Despite its lowest price, it has an up to 10-day battery life, much longer than its competitors. It tracks similar metrics and scores with sleep, health and fitness, how to create a workout routine including Health Alerts to indicate potential signs of illness. Yes, a few apps offer calorie tracking without requiring a subscription. These apps typically support meal logging and calorie totals indefinitely, though they may include ads or optional upgrades. Some apps offer photo-based food logging, but this feature is usually limited or locked behind paid plans. For consistent and reliable calorie tracking, most free apps still rely on manual food logging rather than image recognition.
Kristin McGee Program
She later followed that passion to become a front-end/iOS engineer before switching to writing full-time. Stephanie’s writing on technology, health and wellness, movies, television, and much more can be found all over the internet. When she isn’t writing, Stephanie can be found reading a good book, baking, obsessing over creating the perfect desk setup, or literally anything that’ll help her avoid going outside.
Workout apps
This app received high scores in nearly every category, but it’s a little limited in workout variety and interactive features. Nike is better than the average workout app in nearly every category, which is very rare for a free workout platform. Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you’ll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available. While we love Boostcamp, and there’s a free version, it’s pretty limited in terms of scope. Some popular programs, as well as advanced analytics, are locked behind the Boostcamp PRO paywall.
As you run, the pro running coach will give you pointers and motivation as you’re struggling to keep pace and stay moving. It shows you exactly what to do and adjusts your plan to your lifestyle. It motivates me to work out and gives me check-in points on my personal workout – this is just what I needed to turn my workout goals into a habit. This entirely FREE fitness app is the best for versatile workouts that will easily become your new routine.
Best Workout Apps of 2026
- We like that Aaptive is more affordable than the average app while still offering plenty of value, especially for beginners.
- Testers paid close attention to how easy or difficult it was to download and set up each app, from account creation to any onboarding quizzes.
- Good Pilates programming is genuinely hard to find in an app, and Yoga-Go delivers it well.
- Many foods we consider healthy and natural can actually raise cholesterol levels.
- Christina is a health commerce staff writer at Fortune with more than a decade of experience crafting engaging content for digital platforms.
- You can choose your own training goal, but you can’t build your own workouts.
The price of an app is a strong deciding factor for many, especially since some apps can cost upwards of $200 per month, while others are free for life. Other apps, however, expect you to have access to a barbell, squat rack, and bench, at minimum, or even a fully-equipped commercial gym. Before committing to anything, make sure you have access to all of the equipment required for the app you wish to use. This level of customization and personal touch can enable you to stay focused on your goals, and you can rest assured that each workout you complete has been tailored to help you get closer to them. For this category, we aren’t just looking at the plan itself, but how much instruction the app provides.
How to Find the Best Workout App for You
Cronometer is often considered one of the most data-accurate options among any free calorie counting app, making it especially appealing to users who value precision and transparency. On the free version, you can log meals, track daily calorie intake, and access a robust food database without being forced into a subscription. Integrating multiple fitness platforms and wearable devices creates a comprehensive wellness ecosystem that maximizes results while maintaining cost efficiency.
Hevy – Best for Cross-Platform Users
“I love that it has detailed charts and stats to track my lifts over time,” he says. “Plus, there’s analytics, including an anatomy chart that’s heat-mapped based on volume, so you can add any neglected muscle groups to your routine.” He rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5. If you want a more affordable app that’s still personalized to your goals and performance, JuggernautAI may be worth a try, especially if you’re focused on strength goals. GGR expert product tester Logan Block reports his coach, Layne, is personable and energetic. He also took my feedback into account when designing workouts going forward,” says Logan, who gave Future 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload. IFIT’s cheaper tier is more affordable than the average workout app, but the app’s self-guided nature might not be a fit for everyone’s training style.
Matching app programs to specific fitness goals
It’s also a favorite of tester Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, who appreciates that the large selection of 20-minute classes makes it easy (and fun) to squeeze a sweat session into her day. The right app can act as a virtual personal trainer or training partner to keep you motivated and accountable. While training your stamina, strength and reflexes, you’ll also enjoy the beat of a diverse and energetic soundtrack at the same time.
How to Choose the Right Fitness App
The technology learns from each session, reducing intensity after poor sleep or increasing difficulty following consistent performance improvements. Advanced algorithms predict optimal workout timing based on circadian rhythms and stress levels measured through wearable devices. Yes, strategic app combination maximizes training variety while preventing redundancy.
Can I combine two different workout apps without overlapping sessions?
You can get it on the brand’s website or on either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Most of the programs and apps listed in this article include free trials so you can try them out for yourself before committing. Client communication is streamlined through in-app messaging, eliminating the need for scattered conversations across multiple platforms. Trainers can share updates, answer questions, review progress, and provide accountability all in one place. All-in-one platform empowering fitness professionals to build, manage, and scale their online training business with custom-branded apps.
Other Ladder App Features
There’s also a community function within the app, allowing you to connect with others on your wellness journey. This app was also featured as one of Healthline’s picks for the best fitness gifts. This app will let you step into a virtual studio and feel like you’re right there with the instructor, experiencing Pilates in a whole new way. In this app, you can run, cycle, or row across more than 15 stunning virtual worlds, including Paris, Antarctica, Cyberpunk, Snowy Mountains, Underwater and even Saturn. Ahead, see our top picks for the best fitness trackers and smartwatches of 2026.