At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1% | N/A |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +6%/yr | N/A |
| Total Fee Burden | 14.0% | N/A |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Planet Fitness vs Xponential Fitness
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Planet Fitness and Xponential Fitness are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Fitness & Health sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Xponential Fitness has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
If passive ownership matters to you, Planet Fitness supports a semi-absentee model — you can hire a manager and maintain other income sources.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | N/A |
| Max Investment | $4.9M | N/A |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | N/A |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | N/A |
| Ad Fund Rate | 7.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.5M | N/A |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 2,500 | 3,000 |
| Annual Growth | 6.0% | N/A |
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 82/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 2,007 |
| Years Franchising | 22 | 2,010 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $3.0M | N/A |
| Liquid Capital Required | $1.5M | N/A |
Operations
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 20 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 4 | N/A |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Planet Fitness | Xponential Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
| Annual Unit Growth | 6.0% | N/A |
| Units Opened Last Year | 150 | N/A |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness or Xponential Fitness a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Xponential Fitness has 3,000 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Xponential Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Xponential Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of N/A. The franchise fee is disclosed in the FDD, with ongoing royalties of as disclosed. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Planet Fitness vs Xponential Fitness?
Planet Fitness's royalty rate is 7.0%. Xponential Fitness's royalty rate is not publicly disclosed. Check each franchise's FDD for current rates.
Which has more locations — Planet Fitness or Xponential Fitness?
Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. Xponential Fitness has 3,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Planet Fitness or Xponential Fitness semi-absentee friendly?
Planet Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Xponential Fitness is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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