The real cost of coaching software: hidden fees in Trainerize, TrueCoach and Everfit
Coaching software looks cheap until you add clients. The sticker price is rarely what you pay. Here is where the cost actually hides, and how to compare like-for-like.
Key takeaways
- Entry prices are quoted at 1–5 clients; the real cost shows up as you grow.
- Cost hides in three places: per-client tier jumps, add-ons billed separately, and a cut of every payment.
- Compare the all-in cost at your real client count, not the headline price.
- No Excuses is free to start, then a flat 5% with card costs included and everything bundled, with no add-ons to stack.
Why the sticker price lies
Almost every coaching platform advertises a low monthly price. Read the small print and that number is for one to five clients. The moment your roster grows (exactly when you are succeeding), the price climbs, and the things you assumed were included turn out to be add-ons.
If you are choosing a tool, the only fair comparison is the total you will actually pay at the client count you are aiming for, with everything you need switched on.
The three places cost hides
- Per-client tier jumps: Your base subscription steps up as you add clients. Trainerize and TrueCoach both price in tiers, so the same software costs more the more successful you are.
- Add-ons billed separately: Nutrition, automation, a branded app or payments can each be a separate line item. Everfit’s entry price is low, but meal planning, automation and payments are add-ons that stack on top.
- A cut of every payment: Some platforms take a percentage of each client payment on top of the subscription. TrueCoach charges a payment fee on every transaction, a tax that grows with your income.
A like-for-like look (public pricing, 2026)
| Platform | Entry price | How cost grows | Payment fee | Bundled? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainerize | Free (1 client) → ~$22/mo | Tiers jump at ~15 and ~30 clients; ~$169 branding setup | Card processing | Nutrition often add-on |
| TrueCoach | ~$26/mo (no free plan) | ~$26 at 5 → ~$58 at 20 → ~$137 at 50 clients | +5% per payment | Core only |
| Everfit | Free (≤5) → ~$19/mo | Base + stacking add-ons (~+$65/mo for meals, automation, payments) | Payments add-on | Add-ons |
| No Excuses | Free (≤2 clients) | Simple flat monthly tiers | Flat 5%, card costs included | Roster, nutrition, training, catalog, payments |
Figures are taken from each platform’s public pricing pages (2026) and can change. Always check current pricing before deciding. The point is not the exact number, it is the shape of the cost.
Be honest about tiers
No Excuses has monthly tiers too. Most platforms do. The difference is what is included and what is not added on top: nutrition, training, your offerings catalog and payments are all in, and the 5% already includes card costs. You get one predictable bill instead of a base price plus a payment cut plus three add-ons.
What "all-in-one" actually saves you
When your client roster, nutrition and training builders, your offerings catalog and payments live in one place, you stop paying three vendors and reconciling three invoices. The saving is not only money: it is the hour a week you get back from not stitching tools together.
How No Excuses prices it
- Free to start: Up to two active clients, no upfront cost, so you can try it with real people before you pay anything.
- A flat 5%, card costs included: The 5% is the whole fee, not a cut on top of a separate processor charge. You keep 95%.
- Everything bundled: Nutrition and training builders, an offerings catalog and payments are all in: nothing to bolt on later.
- Local payouts: Paid out in your own currency in the UK (GBP), the Netherlands (EUR) and South Africa (ZAR).
No Excuses gives coaches the whole business in one app (clients, plans, an offerings catalog and in-app payments), and you keep 95%.
See the coach platformFrequently asked
Is cheaper coaching software always better?+
No. The lowest entry price often hides tier jumps, add-ons and a payment cut that make the all-in cost higher at a real client count. Compare the total you will pay with everything you need switched on, at the number of clients you are aiming for.
Does No Excuses have client tiers too?+
Yes, like most platforms. The difference is that nutrition, training, your offerings catalog and payments are all included, and the flat 5% already includes card costs, so it is one predictable bill, not a base price plus a payment fee plus separate add-ons.
What does No Excuses cost to start?+
It is free to start with up to two active clients. After that there are simple flat monthly tiers, and a flat 5% on payments with card costs included. You keep 95%.