Best Expert-Tested Workout Apps and Services for 2026

What we like: When I first started working out regularly, Nike Training Club was my go-to app. It offers various workout programs including bodyweight exercises, high-intensity interval training, cross training, yoga, core exercises and expert health advice from Nike trainers to keep you on track.

The workouts are easy to follow because there are video demonstrations of each exercise, as well as the allotted time you should spend on each one. This prevents you from losing track during your workout and mentally prepares you for the next exercise. The app also connects to your Apple Watch to provide health metrics like your heart rate and logs your activities.

The best part about this app is that it’s free and provides access to plenty of resources, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

Who is it best for: This app is great for people who aren’t looking for a program-specific workout. It’s best if you like to sample different types of workouts of different durations, so that you don’t get bored.

Who should avoid it: If you want something more personalized, you might feel like this app isn’t up to the task. In this case, it is better to use a personal training app like Future. If you want live classes, the Nike Training Club app doesn’t offer them, so you can explore Peloton or Apple Fitness Plus, which offer live and on-demand workouts.

What we like: The Future app is unique because it connects you to an elite personal trainer who checks in regularly, provides feedback, and personalizes workouts for you. They take into account your fitness level, your goals and even the equipment you have. Having used this app for over a year now, I can attest that it’s a great option if you want the convenience of a personal trainer in your home.

The app’s creators believe that connecting is the best way to stick to your goals. That’s why they connect you with a partner who can hold you accountable. There are many coaches on this app with many years of experience in their respective fields. To get the most out of the experience, users are recommended to wear an Apple Watch or compatible Android wearable device, which provides detailed feedback to your coach so they can track your progress and adjust your plan if necessary.

Who is it best for: This app is ideal if you want to experience a personal trainer but don’t have time to meet one in person. All of this is done virtually and you’ll receive a more personalized workout, tailored to the equipment you have access to at home or in the gym. Your trainer checks in daily and modifies your workout if necessary. If you are motivated and comfortable with bodybuilding exercises, this application will be perfect for you. And even if you’re unsure about some assigned exercises, your coach is always there to help.

Who should avoid it: If you prefer live, on-demand fitness classes or workouts, the Future app won’t be for you. Future only offers personalized workouts based on your fitness goals and not classes. Plus, at $200 per month, Future isn’t the most affordable app on the market, but compared to a standard personal training session, which can cost more, it can be worth it if it fits your budget. Future often offers promotional discounts on your first month (currently $100 for your first month) and offers a $50 credit to each friend who signs up using your guest pass for the app.

What we like: The company’s app, available to non-Peloton owners, gives you access to Peloton’s library of on-demand workouts, from cycling, running and strength training to yoga, Pilates and stretching. My husband and I use this app regularly and love that it has options for doing shorter or longer workouts, as well as beginner and advanced classes.

The difference between the all-access membership available to Peloton owners and the app is that the former allows for multiple member profiles, access to exclusive classes, and greater board access (where you can compete with other users). If you opt for the unlimited access subscription, it costs $50 per month and can be used whether you own the bike, treadmill or rower. Peloton also recently updated its search function, so it’s easier than ever to find your favorite artist, class title, and genre. If you’re not a fully converted Peloton addict, the Peloton One app is a good springboard to see what the hype is about and whether you’re enjoying the classes.

Who is it best for: This app is ideal for exercisers who enjoy a variety of fitness classes and for those who want a taste of Peloton without fully committing to Peloton equipment. It’s inexpensive and multiple people in your home can benefit from it. The first month is free, then $13 per month with access to thousands of on-demand and live classes via your smartphone, tablet, TV or web browser. You’ll also pay less if you choose the annual subscription.

Who should avoid it: If you want a personal training experience, you’ll feel like the Peloton One app is lacking. The other downside is that if you don’t own a Peloton bike, rower, or tread and want the full Peloton experience, you’ll need to consider whether it’s worth purchasing the equipment.

What we like: If you’re looking for an app that tracks your mileage, Strava is your best choice. As an avid runner who has tried various running apps over the years, the Strava app remains my favorite. Although I use it primarily for running, it can also be used interchangeably for cycling and other workouts. The app is powered by GPS and turns any Apple or Android phone into a detailed performance monitor. It connects to heart rate monitors and various popular GPS devices, such as an Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, or a Suunto watch.

It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your uploaded posts to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and routes private, you can also bring these mod ifications via your settings via the app. One of the newest safety features in the Strava app is called Beacon, which lets you share your real-time location with an emergency contact.

Who is it best for: This app is ideal for runners or cyclists who like to keep track of their data whether they are training for a race or trying to set a new personal best. If you like interacting with other running or cycling friends, this is another good way to stay in touch. I found the free version of the app to be sufficient for my needs, but you can upgrade to receive more detailed data and other benefits, such as creating your own routes, accessing new routes in your area and much more. The paid version of the app will cost you $13 per month (or $80 per year). There is a student discount of $40 per year and a family plan for up to 4 accounts at $140 per year. The good news is that Strava offers a 30-day free trial for users who want to try out its upgraded features before committing.

Who should avoid it: If you are not a runner or cyclist, this app is not the best solution for you. What it can do is limited and you won’t have access to fitness classes if that’s what you’re looking for. If you want a personal workout experience, this app will also lack that personalized feel.

Why we love it: This app was co-founded by famous Australian personal trainer Kayla Itsines. It was created with women in mind, and at the time it served as a platform to access Itsines’ HIIT workout plans, but it has since evolved. In 2021, Sweat was acquired by iFit (a global interactive health and fitness technology company), giving the app more visibility through its existing members and internationally.

You now have access to various workout programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength training and Pilates, all taught by different personal trainers. The app also has meal plan options if you’re looking for healthy recipe ideas.

Who is it best for: This app is great for women looking for classes taught by women. It offers a variety of workout programs ranging from strength training to yoga, barre, boxing and much more. If you are a fan of Kayla Itsines and have been following her since she launched Bikini Body Guides or Sweat with Kayla, you may like the format of this app.

This app costs $25 per month ($135 per year) but lets you test it for free for seven days if you’re a new member. This is a good way to determine if the workouts offered on the app are right for you and your goals.

Who should avoid it: If you want a more personalized workout, this app may not be for you. It’s designed with a variety of classes in mind, but without the customization aspect. If you’ve had previous injuries or haven’t been allowed to do high-intensity exercise, there are a decent number of programs that focus on high-intensity interval training, which eliminates some options for you.

What we like: If you’re wondering how to maintain your gains outside of the gym, you’ll love the Ladder app. Ladder is designed specifically for strength training and connects you with many strength coaches who specialize in various areas. To find the trainer that’s best for you, you’ll need to answer questions like your preferred training style, what your goals are, how often you want to train, and what type of equipment you have. Ladder takes the guesswork out of planning your workout because your designated program coach will provide you with a weekly training plan that you receive on Sunday evening to prepare you for the week ahead.

When I tried this app, I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell, and the great thing is that you get video demonstrations of the different exercises you’ll do. The videos also tell you what type of weight you should use (light, medium, heavy) and how long to exercise. You can also connect with your coach via the app’s chat if you ever have questions about your training or want to chat with other members of your team.

Who is it best for?: The scale is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a variety of strength training program options. If you’re looking to learn how to use a kettlebell or want specific barbell or barbell workouts, Ladder has it. Each coach has a specialty and adds their own personalization to the new workouts offered each week. You can also connect with them via group chat for any questions you may have regarding your workouts.

Ladder offers a seven-day free trial, and you can then choose between a Pro plan for $30 per month or the annual Pro plan, which has an upfront fee of $180 for the year and offers unlimited access to the app.

Who should avoid it: If you’re looking for more of a group fitness feel, you’re better off checking out Peloton One or Apple Fitness Plus. The scale works more like a training program that you have to follow on your own. Another downside is that only Apple users have access to it at the moment, so if you have an Android you won’t be able to experience it.

What we like: If yoga is more your speed, the Alo Wellness Club app is a favorite among yogis. The Alo Wellness Club app was created by the Alo athletic line and connects you to different types of workouts beyond yoga, like Pilates, barre, meditation, and even strength training. The app’s yoga option lets you choose from various practices, including hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, restorative, and even prenatal yoga. You can also personalize your yoga practice based on your experience level, goals, and length of your sessions. If you’re trying to learn a specific skill, like a handstand or other yoga poses, the app also has a series to help you improve those positions.

Who is it best for: This app is ideal for anyone who wants to focus on their yoga practice or add yoga to their workout routine. It helps if you are already familiar with the different types of yoga and other classes taught on Alo Wellness Club. The app costs $10 per month when you sign up online and $16 per month when you sign up through the app.

Who should avoid it: If you’re not a big fan of yoga, this app will leave more to be desired. Also, if you want live classes, this app only has on-demand options.

What we like: Working out requires consistency and motivation, and that’s sometimes hard to come by. The FitOn app takes the pressure out of having to commit to any type of exercise program by offering a variety of live and on-demand classes. It’s free for the basic subscription, but it will cost you around $25 per month for six months or $30 for a one-year FitOn Pro subscription. You can take everything from yoga to dance, Pilates, HIIT, barre and more. Plus, you can receive nutritional advice and expert advice and access your music via Spotify or Apple Music with the Pro subscription.

Who is it best for: This app is great for people who dread working out but know they need to do it to maintain their health. This app makes it easier by giving you a taste of different fitness classes and letting you listen to your own music to make the experience more enjoyable. Unlike some other apps on this list, it is accessible to both iPhone and Android users.

Some positive reviews shared by users say the app ultimately led them to be more active, while another says it gave them the freedom to get fit at their own pace. Overall, most users seem to enjoy the variety and duration of the workouts.

Who should avoid it: Some user complaints included the app interface itself being problematic at times, issues connecting some smartwatches, and inaccurate step counting. This is something to consider if these are issues you want to avoid when using a fitness app.

What we like: Apple Fitness Plus is a convenient workout app for iPhone users. It gives you access to over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts, ranging from yoga, HIIT, Time to Walk, core training, strength training to meditation classes. There are plenty of beginner and advanced classes ranging from five to 45 minutes, so you’re sure to find something that suits your fitness level. Apple Fitness Plus lets you e plan your workouts in advance so you can prioritize them, regardless of your activity level.

If you have an Apple Watch, the app makes it easy to access and also display your measurements on the smartwatch during your workouts. If you have an iPhone, it’s easy to sign up for a workout app that’s already built into your smartphone and lets you work out anywhere.

Who is it best for: This app is ideal for an iPhone user who wants a fitness app that is intuitive to use because it uses Apple software. It’s also better for those who like having the option to workout live and on-demand and being able to automatically track their data, like calories burned or steps taken, through their Apple Watch. The classes are updated regularly and the instructors are very energetic, so you’ll never get bored with the group fitness selection.

To join Apple Fitness Plus, you can try it free for up to three months, then have the option to pay monthly, $10, or $80 for the year. If you have a family plan, you can share access to Apple Fitness Plus with up to five members of your family.

Who should avoid it: If you don’t have an iPhone, you won’t be able to enjoy Apple Fitness Plus. Also, if you want a personal trainer option, this app doesn’t offer that feature yet.

The best free workout app depends on what you plan to use it for. Nike Training Club offers a variety of classes, while an app like Strava is great if you want to keep stats on your outdoor adventures. A good place to start is to search your App Store and see what free workout apps it offers.

iPhones offer many fan-favorite workout apps, many of which are on this list, like Peloton, Nike Training Club, and Strava.

Prices for fitness and workout apps vary. Some are free or offer free trials for a week or a month, allowing you to test the app before officially committing to it. Others can cost less than $10, less than $50, or up to $100 per month, depending on how personal the experience is.

Yes, with newer workout apps, like Future, you can connect to a personal trainer through an app. It will cost more than other apps, but will be cheaper than a standard personal training session at the gym.

It depends on your goals and how consistent you are with a workout routine. Workout apps make it easy to workout anywhere, with or without equipment, and take the guesswork out of it.