Zen Planner vs ClassBug
Which martial arts school software is right for your dojo or academy?
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Quick Summary
Zen Planner and ClassBug occupy opposite ends of the martial arts software price spectrum. ClassBug offers bare-bones scheduling at very low cost; Zen Planner offers a complete martial arts management platform at a higher price. The right choice depends entirely on your school's current size and growth trajectory.
At a Glance
| Zen Planner | ClassBug | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $99–$348/month | $29–$89/month |
| Founded | 2006 | 2014 |
| Users | 15,000+ | 1,000+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zen Planner | ClassBug | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $99/month | $29/month | ClassBug |
| Belt Tracking | Advanced | Basic | Zen Planner |
| Marketing Tools | Comprehensive | Minimal | Zen Planner |
| Lead Management | Zen Planner | ||
| Reporting | Advanced | Basic | Zen Planner |
| Member Portal | Full-featured | Basic | Zen Planner |
| Scalability | High | Limited | Zen Planner |
| Price | Moderate | Very low | ClassBug |
When to Choose Each
Choose Zen Planner if...
- You're running a real business and want to grow
- Belt tracking and student progression matter
- You want marketing and lead management tools
- You need reporting to understand your business
- You plan to scale beyond 50 students
Choose ClassBug if...
- You have a very small school (under 30 students) on a tight budget
- You just need basic scheduling and billing to start
- You plan to upgrade once your school generates more revenue
- Price is your absolute primary constraint
Our Verdict
Zen Planner wins for any serious martial arts school due to its comprehensive feature set, martial arts focus, and reliable track record. ClassBug wins only if budget is an absolute constraint and you need the bare minimum. ClassBug's very low price is its primary appeal — but it lacks the depth needed to run a growing martial arts school. As your school scales, you'll outgrow ClassBug quickly.
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Start Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
Is ClassBug a good way to start a martial arts school?
ClassBug is a reasonable starting point if your school is in its first 3 months with very few students and you need to minimize costs. However, you should plan to migrate to Zen Planner or Kicksite once you reach 30–40 students. The operational limitations will become apparent quickly as you grow.