The app will not reward progress until you have logged your previous sessions, which allows for both accountability and progressive overload. If you want an app with more accountability features, Future connects you with a coach who will observe you and provide actual feedback. Even though BetterMe received above-average scores for categories like ease of use and equipment demands, it doesn’t have too many interactive features and only received average scores for pricing and value. You can deviate from the workout plan given by BetterMe, though, as there is an entire workout library. That said, Nicole notes that you may have to dig around to find what you need.

Best Workout App for Muscle Gain: SHRED

For more connected fitness options, check out our roundups of the best rowing machines, the best strength training equipment, and all the best smart home gym equipment. And for more ways to use technology to improve your body and mind, check out our ultimate guide to health and fitness tech. Apple Fitness+ costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, and offers a range of floor- and machine-based classes, including core, cycling, dance, HIIT, mindful cooldown, rowing, strength, treadmill, and yoga.

Although many of the best workout apps require a subscription, most also have a free trial to get a taste of the workout style, instructors, and ease of use. However, if you’re after an app that does a bit of everything, you might be better off with Apple Fitness+, as Alo Moves is primarily a yoga app, with a bit of cardio and strength training on the side. But this does make it the perfect option for yogis looking to practice at home. Between these prompts and logging your reps, sets, and weight totals, you’re in the app a lot, but our tester noted that the experience wasn’t overwhelming or annoying. Plus, all that logged data makes it easier for the AI platform to curate your recommended training schedule as it learns and progresses with you in the gym. In testing, we appreciated the assortment of available on-demand workouts and programs, but admittedly focused on the 171 available yoga flows.

% assign discount_amount = item.properties.compare_at_price minus: item.price %

There are a million and one fitness apps out there that hover around the same price point, but most don’t offer anything nearly as comprehensive as JuggernautAI. Boostcamp offers better features than the average workout app in nearly every category, which is why we consider it to be the best app for strength training. It prioritizes strength training, but caters to a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding.

Join Our Exclusive Community!

The best lifting apps are relatively inexpensive when compared to the alternative. While nothing will quite replace a gym workout with a personal trainer or coach, weight training apps can get close, while coming in much less expensive than a personal training session. While JuggernautAI’s programming and emphasis on progressive overload are great for powerlifting, this app does not offer as much workout variety as others on this list. We only rated it a 3 out of 5 in this category, as it caters mostly to a specific style of training. We rate products from 1 to 5 according to our fitness equipment testing methodology. Each home gym has been evaluated for value, stability, footprint and portability, and more.

Best For Body Positivity: Obé Fitness

This machine boasts more than 20 exercises and converts into 11 different machines, with a definite emphasis on leg work. From a Nordic bench to a hip thrust station, this machine gets a solid 4-out-of-5 rating on its versatility. Coop also told me that since the Gym Monster home workout apps in 2026 is a more budget-friendly home gym compared to Tonal and other smart home gym equipment, the cables don’t feel as smooth. “They hitch, and the resistance can be uneven when using the barbell attachments,” Coop said, rating the construction a 3.5 out of 5 for this reason.

• Between these prompts and logging your reps, sets, and weight totals, you’re in the app a lot, but our tester noted that the experience wasn’t overwhelming or annoying.
• StretchIt has routines for specific body parts, too, in case you want to work on, say, back or hip flexibility.
• If you’re looking for a versatile home gym option that’s built tough, the REP Ares 2.0 is our top choice.
• If you have no problem motivating yourself, you may do just fine with an app that provides pre-made programs to follow on your own.
• The platform is incredibly user-friendly, with workout schedules clearly laid out and the ability to filter by equipment, duration, and body focus.
• NRC shows you your pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and mile splits.

Follow Us On

From the inspiring Robin Arzon to the hilarious Cody Rigsby and feel-good Alex Toussaint, there is an instructor to fit nearly every workout vibe. 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. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, there may be some repetition and many similar workout formats/types, but it’s tolerable, and our testers could see themselves using this app for quite some time. Nike is better than the average workout app in nearly every category, which is very rare for a free workout platform. The Nike Training Club app received high scores for most categories, though it earned average rankings in a few select areas like equipment demands and progressive overload.

Experience the Wellhub Effect

Our tester had no issues navigating through the available sessions, giving this yoga app’s user interface a 5 out of 5. We appreciated the clear labels that explained the duration of each flow, along with the intended intensity level. Our tester appreciated this approach to weight loss, as they felt it set them up for future success in terms of losing weight and actually keeping it off.

To get started, choose your desired weekly training days, input your maximum lifts, and indicate if you’re preparing for a competition. Once you do this, Juggernaut’s AI-powered app will generate a personalized program for you. These smart wearables, recovery tools, and other fitness tech will improve workouts, track progress, boost comfort, and help you maintain your home gym regimen. You won’t have to worry about yearly membership fees, plowing your driveway to get out of the house, waiting for equipment, or going at “off times” so you can actually use the machines you want. At the higher price point, we wish shipping would be included, but instead it’s an extra $500.

Functional Trainers

This feature not only automatically adjusts your resistance but also your incline and decline. Most other smart stationary bikes can’t even incline and decline, let alone do so automatically. The S22i features a few other unique perks, including a workout fan and a handlebar tray for your phone.

So, if you’re wanting an app that offers advanced strength training with progressive overload, this probably isn’t the best pick. However, you don’t actually need a Peloton machine to use the app, which adds to the accessibility. Shred (available for Android and iOS) creates workouts that use basic equipment you may have at home or in a gym. It bases workouts on your goals, such as whether you want to build muscle, drop a lot of weight, or just stay healthy by adding some cardio to your routine. Whatever the case, Shred sets you up with a complete program so that you know what to do and which days to do it. You can also generate a workout tailored to the specific part of the body you want to exercise, the equipment you have available, and the amount of time you have to spend.

Accessories like handles, a bench, and bar are sold separately, and the bundle of six items costs $495 in addition to the steep base price. You don’t have to get the accessories bundle to still get a satisfying workout, but Tonal is definitely a product for those who have a little extra spending room. Tonal is the ideal in-home solution for people who like the range of machines at the gym, but don’t like sharing them.

Equipment Demands

When you open the app each day, you know exactly what you’re supposed to do. StretchIt has routines for specific body parts, too, in case you want to work on, say, back or hip flexibility. A monthly membership is pricey at $19.99; the $159.99-per-year membership is a better deal. Take advantage of the seven-day free trial and try out some free sessions before you start paying. Trim down or bulk up, run faster, or bike farther—however you exercise, our favorite workout apps help you stay committed to physical fitness.

App makers would love for you to believe that the best discounts happen between November and January, but it’s just not true. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. It’s also an intuitive app to use, as Nicole rates both the setup and ease of use a solid 5 out of 5. We like that Aaptive is more affordable than the average app while still offering plenty of value, especially for beginners. Boostcamp receives high scores in nearly every category, but it’s best for intermediate lifters, as there’s little accountability or instruction provided. I will say, though, that Zwift does a great job of bringing outdoor rides into your home thanks to its video-game-style design.

What our tester says:

Most Mikolo gyms are plate loaded, but there are a few weight stack machines available. The Anubis 2.0 Elite/Ultimate offer dual 175 stacks with a cost of $3,000, while the M4 2.0 All-In-One utilizes two 132 lb stacks and will run you a little less at $2,000. If you’re looking for a plate-loaded system with an integrated Smith machine that doesn’t take over your space or drain your wallet, this might be an option to look into. Their most popular plate loaded trainer is seamlessly integrated with a solid power rack with a knurled 35 lb Smith bar capable of loading up to 12 plates.