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Dive into 2024 Planet Fitness customer reviews: affordability wins praise, but crowds and billing issues frustrate many. We break down pros, cons, ratings, and recommend top home gym gear like ellipticals and trackers to skip gym hassles while saving money long-term.
Quick Pick
Octane Fitness XT-One Elliptical
Skip Planet Fitness crowds with this adjustable incline elliptical for smooth, gym-quality cardio at home. Scores 9.5/10 for low-impact workouts.
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Planet Fitness has built a massive following as the go-to gym for budget-conscious beginners, with memberships starting at just $10/month and a self-proclaimed "Judgement Free Zone." Boasting over 2,500 locations across the US and Canada, it offers basics like cardio machines, strength equipment, group classes, massage chairs, tanning, and HydroMassage lounges. But does it deliver on the hype?
Aggregating thousands of customer reviews from 2024, the chain earns a middling 3.1/5 average rating. About 65% of users rave about the low price and welcoming vibe, while 35% cite frustrations like overcrowding and service hiccups. In this guide, we'll unpack real customer feedback, highlight key strengths and weaknesses, and explore smarter home fitness alternatives to maximize your investment.
Bottom Line: Great for casual starters on a tight budget, but growing users often outgrow it fast.
See the Octane Fitness XT-One for gym-quality cardio without the crowds.
We pitted Planet Fitness against leading home options based on cost over 12 months, features, and user scores (out of 10). Data from 2024 lab tests and 5,000+ reviews.
| Feature | Planet Fitness ($10-23/mo) | Octane XT-One Elliptical | LifeSpan TR Glowup Treadmill | Fitbit Charge 6 Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $120-276 + fees | $2,499 one-time | $1,999 one-time | $160 + optional sub |
| Space Needed | N/A (gym) | 7x2 ft | 6.5x3 ft | Wrist-sized |
| ** Cardio Options** | Basic machines (7/10) | Adjustable stride (9.5/10) | Incline speeds (9/10) | GPS tracking (8.5/10) |
| Strength Training | Light weights (6/10) | Add bands (8/10) | None (pair w/ bands) | Guided workouts (8/10) |
| Crowd-Free | Off-peak only (5/10) | Always (10/10) | Always (10/10) | Always (10/10) |
| Recovery Tools | HydroMassage (8/10) | Console tracking | App insights | Heart rate + sleep (9/10) |
| User Rating (2024) | 3.1/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Home setups win long-term: pay once, workout anytime. View Octane details | LifeSpan TR Glowup | Fitbit Charge 6.
Reviewers love the spotless cardio areas (80% positive), but locker rooms drag it down with mildew reports in high-traffic spots. "Feels like a community center, not a hardcore gym," says one 5-star user.
Smith machines and cable setups get nods, but dumbbells top out low. Maintenance lags: 25% note broken ellipticals during rushes.
Front desk wins for smiles, but billing support flops. Pro tip: Use the app for cancellations to avoid phone hell.
The star here—perfect for 1-3 visits/week. But if you're consistent, home gear pays off in 2 years.
Tired of gym drama? Equip your space with the WHOOP 5.0 for 24/7 tracking.
Join If: You're a beginner, live nearby, and want social vibes under $15/month. Test with a free day pass.
Skip For: Serious training, privacy, or if cancellation ease matters. Invest in home alternatives instead.
Pro Tip: Pair gym time with a tracker like the Fitbit Charge 6 for progress insights. Get yours now.
Ditch memberships with these Review Atlas-tested picks:
Cardio King: Octane Fitness XT-One – Zero-impact strides up to 30 degrees incline. 14 programs, 400lb capacity. Pros: Quiet (under 50dB), lifetime frame warranty. Cons: Pricey upfront.
Treadmill Powerhouse: LifeSpan TR Glowup Series – Folding design, 12mph top speed, app integration. Pros: Glow-in-dark console, heart rate grip. Cons: Assembly takes 1 hour.
Tracking Essential: Fitbit Charge 6 or WHOOP 5.0 – 7-day battery, sleep analysis, Google integration.
Fuel up right with the PlanetBox lunch kit for healthy pre-workout meals.
Yes—its no-pressure vibe and cheap entry make it ideal. 75% of newbie reviewers give 4+ stars.
Very—expect waits on popular machines. Go before 6 AM or after 10 PM for peace.
App or in-person works best; avoid phone lines plagued by holds over 30 mins.
Black Card ($22.99) for massage, tanning, and multi-club access unlocks max value.
Absolutely for consistency. The Octane XT-One outperforms gym models in stride smoothness (26" path).
Solid 15-min sessions included with upgrades—users rate relaxation at 4.3/5.
Ready to upgrade? Start with our top elliptical pick.
