Clubwise and Livwell both serve UK wellness businesses, but they are built for different shapes of operation. Clubwise is the established UK platform for gym chains and multi-site operators with deep integration to UK-specific operations (PAYE, VAT, ICO compliance, Direct Debit via their partner integrations). Livwell is a newer entrant built for multi-service wellness centers — gym + classes + appointments + recovery + retail — from one connected platform, with API-first design and transparent pricing.
Where each platform shines
Clubwise's strength is the UK gym chain: multi-site member management, Direct Debit collection via integrated partners, UK-specific reporting, and a deep feature set built over 20+ years in the UK market. Operators running 5+ gym locations with traditional member management workflows typically find Clubwise a reliable, mature fit.
Livwell's strength is the multi-service wellness center: a premium environment running gym floor access, classes, appointments (PT, recovery, spa), memberships, retail, and corporate wellness from one platform. The system was built and proven at LifeLab, a wellness environment running 13 distinct service lines. Operators with 5+ service lines or who plan to expand beyond gym-only in 18 months find Livwell's all-in-one architecture a better fit.
UK-specific operations
Both platforms support UK-specific operations, but the depth differs:
- PAYE and HMRC integration: Clubwise has mature integrations with UK payroll providers and HMRC reporting. Livwell supports UK payroll via API integrations with major UK providers (Sage, Xero, BrightPay).
- VAT handling: Both platforms handle UK VAT correctly on member invoices, retail transactions, and corporate wellness contracts. Clubwise has longer-running VAT logic; Livwell follows standard UK VAT rules with full audit trails.
- ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) compliance: Both platforms support GDPR-compliant member data handling, data subject access requests, and right-to-erasure workflows. Clubwise has UK-based data residency by default; Livwell offers UK + EU data residency options.
- Direct Debit collection: Clubwise integrates with established UK Direct Debit providers. Livwell integrates with Stripe, GoCardless, and other UK-friendly payment processors.
Bookings: gym access vs multi-service
Clubwise handles gym-floor access, class bookings, and basic appointments well. The friction appears when operations expand into recovery services, spa treatments, retail, or corporate wellness contracts — these need separate workflows that don't always share data with the core gym system.
Livwell's all-in-one architecture runs every service line from one system. A member's gym visit, PT appointment, recovery session, and retail purchase all share the same profile, credits, and payment history. For UK operators planning to add services beyond gym in the next 18 months, this avoids the eventual migration to a second tool.
Branded member app
Both platforms offer branded mobile apps under your gym's name. Clubwise's app is mature with strong member-facing booking and class schedule features. Livwell's app is newer with a more modern interface, branded under your name and colors, and includes in-app class booking, PT scheduling, payment history, and membership management. For operators wanting a contemporary app experience at every pricing tier, Livwell includes the app in standard pricing.
Pricing transparency
Clubwise uses quote-based pricing — proposals depend on gym size, location count, member volume, and feature tier. Operators cannot get a number without sitting through a sales call, and pricing varies by contract length.
Livwell publishes three transparent tiers: Starter $79/mo (up to 200 active members), Growth $199/mo (up to 1,000), and Scale $399/mo (unlimited). UK pricing is in GBP at current exchange rates. A 14-day free trial tests real workflows before you spend.
Multi-site operations
Clubwise has 20+ years of UK multi-site gym chain experience. The platform handles multi-site member portability, central reporting across locations, and complex permission structures built up over decades.
Livwell's multi-site model is younger but architecturally modern — every site runs from one database, central reporting on revenue, capacity, staff utilization, and member risk is built in. For UK operators planning 2-3 new sites in the next 18 months, Livwell's API-first design makes integrations with new payment providers and marketing tools easier than legacy platforms.
Migration and switching cost
Clubwise offers migration support through their UK team. The migration is mature and well-understood for gym-centric operations.
Livwell's 4-week launch plan migrates your full operating record — members, packages, payment history, class schedules, and historical transactions. For UK operators with complex multi-site histories, the migration team handles the data mapping and validates before go-live.
Who should choose Clubwise
- UK gym chains with 5+ locations running traditional gym-centric operations
- Operators with deep UK-specific workflow requirements (PAYE integration, UK-specific reporting, established Direct Debit collections)
- Studios that value 20+ years of UK market presence and mature support infrastructure
Who should choose Livwell
- UK multi-service wellness operators running 5+ distinct service lines (gym + classes + appointments + recovery + retail)
- Operators planning to expand beyond gym-only within 18 months
- Studios wanting modern API-first architecture, transparent pricing, and a contemporary branded app experience
- Operators in GCC markets serving UK clients (or vice versa) who need multi-region support
How to decide
Both platforms are well-built. The decision is fit for your operation shape, growth direction, and the UK-specific workflows you prioritize. Test your real workflows — UK member onboarding, Direct Debit setup, multi-site reporting, PAYE integration — in a free trial with both. The platform your team operates fastest on, with the pricing model you trust, is the one to choose.
