Vancouver’s wellness industry is thriving. From yoga and pilates studios to strength-focused gyms and community-centered wellness centers, more and more Vancouverites are integrating fitness into their daily lives. The city’s mix of young professionals, families, and health-conscious residents means demand for convenient, tech-friendly studio experiences is steadily growing.
For studio owners, this growth is promising but it also brings challenges. Managing class schedules, memberships, payments, and staff while keeping operations smooth can be overwhelming. That’s where the right studio management software comes in. It can streamline client bookings, simplify staff management, and help your business scale efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll compare four popular platforms Mindbody, Momence, WellnessLiving, and Vibefam with a focus on what Vancouver wellness businesses value most: features, pricing in CAD, transaction fees, and support for community-driven studios that prioritize flexibility and client comfort.
| Feature | Mindbody | Momence | Wellness
Living |
Vibefam |
| Custom-Branded Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Member Profile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scheduling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Admin Dashboard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No Migration Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No Lock-in Contract | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local Support on WhatsApp | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Transaction Fees | From 3.4% | From 2.9% | From 2.9% | From 2.9% |
Mindbody
Mindbody is a long-standing leader in studio management. With over 20 years in the market, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including scheduling, memberships, marketing, and reporting. For Vancouver studios looking for a recognizable platform that clients may already know, Mindbody’s reputation can be appealing.
However, that recognition comes at a cost. Monthly subscriptions typically start around CAD 270 and can exceed CAD 1,350, with payment processing fees ranging from 2.75%–3.5% per transaction. Larger gym chains may justify the expense, but smaller boutique studios in Vancouver often find Mindbody more complex and costly than necessary.
Real Reviews:
- Capterra: “Great software, very complete, with everything I need included in one platform… The interface is a little dated, but the power is enormous.”
- Reddit: “We recently ditched MindBody for Momence, and we’re very happy with it. It’s much more streamlined and easy to navigate.”
Pros: Feature-rich, widely recognized, solid for larger studios or chains.
Cons: High cost, dated interface, clunky workflows, inconsistent support.
Momence
Momence is gaining popularity among boutique wellness businesses thanks to its flexible tools for memberships, courses, and virtual classes. Vancouver studios experimenting with hybrid in-person and online offerings may find Momence’s adaptability particularly valuable.
That said, its extensive features mean studio owners need to carefully assess how well it fits long-term operations and growth goals. In a city where clients value both convenience and quality, studios need systems that support flexibility without adding unnecessary complexity.
Real Reviews:
- Capterra: “Great interface and software. User-friendly for both staff and employees… The app is great but it’s very expensive to use Stripe for payments.”
- Reddit: “Stay away from Momence, they are terrible, broken buggy platform and they have no customer support. Half the time you won’t even be able to log in.”
Pros: Modern feel, flexible for hybrid classes.
Cons: Customer support concerns, occasional reliability issues, and extra costs.
WellnessLiving
WellnessLiving offers a middle-ground solution, featuring custom-branded apps, loyalty programs, and automated marketing at a more approachable price. Payment processing via ACH, Stripe, or PaySafe often comes lower than Momence, making it a strong choice for growing Vancouver studios that want robust functionality without overspending.
Its built-in client retention tools are especially useful in a competitive market where members appreciate a personal touch and seamless experience.
Real Reviews:
- Capterra: “This has been one of the best software suites I have used for my company, it easily handles scheduling, client profiles, notes, and cashing out people.”
- Reddit: “We’re contemplating moving to the WellnessLiving platform. As a user I haven’t had any issues with it.”
Pros: Reliable, feature-rich, good balance of price and functionality.
Cons: Some users report hidden fees or minor limitations in advanced features.
Vibefam caters to local studios looking for essential scheduling, payments, and member management tools without long contracts or complicated onboarding. From yoga in Kitsilano to pilates studios in Yaletown or boutique gyms in Mount Pleasant, Vibefam’s straightforward setup and real-time support via WhatsApp appeal to owners who value personal, fast support over complex global systems.
Vibefam’s minimalist design may not satisfy businesses needing deep customization, advanced analytics, or large-scale automation. Larger operations or multi-location franchises may prefer platforms like Mindbody or WellnessLiving. Vibefam shines for independent Vancouver studios prioritizing ease, affordability, and local connection.
Real Reviews:
- Capterra: “Pretty user friendly and unique concept … No frills and user friendly.”
- Reddit: “I’m not a studio owner but I came across this app called Vibefam and it’s super easy to book a class and always get reminders…”
Pros: Easy to use, local support, affordable, community-focused.
Cons: Limited advanced analytics or large-scale automation.
Why This Matters for Vancouver Studios
Vancouver’s wellness market thrives on community, convenience, and smart spending. Whether you run a high-energy HIIT studio, a serene yoga space, or a neighborhood wellness center, your software should simplify operations while supporting your financial goals. Vancouver clients are willing to invest in quality experiences but also appreciate transparent pricing and value-driven options.
Final Thoughts
For Vancouver’s diverse and rapidly growing fitness market, choosing the right management software is about balancing functionality with simplicity. Mindbody, Momence, WellnessLiving, and Vibefam each offer unique advantages from enterprise-grade tools to boutique-focused features. Vibefam resonates with many boutique studios thanks to its user-friendly design and responsive support, especially for owners focused on smooth day-to-day operations.
Studios needing advanced integrations or large-scale automation may lean toward Mindbody or WellnessLiving. The key is finding the right mix of features and simplicity to match your studio’s vision in a culture-rich, competitive city like Vancouver.
👉 Ready to upgrade your studio software?
If you’d like to see how Vibefam could simplify scheduling, payments, and member management for your Vancouver studio, you can try a free demo.