We’ve tested the best workout apps 2025 for at-home training

Without tracking previous performance, you can’t ensure you’re lifting more weight, completing more reps, or adding sets over time [9]. The best free workout app depends on what you’re going to be using it for. Nike Training Club offers a variety of classes, whereas an app like Strava is ideal if you’d like to keep metrics on your outdoor adventures.

Best Workout Apps of 2026

I have the paid version and I think it’s fairly cheap for what it offers. We ran sets of compound lifts, accessory work, and a cardio session for each app over a 4-week period. Where possible, we tested import/export between apps and checked how easy it was to restore data. However, the app doesn’t offer the option to log improvised sessions or cardio/sports activities.

AI Personal Trainer & Workouts

• Many of today’s fitness apps let you customize workouts around your goals, preferred training styles, the space (or lack thereof) that you have in your home and the fitness equipment you already own.
• In contrast, those that try to excel in everything tend to lack essential features and feel cluttered.
• It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout.
• While it lacks the bells and whistles of some other apps, I still really liked this app.
• There are also eight individual workout categories, including at-home, travel, dumbbell-only, and bodyweight.
• Effective apps feature intuitive navigation, quick workout selection, and minimal learning curves.

We also really liked that you can head into the app’s settings to select the equipment you have to hand, then use that list to filter the library, so you only see classes or routines you can do with the weights you have. This saves a lot of time, allowing you more space to do your workout rather than fiddle with the app. When it comes down to it, the core of any weightlifting app is the programming. The training program you follow will be the guide that leads you to success. The common mistake is choosing features because they sound impressive, rather than because they align with the hours you actually have. Measure what you can change, minimize taps that break your flow, and let plans evolve with your actual performance.

There’s free and paid options, but you get plenty of value if you do decide to pay, and you can access a free trial if you’re unconvinced. During testing, we found the instructor-led workouts to be engaging and motivating, and also enjoyed the whiteboard workouts, which show you the entire workout so you can follow at your own pace. It’s not perfect, but for a free app, there’s plenty to keep you moving here. In March 2020, Nike made its Nike Training Club app content completely free for 90 days to help people keep fit while they stayed at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the app has been completely free for users, and unlike others on this list, there’s no paid version anymore. Peak Strength uses a unique take on block periodization to develop consistent progress over the course of multiple programs.

So, we recommend using separate apps for cardio and strength – for instance, Hevy with Strava. StretchIt doesn’t provide the option to log one-off sessions like a run or gym workout. It only allows you to complete the scheduled workout according to your plan.

Optimize training with personalized metrics

Choosing the right workout app starts with knowing yourself—your goals, schedule, budget, and how much structure you actually enjoy. A good fit will feel realistic to stick with most days of the week, not just exciting for the first few workouts. For value, the team weighed all of these factors—features, coaching depth, workout quality, and flexibility—against the typical monthly subscription price. From an accountability and workout‑quality standpoint, BetterMe performed well.

Many platforms balance free access to trainer-led workouts while reserving premium nutrition content for paid tiers [1], letting you start where you are and upgrade when you’re ready. When evaluating trials, check whether credit card information is required upfront, as some apps automatically convert to paid subscriptions unless manually canceled. The most valuable free options focus on bodyweight exercises that require minimal equipment—perfect for building that initial habit of showing up every damn day [21]. Remember, the strongest athletes started somewhere, and free doesn’t mean inferior when you’re devoted to progress.

Compared to some of the other apps on this list, this app is also pretty affordable. You can sign up for a free trial to see whether it’s for you, and after that, there are two different membership options to choose from. The Les Mills+ base membership gives you a stripped-back version of the app and starts from $4.99 per month. The full membership, Les Mills+ premium, gives you access to all classes and starts at $9.99 per month. Strava is one of the best running apps on the market, with a free and a paid subscription to allow runners, cyclists, and walkers to keep track of their progress. That said, despite its reputation as an app for runners and cyclists, you can track a total of 31 different sports.

Best workout app for iPhone users

Look beyond basic certifications to evidence of continuing education and specialization in areas relevant to your goals. Coaching quality also manifests through communication effectiveness—trainers should explain complex concepts through accessible language and real-world examples [5]. CNET experts tested some of the most popular workout apps to see which ones actually offer great workouts. These are the apps that stood out for their usability, personalization and ability to help you stay consistent and reach your fitness goals in 2026. I’ve been using an app called Jefit for probably more than 10 years now, they offer some paid features that they have been improving but I’ve never had their subscription because it does everything I need without it.

Strong is for everyone.

Here’s where the right strength app becomes your devoted training partner, automating performance tracking and suggesting those crucial incremental improvements that keep you moving forward. The best strength apps take an exercise-first approach, preserving your complete lifting history for each movement regardless of which workout it appears in [7]. The app’s creators believe that connection is the best way to stick to your goals. That’s why they set you up with a partner who can hold you accountable. There are plenty of coaches on this app with numerous years of experience in their respective fields. Gymverse also offers really great wearable connectivity; when I tested it with my Apple Watch, I could start, track, and end workouts on my watch rather than needing to open the app on my phone.

Best fitness app for race training

Finding a coach you can trust or that you are willing to let train you is a BIG STEP in anyone’s fitness journey. If you are on a school or club team, sometimes a coach is chosen for you. When it comes to your physical fitness, that decision is a little more personal.

Best Workout App for Muscle Gain: SHRED

While the platform is ideal for advanced athletes, beginners also benefit by learning foundational movements and mastering strength basics. “You pick a coach based on your goals and preferences, and each day’s workout—including rest—is programmed for you. My sessions are about 45 minutes, and at 45, I feel and look stronger than ever. » Testers also loved the energizing, motivating workouts for all levels, as well as the wellness series focused on sleep, nutrition, and self-care. Many classes are filmed in stunning locations and led by instructors like Emily Sferra, Anabella Landa, and Bianca Wise, who keep sessions interesting and never boring. « The instructor, Bianca, was beautiful, the setting amazing, music perfect. I’m absolutely hooked on her workouts, » a tester commented.

How can I make tracking feel effortless?

I think that’s the main distinction with Peak Strength, which is asks you what is your goal, asks you what madmuscles community equipment you have or don’t have, and then creates a specific workout plan based on that. It’s not quite like TrainerRoad but it does adjust the plan as you go, with specific periodization and what not. BTW I’m not affiliated in any way, I’ve just been very satisfied over the past few months.

Best Overall Weightlifting App

“It continues to adapt over time, so the longer you use the app and the more diligently you input data, the smarter and more personalized your program will become,” they said. While, of course, a glistening home gym replete with the best power racks, benches, and plates would be ideal, they also noted its flexibility in required equipment, rating that category a 4 out of 5. With several levels of membership, we found the pricing structure a bit confusing.