Updated: January 2026
*This article is reviewed and updated annually to reflect the latest software features and pricing
Running a yoga studio in 2026 shouldn’t mean juggling spreadsheets, WhatsApp groups, and late-night payment reminders. As hybrid classes become the norm and students expect seamless digital experiences, the right software isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
Whether you’re teaching from a home studio, managing multiple instructors, or offering online classes, the right free yoga studio software can save you hours each week without adding overhead.
Below, we break down the best genuinely free yoga studio software options for 2026, what each one does well, and where the limitations are, so you can choose confidently.
Why You Need Yoga Studio Software
If you’ve ever had to:
- Chase late payments
- Manually manage waitlists
- Cross-check attendance across tools
…you already know why software matters.
The right platform can:
- Automate bookings & payments so you don't have to manually follow up.
- Keep client info in one place, from class passes to attendance history.
- Help you grow by offering on-demand content or selling memberships online.
- Polish your brand with a seamless booking experience that feels professional.
As one instructor put it: "Once I switched to proper studio software, I finally had time to focus on my classes instead of admin."
The Best Free Yoga Studio Software of 2026
Here are our top 5 picks for the best free yoga studio software in 2026:
1. Recess
Recess is a completely free, all-in-one platform built specifically for fitness and wellness businesses, including yoga studios.
What you get (free):
- Class & appointment scheduling
- Unlimited bookings and clients
- Integrated payments
- Memberships, class packs, and drop-ins
- Email & SMS communication
- Custom branding (your logo, your studio)
- Live and on-demand class support
Unlike most “freemium” tools, Recess does not lock core features behind upgrades or booking caps.
Best for:
Independent instructors and growing studios that want one system to handle scheduling, payments, communication, and branding, without monthly fees.
2. BookyWay
BookyWay is a mobile-first platform that's great for instructors who are always on the go.
Their free plan offers:
- A mobile app for you and your clients
- Class scheduling and waitlists
- Push notifications and reminders
- Online payments
Limitations:
More advanced studio-management workflows and reporting require paid tiers.
Best for:
Tech-savvy instructors who prioritize mobile apps and notifications.
3. TidyCal
TidyCal is a lightweight tool, better for instructors who are just starting out.
While not full-fledged studio software, it offers:
- A clean booking page
- Calendar sync
- Availability settings
- Payments through Stripe or PayPal
Limitations:
No class packs, memberships, or studio-specific workflows.
Best for:
Solo instructors who want the simplest possible way to book sessions.
4. Setmore
Setmore offers a solid free plan for small teams.
Free plan includes:
- Online booking page for your clients
- Up to 4 staff accounts at no cost
- Automated reminders and notifications
- Payments through Stripe, PayPal, or Square
Limitations:
Less tailored to yoga-specific flows like class packs and memberships.
Best for:
Small studios with multiple instructors who want basic scheduling and reminders.
5. Smoothbook
Smoothbook is designed for class-based businesses like yoga, wellness, and fitness studios. Their free plan provides:
- Class and appointment booking system
- Waitlists to manage popular sessions
- Automated email confirmations
- Payments and Zoom integration
Limitations:
Less flexible branding and CRM depth than full platforms.
Best for:
Yoga and wellness studios running structured class schedules.
Honorable Mentions (Free, With Caveats)
SimplyBook.me
Free for up to 50 bookings/month, but:
- No payments
-No SMS
- Limited integrations
Square Appointments
Free for 1 staff member / 1 location, with built-in Square payments.
Jotform Apps
Allows creation of a custom app, but:
- Not yoga-specific
- Requires DIY setup using forms
What About Mindbody, WellnessLiving, and Momence?
These platforms are powerful, but not free.
Most plans start around $100-$150/month, which may make sense for larger studios but isn’t ideal for instructors just getting started.
Comparison Table
How to Choose the Right Yoga Studio Software in 2026
Focus on the fundamentals:
- Scheduling & class management
- Integrated payments (no chasing invoices)
- Client retention tools (reminders, waitlists, emails)
- Custom branding
- Scalability as you grow
💡 At Recess, we built our platform specifically to solve these pain points after seeing how much time the wrong software costs instructors.
Final Thoughts
There are several solid free tools available in 2026, each serving a slightly different need.
But if you’re looking for:
- No booking caps
- No feature gating
- No monthly fees
- One system for scheduling, payments, communication, and branding
Recess stands out as the only truly all-in-one free option designed to grow with your studio.
👉 Ready to spend less time on admin and more time teaching?
Book a Recess demo and reclaim your time, focus, and flow.
