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Giselle Castro-Sloboda
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I'm a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I've had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women's Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
Expertise Fitness and Wellness
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Factors to consider
Location
Think about where you'll mainly be using the app. Do you work out at home, at the gym, outside or a mix of all three? If you like to run outdoors, for example, you'll likely want an app that offers location tracking.
Equipment
You'll also want to figure out whether the app's classes require you to have certain pieces of equipment on hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat. Make sure you either have these items, or you have the budget to purchase them.
Goals
Think about what goals you're trying to achieve when using the app. Do you just want to get moving more often, or are there specific fitness milestones you want to hit (like running a certain speed or lifting a certain amount of weight)? Some apps let you personalize your goals or even connect with a personal trainer to help you meet them.
Free or subscription
There are fitness apps for every budget. Some are completely free or offer a free trial, and some require a monthly subscription. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you think investing in a paid app will actually help you get closer to your goals and what you're comfortable spending. Other things to consider are if you prefer live streaming or On Demand workouts.
Our Picks
Best overall workout app
Nike Training Club
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Best workout app for personal training
Future
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Best workout app for yoga
Alo Moves
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Best workout app if you don't like to work out
FitOn
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Best workout app for iPhone users
Apple Fitness Plus
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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Factors to consider
Location
Think about where you'll mainly be using the app. Do you work out at home, at the gym, outside or a mix of all three? If you like to run outdoors, for example, you'll likely want an app that offers location tracking.
Equipment
You'll also want to figure out whether the app's classes require you to have certain pieces of equipment on hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat. Make sure you either have these items, or you have the budget to purchase them.
Goals
Think about what goals you're trying to achieve when using the app. Do you just want to get moving more often, or are there specific fitness milestones you want to hit (like running a certain speed or lifting a certain amount of weight)? Some apps let you personalize your goals or even connect with a personal trainer to help you meet them.
Free or subscription
There are fitness apps for every budget. Some are completely free or offer a free trial, and some require a monthly subscription. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you think investing in a paid app will actually help you get closer to your goals and what you're comfortable spending. Other things to consider are if you prefer live streaming or On Demand workouts.
The cost of agym membership can add to your expenses and feel like a waste if you aren't actually spending much time at the gym. Personally, I've always preferred the gym environment, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned to adapt to at-home workouts. I noticed I was the most consistent when I downloaded the Future app, which paired me up with a coach who programmed my workouts around my goals. This was beneficial during my pregnancy and now postpartum as I ease back into a fitness routine. Thebest workout appsremove the guesswork for you and can help you figure out what to do while working with the equipment you already have on hand. And if you prefer a hybrid approach to your workouts, you can use these programs at the gym as well.
I'm aware that not every workout app is one size fits all, and it's important to be user inclusive. Conveniently, many of these apps offer free trials first. That way you can give them a fair shake and decide if you plan on committing to them. Use our list of the best workout apps as a guide at home and/or in the gym.
What is the best workout app overall?
The Nike Training Club is our pick for the best overall workout app, because it's completely free and offers a variety of classes, like HIIT, strength training, mobility and yoga, and you can even follow a program over the course of a month and decide how often you're looking to work out. Because Nike is such a big name in fitness, a lot of its workouts draw inspiration from famous athletes, like Simone Biles or Serena Williams. If you prefer a workout app that's more specific to your interests, such as yoga, there are others we recommend, as seen in the list below.
Best workout apps of 2024
Pros
- Variety of classes to pick from
- Nike is a trusted and familiar brand
- Can be used at the gym or at home
Cons
- Lacks personalization
- If you don't own an Apple Watch, you can't keep track of fitness data
- Programming lacks structure, which doesn't help if you have strength goals in mind
Cost Free
Phone compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch
Equipment required None
Live streaming or On Demand Live streaming and On Demand
When I first started working out regularly, Nike Training Club was my go-to app. It provides various workout programs such as bodyweight exercises, high-intensity interval training, cross-training, yoga, core exercises and expert health tips by Nike trainers to keep you on track.
The workouts are easy to follow because there are video demonstrations of each exercise with the allotted time you should be doing them. This keeps you from losing track during your workout and mentally prepares you for the following exercise. The app also connects to your Apple watch to provide health metrics such as your heart rate and logs your activities.
The best part of this app is that it's free and gives you access to many resources no matter if you're a beginner or more advanced.
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Pros
- Personal trainer at your fingertips
- It's customized to help you reach your goals
- Regular check-ins with trainer without leaving home
- Ideal for both iPhone and Android users
Cons
- Pricey compared with other workout apps
Cost $199/month
Phone compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or 5, Montblanc Summit 3
Equipment required None
Live streaming or On Demand On Demand personalized program
The Future app is unique because it connects you to an elite personal fitness coach who checks in regularly, gives you feedback and customizes the workout for you. They take into account your fitness level, goals and even what equipment is available to you. Having used this app for over a year now, I can vouch that it's a great option if you want the feel of a personal trainer in your home. The creators of the app 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.
To get started on this app, you have to take a short quiz about the type of workouts you like or dislike, what type of coach you work best with and your goals. There are plenty of coaches on this app with numerous years of experience in their respective fields.
To get the most out of the experience, users are recommended to wear an Apple Watch or a compatible Android wearable, which gives detailed information to your coach so they can see your progress and edit your plan as you go. At $199 a month, Future isn't the most affordable app on the market, but compared with a standard personal training session, which can cost more than that, it's worth the price. Future often offers promotional discounts on your first month and offers a $50 credit for every friend who signs up using your guest pass for the app.
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Pros
- Peloton is a trusted and popular brand
- Trainers are high-energy and motivational
- First month is free to test out before committing
- Can be streamed on your smartphone, TV, tablet or computer
Cons
- Lacks personalization
- If you want to appear on a cycling class leaderboard, you have to own a Peloton bike
- There's a $32 difference between the all-access and Peloton digital membership if you want to upgrade
Cost $13/month or $129/year
Phone compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch, Android Watches
Equipment needed Peloton equipment to unlock all features
Live streaming or On Demand Live streaming and On Demand
There's no doubt that the popularity of the Peloton indoor cycling bike exploded in popularityduring the pandemic. The company's app, which is 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 to do 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 multiple member profiles, access to exclusive classes and better access to the Leadership board (where you can compete against other users). If you opt for the all-access membership, it costs $24 a month and can be used whether you own the bike, treadmill or rower. Peloton also recently updated its search functionso it's easier than ever to find your favorite artist, class title and genre. If you're not a fully converted Peloton junkie, the Peloton app One is a good stepping stone to see what the hype is about and whether you enjoy the classes.
The price doesn't hurt either. The first month is usually a free trial and then it's $13 a month with access to thousands of on-demand and live classes via your smartphone, tablet, TV or web browser.
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Pros
- Free
- Customize privacy settings for safety
- Connect with other runners and friends
- Can be connected to many GPS devices
- Can be used to track cycling, water sports and many other activities
Cons
- It can lose signal depending on where you are
- There can be discrepancies between your GPS watch and Strava app data
Cost Free or upgrade to $12/month or $80/year
Phone compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch, Garmin, Whoop, Fitbit and many other GPS watches
Equipment needed None
Live streaming or On Demand Neither
If you're looking for an app that tracks your running mileage, Strava is your best bet. As an avid runner who's tried various running apps throughout the years, the Strava app remains my favorite. Although I mainly use it for running, it can interchangeably be used for cycling and other workouts as well. The app is GPS powered 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 posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings via the app. One of the newer safety features on the Strava app is called the Beacon, which lets you share your location in real time with an emergency contact.
I've found the free version of the app to be sufficient for my purposes, but you can upgrade it to receive more detailed data and other perks, such as building your own routes, accessing new routes in your area and more. The paid version of the app will run you $12 a month (or $80 a year). The good news is Strava offers a free 30-day trial to users who want to try out their upgraded features before committing.
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Pros
- Various workouts to pick from that are women-friendly
- Online community is active and connects you to women around the world
- Inexpensive compared to other fitness apps
Cons
- Warm-ups are optional, which can be an injury risk
- Doesn't correct form or exercise technique
- Meal plan isn't customized to your needs
Cost $20/month or $120/year
Phone compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch
Equipment needed None
Live streaming or On Demand On Demand
This app was co-founded by popular 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 (an interactive global health and fitness technology company), giving the app more exposure via its existing members and internationally.
Now you have access to various workout programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength and pilates, all taught by different female personal trainers. The app also offers meal plan options if you're looking for healthy recipe ideas.
This app costs $20 a month but often offers introductory deals. This is a good way to determine if the workouts on the app are the right fit for you and your goals.
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Pros
- You can connect with a coach who's right for your goals
- Community is well-connected, and you can ask your coach questions through the app
- Free week offered upon downloading app
- Option of one-on-one coaching for less than $50 a month
Cons
- Available only to Apple users
- It's more strength-training focused, so it isn't for a cardio junkie
Cost $30/month or $180/year
Phone compatibility iPhone
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch
Equipment needed Strength training equipment recommended (e.g., free weights, resistance bands)
Live streaming or On Demand On Demand
If you're worried about how to maintain your gains outside of the gym, then you'll love the Ladder app. Ladder is specifically designed for strength training and connects you to many strength coaches who specialize in various fields. To find the coach that's the best fit for you, you'll have to answer questions such as your preferred training style, what your goals are, how often you'd want to workout and the type of equipment available to you. Ladder takes the guesswork out of planning your workout because the coach for your designated program will provide a weekly workout plan that you receive Sunday nights to prepare you for the week ahead.
Currently, the app works only with Apple mobile or iPad devices and can be used with an Apple Watch or cast to a TV screen using Apple AirPlay or Screen Mirroring. However, the developers are working on creating an Android app.
When I tried out this app, I signed up for a kettlebell class called Body & Bell, and what's great is you get video demonstrations for the different exercises you'll be doing. The videos also tell you the type of weight you should be using (light, medium, heavy) and the length of time of the exercise.
You can also connect with your coach via the chat in the app if you ever have questions on your training or want to chat with other members on your team. Ladder offers a free seven-day trial, and afterward you can pick from a Pro plan for $30 a month or the Pro Plan-Annual which is an upfront fee of $179 for the year and offers unlimited access to the app.
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Pros
- Various types of yoga classes
- Free trial for two weeks before committing
- You can save and download workouts to revisit later
Cons
- Not ideal if you're looking to gain muscle
- Pricey app for the year, unless all you're doing is yoga
- No live classes, which means you can't interact with your favorite instructor
Cost $13/month or $130/year
Phone compatibility iPhone
Wearable compatibility None
Equipment needed Yoga mat
Live streaming or On Demand On Demand
If yoga is more your speed, the Alo Moves app is a favorite among yogis. The Alo Moves app was created by the athleisure line Alo, and it connects you to various types of workouts beyond yoga, such as pilates, barre, meditation and more. The yoga option on the app lets you pick from various practices, including hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, restorative and even prenatal yoga. You can customize your yoga practice also based on your experience level, your goals and how long you'd like your sessions to be.
This app is accessible only to Apple users and connects you to world-class instructors and new classes every week. If you're trying to achieve a specific skill, such as a handstand or other yoga poses, the app also has a series to help you improve those positions.
If you're ready to dive into improving your flexibility or mastering crow's pose, the Alo Moves app is currently offering a free trial for 14 days. If you choose to commit, it's $13 a month or $130 for the year.
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Pros
- Free option
- Variety of classes
- Short and long workouts
- Easy to add to your schedule
Cons
- App is sometimes glitchy
- Doesn't register step count correctly
- Only a 6-month or yearlong subscription option
Cost Free, $35 for 6 month subscription, $40 for 1-year subscription
Phone Compatibility iPhone, Android
Wearable Compatibility Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Watch, Whoop, Oura, Garmin
Live streaming or On Demand Live streaming and On Demand
Working out requires being consistent and motivated and sometimes that's hard to come by. The FitOn app takes away the pressure of having to commit to any type of exercise program by offering a variety of live and on demand classes. This is the ideal workout app if you don't like working out. It's free for the basic membership but will cost you $35 a month for six-months or $39.99 for a year long FitOn Pro subscription. You can take anything ranging from everything from yoga, dance, Pilates, HIIT, Barre and more. Additionally, you can receive nutrition guidance and expert tips and access to your music through Spotify or Apple music with the Pro subscription.
This app is available for iOS and Android. Some positive reviews users have shared are that the app finally got them to be more active, while another says it gave them the freedom to get in shape on their own time frame. Overall most users seem to enjoy the variety and length of the workouts. Some complaints users had were with the app interface itself sometimes being glitchy, issues connecting some smart watches and it's inaccurate step counting.
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Pros
- Convenient for iPhone users
- Affordable
- Can be shared with family members
- Over 5,000 classes to choose from
- Create your own schedule
- Connects to Apple Watch
Cons
- Only iPhone users have access
Cost $9.99/month, $79.99/year
Phone compatibility iPhone
Wearable compatibility Apple Watch
Live streaming or On Demand Live streaming and On Demand
Apple Fitness Plus is a workout app that is convenient for iPhone users. It gives you access to over 5,000 live and On Demand workouts ranging from yoga, HIIT, Time to Walk, core, 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 is right for your fitness level. To join Apple Fitness Plus, you can try it out for free for up to three months and then have the option to pay month-to-month, $9.99 or $79.99 for the year. If you're on a family plan, you can share access to Apple Fitness Plus with up to five family members.
Apple Fitness Plus lets you schedule your workouts ahead of time so you can prioritize them no matter how busy you get. If you have an Apple Watch, the app makes it convenient to access it and view your metrics on the smartwatch during your workouts as well. If you own an iPhone, it's a no-brainer to sign up for a workout app that is already built into your smartphone and allows you to workout anywhere.
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Best Workout Apps for 2024, Compared
Best Workout Apps for 2024
| Workout Apps | Type of workouts | Phone compatibility | Wearable compatibility | Cost | Live streaming and On Demand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Training Club | Bodyweight exercises, high-intensity interval training, cross-training, yoga, core exercises | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch | Free | Live streaming and On Demand | |
| Future | Personal training | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or 5, Montblanc Summit 3 | $199/month | On Demand personalized program | |
| Peloton App One | On-demand workouts, from cycling, running and strength training to yoga, pilates and stretching. | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch, Android watches | $13/month, $129/year | Live streaming and On Demand | |
| Strava | Running and cycling tracker | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch, Garmin, Whoop, Fitbit and many other GPS watches | Free or $12/month, $80/year | Neither | |
| Sweat | Workout programs for home or in the gym, yoga, strength and pilates | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch | $20/month or $120/year | On Demand | |
| Ladder | Strength training | iPhone | Apple Watch | $30/month or $180/year | On Demand | |
| Alo Moves | Yoga, pilates, barre, meditation and more | iPhone | None | $13/month or $130/year | On Demand | |
| FitOn | Yoga, dance, Pilates, HIIT, Barre and more | iPhone, Android | Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Watch, Whoop, Oura, Garmin, | Free, $35 for 6 month subscription, $40 for 1-year subscription | Live streaming and On Demand | |
| Apple Fitness Plus | Yoga, meditation, HIIT, Time to Walk, Time to Run, Kickboxing, strength training and more | iPhone | Apple Watch | $9.99/month, $79.99/year | Live streaming and On Demand |
How we test the best workout apps
In addition to our personal experience and expertise, here are the main factors we used to evaluate each workout app.
- Ease of use: We considered how user-friendly each app was, including whether it had easy-to-follow classes and a straightforward menu.
- Versatility: We looked at the variety of classes offered within the app to keep your exercise routine interesting. We determined whether the app is helpful for a range of workout types or would be best suited to specific fitness goals.
- Price: Workout apps vary in price, but we made sure we selected a mix of cheaper and pricier apps to fit a range of budgets.
- Programs: We looked at the programs to make sure there's something for beginners, intermediate and more experienced users. We also considered whether the classes are live, on-demand or both and whether there's any personalization or customization.
- Extra features: Some workout apps offer features like personal coaching, health tracking and smartwatch compatibility. We tested these features and noted which ones stood out or were most unique.
Factors to consider when choosing a workout app
Finding your favorite workout app may require a bit of trial and error since you'll want to see if you're looking for a personalized experience or are comfortable with a cookie cutter plan.
Where will you be using the app? Think about where you'll mainly be using the app. Do you work out at home, at the gym, outside or a mix of all three? If you like to run outdoors, for example, you'd likely want an app that offers location tracking. Similarly, when looking into a specific app, figure out whether its classes require you to have certain equipment on-hand, like dumbbells or a yoga mat.
Your goals: You should also think about your goals for using the app. Do you just want to get moving more often, or are there specific fitness goals (like running a certain speed or lifting a certain weight) that you want to achieve? Some apps allow you to personalize your goals or even connect with a personal trainer to help you meet them.
Budget: Lastly, know that there are workout apps for every budget -- including free. Some require a monthly subscription to access, so take advantage of the free trials to determine if it's worth the cost to you.
Best workout apps FAQ
What is the best free workout app?
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. A good place to start is by searching your App store and seeing what free workout apps it has to offer.
What is the best workout app for iPhones?
iPhones have many fan favorite workout apps to pick from, which include many on this list like Peloton, Nike Training Club and Strava.
How much do fitness and workout apps cost?
Fitness and workout app prices vary. Some are free or offer free trials for a week or month, which lets you test out the app before officially committing to it. Others can cost less than $10, under $50 or as much as $100 a month, depending on how personalized the experience tends to be.
Can you do personal training through workout apps?
Yes, with newer workout apps, such as Future, you can get connected to a personal trainer through an app. It will cost more compared with other apps but will be cheaper than a standard personal training session at the gym.
Do fitness and workout apps really work?
This depends on your goals and how consistent you are with a workout routine. Workout apps make it easier to work out anywhere, with or without equipment, and they take out the guesswork for you.
