FitBudd vs Kahunas

Best Kahunas Alternative for Personal Trainers (2026)

Best Kahunas Alternative: FitBudd vs Kahunas Compared | FitBudd

Key Takeaways

  • 01
    Video Calling: The decisive gap. FitBudd includes 1:1 video calling from Pro up. Kahunas has no video calling at any tier. Coaches who run virtual sessions need external tools like Zoom with Kahunas.
  • 02
    Pricing Model: Unlimited vs. per-client. Kahunas Ultimate offers unlimited clients at $99/month. FitBudd charges $2/client over 20 (100 clients = $239/month on Pro). For high-volume coaches without video needs, Kahunas wins on cost.
  • 03
    Branded Apps: Kahunas is cheaper. Kahunas Ultimate includes a white-label app at $99/month plus $99/year Apple Developer. FitBudd Super Pro is $149/month plus $75 one-time setup.
  • 04
    Workout Builder: Polarized reviews. Capterra reviewers describe Kahunas’ workout builder as “extremely limited and unintuitive.” FitBudd’s is consistently praised as intuitive, with an AI assist.
  • 05
    Nutrition: Kahunas leads. 1.6M verified foods, 800K barcodes, micronutrient tracking. But it's a food tracker, not a meal plan builder. FitBudd has a smaller database but includes meal plan creation.
  • 06
    Language Support: English-only on Kahunas. Both coach and client interfaces are English-only. FitBudd supports multiple languages.

Intro

If you're searching for the best Kahunas alternative, you're likely evaluating platforms that promise to help fitness professionals scale their coaching business. Kahunas has built a reputation for affordable branded apps and solid nutrition tracking, while FitBudd focuses on video calling, AI-powered workouts, and global payment processing.

Both platforms serve online coaches and personal trainers, but they approach the market differently. Kahunas offers unlimited clients at its top tier for $99/month with a branded app included. FitBudd bundles video calling and AI tools in paid plans but uses per-client pricing that scales as you grow.

Kahunas holds a 4.9/5 rating on Capterra (40 reviews). Users praise the branded app experience and responsive support. They cite limitations around the workout builder, scheduling flexibility, and English-only support.

This comparison breaks down both platforms honestly, including where each excels and where each falls short.

Note: We're the team behind FitBudd. We've included ourselves in this comparison with the same scrutiny as Kahunas.

Who This Comparison Is For

This guide is for fitness professionals actively evaluating their software options.

FYou might prefer FitBudd if you
  • Need built-in video calling for virtual coaching sessions
  • Want AI-assisted workout generation
  • Coach clients who don't speak English
  • Need payment processing outside US/UK (200+ countries)
  • Want a branded website included
  • Prioritize a larger exercise library (4,000+ vs 1,000+)
KYou might prefer Kahunas if you
  • Don't need video calling (asynchronous coaching only)
  • Want unlimited clients at a flat $99/month
  • Prioritize nutrition tracking with a large food database (1.6M foods)
  • Sell supplements to clients (unique feature)
  • Want the cheapest path to a branded app
  • Can work around workout builder limitations

Why Trainers Search for Kahunas Alternatives

Kahunas holds a 4.9/5 rating across 40 Capterra reviews. Users praise the affordable branded app and responsive support from founder Mark Fox. But specific limitations prompt trainers to evaluate alternatives.

No built-in video calling

Kahunas doesn't offer 1:1 video coaching at any tier. Coaches who rely on virtual sessions need external tools like Zoom, creating fragmented client experiences.

English-only platform

Both the coach and client apps support English only. Trainers with international clients or non-English-speaking markets face adoption barriers. Coachway’s review notes this as “a hard limit for coaches outside the US and UK.”

Workout builder frustrations

Capterra reviewer noted the workout builder was “extremely limited and unintuitive” and “creating individual training plans took way too much time and drove me nuts.” Another described the client management interface as “confusing and cluttered.”

Scheduling limitations

Software Advice reviewer flagged “limits around the scheduling of programs and release dating of content.” GetApp confirms users note “limits around scheduling, forms, and plan flexibility.”

Client app stability concerns

One third-party review noted “Client app quality. The app your clients use every day has to be stable. This is where Kahunas struggles most.”

Nutrition is tracking-only

ProMealPlan’s review clarifies: “The nutrition module is built around client food logging, not coach meal plan creation.” No structured meal plan builder or recipe-driven plan generation.

That said, Kahunas excels at affordable branded apps ($99/month for unlimited clients), has one of the largest verified food databases (1.6 million foods), and offers responsive customer support with a 3-month money-back guarantee. It’s not a bad platform. It has specific limitations that matter to certain coaching styles.

Kahunas vs. FitBudd: Platform Overview

AspectKahunasFitBudd
Founded20212019
FounderMark FoxFitBudd Inc.
Primary FocusAffordable branded apps for online coachesVideo-first coaching with AI tools
Capterra Rating4.9/5 (40 reviews)4.8/5 (verified)
User Base14,000+ coaches10,000+ coaches
Free PlanNo (14-day trial)No (30-day trial)
Lowest Paid Plan$35/month (25 clients)$15/month (2 clients)
White-Label App$99/month Ultimate + $99/yr Apple Dev$149/mo Super Pro + $75 setup
Unlimited ClientsYes (Ultimate only)No (per-client pricing)
Video CallingNoYes (Pro and up)
Exercise Library1,000+ videos4,000+ GIFs
Food Database1.6M foods, 800K barcodesStandard
Language SupportEnglish onlyMultiple languages
Payment ProcessingStripe + PayPal, no commissionStripe + PayPal, 200+ countries, zero commission

Kahunas vs. FitBudd: Pricing Breakdown

Kahunas Pricing

Kahunas uses tiered pricing based on client count and features. 14-day free trial plus 3-month money-back guarantee.

Monthly Plans:

PlanPriceClientsBranded App
Essentials$35/month25No (Kahunas app only)
Growth$69/month50No (Kahunas app only)
Ultimate$99/monthUnlimitedYes (iOS + Android)

Annual Plans (Save ~25%):

PlanAnnual PriceEffective Monthly
Essentials$315/year$26.25/month
Growth$621/year$51.75/month
Ultimate$900/year$75/month

Additional Costs:

ItemPrice
Apple Developer Account$99/year (required for iOS app)
Extensions (Group Messaging, Zapier, Option to Add Team Members)Included in Ultimate

What's included across all Kahunas plans:

  • 1,000+ exercise videos (plus custom uploads via YouTube)
  • 1.6 million verified foods with barcode scanning
  • Micronutrient tracking
  • Custom check-in and habit forms
  • Content library (video, audio, PDFs)
  • Voice notes and messaging
  • Supplement plan creation
  • Stripe and PayPal integration (no commission)
  • Wearable integration
  • 1:1 live onboarding

What's NOT included on Kahunas:

  • Video calling (not available at any tier)
  • Website builder (not available)
  • AI workout generation (not available)
  • Multi-language support (English only)
  • Meal plan creation (tracking only)

FitBudd Pricing (Published)

FitBudd publishes three flat-rate tiers with core features bundled.

PlanMonthly CostClients IncludedPer Client Over Limit
Starter$15/month2 clients+$4/client/month
Pro$79/month20 clients+$2/client/month
Super Pro$149/month + $75 setup20 clients+$2/client/month
Studio EliteCustomUnlimitedCustom
Creator EliteCustomUnlimitedCustom

What's included in each tier:

Starter ($15/month)

  • FitBudd client app (iOS and Android)
  • Exercise library
  • Workout builder
  • Built-in nutrition library
  • Meals and macros tracker
  • Check-ins and progress photos
  • Chat
  • Email Support

Pro ($79/month)

  • Everything in Starter
  • Custom app theming
  • Logo update after login
  • Branded website
  • Extensive workout & food library
  • Wearable integration
  • Unlimited content hosting (1GB/file)
  • 1:1 video calling
  • Group chat & broadcast messaging
  • Resource sharing
  • Recipe library
  • Push notifications
  • Email & chat support
  • Basic Smart Flow automation

Super Pro ($149/month + $75 one-time setup)

  • Everything in Pro
  • Fully white-labeled iOS and Android app in app stores
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
  • Mailchimp and Zapier integration
  • Direct app sign-ups

Add-ons (Pro and Super Pro)

  • Appointments: $50/month
  • Team (multiple trainers): $50/month
  • On-Demand Video Library: $50/month
  • Advanced Smart Flow: $20/month (+$1/client over 20)

What You Actually Pay at Scale

Client CountKahunas UltimateFitBudd ProFitBudd Super Pro
25 clients~$107/month*$89/month$165/month**
50 clients~$107/month*$139/month$215/month**
100 clients~$107/month*$239/month$315/month**
200 clients~$107/month*$439/month$515/month**

*Kahunas: $99/month + ($99/year Apple Dev ÷ 12) = ~$107/month **FitBudd Super Pro: base + overage + ($75 setup ÷ 12) for first year

The takeaway: At 60+ clients, Kahunas becomes significantly cheaper if you don't need video calling. Below 60 clients, FitBudd Pro is competitive and includes video calling, AI workouts, and a larger exercise library.

Kahunas vs. FitBudd: Feature Comparison

FeatureKahunasFitBudd
Exercise Library1,000+ videos (+ YouTube import)4,000+ GIFs
Workout BuilderPer reviews: “limited and unintuitive”AI-assisted, intuitive
Follow-Along Workouts No Included
Nutrition Tracking 1.6M foods, 800K barcodes Standard database
Meal Plan Creation Tracking only Included
Supplement Plans With purchase links Not available
Video Calling Not available Included (Pro and up)
Client Check-Ins Custom forms Built-in
Progress Photos With overlay With overlay
Habit Tracking Included Included
In-App Messaging Included Included
Voice Notes Included Included
Group Chat Ultimate only Included
White-Label App $99/mo Ultimate $149/mo Super Pro
Branded Website Not available Included
AI Workout Generation Not available Included
Language SupportEnglish onlyMultiple languages
Payment ProcessingStripe + PayPalStripe + PayPal (200+ countries)
Payment CommissionZeroZero
WearablesApple Watch, FitbitApple Health, Google Fit
Zapier Ultimate onlySuper Pro and Elite plans only
Free Trial14 days + 3-month guarantee30 days

Kahunas: Detailed Review

Kahunas launched in 2021 under founder Mark Fox with a mission to help online coaches create their own branded apps without enterprise pricing. The platform now serves over 14,000 coaches. It holds a 4.9/5 rating on Capterra (40 reviews).

What Kahunas Does Well

Affordable branded apps

The Ultimate plan at $99/month (or $75/month annually) includes unlimited clients and your own branded iOS and Android apps. Capterra reviewer noted: “It feels a bit surreal to have your own app in the App and Play Store.” This is significantly cheaper than competitors charging $149+ for white-label access.

Extensive nutrition database

1.6 million verified foods with micronutrients, 800,000 barcodes, and 2,400+ restaurant items. A team of nutritionists verifies food data. For coaches focused on nutrition tracking, this exceeds most competitors.

Unlimited clients at the top tier

Unlike per-client pricing models, Kahunas Ultimate doesn't penalize you for scaling. Coach 100 clients or 500, same price.

Responsive customer support

Reviews consistently praise support as responsive, patient, and helpful. The founder’s personal guarantee offers refunds within 3 months if unsatisfied. Capterra reviewer: “Attentive customer support. Great to have my own app.”

Supplement plan creation

Unique feature allowing coaches to create supplement plans with direct purchase links. Neither FitBudd nor most competitors offer this.

Voice notes and messaging

Communication feels personal with voice note support alongside text messaging.

Where Kahunas Falls Short

No video calling

This is Kahunas’ most significant gap. Coaches who conduct virtual sessions need external tools like Zoom, fragmenting the client experience.

English only

Both the coach and client apps support English only. Coachway notes this as “a hard limit for coaches outside the US and UK.”

Workout builder frustrations

Capterra reviewer described it as “extremely limited and unintuitive” with workout creation taking “way too much time.” Another found the client management interface “confusing and cluttered.” GetApp confirms users note “limits around scheduling, forms, and plan flexibility.”

Nutrition is tracking, not planning

ProMealPlan review: “The nutrition module is built around client food logging, not coach meal plan creation.” No structured meal plan builder or recipe-driven generation.

Scheduling limitations

Software Advice reviewer flagged “limits around the scheduling of programs and release dating of content.” No option to schedule client start dates.

Smaller exercise library

1,000+ exercises compared to competitors with 4,000+. YouTube imports help but require extra work.

No branded website

Kahunas doesn't include website building. Coaches need external solutions for their web presence.

Pros:

  • Affordable branded apps ($99/month for unlimited clients)
  • 4.9/5 Capterra rating
  • Extensive nutrition database (1.6M foods)
  • Responsive customer support with 3-month guarantee
  • Supplement plan creation (unique)
  • Zero commission on payments
  • Voice note communication

Cons:

  • No video calling at any tier
  • English-only platform
  • Workout builder described as “limited and unintuitive” (Capterra)
  • Nutrition is tracking-only, not meal planning
  • Scheduling and flexibility limitations
  • Smaller exercise library (1,000+ vs 4,000+)
  • No branded website included

FitBudd: Detailed Review

FitBudd launched in 2019 and focuses on helping fitness professionals create their own branded apps while maintaining personal coaching relationships. The platform serves over 10,000+ coaches, influencers, gyms, and studios worldwide.

What FitBudd Does Well

Built-in video calling

1:1 video coaching is included from Pro up. No external tools, no fragmented experience. This is the primary reason many coaches choose FitBudd over Kahunas.

AI workout builder

Generate customized programs in seconds based on client goals, experience level, and available equipment. Significantly reduces programming time compared to manual creation.

Larger exercise library

4,000+ exercises with GIF demonstrations, four times larger than Kahunas’ library. Less need for custom uploads.

Transparent, published pricing

FitBudd shows exactly what each plan costs, starting at $15/month (Starter), with clear overage rates. No quote-based surprises.

Branded website included

Create a professional web presence to sell plans globally without additional monthly costs.

Follow-along workout feature

Clients press start, and the app guides them through exercises automatically.

International payments

Accept payments in 200+ countries via Stripe and PayPal with zero platform commission.

Multi-language support

Unlike Kahunas’ English-only limitation, FitBudd supports international coaches and clients.

Where FitBudd Falls Short

Per-client pricing scales up

At $2/client over base 20, trainers with large client rosters pay more than Kahunas Ultimate. 100 clients = $239/month on Pro vs Kahunas’ ~$107/month.

Higher entry price for branded apps

Super Pro at $149/month plus $75 setup is $50+ more than Kahunas Ultimate for white-label apps.

Smaller nutrition database

Standard food database, not the 1.6 million verified foods Kahunas offers.

Limited wearable integrations

Apple Health and Google Fit are supported, but no direct connections to Garmin, WHOOP, or Oura.

No supplement plan feature

Unlike Kahunas, FitBudd doesn't have dedicated supplement plan creation with purchase links.

Pros:

  • Video calling included from Pro up
  • AI workout builder saves programming time
  • 4,000+ exercise library with GIFs
  • Branded website included
  • Follow-along workout feature
  • 200+ country payment support
  • Zero commission on payments
  • Multi-language support
  • 30-day free trial

Cons:

  • Per-client pricing becomes expensive at 60+ clients
  • Higher price point for white-label apps than Kahunas
  • Smaller nutrition database
  • Limited wearable integrations (no Garmin/WHOOP/Oura)
  • No dedicated supplement plan feature

Kahunas vs. FitBudd: Key Differences That Matter

Video Calling

FitBudd includes 1:1 video calling from Pro up. Online coaches can conduct virtual sessions within the same app clients use for workouts and nutrition.

Kahunas does not offer video calling at any tier. Coaches must use external tools like Zoom, creating fragmented experiences and additional costs.

Pricing Model

Kahunas Ultimate offers unlimited clients at $99/month (plus $99/year Apple Developer). Scale to 100+ clients without additional per-client fees.

FitBudd uses per-client pricing at $2/client over the base 20 included. At 100 clients on Pro, you'd pay $239/month. For high-volume coaches without video needs, Kahunas is more cost-effective. For coaches under 60 clients who need video, FitBudd is competitive.

Workout Builder

Kahunas reviews cite the workout builder as “extremely limited and unintuitive” with workout creation taking “way too much time.”

FitBudd offers AI-assisted workout generation and is consistently described as intuitive in reviews.

Nutrition Features

Kahunas provides 1.6 million verified foods, 800k barcodes, and micronutrient tracking. But it's food logging, not coach-driven meal planning.

FitBudd includes meal plan creation and a recipe library with a smaller food database.

Language Support

Kahunas is English-only for both coach and client interfaces.

FitBudd supports multiple languages, making it suitable for international coaches.

Website Building

FitBudd includes a branded website builder at no extra cost.

Kahunas does not include website building.

How Other Platforms Compare

When evaluating Kahunas and FitBudd, these alternatives often enter the conversation.

Trainerize

Best for trainers who need modular pricing and deep integrations.

Trainerize offers extensive features as add-ons (nutrition $45/mo, video $10/mo, payments $10/mo). Native Mindbody and Zapier integrations. Custom branded app available for $169 one-time. Capterra: 4.6/5 (693 reviews).

Read full comparison: FitBudd vs. Trainerize

TrueCoach

Best for simple 1-on-1 coaching with excellent wearable integrations.

TrueCoach offers the fastest workout builder with Garmin, WHOOP, and Oura integrations. No branded app or video calling. Payments limited to US, UK, Canada, Australia. Capterra: 4.8/5 (837 reviews).

Read full comparison: FitBudd vs. TrueCoach

Everfit

Best for studios and gyms managing multiple trainers.

Everfit offers a modern interface with strong automation. Branded app costs $500 one-time. Good for multi-trainer operations. Capterra: 4.8/5.

Read full comparison: FitBudd vs. Everfit

My PT Hub

Best for high-volume trainers who want true unlimited pricing.

My PT Hub offers unlimited clients at $59/month on Premium. True flat-rate regardless of roster size.

Read full comparison: FitBudd vs. My PT Hub

Quick Comparison

PlatformBest ForStarting PriceBranded AppVideo CallingUnlimited Clients
FitBuddVideo-first coaching$15/mo$149/moYesNo
KahunasBudget branded apps$35/mo$99/moNoYes (Ultimate)
TrainerizeIntegrations$10/mo$169 one-time$10/mo add-onVaries
TrueCoachSimple workout delivery$26/moNoNoNo
My PT HubUnlimited clients$25/moAdd-onNoYes ($59/mo)

Which Platform Is Right for You?

Choose Kahunas If:

  • Video calling isn't part of your coaching model (asynchronous only)
  • You need unlimited clients at a fixed price ($99/month)
  • Nutrition tracking is central to your service (1.6M food database)
  • Budget is your primary concern
  • You sell supplements to clients (unique feature)
  • Your clients speak English
  • You can work around workout builder limitations noted in reviews

Choose FitBudd If:

  • Video calling is part of your coaching
  • You want AI-assisted workout generation
  • A larger exercise library matters (4,000+ vs 1,000+)
  • You need a branded website included
  • You coach international clients (multi-language support)
  • You accept payments outside US/UK (200+ countries)
  • You have fewer than 60 clients (per-client pricing competitive)

Consider Other Platforms If:

  • You need extensive wearable data → TrueCoach (Garmin, WHOOP, Oura)
  • You need Mindbody integration → Trainerize
  • You want true unlimited at lower cost → My PT Hub ($59/month)
  • You're running a multi-trainer studio → Everfit

Disclaimer

We verified pricing and features from official sources and third-party review platforms (Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice). Software platforms update frequently; we recommend verifying current pricing directly with each platform before deciding. We've done our best to keep this comparison objective, highlighting genuine pros and cons for both platforms, and sourcing third-party claims.

FAQs on Kahunas Alternatives

Can you use Kahunas without a coach?

No. Kahunas is a B2B platform built for fitness coaches to manage clients, not a consumer app for independent users. Clients access Kahunas only through an invitation from their coach. The platform centers on coach-to-client workflows: assigned workouts, nutrition tracking against coach-set targets, check-ins, and messaging. There's no standalone version for individuals training themselves. If you're looking for a self-guided fitness app, consumer options like MyFitnessPal, Hevy, or Strong fit that use case.

How much does Kahunas cost per month?

Kahunas runs three tiers as of July 2026. Essentials costs $35/month for up to 25 clients. Growth costs $69/month for up to 50 clients. Ultimate costs $99/month for unlimited clients and includes a white-label branded app. Annual billing reduces these to approximately $26.25, $51.75, and $75/month respectively. The Ultimate plan also requires a $99/year Apple Developer Account to publish your iOS app. No platform commission on client payments. A 14-day free trial and 3-month money-back guarantee are available.

Is there a free version of Trainerize?

Yes. Trainerize offers a free Basic plan limited to 1 client. It includes the mobile app, workout programming, basic nutrition tracking, in-app messaging, and client progress tools. This makes it useful for testing the platform before committing. However, features like advanced nutrition coaching, video coaching, Stripe payments, and custom branded apps require paid add-ons or higher tiers. The paid plans start at $10/month (Grow, 2 clients) and scale up to $250/month (Pro 200). Kahunas does not offer a free plan but provides a 14-day trial. FitBudd offers a 30-day free trial but no permanent free tier.

Is Kahunas a good app?

Based on third-party reviews, yes, with caveats. Kahunas holds a 4.9/5 rating on Capterra across 40 reviews, one of the highest in the personal training software category. Users praise the affordable branded app experience, responsive customer support, extensive nutrition database (1.6M foods), and the “surreal” feeling of having their own app in the App Store. However, reviews also flag specific limitations: the workout builder is described as “extremely limited and unintuitive” by one Capterra reviewer, GetApp notes “limits around scheduling, forms, and plan flexibility,” and the platform is English-only. There's also no video calling at any tier. For coaches who don't need video and can work within the workout builder's constraints, Kahunas delivers strong value. For coaches who need video calling or multi-language support, alternatives like FitBudd may be a better fit.

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