Comparison
Every gym door access option available in NZ — side by side. Feature comparison, real pricing, and honest trade-offs.
| Feature | Latch← us | GymMaster + access add-on | Kisi / Paxton | Key fob system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (NZD/month) | $200 | $79–$300+ | $250–$600+ | $0 ongoing* |
| Hardware included | ||||
| Setup cost | $0 | $1,500–$3,000+ | $2,000–$8,000+ | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Setup time | ~2 hrs, DIY | Days + installer | Days + installer | Days + installer |
| Auto revoke on non-payment | ||||
| Payments built-in | ||||
| Phone unlock (no app) | App required | |||
| Hardware to hand out | Fob/card | Fob/card optional | Fob required | |
| Unlock audit log | ||||
| Works if internet drops | Stays locked | Depends on setup | Offline mode | |
| NZD pricing | N/A | |||
| NZ support | Locksmith | |||
| No lock-in contract | N/A |
* Key fob systems have upfront hardware costs of $1,500–$3,500. Ongoing costs include fob replacements and maintenance. Correct as of early 2026.
The verdict
Best for small NZ gyms
Latch
Payments and door access in one system, hardware shipped to you, DIY install in an afternoon. No upfront cost, no lock-in. Built exactly for this use case.
Best for larger NZ gyms with class schedules
GymMaster + access hardware
GymMaster covers class booking, PT management, and detailed reporting. Budget separately for access hardware from a NZ security company ($1,500–$3,000+).
Best for offices and large commercial facilities
Kisi / Paxton / Salto
Enterprise access systems are built for complex multi-door, multi-user facilities. Significantly more capable — and significantly more expensive — than a small gym needs.
Every other access control solution for NZ gyms has the same fundamental gap: they control the door, but they don't know who's paid. GymMaster knows who's paid but requires you to configure access workflows. Kisi and fob systems are just access hardware — payment status is completely separate.
The result is a manual reconciliation step every billing cycle. Who paid this month? Deactivate the fobs of the ones who didn't. Check again in a week. This is the core admin problem that Latch eliminates — because payments and access are the same system.
Every other phone-based access system requires members to download a dedicated app. App downloads create friction: app store, storage space, permissions, updates. Members resist them, especially for something they use once a day.
Latch works in any mobile browser — Safari, Chrome, whatever the member already has open. They visit latchapp.co.nz, tap Unlock, the door opens. No installation, no account in another app, no updates to manage. The conversion from invited member to active door user is near-instant.
A typical fob system installed by a NZ security company costs $2,000–$3,000 upfront, plus ongoing fob replacement costs ($5–$20 per fob × members who lose them), plus maintenance, plus your time managing access reconciliation each month.
Over 3 years, the typical 40-member gym on a fob system spends $4,000–$6,000 in hardware and maintenance, plus 20–30 hours per year in admin. Latch over 3 years: $7,200 ($200 × 36 months), zero hardware management, zero access reconciliation. Different cost structure, but the value difference becomes clear once you price your own time.
Set up in an afternoon, first month free. Hardware ships to you pre-configured. No lock-in contract.