Health & FitnessPureGym vs The Gym Group 2026: Which is Better Value?
    🎓 Health & Fitness 9 min read February 2026· Updated regularly

    PureGym vs The Gym Group 2026: Which is Better Value?

    PureGym vs The Gym Group comparison 2026. Compare prices (£19.99 vs £14.99), facilities, classes, locations. Find which budget gym is better for you.

    £60/yr
    PART OF
    The Gym Group is £60-120 cheaper per year than PureGym, with less crowding and newer equipment in most locations.
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    PureGym and The Gym Group are the UK's two biggest budget gym chains, with over 550 locations combined. This comparison covers pricing, facilities, classes, crowding, and real member experiences to help you choose.

    Quick Verdict

    The Gym Group wins on price (£14.99 vs £19.99/month) and is less crowded with newer equipment. PureGym wins on class variety (200+/month vs 50/month) and has more locations (320 vs 230). Choose based on what matters most.

    Price Comparison

    FeaturePureGymThe Gym GroupWinner
    Monthly Price£19.99–24.99£14.99–19.99The Gym Group
    Annual Cost£239.88–299.88£179.88–239.88The Gym Group
    Joining Fee£0 (often waived)£0 (always waived)Tie
    ContractNo contractNo contractTie
    Peak Upgrade+£10/month+£5/monthThe Gym Group

    Classes

    FeaturePureGymThe Gym GroupWinner
    Classes per month200+40–60PureGym
    Class variety15–20 types6–10 typesPureGym
    Class costIncludedIncludedTie
    Booking easeBook 7 days ahead (fills fast)Book 7 days ahead (easier)The Gym Group

    If you attend 3+ classes per week, PureGym is better value despite the £5/month premium. If you only use equipment, The Gym Group's cheaper price wins.

    Locations & Crowding

    • PureGym: 320+ locations. Best coverage: London 60+, Manchester 25+. #1 complaint: too crowded 6–8pm.
    • The Gym Group: 230+ locations. Typically 20–30% less crowded than equivalent PureGym. Newer facilities built with more space.

    Choose Based on Your Situation

    Choose PureGym if...
    You attend 3+ fitness classes/week, need many location options near home AND work, prefer ladies-only areas, or the extra £60/year is worth it for class variety.
    Choose The Gym Group if...
    You mainly use equipment (not classes), want to save £60–120/year, work out during peak hours and hate crowds, prefer newer equipment.

    Best advice: Visit your local PureGym AND The Gym Group at the time you'd normally work out (e.g., 6:30pm Tuesday). The 'best' gym is the one you'll actually use — usually the closest one, regardless of chain.

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    Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated February 2026.