GymMaster vs. ABC Fitness: Which Is the Best Gym Management Software Alternative?

As the world’s largest provider of gym software, ABC Fitness offers a suite of solutions that cover all types of fitness businesses: personal trainers, boutique gyms, large franchises and more.

But is ABC Fitness the best solution for you? Or is there a better alternative?

It’s a tricky question for a gym owner to answer, as there are a lot of gym management software options available, all of which promise to help you run your fitness business more efficiently, effectively and profitably.

In this guide we’ll offer up a direct comparison between ABC Fitness and one of the main gym management software alternatives, GymMaster, to help you understand which tool is right for you.

Overview of ABC Fitness and GymMaster

Before diving into the details, let’s first gain a basic understanding of these two software solutions.

ABC Fitness

ABC Fitness is the world’s leading provider of fitness management software, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of fitness businesses worldwide. ABC Fitness tools are currently used by over 30,000 gyms, and process more than $11.5 billion in payments per year.

The provider’s platforms - including ABC Ignite, ABC Glofox and ABC Trainerize - are designed to cater to different types of gym businesses. All of them offer integrated tools for member management, billing, scheduling and performance.

GymMaster

GymMaster is a cloud-based gym management tool designed to streamline operations for fitness businesses of all sizes, with a particular focus on independent gyms. It offers a similarly comprehensive suite of features to ABC Fitness, including member management and engagement, automated billing, class scheduling, POS integration and 24/7 access control.

The platform is user-friendly, designed to allow gym owners to better manage their facilities and make more money. It also grants members with significant self-service powers through a branded gym app.

Feature comparison: GymMaster vs. ABC Fitness

Which is the best management tool for your gym or fitness studio in 2025? Here’s a feature-by-feature breakdown of GymMaster vs ABC Fitness, to help you directly compare the two tools and understand which is right for you.

For the purposes of this feature review we will focus on ABC Ignite - the ABC Fitness solution designed for traditional gyms.

First, to the similarities: GymMaster and ABC Ignite are both comprehensive platforms designed for total gym management. They share a similar feature set, and both are relatively simple to implement and use.

But there are a number of key differences that are important to understand if you are to find your ideal tool.

Membership management

Both systems provide robust membership management with automated billing and online registration.

• GymMaster: Set up comprehensive profiles for your members, that they can access and edit themselves. Track attendance and customize offers to each member (though this customization is limited for free or frozen members.)
• ABC Ignite: Strong membership enrollment and payment management, and multi-location support for franchise gyms. Some users report that workflows can be long and slightly cumbersome, and that the solution is sometimes sluggish.

Access control and security

Both systems allow a gym to control access remotely, and to ensure only paid members are allowed into the facility, or specific areas within it.

• GymMaster: Built-in Bluetooth and RFID door access control allows you to offer 24/7 gym entry exclusively to paid-up members. It continues to function offline, and even detects people who seek to gain access by tailgating another member through the door.
• ABC Ignite: Typically relies on third-party integrations for physical access control systems. Some users report that setup can be complicated and choosing the right option can feel overwhelming.

Mobile app and member engagement

Both GymMaster and ABC Ignite offer a custom-branded mobile app.

• GymMaster: The GymMaster Club App offers members complete membership functionality: class booking, PT scheduling, payments, fitness tracking and insights. ​
• ABC Ignite: The app enables self-service, with members capable of signing up, checking in, booking classes or appointments, updating billing info, and even using smart lockers.

Pricing and scalability

While both solutions have been designed with scalability in mind, they take very different approaches in terms of pricing.

• GymMaster: Generally viewed as a high-quality product that is excellent value for what you get. Total clarity on pricing, with a flat fee per month based on member count. When you pay yearly you get a 10% discount on your subscription. No long-term contracts and a 60-day money-back guarantee (essentially a free trial) make it a lower-risk option.
• ABC Ignite: Less transparent - fees are hidden and only available by contacting the ABC Fitness sales team. Generally suited to larger gyms, fitness chains and franchises.

GymMaster vs. ABC Fitness: pros and cons

Which software is right for your gym?

The right gym management software for your gym will depend on the type of gym you run. Consider your needs and wants, as well as any limitations you might have in terms of budget and on-site technical ability.

The defining factor in your decision is often the size of your gym business. For enterprise-level gym chains and franchises, the extra investment demanded by a solution like ABC Ignite could be worth it.

But for independent gyms, or smaller-scale chains and franchises, a tool like GymMaster offers all the capability you will likely need, in a simple package that can be secured for a very attractive price.

In short, if you’re looking for the best alternative to ABC Fitness for gyms, you may well find it in GymMaster.

Ready to experience GymMaster yourself? Find out if the solution is right for you with a 20 minute one-on-one tour.

Book your demo today.