Circle21 and Throwdown both handle registration, payment, heats, check-in and the ranking of a functional fitness competition or a hybrid race, with no subscription and an iOS and Android app. Circle21 is a UK platform focused on functional fitness competitions, with an app built for athletes, judges and spectators. Throwdown is built for event day, from heat planning to the live ranking. On price, Throwdown takes 3% + 1.50 € per paid registration and Circle21 4% + 1.50 € on its Professional plan, according to their public pages checked on September 1, 2026. On 200 registrations at 60 €, that makes 660 € on Throwdown against 780 € on Circle21. The most visible difference remains professional chip timing, offered by Throwdown and not documented by Circle21.
Price, what you really pay
Both platforms charge on registration sales, with no monthly subscription. Throwdown takes 3% + 1.50 € per registration. Circle21 offers a free Starter plan for clubs running a one-off event, a free Supportive plan for charity competitions, and a Professional plan charged at 4% + 1.50 € per transaction for organizations that want advanced stats, unlimited messaging and priority support. On both platforms, Stripe's processing fees come on top of the commission, around 1.5% + 0.30 € per European card on Circle21's side. One caution, Circle21's pricing page shows "4% +1.5" with no currency symbol next to the fixed amount. The rest of the page uses euros for the Stripe fees, hence the 1.50 € reading, but it is not spelled out. It is worth confirming with Circle21 if this gap matters for your decision.
The comparison
| Throwdown | Circle21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Commission per paid registration | 3% + 1.50 € | 4% + 1.50 € |
| Free registration | 0% | 0% (Starter plan) |
| Charity competition | 0% | 0% (Supportive plan) |
| No subscription | Yes | Yes |
| On the day | ||
| Online registrations and ticketing | Yes | Yes |
| Drag-and-drop heat generation | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic ranking | Yes | Yes |
| QR code check-in | Yes | Yes |
| Professional chip timing | Yes Add-on | Not disclosed |
| Athlete and judge side | ||
| iOS and Android app | Yes | Yes |
| Judges with no account to create | Yes Magic link | Not disclosed |
| Built-in video for online qualifiers | Yes | Yes |
| Broadcast screens for spectators | Yes | Yes |
Circle21 pricing and features checked on September 1, 2026 on its public site. Rows marked "Not disclosed" are not publicly documented to date and are worth checking with the provider.
Professional chip timing
A hybrid race needs reliable times without a manual stopwatch. Throwdown rents a professional timing system for the weekend, with velcro transponders on the athletes and a sensor at the finish. The time flows automatically into the ranking, and athletes get an experience close to an official race.
“So far everything is perfect. Can't wait to celebrate the Liège Throwdown anniversary alongside Throwdown.”
Pierre, competition founder
Liège Throwdown
10th
Liège Throwdown edition
Frequently asked questions
- You create your competition on Throwdown in minutes and open your registrations directly on the platform. If some athletes are already signed up, you can enter those registrations by hand. The Throwdown team can help you bring them over.
- It is not documented on its site to date. On Throwdown, it is an add-on rented for the weekend, velcro transponders and finish-line sensor included.
- Its pricing page shows "4% +1.5" with no currency symbol. The Stripe fees right below are in euros, which strongly suggests 1.50 €, but it is not explicitly stated. It is worth confirming with Circle21 if this gap matters to you.
- Yes. Solo, pairs, teams, mixed divisions, as many divisions as you want, each with its own standards and price.
