PlanetFitnesspage |

Q: Which gym is cheapest?

In most areas, Planet Fitness is usually the lowest-priced option, especially if you choose a basic membership. Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness tend to charge more per month for 24/7 access and smaller crowds. Exact prices depend on your location and current promotions.

Q: Which gym has the best equipment for lifting?

If you care most about heavy lifting and free weights, Anytime Fitness or Snap Fitness will typically suit you better. Planet Fitness has plenty of machines and lighter weights but isn’t designed for serious powerlifting with heavy squat racks and platforms in every club.

Q: Which gym is best for beginners?

Planet Fitness is often the most beginner-friendly: simple equipment, clear rules, and a casual “Judgement Free” crowd. Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness can also work well for beginners, especially if you like a quieter space or want guidance from a local coach.

Q: How should I choose between Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Snap Fitness?

Choose Planet Fitness if you want the cheapest, most beginner-friendly option with lots of locations. Pick Anytime Fitness if 24/7 access and a global network matter most. Go with Snap Fitness if you like compact, no-frills gyms where you can get your workout done quickly without distractions.

Planet Fitness vs Anytime Fitness vs Snap Fitness

We compared membership cost, equipment, hours, atmosphere, and perks. Our pick: Planet Fitness for the best overall mix of low price, beginner-friendly vibe, and a huge network of locations.

At a glance

Planet Fitness

Best overall

Our top pick if you want a cheap, no-frills gym that’s friendly to beginners and casual gym-goers.

Very low monthly fees with simple basic and Black Card tiers
Lots of cardio machines and selectorized strength equipment
Relaxed, non-intimidating “Judgement Free” atmosphere

Join Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Best 24/7 access

Great if you want a smaller gym you can access day or night, usually close to home or work.

Key-fob access 24/7 at most locations
Compact clubs with both cardio and solid free-weight areas
Higher monthly price, but convenient for shift workers and frequent travelers

Explore Anytime Fitness

Snap Fitness

Flexible workouts

Another 24/7 neighborhood gym with a straightforward layout, ideal for quick, efficient workouts.

Many locations offer 24/7 key-card access
Practical mix of cardio and strength gear
Good pick if you want a quieter, no-frills gym

See Snap Fitness

What to compare	Planet Fitness	Anytime Fitness	Snap Fitness
Primary strength	Best overall: low price + beginner-friendly	24/7 small-club access & convenience	Compact 24/7 clubs for quick workouts
Typical monthly cost (relative)	Usually the lowest monthly price among major chains; very budget-friendly	Generally higher monthly fees in exchange for 24/7 key-fob access	Similar to Anytime Fitness; pricing varies by franchise and region
Contract flexibility	Mix of month-to-month and annual options; terms depend on location	Often 12-month or longer contracts, with some flexible options	Contracts and flexible memberships vary by club owner
Atmosphere & crowd	Very casual “Judgement Free” crowd; great for beginners and casual gym-goers	Neighborhood vibe; mix of beginners and more serious lifters	Quiet, practical gyms with a no-nonsense feel
Equipment & free weights	Lots of cardio and machines; light to moderate free-weights but no heavy powerlifting focus	Good balance of cardio, machines, and free-weights (racks, benches, etc.)	Core cardio and strength gear; exact setup varies by club
Hours & access	Many locations offer extended or 24/7 hours	24/7 access is a core feature with key-fob entry	Many clubs are 24/7 with key-card entry
Locations & travel	Huge presence in many areas; upgraded membership can unlock multiple clubs	Global network; very convenient if you travel or move frequently	Smaller but international network; check local availability
Classes & coaching	Basic group training or circuit guidance at many clubs; varies by location	Personal training and coaching options are common	Some locations offer coaching and challenges; more limited classes
Amenities & extras	Massage chairs, tanning, and guest privileges with premium tiers (varies by club)	Showers, lockers, and coaching; fewer spa-style extras	Focus on essentials; fewer extra amenities than Planet Fitness
Best for	Budget-conscious beginners and casual gym-goers who want lots of locations	People who need true 24/7 access and like smaller neighborhood clubs	Members who want a straightforward, low-distraction workout space

Editorial stance: Want the best overall value and beginner-friendly vibe? Choose Planet Fitness. Need 24/7 access in a small, local club and don’t mind paying more? Consider Anytime Fitness. Prefer compact, no-frills gyms for quick workouts? Snap Fitness is a solid pick.

Pick by use-case

Best overall value

Planet Fitness offers very low monthly prices, a friendly atmosphere, and lots of locations for everyday workouts.

Join Planet Fitness

Best for 24/7 access & travelers

Anytime Fitness is ideal if you want key-fob access to a global network of small, convenient clubs.

See Anytime Fitness

Best for quick, focused workouts

Snap Fitness works well if you prefer compact, no-frills gyms where you can get in and out fast.

See Snap Fitness

FAQ

Which gym is cheapest?

In most areas, Planet Fitness is usually the lowest-priced option, especially if you choose a basic membership. Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness tend to charge more per month for 24/7 access and smaller crowds. Exact prices depend on your location and current promotions.

Which gym has the best equipment for lifting?

If you care most about heavy lifting and free weights, Anytime Fitness or Snap Fitness will typically suit you better. Planet Fitness has plenty of machines and lighter weights but isn’t designed for serious powerlifting with heavy squat racks and platforms in every club.

Which gym is best for beginners?

Planet Fitness is often the most beginner-friendly: simple equipment, clear rules, and a casual “Judgement Free” crowd. Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness can also work well for beginners, especially if you like a quieter space or want guidance from a local coach.

How should I choose between Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Snap Fitness?

Choose Planet Fitness if you want the cheapest, most beginner-friendly option with lots of locations. Pick Anytime Fitness if 24/7 access and a global network matter most. Go with Snap Fitness if you like compact, no-frills gyms where you can get your workout done quickly without distractions.