Kisi and Gantner are both companies with long years in the access control space that currently serve fitness facilities, but they're built around different ideas of what a fitness access system should do. This page covers both honestly so you can figure out which fits your operation.
At a glance #
How Kisi and Gantner compare #
Platform scope and philosophy #
Start here, before you look at any feature list, because Kisi and Gantner have quite different approaches to access control. Gantner is a facility automation platform built around RFID hardware. That means that their ecosystem covers access control, alongside other things like smart locker systems, cashless payment terminals, card dispensers, turnstiles, and time and attendance tracking, which are all running on a single RFID data carrier. Basically, the idea is that one credential handles everything in the facility, front door to the locker room.
Kisi's approach is quite the opposite. It's a cloud-native access control platform that integrates with the tools fitness operators already use. So, rather than you replacing the gym management software, payment system, or cameras, Kisi connects to them via its integration library and open API. The fitness-specific version of the platform (KisiFit) has multiple add-ons like tailgating detection, membership-based access automation, and revenue tools like after-hours access tiers on top of the core access control functionality.
Bottom line is both companies solve different problems for different facility types, which is covered in more detail in the facility fit section below.
Hardware and credentials #
On the hardware side, it’s safe to say that Gantner's range is extensive. They support RFID cards and wristbands, the Gantner SmartPass (a digital membership pass stored in Apple or Google Wallet launched in 2025), QR codes, PIN codes, and biometric readers including fingerprint scanning. Their GR7 readers, GT7 terminals, and GC7 controllers handle entry points, while the G7 Ticketing Terminal manages high-volume access for leisure and attraction facilities.
Kisi's credential options are mobile app access via iOS and Android, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch, key cards and fobs, and QR codes. Kisi also has a hands-free unlock option through its MotionSense feature. It does not offer biometric readers natively, but its tailgating detection via integrated cameras addresses the membership sharing problem from a different angle, so staff is always alerted when someone follows a member through without scanning..
Software integrations and fitness CRM compatibility #
On the integration side, Kisi has quite the trove. On the fitness side, its library includes names like Mindbody, ABC Glofox, Exercise.com, TeamUp, ABC Ignite, and others. These integrations connect access directly to membership status, so when a member signs up, their access is provisioned automatically. In the same vein, when they cancel or their payment lapses, access is revoked without manual intervention. Kisi also offers a public API, so operators with custom-built systems or unusual software stacks can build their own connections.
Gantner states that its systems can integrate with major fitness management platforms, and some partner integrations are publicly documented. However, its named integration list is less transparent and less centralized than Kisi’s marketplace, so operators should verify compatibility with their specific CRM.
Smart lockers and cashless payment #
On this topic is where the divide lies between these two brands. Gantner’s legacy is built on smart locker systems and in-facility monetization. This completely eliminates the headache of physical keys and allows staff to track locker occupancy, trigger automated overnight cleanings, and let members pay for smoothies or rentals with a tap of their wristband.
Kisi does not participate in locker management or point-of-sale payment hardware. Having said that, if you run a boutique yoga studio or a functional fitness gym where members just drop their bags on open cubbies, Gantner's hardware footprint is most definitely an overkill. However, if your business model depends heavily on premium locker security and driving on-site retail revenue, going with Kisi means you will have to manage your locker locks and payment systems through entirely separate third-party vendors.
Pricing and transparency #
Kisi’s pricing starts at $99/month for its One Security Platform. Hardware, credentials, door capacity, onboarding, support, and add-on capabilities such as visitor management, video surveillance, bookings, tailgating will most likely affect the final cost. Kisi-manufactured hardware includes a 5-year warranty while covered by an active Kisi license.
Gantner does not publish its pricing, therefore all deployments are quoted individually through their sales or partner network. Given the fact that Gantner has a hardware-intensive nature (readers, terminals, locker locks, payment systems, turnstiles) cost will probably vary significantly by facility size and configuration.
Deployment and installation #
On the deployment and installation side, Gantner deployments are typically handled by certified installation partners. As mentioned previously, since there is a lot of hardware involved, professional installation is standard.
On the other hand, Kisi’s system is more straightforward as it supports both self-installation and a professional installer network. For existing buildings, the Controller Pro 2 migration path gives operators the opportunity to keep their current Wiegand wiring, readers, and credentials while adding Kisi's cloud management layer on top. For brand new builds or larger facilities, Kisi's installer network handles setup. There are also plenty of onboarding resources available to all customers, with more hands-on support on higher tiers.
Cloud management and remote access #
Gantner's management software is Matrix, a modern web interface that runs in any browser without requiring client software to be installed. Access permissions, time schedules, and user management are all handled through Matrix. G7 Connect is Gantner's cloud service used for device configuration and SmartPass issuance. Historically Gantner was an on-premises software company, and Matrix 7.0 represents their move toward browser-based remote management.
Kisi is fully cloud-native. Therefore, the dashboard is accessible from any browser or the mobile app, OTA firmware updates happen automatically, real-time event logs and alerts are built in, and remote unlocks work from anywhere. If you are a multi-site operator, all locations are managed from a single dashboard.
Which type of fitness facility is each system better suited for? #
Small to mid-size gyms and boutique studios #
When looking at smaller fitness spaces, Kisi is the more accessible option. The pricing is transparent, there is self-installation support, and there are also multiple integrations with popular fitness-focused platforms like Mindbody and Glofox, so any studio owner can evaluate, budget, and set up the system without a lengthy enterprise sales process.
More importantly, the KisiFit platform is specifically designed for this segment. Operators get 24/7 self-service access, membership-based automation, and tailgating detection which ultimately all address the practical concerns of a gym running without full-time front desk staff.
Gantner's platform is technically capable of serving smaller facilities but is primarily positioned and sold for larger, more complex deployments. Since it has custom pricing and a partner-led installation model, it can make it less accessible for smaller operators without a dedicated IT or facilities team.
Large fitness chains and multi-site operators #
For large fitness spaces, both systems serve them well. Kisi's multi-site dashboard lets operators manage all locations from one interface, with consistent access rules, real-time reporting, and integration with a shared fitness CRM.
However, for chains that need locker management and cashless payment unified under one credential alongside access control, Gantner's ecosystem provides this natively in a way Kisi currently doesn't.
Gantner has strong references in this segment.. For high-end facilities where the member journey from entry to locker room to café needs to feel frictionless and keyless, Gantner's RFID ecosystem is well suited. Kisi can also serve premium wellness facilities for access control, but the locker and payment components would need to be sourced and integrated separately.
Water parks and leisure attractions #
This is Gantner's strongest vertical and where Kisi is not a real alternative. Gantner's G7 Ticketing Terminal, high-volume turnstile integration, RFID wristband systems, and cashless payment infrastructure are built specifically for such attractions as water parks. If there are thousands of visitors that move through access points daily and carry their wristband as their single credential for lockers, food, and rides, then Gantner is the obvious choice.
Ganter vs Kisi reviews #
Kisi — positive reviews
Kisi's intuitive platform empowers us to manage access like a pro, ensuring our security posture remains strong." — Source: Capterra
Kisi — negative reviews
"While Kisi excels in core features, advanced investigation tools could be more robust." — Source: Capterra
Gantner — reviews
Gantner does not currently have a significant presence on English-language review platforms such as G2 or Capterra. Their customer references are primarily published as case studies on their own website.
Which one is right for you? #
Choose Kisi if:
- You run a gym, studio, or boutique wellness facility and want a system that connects to your existing fitness CRM without a complex integration project
- Transparent pricing and self-service setup matter to your evaluation process
- You want tailgating detection and automated membership-based access control in one platform
- You're managing multiple sites and need a single cloud dashboard across all locations
- Your priority is access control and you're happy to source locker or payment solutions separately
Choose Gantner if:
- You're running a large wellness facility or water park where access control, lockers, and cashless payment need to work on one unified credential
- RFID wristbands are part of your member experience design
- Biometric verification (fingerprint) is a requirement for your facility
- You need a proven enterprise-grade system with a long track record in European fitness and leisure markets
- A partner-led installation with dedicated hardware support is preferable to self-installation
Looking for a Gantner alternative? #
Do you want a streamlined cloud access control platform that connects natively to your existing fitness CRM without forcing you to buy into a massive, proprietary locker and payment hardware ecosystem? Then get a custom Kisi quote today to see how easily a cloud-first system can adapt to your space.
