Which studio software is best for managing instructor availability and shift scheduling?

If your main problem is managing instructor availability and recurring shift/class schedules, I’d focus on Momence, Mindbody, and WellnessLiving. They overlap heavily, but their scheduling workflows differ.

My take

For instructor scheduling specifically, Momence is the one I'd investigate first. Its current scheduling tools let you define exactly when instructors can teach, set weekly class limits, apply availability to recurring classes, and filter availability by location. It also supports automated instructor substitutions and staff-hour tracking.help.momence.com

Momence

Mindbody is particularly compelling if scheduling is part of a larger operation. It supports staff availability, recurring classes/appointments, staff assignments, and automated substitution requests; staff can also check/update availability from the mobile business app.www.mindbodyonline.com

Mindbody

WellnessLiving is worth considering if you want a strong staff-management layer. Managers can configure working hours, breaks, days off and vacation, while the staff app lets instructors update availability and make substitutions.www.wellnessliving.com

WellnessLiving

Glofox is more oriented toward gym/boutique fitness operations, but it centrally manages trainer availability and scheduling rules and supports both classes and appointments.www.glofox.com

ABC Glofox

One important distinction

If by “shift scheduling” you mean something like:

“Instructor tells us they're available Mon/Wed/Fri 5–9, manager creates weekly shifts, instructors claim/open shifts, system finds someone qualified to cover a call-out, and payroll is calculated from the resulting schedule”

that's a more specific requirement than ordinary class scheduling. Momence and Mindbody have some of these capabilities, but I'd evaluate the exact workflow before choosing.

If you tell me what kind of studio you run (Pilates, yoga, dance, fitness, etc.), number of instructors, number of locations, and whether instructors are hourly or paid per class, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 platforms that fit that scheduling workflow, including current pricing.