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Last updated January 14, 2026
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ManageMemberships vs Zen Planner

ManageMemberships is built for owners who want fast daily workflows, a mobile‑friendly admin, and real person support. It includes member management, waivers, access control with door logs, classes, events, resource booking, CRM pipelines, and automation. If you want a custom branded app and a full POS, you can add them without stitching together multiple systems.

Zen Planner is widely used by gyms and studios, with tools for member management, scheduling, payments, reporting, plus member and staff apps and optional products like a branded app and marketing tools. Details vary by package, so anything unclear below is labeled that way rather than guessed. Sources: see list

“We switched because member actions felt simpler, and the front desk stopped feeling slow.” — A typical owner outcome

Highlights

Faster admin speed

Member lookups, billing actions, check‑ins, and daily tasks stay quick on phone or desktop.

🙂Cleaner member experience

A clear portal flow for bookings, payments, waivers, and account updates—fewer support moments at the desk.

🔐Built‑in access control

Door access logs tied to membership status, without relying on a separate app.

🧑‍💻Real person support

Direct help plus free migration so you can switch without slowing down operations.

📈CRM and automation

Pipelines and email drips help win trials and save cancellations; Zapier for extra workflows.

🧾Clarity on fees

No onboarding fees; optional add‑ons for POS and branded app when you need them.

What you get with ManageMemberships

How this page is written

This comparison uses plain language and public information. The Zen Planner column only states what is clearly described on public pages. If something isn’t clearly described there, it’s labeled that way rather than guessed.

Side by side comparison

Designed to scan quickly, similar to common alternatives pages.

Feature ManageMemberships Zen Planner
Member app YesOptional branded app + clean member portal. Member app promoted for account access and bookings. 4
Staff app YesMobile‑friendly admin workflows for daily desk speed. Staff app documented for faster workflows. 5
Real person support YesDirect help from a real person. Support promoted; specifics vary by package.
No onboarding fees YesNo onboarding fees; migration included. Not clearly listed on public pricing pages. 1
Migration assistance YesWe help move your data and get you live. Migration and guided setup are promoted. 11
Staff roles & permissions YesGranular permissions by role. Roles and privileges documented. 6
Waivers & signature docs YesCustom waivers built‑in. Waivers and contracts supported. 7
Access control & door logs YesBuilt‑in access control with door access logs. Access control via partners; logging depends on partner. 9
POS for merchandise YesOptional full POS via ManageRegister. Retail/POS promoted; details vary by package. 8
Classes & scheduling YesClasses, events, and registration built‑in. Scheduling and booking are core. 2
Resource management YesBookable resources and services. Rooms/equipment referenced; details vary by setup. 10
CRM & marketing YesPipelines and email drips built‑in. Engage promoted for marketing/lead follow‑up; packaging varies. 3
Integrations YesTrello and Zapier integrations. Integrations listed; Engage content references Zapier. 9 10
Time clock YesTime clock component for staff tracking. Time clock documented in support pages. 5
CMS for pages YesCMS for site pages and content. Website/tools exist; built‑in CMS not always described. 11

The winning conversation is simple

If you want direct support, fast owner workflows, built‑in access control with door logs, and the option to add a branded app and a full POS without disconnected systems, ManageMemberships is built for that.

If you prefer a widely used platform with member and staff apps, optional branded app, and a partner integration ecosystem, Zen Planner can fit that model, with packaging varying by bundle.

FAQ

Can I give coaches access without giving them everything?

Yes. ManageMemberships supports granular permissions. Zen Planner documents staff roles and privileges. 6

Can I sell merchandise and run a real register?

Yes. ManageMemberships can add a full POS via ManageRegister. Zen Planner promotes retail and POS tools. 8

Can I run door access and review door activity?

ManageMemberships includes door access logs. Zen Planner lists partner integrations for access control; partner behavior varies. 9

Do you help migrate data?

Yes. Migration help is included with ManageMemberships. Zen Planner promotes migration and guided setup. 11

Sources

  1. Zen Planner pricing
  2. Zen Planner product overview
  3. Zen Planner Engage
  4. Member app access
  5. Staff app support
  6. Staff roles & privileges
  7. Waiver & contract setup
  8. Retail & POS
  9. Integrations
  10. Engage + Zapier workflow
  11. Migration & guided setup