The real cost of coaching software
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.
- Starter has a 5% platform fee on client payments, with card costs included. Paid plans have a 0% platform fee; you pay Stripe or Paystack card processing separately.
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.
- Payment fees: Check payment costs as well as the subscription. A transaction fee may already include card processing. Check the provider’s fee definition and supported countries before adding it to your total.
Compare the full monthly cost
| Cost | What to check |
|---|---|
| Subscription | The plan for your active client count and its billing period |
| Add-ons | Meal planning, branding, booking and payment tools |
| Payment costs | The platform fee and card processing, including any fixed charge |
| No Excuses | Free Starter, then Growth, Studio, Pro or Enterprise. Starter has a 5% platform fee including card costs. Paid plans have a 0% platform fee plus card processing. |
Compare the plan, add-ons and payment processing at your client count. See the dated source links and figures on our pricing page.
See sourced competitor prices and No Excuses totals at different client counts.
Compare pricingAccount for tiers
No Excuses has monthly tiers too. Nutrition, training, check-ins, booking and payment tools are included. Branding and client AI assistance are included on paid plans. Add payment costs to the subscription when comparing totals.
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: No monthly subscription for up to two active clients. Starter payment fees apply when a client pays you.
- Payment costs by plan: Starter has a 5% platform fee on client payments, with card costs included. Paid plans have a 0% platform fee; you pay Stripe or Paystack card processing separately.
- Everything bundled: Nutrition, training, check-ins, booking and payments are included. Paid plans also include your brand and client AI assistance.
- Local payouts: Paid out in your own currency in the UK (GBP), the Netherlands (EUR) and South Africa (ZAR).
No Excuses brings clients, plans, booking and payments into one app. Start free with up to 2 active clients.
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. Growth covers up to 10 active clients, Studio up to 30 and Pro up to 75. Contact us for Enterprise above 75. Paid plans have a 0% platform fee on client payments, with Stripe or Paystack card processing paid separately.
What does No Excuses cost to start?+
Starter is free for up to 2 active clients, with a 5% platform fee on client payments including card costs. Growth is €29 / R499 / £25 a month, Studio €69 / R1199 / £59 and Pro €149 / R2499 / £129. Paid plans have a 0% platform fee, with card processing paid separately. Your first paid plan has a 30-day free trial.