $2.5M AUV vs F45 at ~$500K AUV means Planet Fitness generates 5× more revenue per location — but requires 5× the capital to open. Franchise ROI percentage may be comparable; the deciding factor is your capital base and risk tolerance.
Which Is the Better Investment?
Planet Fitness is better if: You have $2M+ in liquid capital to deploy, you're entering an underserved mass-market gym market, and you want the brand recognition of the largest gym franchise by unit count. The 82/100 franchisee satisfaction is the highest in this comparison and a meaningful quality signal.
F45 is better if: You want boutique fitness at $300K–$500K entry, you're comfortable with higher per-session pricing and revenue-per-location that reflects the boutique model, and you want the faster-growing franchise (F45's global expansion outpaces Planet Fitness's mature domestic footprint).
Run both scenarios through our ROI Calculator with your target market assumptions. See the full fitness franchise category at Best Fitness Franchises 2026.
Fitness Franchise Cluster
Compare the full fitness cluster: Anytime Fitness vs WellBiz Brands, F45 vs Anytime Fitness, and HOTWORX vs Anytime Fitness to understand the full fitness franchise landscape.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $300K |
| Max Investment | $4.9M | $700K |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 7.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.5M | $550K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 2,500 | 1,700 |
| Annual Growth | 6.0% | 3.0% |
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | 7.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | 60/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 11 |
| Years Franchising | 22 | 8 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $3.0M | $500K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $1.5M | $200K |
Operations
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 20 | 8 |
| Training Weeks | 4 | 2 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Planet Fitness | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | 7.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | 6.0% | 3.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 150 | 150 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness or F45 the better franchise investment in 2026?
Planet Fitness ($1.5M–$4.9M) and F45 ($300K–$500K) are different investment tiers, not direct competitors. Planet Fitness franchisees average $2.5M per location with 82/100 satisfaction; F45 franchisees average ~$500K per location. Planet Fitness requires major capital and larger real estate; F45 fits a boutique model with a much lower entry point. The better investment depends entirely on your capital base and risk tolerance.
How much does a Planet Fitness franchise cost in 2026?
Planet Fitness requires a total initial investment of approximately $1,500,000–$4,900,000 in 2026. The significant range reflects build-out costs for 20,000–25,000 sq ft gym locations, equipment, furniture, and working capital. Franchise fee is approximately $35,000–$50,000. The 7% ongoing royalty on gross revenue is standard for large-format fitness franchising. Planet Fitness has 2,500+ locations — verify territory availability before committing. The 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score is one of the highest in fitness franchising.
How much does an F45 franchise cost in 2026?
F45 Training requires a total initial investment of approximately $300,000–$500,000, making it one of the more accessible boutique fitness franchises. The franchise fee is approximately $35,000. F45 royalties run at 8% of gross revenue — slightly higher than Planet Fitness (7%) but the lower capital requirement means a faster payback period. F45 has 1,700+ locations globally and operates in 20+ countries. The 45-minute coached group session model requires reliable fitness coaches — staffing quality directly impacts revenue.
Planet Fitness vs F45: which has more locations?
Planet Fitness has significantly more locations — 2,500+ globally — making it the second-largest gym franchise by unit count (after Anytime Fitness). F45 has 1,700+ locations globally. Planet Fitness has been franchising for 32 years; F45 started franchising in 2014. More locations for Planet Fitness means stronger consumer brand recognition but also more saturated territory. F45 is still in an active growth phase with more white-space territory available in many U.S. markets.
Can you run a Planet Fitness franchise semi-absentee?
Planet Fitness franchises typically require owner-operator or semi-absentee models with a dedicated manager on-site. The 24/7 open-gym model means continuous member access and requires monitoring systems, cleanliness standards, and equipment maintenance. While some owners run multiple units with managers, the fitness facility operations require regular attention. The 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score suggests franchisees find the operational demands manageable but not purely passive.
Related Comparisons
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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