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Software · head to head

Future vs Zen Planner

Future logo

Future

Software

Your personal trainer in your pocket

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zen Planner logo

Zen Planner

Software

Member management for fitness businesses

From
$99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Future high monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs; Zen Planner limited staff app features compared to desktop version
  • They diverge on capability: Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Zen Planner covers Member management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Future and Zen Planner actually diverge.

Attributes where Future and Zen Planner differ
AttributeFutureZen Planner
Starting price$199/month$99/month
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20172006

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Future

  • Dedicated personal trainer
  • Custom workout plans
  • Real-time accountability
  • Weekly plan adjustments
  • Trainer messaging
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Health
  • Apple-watch support

Only in Zen Planner

  • Member management
  • Automated billing
  • Class scheduling
  • Workout tracking
  • Marketing tools
  • Stripe
  • Mailchimp
  • SugarWOD

Both cover

  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Future

  • Workout tracking
  • Nutrition management
  • Health monitoring
  • Fitness coaching
  • Wellness improvement

Zen Planner

  • Workout tracking
  • Nutrition management
  • Health monitoring
  • Fitness coaching
  • Wellness improvement

Both are used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching, wellness improvement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Future

  • High monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs
  • No real-time coaching: lacks in-workout guidance from coaches during actual training sessions
  • Limited customer support: email-only support model without phone or chat options for immediate assistance
  • Requires wearable for full tracking: relies on Apple Watch or smartwatch for comprehensive activity and heart rate data
  • Binding coach relationship: switching coaches or ending relationships may impact workout continuity

Zen Planner

  • Limited staff app features compared to desktop version
  • System crashes and occasional bugs reported by users
  • Integration difficulties with certain third-party platforms
  • Customers report continued charges after completed cancellation

Pricing, plan by plan

Future

$199/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Future review.

Zen Planner

$99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Zen Planner review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Future if

  • You need dedicated personal trainer.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want custom workout plans.
Future review

Choose Zen Planner if

  • You need member management.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want automated billing.
Zen Planner review

Questions people ask

Is Future or Zen Planner better?
Neither clearly leads. Future starts at $199/month and Zen Planner at $99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Future or Zen Planner?
Future starts at $199/month and Zen Planner at $99/month.
Does Future or Zen Planner run on more platforms?
Future runs on iOS, Android. Zen Planner runs on Web, iOS, Android.
What is Future best used for?
Future is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching.
What can Future do that Zen Planner cannot?
Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Custom workout plans, Real-time accountability, Weekly plan adjustments. Zen Planner covers Member management, Automated billing, Class scheduling, Workout tracking. Both handle Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Future: How much does Future personal training cost?

Future Pro membership costs $199 per month for one-on-one personal training with a certified coach. First-time users can access the first month at a discounted rate through affiliate links.

Source
Zen Planner: Does Zen Planner have a free tier?

No, Zen Planner does not offer a free tier. Pricing starts at $99 per month with no free trial mentioned in their standard offerings.

Source
Future: Do Future coaches provide form feedback?

Yes, users can record and submit exercise videos to their coach, who will provide personalized form corrections and technique feedback for proper exercise execution.

Source
Zen Planner: Can Zen Planner integrate with ClassPass?

Yes. ClassPass seamlessly integrates with Zen Planner, allowing gyms to sync their schedule and avoid overbooking when offering ClassPass to members.

Source
Future: Does Future work with wearables like Apple Watch?

Yes, Future integrates with Apple Watch, smartwatches, and can cast workouts to TV. The app tracks activity and heart rate data through wearable devices.

Source
Zen Planner: Does Zen Planner work with SugarWOD?

Yes. Zen Planner integrates with SugarWOD, making it a popular choice for CrossFit gym owners who want to manage both WOD tracking and gym operations in one system.

Source
Future: How often are Future workouts updated?

Future coaches deliver customized weekly workouts by Sunday that adapt to travel, injuries, or schedule changes. Coaches also provide ongoing daily motivation and track workout completion.

Source
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