vibefam vs. Mindbody vs. Glofox for Singapore studios
With the constant evolution and variety of fitness booking systems available, it can get quite confusing and difficult for gym owners in Singapore to choose the ideal studio management system tailored to their specific needs. With leading platforms like vibefam, Mindbody, and Glofox dominating the local market, the decision-making process can be daunting.
This blog is here to help. We’ll explore the unique features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of each management system, while also addressing key considerations that are particularly relevant for fitness studios in Singapore. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which solution best aligns with your studio’s operations and goals.
Table Featuring the Main Differences Between the 3 Fitness Booking Systems
| Mindbody | Glofox | vibefam | |
| Custom-Branded Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Member Profile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scheduling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Admin Dashboard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No Migration Fee | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No Lock-in-Contract | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local Payment Integration: Paynow & GrabPay | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local support on WhatsApp | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Based in Singapore | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Transaction Fees | From 3.4% | From 3.4% | From 1.3% |
| Starting Price (In SGD$) | $250 | $250 | $89 |
Mindbody
First up is Mindbody, the American Giant. Widely regarded as a leader in the fitness management system space, Mindbody has built an impressive reputation with its extensive range of features, honed since its inception in 2000. These features include robust scheduling tools, client management, marketing integrations, and advanced analytics, making it a comprehensive solution for managing fitness studio operations.
However, it’s important to recognize that Mindbody is primarily designed with the American market in mind. This means that while its features are extensive, not all of them may be relevant or necessary for fitness studios in Singapore. For instance, certain integrations and functionalities tailored to the U.S. market might go underutilised in a local context.
Moreover, the cost is a significant consideration.With pricing that ranges from approximately $200 to over $1,000 per month, Mindbody represents a substantial investment. For smaller or mid-sized studios in Singapore, where the market dynamics differ from those in the U.S., this price point may be challenging to justify, especially if the studio doesn’t require all the bells and whistles that the management system offers.
Another factor to consider is customer service. Mindbody’s support is primarily based in the U.S., which means that responses can be delayed due to time zone differences. For Singapore studios, this can result in longer wait times for support, especially during critical moments when immediate assistance is needed.
When evaluating Mindbody for your studio, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the cost and logistical considerations. Consider whether the features align with your studio management needs, whether your studio’s scale can justify the investment, and how the timing of customer service might impact your studio operations. For some Singapore studios, a more localised or streamlined solution may offer better value without the added complexity, cost, and delays associated with a global platform.
Glofox
After considering Mindbody, let’s turn our attention to Glofox, another leading platform in the industry. Glofox distinguishes itself with a personalised app, designed to resonate with the tech-savvy demographic of Singaporeans. Glofox offers a comprehensive suite of features that can be highly beneficial for fitness studios, including custom branding, class scheduling, and client management—all accessible through a user-friendly mobile app.
However, similar to Mindbody, Glofox also presents some challenges for Singapore studios, particularly in the realm of customer support. With Glofox based in Dublin, the time zone difference can lead to delays in receiving assistance. This means that addressing technical issues or support requests may take longer, potentially disrupting studio operations during critical moments.
Additionally, Glofox is priced on the higher end of the market, with plans ranging from approximately $180 to $800 per month. While the platform offers robust capabilities, the cost and potential delays in support are important factors to consider. Before choosing Glofox, it’s essential to weigh these aspects against your studio management needs and operational priorities.
vibefam
Lastly, hailing from sunny Singapore is vibefam! As a homegrown solution, vibefam’s fitness booking platform is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Singapore fitness studios. This deep understanding of the local market allows vibefam to develop a management system that truly resonates with the operational demands of studios in Singapore.
One of the standout features of vibefam is its integration with local payment methods, such as PayNow and GrabPay, which are widely used and trusted by Singaporeans. Additionally, the platform offers a user-friendly interface that ensures a seamless experience for both fitness studio owners and their members, making day-to-day studio operations smoother and more efficient.
Moreover, as a local solution, vibefam excels in customer support, providing timely and effective assistance that aligns with the specific needs of Singapore studios. Communication is made exceptionally convenient through WhatsApp, ensuring that help is always within easy reach.
Final Thoughts
After looking into what each fitness booking system has to offer, it is clear that each offers unique advantages. Ultimately, the best solution depends on the specific studio management needs and circumstances of each studio. However, in the context of Singapore fitness studios, vibefam stands out as a better and more affordable option.
As a homegrown system, vibefam is uniquely positioned to understand local studio operations and is specifically developed to cater to the needs of Singapore studios, making it a more relevant and effective choice. Don’t just take my word for it—try out our system for free and see the difference for yourself here!
This article was written by Zane Phua




