With over 350,000 health and fitness apps available in app stores today, finding the right workout companion for your fitness journey can feel overwhelming. The digital fitness landscape has exploded, offering everything from AI-powered personal trainer experiences to simple workout tracker solutions that help you log your progress and stay motivated.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to build muscle, an experienced athlete seeking to gain strength through progressive overload, or someone who simply wants to maintain a consistent workout routine, the right app can make all the difference in achieving your fitness goals. Today’s best workout apps combine comprehensive exercise libraries, smart progress tracking, and community features that rival having a personal trainer in your pocket.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the top workout apps that have earned millions of users’ trust, analyze their key features, and help you choose the perfect digital training partner for your specific needs and fitness level.
Top Workout Apps Overview
The current fitness app market features a diverse ecosystem of solutions designed to serve every conceivable workout type and user preference. Leading apps like Hevy, JEFIT, and Fitbod have distinguished themselves through different strengths – from comprehensive exercise libraries to AI-powered personalization – while giants like Nike and Peloton offer vast content libraries and community experiences.
Here’s how the top-performing workout apps stack up in 2025:
| App | Users | Rating | Standout Feature | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hevy | 7+ million | 4.9★ | Best free workout tracker | Free (Pro from $2.99/month) |
| JEFIT | 12+ million | 4.5★ | Largest exercise library (1,500+) | Freemium model |
| Fitbod | 1+ million | 4.8★ | AI-powered workout planning | Premium subscription |
| Nike Training Club | 50+ million | 4.7★ | Best free comprehensive app | Completely free |
| Peloton | 6+ million | 4.9★ | Live instructor-led classes | $12.99/month |
| FitOn | 10+ million | 4.9★ | Best free workout classes | Free (Pro optional) |
| Sweat | 30+ million | 4.6★ | Best for women’s fitness | $19.99/month |
| Aaptiv | 1+ million | 4.7★ | Audio-guided workouts | $14.99/month |
| Strava | 100+ million | 4.5★ | Best for running & cycling | Freemium model |
| MyFitnessPal | 200+ million | 4.2★ | Best for diet & tracking | Free (Premium available) |
These apps compete primarily on their ability to customize workouts, provide detailed instructions, integrate with devices like Apple Watch and Apple Health, and create engaging communities that help users stay motivated throughout their training program. The differentiation among leading workout apps stems from several key factors: the breadth and quality of their exercise libraries, personalization capabilities, progress tracking sophistication, integration with wearable devices, and community engagement features that foster long-term user retention.
Hevy – Best Free Workout Tracker
Hevy has earned its reputation as the premier free workout app by focusing on what matters most to gym goers: simple, effective progress tracking without unnecessary complexity. With over 7 million athletes worldwide and a remarkable 4.9-star rating, Hevy proves that you don’t need to pay premium prices for professional-grade workout tracking.
Key Features That Set Hevy Apart: The app excels at helping users create custom exercises and build personalized workout routines that adapt to available equipment. Whether you’re training at a commercial gym or working out at home, Hevy’s flexibility allows you to log everything from traditional weightlifting sessions to bodyweight routines with equal precision.
Hevy’s Social Community: The app’s social features create a supportive community where users can share workout routines, track personal records together, and provide motivation through friendly competition. The ability to follow friends and see their progress adds an accountability factor that many users find helpful for maintaining consistency.
Progress Tracking Excellence: The app’s strength lies in its comprehensive data tracking capabilities. Users can log sets, reps, weights, and rest periods while receiving visual feedback on their performance trends. The progress visualization tools help identify patterns, track strength gains, and ensure proper progressive overload – essential for continued muscle growth and performance improvement.
Equipment Adaptability: One of Hevy’s most practical features is its ability to sort workouts by location and available equipment. This makes it invaluable for users who train in multiple environments or travel frequently. The app can adapt routines whether you have access to a full gym or just basic equipment at home.
For beginners starting their fitness journey, Hevy’s user-friendly interface removes barriers to entry while providing room to grow as users become more experienced with different workout types.
JEFIT – Most Comprehensive Exercise Library
JEFIT stands out in the crowded fitness app market through its massive exercise database and community-driven approach to strength training. With 12+ million users and over 1,500 exercises featuring HD video demonstrations, JEFIT serves as both a comprehensive workout app and an educational platform for proper exercise form.
Unparalleled Exercise Database: The app’s library includes detailed instructions for exercises targeting every muscle group, making it particularly valuable for beginners who need to learn proper form and for advanced users exploring new workout variations. Each exercise comes with high-quality video demonstrations that serve as a virtual personal trainer, ensuring users understand the correct movement patterns. JEFIT’s 850+ pre-built workout plans remove the guesswork from training program design. These routines are organized by fitness goals, experience level, and available time, making it easy to find appropriate workouts whether you want to build muscle, improve endurance, or focus on specific muscle groups.
Community and Social Features: The app’s large user base creates opportunities for motivation and knowledge sharing. Users can connect with training partners, share custom exercises, and participate in challenges that help maintain long-term engagement with their fitness routine. A community of over 12 million gym users provides bodybuilding support and shared workout motivation .
Integration and Tracking: JEFIT syncs seamlessly with Apple Health, Wear OS, and Strava, allowing users to maintain comprehensive health data across platforms. The app tracks detailed workout metrics and provides analytics that help users understand their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Versatility for All Users: From bodybuilders seeking detailed tracking of their lifting sessions to beginners learning basic movements, JEFIT accommodates a wide range of users. The ability to customize workouts while providing structured guidance makes it suitable for anyone serious about strength training and muscle development.
Fitbod – Best AI-Powered Workout Planning
Fitbod represents the cutting edge of fitness technology, using machine learning algorithms to create personalized training programs that adapt based on user feedback, available equipment, and recovery status. This AI-powered approach sets it apart from traditional workout apps that rely on static programming.
Intelligent Workout Generation: The app’s algorithm considers multiple factors when creating each workout: your fitness level, previous training sessions, muscle fatigue, available equipment, and personal preferences. This results in varied, progressive workouts that prevent plateaus and maintain engagement over time. Fitbod’s 1,000+ exercise library includes detailed video instructions for proper form, but the real value lies in how the AI selects and sequences exercises for optimal results. The app ensures balanced training by rotating focus between different muscle groups and adjusting intensity based on your recovery status.
Adaptive Programming: Unlike static workout plans, Fitbod’s recommendations evolve with your progress. The algorithm tracks your performance and adjusts future workouts to maintain appropriate challenge levels – essential for continued strength gains and muscle growth.
Equipment Intelligence: The app shines in its ability to adapt to available equipment. Whether you’re at a fully equipped gym or working out with limited gear at home, Fitbod generates appropriate alternatives that maintain training effectiveness.
Integration Excellence: Seamless connectivity with Apple Health, Apple Watch, and Fitbit ensures your workout data contributes to a comprehensive picture of your health and fitness progress. This integration is particularly valuable for users who track multiple aspects of their wellness routine.
Premium Value Proposition: While Fitbod requires a subscription after a free trial period, users consistently report that the AI-powered personalization and adaptive programming justify the cost. The app effectively replaces the need for a personal trainer for many users, offering professional-level programming at a fraction of the cost.
Nike Training Club – Best Free Comprehensive Fitness App
Nike Training Club (NTC) has long been a leader in the fitness app space by offering one of the most comprehensive free workout platforms available. With over 50 million downloads and a 4.7-star rating, NTC provides a wealth of training content without any subscription fees . This app lives up to Nike’s reputation by delivering a polished experience suitable for all fitness levels.
Workout Variety and Guidance: NTC features a library of more than 185 free workouts spanning categories like strength training, cardio, HIIT, yoga, and mobility . Users can train with just bodyweight or incorporate equipment, with workout lengths ranging from quick 5–15 minute sessions to full 45-minute routines. All exercises come with professional video demonstrations and audio guidance from Nike Master Trainers, essentially giving you access to expert coaching at home. The vast variety ensures you’ll never get bored and can continually challenge your body in new ways.
Personalized Recommendations: To help you navigate its extensive content, Nike Training Club provides daily workout recommendations tailored to your activity. The more workouts you complete, the more the app personalizes its suggestions to match your preferences and goals . This smart programming means beginners can follow suggested plans (like a four-week beginner strength program), while experienced users can cherry-pick sessions to supplement their existing routine.
Celebrity and Athlete Inspiration: A unique perk of NTC is the inclusion of workouts led by or inspired by Nike-sponsored athletes and celebrities. For example, you can find sessions featuring soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and other elite performers . Training “alongside” famous athletes adds an extra layer of motivation and fun, making you feel connected to a global fitness community.
Completely Free Access: Perhaps NTC’s biggest standout feature is its cost: it’s entirely free. Unlike many apps that lock premium programs behind subscriptions, Nike offers all its workout content at no charge. This makes NTC arguably the best value comprehensive fitness app on the market . There are no hidden paywalls; even features like nutrition tips and wellness guidance that Nike occasionally includes are provided free of charge. For users on a budget or those just starting out, Nike Training Club is an unbeatable deal for the amount of quality content it delivers.
NTC’s blend of versatility, expert instruction, and zero-cost access has made it a go-to app for millions. It’s especially well-suited for beginners and intermediate exercisers looking for well-structured workouts to do at home, but even advanced athletes use NTC for supplemental training and recovery sessions.
Peloton – Top App for Live and On-Demand Classes
Peloton transcended its origins as a bike company to become a digital fitness powerhouse, and the Peloton app brings that experience to anyone with a phone or tablet. With millions of users and a 4.9-star app rating , the Peloton app offers a rich library of live and on-demand classes across 10+ disciplines – far beyond just cycling. It’s like having a high-end boutique fitness studio at your fingertips.
Studio Classes at Home: The Peloton app streams thousands of classes in categories including indoor cycling, treadmill running, bootcamp, strength training, yoga, Pilates, meditation, and more . New live classes are broadcast daily from Peloton’s studios, complete with real-time leaderboards and instructor shout-outs to replicate the energy of an in-person class. The live aspect pushes you to give your best effort as you compete virtually with others, while the on-demand library of 10,000+ classes means you can work out on your own schedule . This dual format keeps workouts exciting and engaging.
Star Instructors and Community: Peloton’s roster of instructors are fitness celebrities in their own right, known for their motivational style and personality. When you take a class with instructors like Alex Toussaint or Robin Arzón, you’re getting world-class coaching and infectious enthusiasm. The app’s community features – like viewing who else is in class and giving “high-fives” – help create a supportive, competitive environment that makes you feel connected to others. Many users credit the Peloton community and instructors for keeping them accountable and excited to work out each day .
Diverse Workouts for All Levels: Although famous for cycling, Peloton has expanded into a full-spectrum fitness platform. Strength classes range from beginner bodyweight sessions to advanced heavy lifting routines. There are HIIT cardio workouts, outdoor audio-guided runs, stretching and mobility sessions, and even programs tailored to specific goals (e.g., a 4-week strength program). Whether you have a bike, a treadmill, or just a yoga mat, Peloton’s app has classes to accommodate. It’s this breadth that makes Peloton a one-stop-shop for many—one subscription covers cross-training in multiple modalities.
Seamless Integration with Peloton Equipment: While the app can be used standalone, it really shines if you own Peloton hardware. Metrics from the Bike or Tread (like cadence, resistance, speed) integrate directly with class programming and leaderboards for a fully immersive experience . That said, even without Peloton equipment, you can follow along by manually adjusting your own bike or treadmill. The recent introduction of the Peloton Gym feature also provides guide-mode workouts for strength training that you can do in any gym, showing Peloton’s commitment to versatility.
Peloton’s app requires a $12.99/month subscription (after a 30-day free trial) , which unlocks unlimited classes. For the cost of one studio fitness class, you get an entire month of Peloton content. If you thrive on group class energy and top-notch instruction, the Peloton app is well worth it, bringing a premium studio experience to the comfort of your home.
Sure! Here’s your shortened version of the FitOn section, reduced by approximately 40%, with the tone and all pointers preserved:
FitOn – Best Free Workout Classes and Programs
FitOn is one of the most popular free fitness apps, with over 10 million users since its 2019 launch and a 4.9-star rating on iOS. It offers an impressive range of high-quality workout videos and wellness content—without a subscription.
On-Demand Workouts for Every Style:
FitOn’s workout library covers everything from cardio, HIIT, and strength training to yoga, Pilates, dance, barre, kickboxing, and meditation. Sessions range from 5 to 30+ minutes and can be filtered by difficulty, body part, or equipment. Its variety makes it ideal for beginners exploring different styles or users looking for flexible, on-the-go fitness.
Celebrity Trainers and Premium Content:
A key draw is the lineup of celebrity trainers like Cassey Ho, Jeanette Jenkins, Gabrielle Union, and Jonathan Van Ness. The videos are professionally produced, and many programs include multi-week plans for structured progress, such as beginner routines or postpartum recovery.
Community and Motivation:
FitOn encourages engagement with features like friend connections, “sweaty selfies,” and live class leaderboards. This social layer fosters accountability, motivation, and a supportive vibe—perfect for staying consistent.
For anyone who wants Netflix-style fitness without the price tag, FitOn is a standout. The mix of expert-led workouts, social features, and goal-focused programs makes it a top-tier choice—at zero cost.
Here’s your shortened version of the Sweat section, reduced by about 40%, while keeping the tone and all key pointers intact:
Sweat – Best for Women’s Fitness Programs
Co-founded by fitness icon Kayla Itsines, Sweat is one of the world’s largest women’s fitness apps, with over 30 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating. Designed for women at all stages, it offers goal-based programs and an empowering community that continues to grow globally.
Women-Centric Workout Programs:
From Kayla’s original BBG to 50+ programs today, Sweat includes HIIT, strength, yoga, barre, and specialized plans for pregnancy and postnatal fitness. Workouts are designed for home or gym, with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to advanced—ideal for busy women or those returning to fitness.
Holistic Health Approach:
Sweat integrates over 200 healthy recipes and meal plans for various dietary needs, along with hydration and step trackers. Many programs mix intense training with recovery days and wellness content, supporting overall health, not just workouts.
Massive Supportive Community:
Known as “Kayla’s Army,” Sweat’s vibrant female community shares journeys, celebrates wins, and connects through in-app forums. Features like “sweaty selfies” and user stories create a supportive, motivational space that drives accountability and progress.
Subscription Access and Value:
Sweat offers a 7-day free trial, then charges ~$19.99/month. For many, it’s a valuable all-in-one tool—personal trainer, nutrition coach, and community rolled into one. With programs by elite female trainers and regular updates, it stays fresh and relevant.
For women seeking flexible, empowering, and expertly designed fitness routines, Sweat remains a top choice.
Here are the shortened versions (approx. 40% reduction) of all three app sections — maintaining tone, structure, and all key pointers:
Aaptiv – Best Audio-Guided Workout Experience
Aaptiv pioneered audio-based fitness coaching, offering an immersive way to train by listening rather than watching. With over a million users, it delivers motivating workouts paired with energizing music and recently added AI-powered personalization through its SmartCoach feature.
Audio Fitness Coach in Your Pocket:
Aaptiv’s audio workouts cover running, walking, cycling, strength, stretching, yoga, and more. Trainers guide you with cues and motivation while playlists match the workout’s intensity. It’s ideal for outdoor runs or gym cardio when screens aren’t practical.
SmartCoach Personalized Programs:
SmartCoach builds custom plans based on your goals and adjusts them as you provide feedback. Whether it’s a 4-week running plan or full-body strength, the AI keeps sessions effective and evolving with your progress.
Workout Variety (Now with Visuals):
With over 8,000 workouts, Aaptiv offers something for every schedule—from 7-minute abs to hour-long runs. Though audio-first, it includes videos for key movements. You can also sync your own music for a fully personalized experience.
Tracking and Integration:
Aaptiv tracks your workouts and syncs with Apple Health and heart rate monitors for added insight. The in-app community feed lets users share updates and motivate each other with “sweaty selfies.”
Subscription & Value:
At $14.99/month (or ~$99/year), Aaptiv is a cost-effective alternative to personal coaching. It’s perfect for those who prefer audio guidance while moving, offering structure, variety, and motivation straight to your ears.
Strava – Best App for Running and Cycling (Social Fitness)
Strava is the top social platform for endurance athletes, with 100+ million users globally. It’s the go-to app for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who thrive on tracking, competition, and community.
Comprehensive Activity Tracking:
Strava logs runs, rides, and more using GPS or data from wearables like Garmin or Apple Watch. It tracks distance, pace, elevation, and heart rate, helping users monitor progress and set personal records across activities like hiking, skiing, or CrossFit.
Segments and Competition:
Strava’s famous “segments” turn every route into a mini race. You can see how you rank against others on stretches of trail or road, chase KOM/QOM titles, or aim for “Local Legend.” It gamifies fitness and fuels self-competition.
Community and Motivation:
Follow friends and athletes, give “kudos,” leave comments, and join global or local clubs. Challenges offer virtual badges and keep motivation high. With billions of shared workouts, Strava turns solo training into a shared global experience.
Freemium Model & Integration:
Strava’s core features are free. A $60/year subscription unlocks deeper analytics, route planning, and custom leaderboards. It integrates with nearly every fitness app and device, becoming the central hub for your athletic life.
Why It Stands Out:
Strava blends data with community, making cardio fun and social. Whether you’re chasing your PRs or finding inspiration from others, it turns every workout into part of a bigger fitness story.
MyFitnessPal – Best for Diet and Overall Fitness Tracking
MyFitnessPal is the world’s most-used health app, with over 200 million users. It’s a powerful food and exercise tracker that gives users a full picture of calories in vs. out—making it a must-have for anyone focused on nutrition and weight goals.
All-in-One Food & Exercise Logger:
With a 14M+ food database, barcode scanning, and smart suggestions, MyFitnessPal makes logging meals quick and easy. It syncs with exercise apps to adjust your daily calorie target based on workouts—helping you stay balanced and goal-focused.
Community and Insight Tools:
The app offers nutrient breakdowns, charts, and community forums for support. Integrations with Fitbit, Strava, Apple Health, and more make it a central hub for tracking your health from all angles.
Workout Tracking (with Limitations):
While it includes a basic workout log and a small routine library, MFP isn’t ideal for training guidance. It’s best used alongside apps like JEFIT or Hevy, syncing exercise data to provide a complete fitness picture.
Free vs Premium:
The free version is feature-rich, but Premium ($79.99/year) adds macro goals by meal, detailed food insights, and ad-free use. Most beginners find the free version sufficient to build awareness and drive real results.
Why It’s Essential:
If you’re serious about nutrition, MyFitnessPal is an unmatched tool. It won’t tell you how to train, but it ensures your effort pays off by aligning diet and exercise—one of the most important steps in reaching your fitness goals.
Key Features to Look For
When evaluating workout apps for your fitness journey, certain features separate truly effective platforms from basic exercise databases. Understanding these key capabilities will help you choose an app that grows with your needs and supports long-term success:
Personalized Workout Plan Creation: The best workout apps create routines tailored to your specific fitness goals, whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, improve endurance, or gain strength. Look for apps that consider your experience level, available time, equipment access, and any physical limitations when generating workout routines.
Comprehensive Progress Tracking: Effective tracking goes beyond basic logging. Premium features include visual progress charts, personal records tracking, body measurements, and performance analytics. The ability to track sets, reps, weights, and rest periods creates accountability and enables progressive overload – crucial for continued improvement.
Exercise Library Quality: A robust exercise database with detailed instructions and video demonstrations serves as your virtual personal trainer. Look for apps offering hundreds or even thousands of exercises with clear form guidance, muscle group targeting, and equipment alternatives.
Device and App Integration: Modern workout apps should sync with wearables like Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Garmin, and with health platforms like Apple Health or Google Fit. This integration creates a comprehensive fitness ecosystem – your runs, rides, strength workouts, heart rate data, and even sleep and nutrition can all feed into one picture.
Community and Social Features: Motivation often comes from connection with others on similar fitness journeys. Features like workout sharing, progress comparisons with friends, challenges, and community forums can provide the accountability and encouragement necessary to stay motivated long-term. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of competition or camaraderie, look for apps with a strong social component.
Customization and Flexibility: Whether you train at home or in a gym, your app should adapt to your circumstances. The best apps allow you to substitute exercises (e.g., swap a barbell squat for dumbbell squat if you lack a barbell), create custom exercises, or modify suggested routines on the fly. Sweat, for example, lets you swap out any exercise for an alternative and choose home/gym versions of programs .
Free vs Premium Workout Apps
The fitness app market offers compelling options across both free and premium tiers, with the choice often depending on your specific needs, commitment level, and budget considerations. It’s important to understand what you can get for free and what a paid subscription might add, so you can decide what’s worth your money.
Free Version Capabilities: Many top workout apps provide substantial functionality at no cost. Apps like Nike Training Club and Hevy offer comprehensive exercise libraries, basic progress tracking, and community features without requiring payment. These free versions often provide everything beginners need to start and maintain a consistent workout routine. For example, Nike Training Club includes 185+ guided workouts spanning strength, cardio, and yoga – entirely free – making it arguably the best free comprehensive fitness app. FitOn is another standout, providing unlimited free access to hundreds of workouts (from cardio to meditation) and even social features like live leaderboards . In general, free apps typically include:
- A variety of workout routines (often curated by goal or difficulty)
- Basic tracking of workouts (logging of exercises, duration, calories, etc.)
- An exercise demonstration library
- Some integration with health apps or devices
- Community elements like the ability to add friends or share results
Using free resources, many people can achieve significant results. As an example, numerous users have lost weight or gained strength by combining free workout videos (from apps or YouTube) with tracking their diet on a free app like MyFitnessPal. If you’re a beginner or on a tight budget, starting with free apps is a no-brainer.
Premium Subscription Benefits: Premium workout apps justify their cost through advanced features that enhance the user experience and improve results. Common perks of going premium include:
- Personalized training plans that adjust to your progress (as seen in Fitbod or Aaptiv’s AI coaching)
- Advanced analytics and detailed progress visualization (for instance, Strava’s paid tier gives deeper performance analytics and goal tracking charts)
- Larger content libraries or exclusive content: e.g., Sweat unlocks all programs and new releases once you subscribe, and FitOn Pro adds meal plans and music options
- Nutrition tracking or meal plans integrated with the workout plan (apps like Centr or MyFitnessPal Premium do this)
- No ads and better app support: premium often means an ad-free experience and priority customer support
- Integration of coaching or form feedback: some apps like Future (a pricier model) even include one-on-one coach access for premium prices .
Think of premium apps as a middle ground between going it alone and hiring a personal trainer. For example, Fitbod’s subscription uses AI to function like a trainer who updates your routine every session based on your progress – a level of personalization that static free apps can’t match. Or consider Peloton and Aaptiv – you’re paying to access star instructors and professionally curated training programs, effectively taking unlimited boutique fitness classes for a flat monthly fee.
Here’s the shortened version of your section, trimmed by around 40% while preserving tone and meaning:
Value Assessment & Trial Strategy
Whether to go free or premium depends on your goals and consistency. Beginners often succeed with free apps, especially when just building habits. But for advanced goals—like marathon training or body recomposition—premium features can boost results and motivation.
Most premium apps cost $5–15/month—far cheaper than a personal trainer or gym membership. If it keeps you accountable and progressing, it’s a smart investment.
Nearly all offer 7–30 day free trials. Use them to test features, create plans, view analytics, and see if it fits your routine. If the experience excites you to work out, that alone can justify the upgrade.
A good approach: start free, and upgrade only when you need more structure. And if it stops serving you? Cancel anytime. The right app should feel like a coach in your pocket—on your terms.
Finding the best workout app for your needs doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with free versions of highly-rated apps like Hevy, JEFIT, or Nike Training Club to experience different approaches to digital fitness. Pay attention to which features genuinely enhance your workouts and raise your motivation levels. Remember that the most sophisticated app won’t replace consistency and effort, but the right digital partner can provide structure, motivation, and guidance that transform your fitness routine from a chore into an engaging part of your daily life.
Take advantage of free trial periods, test different approaches, and choose the app that makes you excited to train rather than one that simply offers the most features. Your fitness journey is unique, and the perfect workout app is the one that supports your goals while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle. Start exploring today, and discover how the right digital training partner can accelerate your progress and help you achieve the results you’ve been working toward.
