What PT Distinction charges for. Free.
PT Distinction starts at $19.90/mo for just 3 clients and charges per client beyond that. FitPros.io gives you the same core coaching tools for $0. Unlimited clients, forever.
Common reasons coaches leave PT Distinction
3 clients for $19.90/mo
PT Distinction's Basic plan only includes 3 clients. Need 10? That's $61.90/mo ($19.90 base + 7 extra at $6 each). The math gets uncomfortable fast. FitPros.io is free with unlimited clients.
Mobile app quality issues
The most common complaint from PT Distinction users: the app loses workout data when the phone screen locks, videos have limited playback controls, and the Android app is significantly behind iOS. These are documented issues going back years.
Steep learning curve
PT Distinction packs a lot into the platform. The tradeoff: reviewers consistently describe it as "daunting" for new users. If you just need to build programs and manage clients, the complexity can feel like overkill.
Read receipts create pressure
Clients can see when you've read their message. If you open a message but can't respond right away, it looks like you're ignoring them. Multiple trainers flag this as a real issue for client relationships.
FitPros.io vs PT Distinction
| Feature | FitPros.io FREE | PT Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0/mo | $19.90/mo (3 clients) |
| Unlimited clients | Free, always | $89.90/mo + $1.60/extra client |
| Workout program builder | ||
| Exercise library | 1,000+ with HD video | 1,400+ video library |
| Client app (iOS + Android) | iOS solid, Android limited | |
| Progress tracking | ||
| In-app messaging | Yes (with read receipts) | |
| Website builder | ||
| Habit tracking | Included free | |
| Client forms | Included free | |
| Custom branding | Pro Tools ($29/mo) | Pro+ ($59.90+/mo) |
| Nutrition / meal plans | AI Meal Planner + MyFitnessPal | |
| Payment processing | Included (via Stripe) | PayPal native, Stripe via Zapier |
| Wearable integrations | Apple Watch, Fitbit, MyZone | |
| Scheduling / calendar | Built-in (no Google/Apple Cal sync) | |
| Per-client pricing | Never | Yes, $1.60-6.00/client beyond cap |
| Free plan time limit | Free forever | 1-month trial |
Summary
FitPros.io and PT Distinction both offer workout builders, client apps, exercise libraries, progress tracking, and in-app messaging. The key differences: FitPros.io is free with unlimited clients and includes a website builder and Stripe payment processing at no cost. PT Distinction starts at $19.90/mo for 3 clients with per-client fees beyond that ($1.60-6.00 per additional client depending on plan). PT Distinction has features FitPros.io does not, including nutrition and meal planning with MyFitnessPal integration, wearable integrations (Apple Watch, Fitbit), a built-in scheduling calendar, and a larger exercise library (1,400+ vs 1,000+). Both platforms include habit tracking, client forms, and progress tracking. For a full comparison across all platforms, see the pricing comparison page, or compare with Trainerize and TrueCoach.
Pricing from ptdistinction.com. Last verified February 2026.
What PT Distinction costs over a year
The per-client pricing trap
PT Distinction's Basic plan includes 3 clients for $19.90/mo. Each additional client costs $6/mo. A trainer with 10 clients on the Basic plan pays $61.90/mo, which is actually more than the Pro plan at $59.90/mo for 25 clients. This pricing structure nudges you into higher tiers quickly. With FitPros.io, there's no client math to worry about. It's free at every size.
Annual savings with FitPros.io
$239 - $2,039+
per year depending on your PT Distinction plan and client count
Where PT Distinction still wins
This isn't a "we're better at everything" page. PT Distinction has features FitPros.io doesn't, and you should know about them before switching.
PT Distinction has a strong nutrition coaching platform with an AI meal planner, MyFitnessPal integration that auto-syncs macros and calories daily, a photo food diary, and a recipe library. If nutrition coaching is central to your service, this is a genuine advantage.
They have wearable integrations with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and MyZone. They have a built-in scheduling calendar with week, month, and year views (though no Google or Apple Calendar sync). And they have a larger exercise library with roughly 1,400+ videos compared to FitPros.io's 1,000+. They also include all features on every plan, with no feature gating between tiers.
If those features are essential to how you coach, PT Distinction might be the right tool for you.
But if you primarily need workout programming, client management, an exercise library, client apps, and a website, and you'd rather not pay $60-90/mo for it, FitPros.io does all of that for free.
What you get with FitPros.io free
What sets FitPros.io apart
No per-client fees. Ever.
PT Distinction charges $1.60-6.00 per extra client. A growing roster means a growing bill. FitPros.io is free whether you have 3 clients or 300.
Website builder included
PT Distinction lets you embed a login portal on your existing site but doesn't build one for you. FitPros.io includes a full website builder for free.
Consistent cross-platform experience
PT Distinction's Android app is significantly behind iOS with missing features and bugs. FitPros.io's PWA works identically on every device and platform.
Stripe payments built in
FitPros.io has native Stripe Connect integration for selling programs. PT Distinction relies on PayPal or requires Zapier to connect Stripe, adding complexity.
Simple by design
PT Distinction's feature density creates a steep learning curve. FitPros.io keeps things simple. Most trainers are building programs within minutes of signing up.
Personal support
Have a question? Message Sammy directly. No ticket systems, no chatbots. PT Distinction has an 8-person team based in the UK, which can mean slower response times across time zones.
Try it. It's free.
No credit card, no trial timer, no commitment. If FitPros.io does what you need, you just saved yourself $719+/year.
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Questions about switching? Message me directly. - Sammy