At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $575K |
| Max Investment | $4.9M | $1.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $60K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 7.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.5M | $1.2M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 2,500 | 1,150 |
| Annual Growth | 6.0% | -1.0% |
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | 4.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | 62/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 22 |
| Years Franchising | 22 | 21 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $3.0M | $500K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $1.5M | $200K |
Operations
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Massage Envy |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 20 | 20 |
| Training Weeks | 4 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness or Massage Envy a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 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 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.
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 Planet Fitness vs Massage Envy?
Planet Fitness'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 — Planet Fitness or Massage Envy?
Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. Massage Envy has 1,150 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Planet Fitness or Massage Envy semi-absentee friendly?
Planet Fitness 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.
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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