The 10 best gym memberships of 2026 combine modern facilities, flexible membership options, and top-rated amenities—making it easy to find a gym that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Whether you’re focused on group classes, strength training, family perks, or 24/7 access, this guide compares the latest features, facilities, pricing, and drawbacks of each top chain to help you make an informed, confident decision.
How We Chose the Best Gym Memberships in 2026
- Facilities & Equipment
- Amenities & Perks
- Class Variety
- Pricing & Hidden Fees
- Location & Access
- Community and Member Experience
Research uses official gym websites, real user reviews, and 2026 industry data. Each gym includes current fees, unique features, and the pros and cons of joining.
1. Crunch Fitness – 9.2/10
Price: $9.99–$34.99/month
Features & Facilities:
- Cardio and strength zones
- Extensive group classes (HIIT, Zumba, yoga, Pound, even karaoke cycling)
- Crunch+ app for streaming home workouts
- HydroMassage, tanning, Olympic platforms in some locations (Signature)
Amenities:
- Showers, lockers, personal training, towel service at premium tier
Why Choose:
- Affordable plans, massive class schedule, fun “No Judgments” culture
- Crunch Signature offers premium amenities in urban locations
Cons:
- Signature clubs cost much more
- Peak hours can be crowded
- Fewer luxury perks than high-end clubs
2. Life Time Fitness – 9.3/10
Price: $99–$329/month
Features & Facilities:
- Resort-style pools (indoor/outdoor), full-service spa
- Sports courts (basketball, pickleball), coworking lounges
- Café, bar, luxury locker rooms
- 100+ studio classes (yoga, cycling, Pilates, HIIT)
- Childcare/Kids Academy, wellness seminars
Amenities:
- Towel service, massage, personal trainers, healthy dining, on-site salon
Why Choose:
- True “all-in-one” wellness center—great for families, professionals, or anyone wanting a luxury health club
- Extensive hours, multiple locations, and amazing amenities
Cons:
- High monthly and sign-up fees
- Busy during evenings and weekends
- Overkill for those seeking just a gym
3. Planet Fitness – 8.5/10
Price: $15–$24.99/month
Features & Facilities:
- Cardio equipment, circuit training, resistance machines
- 24/7 access at most locations
- PF Black Card lounge: massage chairs, tanning, guest privileges
Amenities:
- Locker rooms, mobile app, hydro massage (Black Card)
Why Choose:
- Super affordable, thousands of locations
- “Judgment Free Zone” is perfect for beginners and casual gym-goers
- Great perks at a low price with Black Card
Cons:
- Limited free weights, no heavy lifting setups
- No pool, sauna, or advanced amenities
- Not ideal for serious lifters
4. Anytime Fitness – 9.0/10
Price: $41–$74/month
Features & Facilities:
- 24/7/365 access—use your key at 5,000+ locations worldwide
- Full set of weights, machines, and functional training zones
- Private, secure setting; smaller club footprint
- Digital coaching and goal setting via app
Amenities:
- Showers, lockers, small group training
Why Choose:
- Ultimate flexibility—work out anytime, anywhere
- Best for travelers, busy parents, and those with unpredictable schedules
Cons:
- Smaller gyms, fewer extras (most lack pool/sauna)
- Limited class schedules at many locations
- Less social vibe than bigger chains
5. 24 Hour Fitness – 8.7/10
Price: $9.99–$69.99/month
Features & Facilities:
- Spacious gyms with wide range of equipment
- Pools, basketball, racquetball courts (select locations)
- Dozens of group fitness classes, cycling, HIIT
- Personal training, youth and family programs
Amenities:
- Locker rooms, sauna/steam (in larger clubs), family changing
Why Choose:
- Big-box gym feel with lots of variety and space
- Strong class schedule and community for all ages
Cons:
- Not all clubs are open 24/7
- Facility quality varies by location
- Busy at peak times
6. Gold’s Gym – 8.8/10
Price: $25–$87/month
Features & Facilities:
- Legendary free-weight area and powerlifting rigs
- Olympic platforms, functional turf, bodybuilder legacy
- Group classes (BodyPump, yoga, cycling)
- Personal and small-group training
Amenities:
- Sauna, smoothie bar, member events
Why Choose:
- Best for serious weightlifters and those who love fitness history
- Inspiring, results-driven community
Cons:
- Varies by franchise—some clubs are old, some are state-of-the-art
- Can be intimidating for beginners
- Lacks the luxury spa feel
7. LA Fitness – 8.4/10
Price: $29.99–$49.99/month
Features & Facilities:
- Pools, basketball & racquetball courts, open gym spaces
- Extensive group classes, personal training
- Cardio, free weights, functional training
Amenities:
- Locker rooms, childcare, sauna/steam in many clubs
Why Choose:
- Family-friendly with multiple sports options
- Spacious and generally affordable
Cons:
- Cleanliness and equipment maintenance varies
- Clubs can get crowded and noisy
- Extra charges for towels and some classes
8. F45 Training – 8.6/10
Price: $159–$299/month
Features & Facilities:
- Studio-based, coach-led HIIT workouts—45-minute sessions
- Team environment, always a new workout, digital performance tracking
- Nutrition coaching via app
Amenities:
- Showers, heart-rate monitors, wearable tech integration
Why Choose:
- Fast, effective, and social—ideal for accountability
- Great for busy adults wanting results in less time
Cons:
- No open gym (classes only)
- Higher cost than regular gyms
- Not for solo or flexible training
9. Orangetheory Fitness – 8.5/10
Price: $89–$279/month
Features & Facilities:
- Group HIIT with real-time heart-rate tracking
- Equipment: rowers, treadmills, free weights
- Mobile app for stats and progress
Amenities:
- Showers, lockers, small retail shop
Why Choose:
- Data-driven workouts for all levels—very motivating
- Focus on results, calories burned, heart health
Cons:
- Classes only, no gym floor for solo use
- Unlimited packages are pricey
- Less for powerlifters or heavy weightlifting
10. YMCA – 8.9/10
Price: $30–$182/month
Features & Facilities:
- Pools, basketball courts, fitness floor, walking/running tracks
- Group fitness for all ages, senior & youth programs
- Community wellness events, financial assistance
Amenities:
- Family changing, childcare, swim lessons, summer camps
Why Choose:
- Inclusive, non-profit, focus on families and community
- Wide range of programs, scholarships available
Cons:
- Amenities, hours, and equipment quality vary by location
- May not feel as “upscale” as for-profit gyms
- Some facilities are older
2026 Comparison Table
| Gym | Price/mo | Key Features & Amenities | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunch Fitness | $9.99–$34.99/month | Strength and cardio equipment, group fitness classes, HIITZone at select clubs, personal training, recovery perks on higher plans | Best for budget-friendly gym access with fun classes and better amenities than most low-cost gyms |
| Life Time Fitness | $99–$299/month | Luxury athletic clubs, pools, pickleball/tennis at select clubs, studios, spa-style amenities, kids programs, Life Time Digital | Best for people who want a premium fitness club with resort-style facilities and family-friendly options |
| Planet Fitness | $15–$24.99/month | Cardio and strength machines, beginner-friendly gym floor, Classic and PF Black Card plans, guest privileges and spa perks on Black Card | Best for beginners and anyone who wants the cheapest simple gym membership |
| Anytime Fitness | $41–$74/month | 24/7 access, 5,800+ gyms worldwide, coaching support, in-app workouts, private restrooms and showers | Best for people who need anytime access, travel often, or want a smaller local gym feel |
| 24 Hour Fitness | $9.99–$69.99/month | Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, cardio and strength equipment, group classes, pools/sauna/steam rooms at select clubs, nationwide access on higher tiers | Best for flexible access, late-night workouts, and members who want more amenities than a basic budget gym |
| Gold’s Gym | $25–$87/month | Free weights, strength machines, cardio equipment, group exercise, personal training, sauna or specialty areas at select locations | Best for strength training, bodybuilding-style workouts, and people who want a serious gym environment |
| LA Fitness | $29.99–$49.99/month | Strength and cardio equipment, group classes, basketball, racquetball, pool, sauna, Kids Klub at select clubs | Best for people who want a full-service traditional gym at a mid-range price |
| F45 Training | $159–$299/month | 45-minute coach-led functional training, HIIT, strength, cardio, hybrid workouts, team-based class format | Best for people who want structured group training, accountability, and fast-paced functional workouts |
| Orangetheory Fitness | $89–$279/month | Coach-led heart-rate training, treadmill, rowing, strength blocks, Basic/Elite/Premier plans, app booking and performance tracking | Best for people who want boutique group training with coaching, tracking, and a clear class structure |
| YMCA | $30–$214/month | Fitness center, pools, group classes, youth programs, family memberships, child care and community programs at many locations | Best for families, seniors, students, and people who want fitness plus community programs |
Note: Prices vary by location, plan tier, annual fee, enrollment fee, promotions, and contract type. Planet Fitness officially lists Classic memberships from $15/month and PF Black Card from $24.99/month, while Crunch lists plans from $9.99 to $34.99/month. Life Time, F45, Gold’s Gym, Orangetheory, YMCA, and many franchise-based gyms require location-level pricing checks because amenities and dues vary by club or studio.
FAQs
What is the best gym membership overall in 2026?
The best gym membership depends on your budget, workout style, and the amenities you will actually use. Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness are best for low-cost access, LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness are strong mid-range choices, and Life Time is best for premium amenities. If you want coached group training, Orangetheory Fitness and F45 Training are better options than a traditional open-gym membership.
What is the cheapest gym membership in 2026?
Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness are usually the cheapest major gym options. Planet Fitness lists Classic memberships from $15/month and PF Black Card memberships from $24.99/month, while Crunch Fitness is known for low-cost gym plans that often start around $9.99/month, depending on location and membership tier.
Which gym membership is best for beginners?
Planet Fitness is one of the best choices for beginners because it is affordable, simple, and less intimidating than many traditional gyms. Crunch Fitness is also a good beginner-friendly option if you want more classes, more energy, and better variety without paying premium prices.
Which gym membership is best for families?
The YMCA and Life Time are usually the best options for families. Many YMCA locations offer family memberships, youth programs, pools, child care options, and community activities. Life Time costs more, but many clubs offer premium family-friendly amenities such as pools, kids programs, sports courts, and resort-style facilities.
Which gym is best for group fitness classes?
Orangetheory Fitness, F45 Training, Crunch Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and Life Time are strong choices for group fitness. Orangetheory is best if you want heart-rate-based training with treadmill, rowing, and strength blocks. F45 is best for fast-paced functional training. Crunch and 24 Hour Fitness are better if you want group classes included with a regular gym membership.
Which gym is best for 24/7 access?
Anytime Fitness is one of the best-known gyms for 24/7 access because many locations are open around the clock. Anytime Fitness says pricing varies by location, but the average monthly membership cost is $53. This makes it a practical choice for people who travel, work odd hours, or prefer a smaller local gym environment.
Are gym membership prices the same at every location?
No. Gym prices often vary by city, club type, membership tier, franchise owner, promotions, taxes, and annual fees. This is especially true for Anytime Fitness, F45 Training, Orangetheory Fitness, YMCA, Gold’s Gym, and Life Time, where pricing is often handled at the local club or studio level. F45 Training says membership pricing may differ because studios are independently owned and operated.
Do gym memberships have annual fees?
Many gyms charge annual fees in addition to monthly dues. Planet Fitness lists a $49 annual fee for many memberships, and 24 Hour Fitness also lists annual fees on its membership pages. LA Fitness may also charge an annual fee depending on the selected plan and location. Always check the final checkout page before joining because annual fees, enrollment fees, taxes, and club-specific charges can change the real cost.
Can I cancel a gym membership anytime?
It depends on the gym, your contract, and your home club’s policy. Some gyms allow cancellation with notice, while others require you to cancel through your home club or follow a specific billing deadline. Crunch Fitness tells members to contact their home gym to learn the local cancellation policy, so it is important to confirm the rules before signing up.
Which gym membership is worth it for most people?
For most people, the best value is the membership they will use consistently. Choose Planet Fitness or Crunch if you want the lowest monthly price. Choose LA Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness if you want more amenities at a mid-range cost. Choose Life Time if you want a premium club experience. Choose Orangetheory or F45 if coaching, structure, and accountability matter more than open gym access.
Conclusion
The best gym membership in 2026 is not simply the cheapest one. It is the one that fits your budget, schedule, workout style, and comfort level.
For the lowest monthly cost, Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness are the strongest picks. For a balanced traditional gym with more amenities, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Gold’s Gym are worth comparing. For premium facilities, Life Time stands out. For coached workouts and accountability, Orangetheory Fitness and F45 Training are better choices. For families and community programs, the YMCA is often the most practical option.
Before joining, check the exact monthly price, annual fee, enrollment fee, cancellation policy, guest privileges, and club access rules at your local location. A gym membership is only worth the money when it helps you show up consistently, train comfortably, and stay active long term.