Best ACTIVE Network Alternatives (Software comparison)

Olivier Rousseau
25 January 2025 Alternatives 2 min read

Active Network is an online registration platform for various organizations, including sports leagues, camps, and fitness programs. It provides an all-in-one solution for online registration, payment processing, event tracking, and automated communications, making it the first choice for organizations seeking reliability and efficiency.

Many organizations choose Active Network for a few reasons:

  • Ease of Use and Communication: Users appreciate the intuitive interface. The platform helps organizers communicate with participants to keep everyone in the loop.
  • Robust Features for Sports Programs: Active Network offers powerful tools for scheduling, roster management, and tracking participant data, making it an ideal solution for camps, leagues, and sporting events.
  • Long-standing Industry Presence: With years of experience, Active Network has built a solid reputation, offering reliable software that meets the evolving needs of event organizers.

However, some users have encountered challenges with Active Network, such as:

  • Customer Support Concerns: While some users have praised the support team, others have reported dissatisfaction with responsiveness after signing contracts, leading to frustration when resolving issues.
  • Complexity in Financial Adjustments: Users have noted difficulties in adjusting rosters, managing specialized payment amounts, and retrieving specific financial reports, which can be time-consuming.
  • Contractual Rigidities: Some customers have found the terms of service to be inflexible, requiring early cancellation notices to avoid auto-renewals.

This article will explore 7 alternatives to Active Network, including our own, Activity Messenger. We’ll examine how each option addresses the above challenges. We’ll also highlight their unique, standout features.

      1. Activity Messenger
      2. RegFox
      3. RecDesk
      4. Regpack
      5. Amilia
      6. Xplor Recreation
      7. Sport Engine

Author’s note: Olivier shares tips and tricks he’s learned over the past decade as the owner of a kids’s sports program in Montreal. Today, as the co-founder of Activity Messenger, he helps hundreds of dance studios, gymnastics clubs, swim schools and camps across North America simplify their operations and increase revenue.

1. Why Consider Activity Messenger as an Alternative

Activity Messenger Software

 

Bridging the Gap: Overcoming ACTIVENet’s Limitations

While ACTIVENet excels at event and payment management, its complexity and higher cost often deter users, especially those in the sports and recreation industry. Its limited customization can be a concern for organizations that require personalized solutions. User feedback highlights these issues, leading to frustration in managing specific needs.

Our solution, Activity Messenger, directly addresses these shortcomings by providing a flexible, easy-to-use platform designed for seamless communication and marketing. This makes it ideal for the recreation, fitness and education sectors.

Tailored Solution: Specialized Features of Activity Messenger

Activity Messenger goes beyond basic class management. It offers a unique focus on communication and marketing. Our platform provides:

  • Automated communication to reduce the admin burden
  • Integrates with Canva
  • Email list segmentation, for targeted communication

These elements not only improve the user experience, but also increase operational efficiency.

Optimized Performance:

There are tangible benefits to switching to Activity Messenger. Organizations experience reduced administrative time, more effective communication strategies, and improved participant engagement. Our customers experience

  • 30% reduction in time spent on administrative tasks
  • Improved registration accuracy
  • Increased marketing reach with segmentation tools

What Sets Activity Messenger Apart from the Crowd

Let me show you three specific ways we solve your biggest program management challenges differently from other options in the market.

All-in-One Platform

Program managers often juggle 4-5 different software tools to run their operations. They pay separate subscriptions for Mailchimp, SurveyMonkey, SmartWaiver and Jotform. This scattered approach wastes money and creates data sync problems.

Activity Messenger combines all these functions in one platform. You get registration, marketing, communication, and waiver management in a single system. No more copying data between programs or paying multiple subscriptions.

A mid-sized youth sports program switched from using separate tools to Activity Messenger. They cut their monthly software costs from $500 to $200. Their staff now saves 5 hours per week simply by not having to move data between tools.

Smarter Communication

Low attendance is often due to poor communication timing. Sending generic emails to everyone at once leads to ignored messages and missed sessions. This creates gaps in your programs and reduces revenue.

Activity Messenger sends personalized messages based on each participant’s schedule. The system automatically sends reminders before sessions and follows up with absent members. Each message uses the participant’s name and specific program details.

Quick Registration Process to Improve your Bottom Line

Complex registration forms can cause potential customers to abandon sign-up. Traditional systems force parents through lengthy processes with unnecessary steps like creating an account. Each abandoned registration is lost revenue.

Activity Messenger guides parents to the right program in three steps. The system shows only relevant options based on age, skill level, and schedule preferences. Parents complete registration in under 2 minutes. And you can even retarget the few who abandon the process.

Talk to us about setting up a Activity Messenger plan that fits your needs.

2. RegFox

RegFox Alternatives

RegFox stands out because it allows anyone to make professional and mobile-friendly registration pages.

Pros

  • Sleek Design: RegFox’s Real View Page builder allows you to create beautiful and mobile-optimized registration pages with zero coding.
  • Session Management: Handle breakout sessions by managing them based on attendees, dates, and other factors.
  • Attendee Management: Sort and track attendees by various factors, simplifying the management process.

Cons

  • Limited Pricing Options: The per-attendee pricing model might not suit every budget.
  • No Free Trial: There is no option to try out RegFox for free, which could be a deal-breaker for some users.

How It Works

Setting up an event registration page with RegFox is easy. You drag and drop fields and customize your page in real time. Users often comment on how effortless it is to organize sessions and manage attendees.

Pricing & Plans

  • Quick Price Breakdown: It costs $0.99 per attendee, alongside a 1% fee for using custom 3rd party payment systems.
  • No Hidden Costs: There are no extra fees or setup costs coming your way.
  • Free Trial Limitations: As previously mentioned, there’s no free trial to explore the platform.

3. RecDesk

RecDesk Alternative

RecDesk is designed for community centers and parks and recreation centers that want to keep things simple while keeping everyone in the loop.

Pros

  • Integrated Management: Handles activities, registrations, and facilities
  • Ease of Use: Perfect for part-time staff; user-friendly and requires minimal training.
  • Community Engagement: Easy outreach through online tools, helping tailor programs to what people need.

Cons

  • Scalability: The options might fall short for very large organizations with intricate needs.
  • Customization: Some standard features may not cover all needs

How It Works

You can expect a simple flow from program setup to facility management. Feedback from the community indicates satisfaction with how it lifts the admin burden, freeing them to focus on community building.

Pricing & Plans

  • Essential: $2,950/year
  • Standard: $4,800/year
  • Plus: $8,300/year
  • Enterprise: $12,500/year

Costs rise with advanced integrations, such as local access control, not included in standard pricing. A complete package with free support and training is available.

4. Regpack

RegPack Alternatives

Regpack stands out for those who need tailor-made registration processes. It’s like having a personal touch in every part of your sign-up system. The platform offers intuitive tools to make forms and manage registrations, setting it apart in a crowded market.

The Good Stuff

  • Custom Registration Flow: Create personalized workflows that guide users seamlessly through the registration process.
  • Online Form Builder: Easily design forms to collect everything you need from participants without hassle.
  • Sessions & Attendance Tracking: Manage events with ease using built-in attendance and check-in features.

The Not-So-Good

  • Pricing Complexity: Different pricing tiers can be confusing and might not fit every budget.
  • Limited Free Trial Information: Lack of complete details about the free trial can make decision-making harder.

How It Works

Using Regpack feels like having an assistant who handles each step of registration. Users start by designing forms with the drag-and-drop builder. Conditional logic then personalizes the process, adapting each step based on applicant responses. Once registrations start coming in, tracking features allow easy management of sessions and attendance. This streamlined process helps organizations maintain a professional and organized system.

Pricing & Plans

  • Quick Price Breakdown: Starts at $49 per admin a month for up to 200 applicants. Higher tiers cost more but offer features for more users.
  • Gotchas: Watch out for processing fees, which begin at 2.54% for credit cards.
  • Free Plan Limitations: Not much is publicly known about the free trial, which could hinder those wanting to try before buying.

Bottom Line

Regpack is ideal for organizations looking for a tailored registration experience. Its ability to customize processes with ease makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing personalization.

5. Amilia

SmartRec

Amilia stands out in the recreation management market with its flexibility and ease of use. It’s designed to handle various needs, from booking sports facilities to managing complex membership structures. Amilia is perfect for those who want to streamline operations while boosting efficiency.

The Good Stuff

  • Simplified Booking: Organizes facility schedules and reservations, reducing double-booking issues.
  • Comprehensive Membership Management: Offers flexible membership options linking to activities or services.
  • Efficient Financial Management: Automates billing and provides detailed financial insights, supporting various payment options.

The Not-So-Good

  • Limited Report Customization: Users may find it challenging to tailor reports.
  • Complex Account Code Reporting: Navigating this feature can be tricky for some.

How It Works

Amilia is user-friendly, centralizing data for easy access. Users can handle registrations, payments, and bookings from one platform. It’s internet-based, allowing access from any place with a connection. Users have reported that it improves their workflow by being straightforward and flexible.

Pricing & Plans

  • Quick Price Breakdown: Starter ($99/month), Growth ($499/month), Plus ($799/month).
  • Value: Provides robust features across all plans without hidden fees.
  • Details: Pricing may vary, so check for the latest updates.

Bottom Line

Amilia is ideal for organizations needing a versatile and reliable management system. Its comprehensive features ensure smooth operations and improved user experiences.

6. Xplor Recreation

XplorRecreation

Xplor Recreation stands out for clubs and gyms aiming for seamless operations. This tool centralizes member management, scheduling, and billing. It allows clubs to focus on crucial tasks – like keeping members happy.

The Good Stuff

  • Centralized Management: All-in-one platform for managing members, schedules, billing, and marketing.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simple to navigate, minimizing training time for new staff.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regular updates tailored to user feedback.

The Not-So-Good

  • Stability Issues: Accounting framework can be glitchy at times.
  • Limited Customization in Reporting: Reporting lacks flexibility for deeper insights.

How It Works

Xplor Recreation simplifies daily tasks by centralizing them into an easy-to-use system. Clubs can manage member information, schedules, and online payments from a single platform. The user-friendly dashboard helps staff quickly adapt and ensures clubs keep running without hiccups. Many users praise its strong customer support and reliability.

Pricing & Plans

  • Quick Overview of Pricing Structure: Starts at $100.00 per month.
  • No Hidden Fees: All updates are included in the annual fee.

Bottom Line

Ideal for clubs and gyms that want an all-in-one management tool. Xplor Recreation helps save time, enhances efficiency, and boosts member satisfaction.

7. Sport Engine

Sport Engine alternative

Are you managing a youth sports club and tired of juggling spreadsheets and emails? Sport Engine might be what you need. It’s a platform aimed at making sports club management smoother. It allows you to handle registrations, schedules, and financials all in one place. Clubs looking to simplify their operations and improve communication will find it useful.

The Good Stuff

  • Streamlined Team Management
    Online registration, scheduling, and communication tools are all bundled together. It helps focus on the game instead of dealing with admin tasks.
  • Integrated Financial Management
    Easily handle invoices and track payments, preventing missed collections, and ensuring accurate records.
  • Enhanced Communication
    Messaging tools keep everyone in the loop, from coaches to parents, so important info isn’t lost.

The Not-So-Good

  • Learning Curve
    It might be hard to navigate at first. Getting used to all its features takes time.
  • Customer Service Variability
    Support can be inconsistent. Some users praise it, while others find it lacking.

How It Works

Using Sport Engine is like working with an organized, digital assistant. Set up a new season, manage registrations, and schedule games with a few clicks. Communicate with teams easily; you can track payments and send reminders without hassle. As Donna K. from Santa Rosa Stallions says, “The money management tools have freed up so much of our time.”

Pricing & Plans

  • Quick Overview
    Starts at $79.00 per month, with annual plans that save you up to 18%.
  • Extra Features
    Additional features like live streaming and facility management may cost extra.
  • Free Plan Limitations
    No hidden fees, but basic plans might not cover all needs without add-ons.

Bottom Line

Sport Engine is best for youth sports clubs aiming to streamline management and improve communication. It’s a solid choice if you want to focus on the sport, not the paperwork.

Choosing the right Regpack Alternative

Active Network and Activity Messenger both provide robust solutions for organizations managing classes, memberships, and event registrations, each with distinct advantages. Active Network is a well-established platform known for handling large-scale events and providing extensive reporting, marketing tools, and payment processing capabilities. It caters well to organizations needing advanced features for complex event management. However, some users may find the platform’s pricing structure and interface less intuitive, especially for smaller organizations with simpler needs.

Activity Messenger, in contrast, offers a modern, mobile-first solution that combines registration, communication, and workflow automation into a single, easy-to-use platform. It simplifies key processes such as dynamic capacity management, multi-class registrations, and automated follow-ups, ensuring an intuitive experience for both administrators and participants.

To learn more about Activity Messenger, book an introduction call with an expert.

Written by Olivier Rousseau Olivier is a kids sports programs owner who has been operating for over a decade with locations in Montreal, Quebec city & Ottawa. He also helps Gymnastics Club, Swim Schools and Dance Studios streamline their operations. He is the co-founder of Activity Messenger an online registration platform for the sports & leisure industry.

Book a demo with an Activity Messenger expert

Subscribe for exclusive content

Receive News and Updates about our product

© Activity Messenger

info@activitymessenger.com