Guides · 5 min read
Choosing the best coaching software for you
The best coaching software is the one that handles your recurring tasks at a cost that fits your business. For solo coaches, start by testing client records, session notes, scheduling and payment tracking with a fictional client.
Start with your coaching work
Write down the jobs you want help with before comparing products. For example, you might need to plan weekly sessions, remember what each client worked on and see which payments are outstanding. Use those jobs to decide what to test.
Client records and session notes
If you work with recurring clients, test whether you can find their goals, previous notes and next session together. Use a fictional example based on your work, such as a player’s serve or a student’s current piece. The CRM for coaches page shows how Another Session keeps that client history together.
Scheduling and payment tracking
Decide whether you need to arrange sessions yourself or let clients book them. Check those capabilities separately. Likewise, recording a payment and collecting it by card are different jobs; confirm which one a product supports.
Resources used during coaching
If you also need to deliver workouts, videos or learning materials, include those tasks in your search. Test them directly rather than assuming that every product described as coaching software includes them.
Check the tasks you repeat each week
Find a client’s previous notes
Open a sample client and look for their goals and session history. Can you find the note you would want to read before their next session?
Write a note from your phone
Record what you covered and what to work on next. Try the same phone you use between sessions, including voice notes if that is how you prefer to record them. Our guide to writing coaching session notes explains what to capture.
Check what a client owes
Use your own charging arrangement, whether that is individual sessions, a prepaid package or a monthly fee. Check that you can distinguish paid sessions from outstanding amounts and see any package balance.
Prepare a progress summary
If you send updates, try preparing one from your sample notes. Check that you can review and edit it before sharing it with a client or parent.
Change a recurring session
Move one session in a weekly schedule. Check what happens to the remaining dates and whether the change is clear in the client’s record.
Compare costs for your client list
Work out the cost for the clients you have now, then repeat the calculation for the number you expect to manage later. Check whether the price depends on active clients, the features you use or the number of coaches on the account.
Check the billing period, any separate charges for collecting payments and what happens when a trial ends. If an annual price is shown as a monthly equivalent, compare the full amount you would pay upfront with the monthly option.
Another Session is free forever for up to 3 clients, with every feature included. Complete provides unlimited clients with the same features. Every account starts with 30 days of unlimited clients, no card required. See the current price in your currency.
Try a sample client before committing
Use the same example each time
Create a fictional client, a few sessions and short notes. Repeating the same tasks makes it easier to compare products without uploading private client information while you are still deciding.
Complete a normal week’s tasks
Schedule a session, add a note, record a payment and review a summary if you use them. Note any step you cannot complete or would find awkward during a working day.
Check how you would move your records
Confirm how to import existing clients and how to export your records later. Check which information is included rather than assuming that an import or export covers everything.
Choose from the tasks you tested
Base your decision on the work you completed, the cost for your client list and any essential gaps. A product does not need the longest feature list to suit your coaching business.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the best coaching software?
Start with the tasks you need to complete each week, then test them using a sample client. For one-to-one coaching, that might mean scheduling recurring sessions, finding previous notes, tracking payments and preparing progress summaries. Choose based on those results and the cost for your client list, rather than a claim that one product is best for everyone.
What should I check for one-to-one coaching?
Check client records, session history, recurring scheduling and your charging arrangement. If you share progress updates, test how you prepare and review them. Another Session brings clients, sessions, notes, summaries and payment tracking together. Explore its coaching software features.
How much does coaching software cost?
Check each product’s current pricing for your number of active clients and the features you need. Compare monthly and annual billing, and check for any separate payment collection charges. Another Session’s Free plan includes every feature for up to 3 clients; Complete has the same features with unlimited clients. See current pricing.
Do I need coaching software at all?
You may be comfortable with the records you already keep. If finding notes, checking payments or arranging sessions takes more time than you want, try those tasks in a software trial. Use the results to decide whether changing your setup would help; savings are not guaranteed.
How should I test coaching software on mobile?
Use your usual phone to find a client, read a previous note, write a new one and check the schedule. Test the tasks you expect to do away from your desk, not just whether the homepage looks good on a small screen.
Can I try coaching software before I pay?
Another Session starts with 30 days of unlimited clients, no card required. Every feature is also included in the Free plan, which supports up to 3 clients forever. Complete provides unlimited clients with those same features. See the plans.
Run your coaching, calmly
One calm place for clients, sessions, notes and payments. Free for up to three clients, no card needed.
Free for up to three clients. No card required.