Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness: Which Gym Is Better?

Planet Fitness is better for affordability, location availability, 24/7 access, showers, and lower fees, while 24 Hour Fitness is better for workout amenities, recovery options, and group fitness classes. 

But which gym offers better membership pricing, amenities, recovery facilities, locations, operating hours, classes, app access, crowd levels, showers, and additional fees? Read this article to compare all 10 areas side by side.

The table below compares the membership costs of Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness.

Overall, Planet Fitness offers more affordable membership plans in both the basic and higher tiers.

We have mentioned all the amenities offered by Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness in the table below.

The table below compares the recovery amenities offered by Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness. 24 Hour Fitness offers more recovery amenity options than Planet Fitness.

The table below compares the locations of Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness. One advantage of Planet Fitness is that it has more locations than 24 Hour Fitness, allowing members to access more gyms through its multi-club access option.

Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness both have some locations open 24/7, while others have limited hours. 

However, Planet Fitness has more locations that offer 24/7 access. Since hours can vary by location, it is best to check with your local club before visiting.

Below, we have mentioned the group fitness classes offered by Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness.

Both gyms offer a wide range of class options, including Strength, Cardio, Cycle, and more.

Both Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness have mobile apps. Planet Fitness offers the PF App, while 24 Hour Fitness has the 24GO App. 

Both apps are available on the Google Play Store and provide useful digital tools to help members manage their workouts and stay connected with their gym.

When you visit Planet Fitness, you can check the live Crowd Meter in the app before going, while 24 Hour Fitness often gets busiest from 5 PM to 8 PM. 

Planet Fitness is usually busiest on weekday evenings and weekend mornings. You can find both gyms quieter during late night hours, while 24 Hour Fitness is also less crowded around midday.

Both Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness offer showers in their locker rooms. Planet Fitness includes showers with its Classic membership, which is generally cheaper than the Silver membership at 24 Hour Fitness. So, Planet Fitness may be a more affordable option if shower access is important to you.

The table below compares the additional fees of Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness. Planet Fitness has significantly lower additional fees compared to 24 Hour Fitness.

• Membership Pricing: Planet Fitness wins: Its Classic membership costs $15/month, while 24 Hour Fitness Silver ranges from $15 to $30/month. Planet Fitness also has a lower higher-tier price, with the Black Card costing $24.99/month compared with $34.99 to $69.99 for 24 Hour Fitness.

• Amenities: 24 Hour Fitness wins: It offers a wider variety of amenities, including free weights, functional training and turf zones, TRX training, Olympic training rigs, basketball and racquetball courts, studio classes, and nutrition consultations.

• Recovery Amenities: 24 Hour Fitness wins: It provides more recovery options, including lap pools, saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms, massage chairs, compression therapy, and zero-gravity recliners.

• Location Availability: Planet Fitness wins: It has over 2,750 U.S. locations compared with over 270 for 24 Hour Fitness. Its Black Card membership also provides multi-club access.

• Operating Hours: Planet Fitness wins: Both gyms have some 24/7 locations, but Planet Fitness has more locations offering 24/7 access. However, hours can vary by location.

• Group Classes and Fitness Programs Offered: 24 Hour Fitness wins: It offers a broader range of classes, including strength, cycle, dance, cardio and HIIT, yoga, Pilates, and active aging classes.

• App Access and Digital Fitness Tools: Tie: Both gyms have mobile apps that provide useful digital fitness tools. Planet Fitness has the PF App, while 24 Hour Fitness offers the 24GO App.

• Crowd Levels: Planet Fitness wins: Its app includes a live Crowd Meter, allowing members to check how busy the gym is before visiting. Both gyms can be quieter during less busy hours.

• Shower Facilities: Planet Fitness wins: Both gyms offer showers, but Planet Fitness includes shower access with its $15 Classic membership, making it the more affordable option compared with 24 Hour Fitness.

• Additional Fees: Planet Fitness wins: Its enrollment fee ranges from $1 to $39, compared with $0 to $99 at 24 Hour Fitness. Its annual fee is also lower at $49 compared with $69.99.

Overall, Planet Fitness is more suitable for members who prioritize affordability, convenient locations, 24/7 access, showers, and lower additional fees. 

24 Hour Fitness is better suited for people who want more workout amenities, recovery options, and group fitness classes. 

Overall, neither gym is best for everyone, as the better choice depends on whether you value lower costs and accessibility or a wider range of fitness facilities and programs.