The best workout apps depend on how you like to train. Fitbod plans gym strength workouts that adapt as you get stronger, Seven fits a workout into seven minutes at home, and Down Dog builds a new yoga class every time. If you don't want to pay anything, Nike Training Club is completely free.
What to look for in the best workout apps
A workout app only helps if you keep opening it. So before you look at features, think about three things.
- Where you'll train. A gym full of weights, a living room floor or the road outside each call for a different app.
- How much time you have. Some apps plan an hour in the gym. One fits a workout into seven minutes.
- What you want to pay. One app here is completely free, a few have a free version, and some offer only a free trial before a subscription.
Prices on subscription apps change often, so we don't list them here. Each app card shows today's price, and each section says what you get for free.
Fitbod: a gym plan that adapts to you
FitbodView app ›
Fitbod is for people who walk into the gym and aren't sure what to do next. It builds each workout for you based on your goals, your recent sessions and the equipment you have. It keeps track of which muscles need rest and adjusts your weights and sets as you get stronger.
You log your sets, reps and weights as you go, and that's what it uses to plan the next session. It works in a full gym, and it also works at home with no equipment. If you have questions, you can email a trainer.
Only a free trial is free. After that, Fitbod needs a monthly or yearly subscription, so see the app page for today's price. You'll need an account.
Who it suits: anyone who wants steady strength progress without writing their own plan.
Ladder: strength training with a coach in your ear
Ladder · $179.99/yrView app ›
Ladder gives you a structured strength program made by a real coach, with a new workout each day that gets harder over time. A coach talks you through each session in your ear, with video demos of each move and a timer, at home or in the gym.
You pick a program that matches your style, from bodybuilding to kettlebell, HIIT or Pilates strength, and track your reps and weights as you go. Where Fitbod plans around you, Ladder hands you a plan to follow, which some people find easier to stick with.
Ladder is free for 7 days with no payment taken, then it's a subscription. It's one of the pricier fitness subscriptions, so see the app page for today's price. It's iPhone only and in English only.
Who it suits: people who want to be told exactly what to do, by a coach, every day.
Seven: short home workouts for busy days
SevenView app ›
Seven is built around the well-known 7 minute workout. You can do a full session in seven minutes with no equipment, which takes away most excuses. You set a goal, like getting fit or getting stronger, and it builds a plan around your level.
Fun coach voices and daily challenges help you keep the habit, and you can compete with friends or create your own custom workouts. It works offline, and an account is optional.
Basic workouts are free. The 7 Club subscription unlocks personal plans and more workouts, with a free trial, so see the app page for today's price.
Who it suits: very busy people, beginners and anyone building a daily habit at home.
Down Dog: a new yoga class every time
Down DogView app ›
Down Dog creates a fresh yoga session each time you press start, matched to your level, focus, pace and how much time you have. You can choose from over ten yoga styles and six teacher voices, and focus on body areas like your hips or core. If you like or skip a pose, future classes change to match.
Because no two classes are the same, it doesn't get old the way a fixed video library can. It works for complete beginners and for people who've practiced for years.
Down Dog is free to download, but most of the library needs the subscription, and there's only a free trial. See the app page for today's price. You'll need an account.
Who it suits: anyone who wants yoga at home, in whatever time they have.
Nike Training Club: the best free workout app
Nike Training Club · FreeView app ›
Nike Training Club is the one to try first if you don't want to pay anything. It has guided workouts and multi-week programs led by Nike trainers, and everything is free with a Nike account.
You can pick strength, cardio, yoga, Pilates or recovery, for the gym or for small spaces with no equipment. You can also log any workout to track your progress over time. It suits all fitness levels.
The only catch is that you need a free Nike account to use it.
Who it suits: anyone who wants structured workouts at home or in the gym, for free.
Strava: for runners and cyclists
StravaView app ›
Strava isn't a workout plan. It records what you already do: runs, rides, hikes, gym workouts and over 50 other activities. Then it shows them in a feed your friends can follow, and they can cheer you on.
It also suggests popular routes near you and runs monthly challenges where you earn badges. If you train outdoors, seeing friends' activities can be the push that gets you out the door. It records offline and syncs later.
Recording activities is free. Routes and detailed stats need a subscription, so see the app page for today's price. You'll need an account.
Who it suits: runners and cyclists who want to track progress and stay motivated with friends.
Best workout apps, compared
Here's how they line up side by side, with today's prices on the App Store:
| Fitbod | Ladder | Seven | Down Dog | Nike Training Club | Strava | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $179.99/yr | Free | ||||
| Free version | Trial only | Fully free | Free plan |
Free workout apps vs paid ones
If you want to spend nothing, start with Nike Training Club. Everything in it is free. Seven's basic workouts and Strava's activity recording are also free, so you can get a long way without paying.
Fitbod, Ladder and Down Dog work the other way: you get a free trial, then a subscription. That's not a bad deal if the app keeps you training, but try it properly during the trial so you know before you pay.
How to choose
Start with where and how you like to move, then follow that.
If you train at the gym
Pick Fitbod if you want a plan that adapts to your lifts and your equipment. Pick Ladder if you'd rather follow a coach's program day by day.
If you work out at home with little time
Pick Seven. Seven minutes and no equipment is hard to argue with.
If you want yoga
Pick Down Dog for a new class every time you press start.
If you don't want to pay
Pick Nike Training Club. It covers strength, cardio, yoga and more, for free.
If you run or ride
Pick Strava to record every run and ride and follow your friends.
Still deciding? Tell us how you like to train and find a workout app that fits, or browse all the fitness apps we cover.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free workout app?
Nike Training Club. Everything is free with a Nike account, including trainer-led workouts, multi-week programs and no-equipment home workouts.
What is the best app for strength training at the gym?
Fitbod plans each gym workout around your goals, your recent sessions and your equipment. Ladder is the pick if you'd rather follow a coach's daily program.
Can I work out at home with no equipment?
Yes. Seven is built for short workouts with no equipment, and Nike Training Club has free workouts for small spaces. Fitbod can also plan workouts with no equipment.
Is Down Dog free?
It's free to download, but most of the library needs the subscription, and there's only a free trial. See the app page for today's price.
Is Strava free?
Recording runs, rides and other activities is free. Routes and detailed stats need a subscription.
Keep deciding: Find a home workout app, Nike Training Club on Squapp, Fitbod on Squapp.
