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The Truth About "Free" PT Software
Let's be honest: most personal training software that claims to be "free" isn't really free. Here's what you'll typically find:
Common "Free" Traps:
- -Free trials - 14-30 days, then $20-250/month
- -Client limits - "Free for 3-5 clients" (useless once you grow)
- -Feature gates - Free tier missing essential features
- -Per-client fees - Looks cheap until you have 20+ clients
That said, there are genuinely free options - you just need to know where to look and understand the tradeoffs. Below, I'll break down what's actually free vs. what's a free trial in disguise.
Quick Comparison: What's Actually Free
Here's the honest breakdown of free personal trainer apps:
* As of December 2025. "Free" status can change - verify on official sites.
1. ClientSnap
Completely Free During Beta - Unlimited Clients
Full disclosure: this is our app. But here's why it's genuinely the best free option right now - it's 100% free during beta with unlimited clients and no feature restrictions. No credit card required.
What You Get Free
- - Unlimited client cards
- - Session logging with auto-save
- - Restriction/injury tracking
- - Goals and notes per client
- - Today's schedule view
- - Works offline
What It Doesn't Have
- - Program builder
- - Client-facing app
- - Video exercise library
- - Nutrition tracking
- - Payment processing
The honest take: ClientSnap is built specifically for in-person trainers who need to see client info fast during sessions. If you need online program delivery or a client app, look at the other options below. But for quick client reference on the gym floor, it's the only truly free option with no client limits.
Try ClientSnap free (no credit card)2. Everfit
Free for Up to 5 Clients
Everfit offers a genuinely free tier - not a trial - for trainers with up to 5 clients. It's a full-featured online coaching platform, so if you're just starting out with a handful of clients, this could work.
Pros
- - Actually free, not a trial
- - Modern, polished interface
- - Client-facing app included
- - Workout programming tools
Cons
- - Only 5 clients on free tier
- - $49+/month once you grow
- - Overkill for in-person trainers
- - Complex for simple needs
Bottom line: Good option if you're just starting online coaching and only have a few clients. But the 5-client limit means you'll hit a paywall quickly once your business grows.
3. My PT Hub
Best Value After Free Trial
My PT Hub offers a 30-day free trial, then $14.40/month flat with unlimited clients. While not truly free long-term, it's the cheapest paid option if you need comprehensive features.
Pros
- - 30 days truly free
- - Cheapest paid option ($14.40/mo)
- - Unlimited clients included
- - Full feature set
Cons
- - Not free after trial
- - Interface can feel cluttered
- - Learning curve
- - Mobile app can be slow
Bottom line: If you know you need comprehensive software and are willing to pay after trying it, My PT Hub offers the best value at $14.40/month with unlimited clients.
DIY Options: Sheets, Notion, etc.
If you're committed to spending $0, here are completely free DIY approaches. They work, but require more manual effort:
Google Sheets / Excel
Create your own client tracking spreadsheet. Completely free, but you'll spend hours building templates and it won't work well on mobile during sessions.
Notion
Build a client database with Notion's free tier. More flexible than spreadsheets, decent mobile app, but not built for personal training - you'll need to design everything yourself.
Notes App + Calendar
The most basic approach: keep client notes in your phone's notes app and schedule in your calendar. It works, but you'll be searching through notes constantly.
The reality: DIY solutions work when you have 2-3 clients. Once you hit 10+, you'll spend more time managing your system than training clients.
When It Makes Sense to Pay
Free tools have limits. Here's when you should consider paid software:
Pay if you need a client-facing app
If clients need to see their workouts, log progress, or message you through an app, you need Trainerize, TrueCoach, or similar. No free option does this well.
Pay if you coach online
Online coaching requires program delivery, video libraries, and client communication tools. These features aren't available in free tiers with enough client capacity.
Pay if you have 20+ clients
At scale, the time you save with proper software pays for itself. If you're spending hours managing spreadsheets, $15-50/month is worth it.
Stay free if you train in-person with simple needs
If you just need quick client reference during sessions - restrictions, goals, last workout - you can stick with free tools like ClientSnap or DIY solutions.
The Verdict
Here's the honest summary for finding free personal trainer software:
- 1.For in-person trainers: ClientSnap is genuinely free with unlimited clients during beta. It's focused on quick client reference, not online coaching.
- 2.For new online coaches (<5 clients): Everfit's free tier is solid until you outgrow the 5-client limit.
- 3.For full-featured needs: My PT Hub at $14.40/month is the cheapest comprehensive option after using the 30-day trial.
- 4.For DIY enthusiasts: Notion or Google Sheets work if you're willing to build and maintain your own system.
The best free option depends on your training style. Don't pay for features you won't use - especially if you train clients face-to-face and just need a quick way to see their info.
Train clients in person?
ClientSnap is completely free during beta - unlimited clients, no credit card, no trial that expires. Built for trainers who need fast client info on the gym floor.
Get Free Beta AccessNo credit card required. Free during beta.