Planet Fitness vs Edge Fitness: Which Gym Is Better?

Planet Fitness is the better overall choice for most people because it offers lower basic pricing, more locations, flexible hours, recovery amenities, lighter crowds, and affordable showers. 

However, Edge Fitness stands out for varied amenities, group classes, and lower enrollment fees. 

This article compares membership pricing, amenities, recovery options, locations, hours, classes, apps, crowds, showers, and additional fees to help you choose.

The table below compares the membership costs of Planet Fitness and Edge 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 Edge Fitness in the table below.

The table below compares the recovery amenities offered by Planet Fitness and Edge Fitness.

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

Planet Fitness has a clear advantage in operating hours. Most locations are open 24/7, while Edge Fitness generally operates from 4:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays and has shorter hours on weekends. So, Planet Fitness is a better choice if you want more flexible workout times.

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

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

Both Planet Fitness and Edge Fitness have their own mobile apps. Planet Fitness offers the PF App, while Edge Fitness offers The Edge Fitness App. 

Both apps are available on the Google Play Store, making it easy for members to stay connected with their gym.

When you work out at Planet Fitness, you usually get lighter crowds and shorter waits for equipment. 

It can still get busy from 4 PM to 7 PM, but you can check the Crowd Meter in the app before going. 

At Edge Fitness, you may face heavier crowds during peak hours, especially around popular weights, racks, and cardio machines.

Both Planet Fitness and Edge Fitness offer showers in their locker rooms. Planet Fitness includes showers with its Classic membership, while Edge Fitness includes them with its Basic membership. 

Planet Fitness is also slightly cheaper, while Edge Fitness costs a little more for the membership that includes showers.

The table below compares the additional fees of Planet Fitness and Edge Fitness. Edge Fitness is slightly more affordable than Planet Fitness in terms of the enrollment fee, while Planet Fitness is slightly more affordable in terms of the annual fee.

• Membership Pricing: Edge Fitness wins: Its Basic membership starts at $9.99, which is cheaper than Planet Fitness Classic at $15 per month. Its higher-tier plans also provide more options across different price ranges.

• Amenities: Edge Fitness wins: Edge Fitness offers more varied amenities, including EdgeLIFT, group exercise classes, spinning, personal training, Edge Cinema, and dedicated training studios.

• Recovery Amenities: Planet Fitness wins: Planet Fitness offers more recovery-focused options, including massage chairs, HydroMassage, tanning, vibration and red light therapy, and a Wellness Pod.

• Location Availability: Planet Fitness wins: With over 2,750 U.S. locations compared with over 40 for Edge Fitness, Planet Fitness gives members much wider access.

• Operating Hours: Planet Fitness wins: Most Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7, while Edge Fitness generally has shorter weekday and weekend hours.

• Group Classes and Fitness Programs Offered: Edge Fitness wins: Edge Fitness provides a broader range of group classes, including cardio, strength, Les Mills, cycling, dance, and mind and body programs.

• App Access and Digital Fitness Tools: Planet Fitness wins: Both gyms have their own apps, but Planet Fitness also offers features such as the Crowd Meter, which helps members check how busy the gym is before visiting.

• Crowd Levels: Planet Fitness wins: Planet Fitness generally has lighter crowds and shorter equipment wait times, although it can still become busy during peak hours.

• Shower Facilities: Planet Fitness wins: Both gyms offer showers, but Planet Fitness includes them with its $15 Classic membership, making it the slightly more affordable option.

• Additional Fees: Edge Fitness wins: Edge Fitness has a lower enrollment fee range of $0 to $25 compared with Planet Fitness at $1 to $39, although Planet Fitness has the lower annual fee.

Overall, Planet Fitness is better for affordable basic membership, recovery amenities, locations, flexible hours, lighter crowds, and showers. 

Edge Fitness is better for varied amenities, group classes, and lower enrollment fees. Overall, the better choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience and recovery or a wider range of fitness programs and amenities.