Top 10 Workout Apps Features & Development Cost Guide 2026

If you’re looking for a strength training workout app, I urge you to pick one with progression in mind. Random daily workouts or training styles will give you random results. The principles of progressive overload ensure you progress your training output, but it doesn’t mean you have to lift heavier weights every time you train. The workouts, which can be tackled at home sans fancy equipment, are relatively short (15 to 20 minutes) but vary in focus from endurance training and HIIT to strength training and bodyweight exercises.

How much does the Headway app cost?

The right fitness app should fit your schedule, workout preference and lifestyle. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.

Why It’s Great for Busy People

Our top picks range in modes of training and fitness levels, so you’ll want to read on for our selection of the best free workout apps. Each one of us has a unique body size and shape, with specific health conditions. The app allows you to stream classes in 10 different categories (cycling, running, bootcamp, outdoor, strength, and more) anywhere, with live studio classes uploaded daily to an extant library of over 10,000. We especially love attending the live classes, because you get the actual push from those around you and from Peloton’s lineup of fitness-celebrity trainers. Apple Watch users should consider this next app for tracking workouts.

Kids in the Garden: A Nutritious and Fun Experience

While there are some advanced strength classes with heavy weight options, the classes are primarily done with minimal or no equipment. I always come to this platform when I want something low-impact that still feels like a deep workout. There’s also a full library of specialized programs such as the Sexual Health Program, Gut Reset Program, and the Stress Less, Sleep More program. Like Strong and Hevy, Gymverse creates a suggested training plan for you. But where it stands out is that the app features integrated video tutorials for each exercise. The videos are clear and well-produced—perfect for people new to strength training.

Coaching Apps (Future, etc.)

The first, and more well-known aspect of ClassPass, is that you can search for and participate in local fitness classes—HIIT, boot camp, kettlebell classes, plus salon appointments. This requires a paid subscription plan, where you get a monthly amount of credits to use towards dropping into a class. You get  28 free credits for your first month of ClassPass for anyone looking for deals. Also known as Map My Run, the best free workout app for runners goes to Map My Fitness, with its expansive GPS tracking and other free features. “You’re really getting a lot for the price,” Amanda says, rating the level of instruction a 5 out of 5. While there is a paid plan available, the free plan provides plenty for most users, earning a 5 out of 5 for value.

• With a massive on-demand library, a ton of exercise types, and a built-in community to connect with, Les Mills+ is an excellent option for both beginners and advanced athletes.
• If you want to track nutrition and build healthy habits, Yazio is the strongest option, with a database of over 4 million foods and a built-in intermittent fasting tracker.
• It’s made for resistance workouts (obvi), so be sure to buy some resistance bands before you get going.
• For runs, it marks both mile splits and lets you mark laps manually, as well as tracking heart rate and pace.
• You can also add classes to your library, which lets you select classes you’ve taken before, or plan on taking in the future, at a glance.
• If you’re more interested in classes or holistic workouts, Apple Fitness+ might be for you.

Best fitness tracker app for getting started

During each workout, Atkins is right there with you, providing helpful cues and modifications for all fitness levels. The classes are designed to be 30 minutes or shorter, but if you have extra time, we recommend taking advantage of the stretching and foam rolling videos as well. 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. Work out with Nike trainers live or on-demand with the Nike Training Club app.

Best workout app for weightlifting

The brand says all you typically need is a 2-by-2-meter space to get started. Most programs (BetterMe, Pvolve, Obé, Daily Burn) offer plenty of bodyweight or minimal-equipment workouts. Understanding the most reputable online fitness programs helps you choose safe, effective options that fit your lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll discover what makes each program unique, the latest pricing, real reviews, and expert recommendations. You’ll also get answers to common questions and actionable advice for getting started. In this blog, we will cover the top 10 best free workout apps that will dominate the market in 2026.

By combining expert analysis with real-world feedback, we identified platforms that are both enjoyable and effective for achieving fitness goals. Shred also offers full-length studio classes in yoga, boxing, HIIT, and more. « It creates running workouts with interval variations based on the time I want to exercise—great for mixing up my routine. » Peloton also offers Strength+, a strength-focused app for home or gym equipment.

Chris Castellano is a travel fitness specialist and the author of Fit For Travel. He has been featured on The Points Guy, Blacklane, and PolicyGenius, and is a U.S. All of these apps are ideal for working out at home and you can learn more about home gyms here. Think social network for athletes – specifically runners and cyclists.

Strava GPS Cycling and Running App

PWR focuses on muscle growth and body strength through hypertrophy, which is essentially an increase in muscle size that is achieved through progressive weight lifting. The workouts range from 45 to 60 minutes long and are meant to be performed in a gym. If you’re into strength training but don’t have access to a gym, you can opt for the PWR At Home program. StrongHer was created by Melissa Chalmers when she began a fitness journey for her wedding. As she started seeing results and the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, she decided to share what she had learned with the rest of the world.

Best AI Workout App: TR NER by Element 26

Some of our recommended apps include Shred, Future, Caliber, and iFIT. Once you’re past the beginner stage, you’ll probably need to repeat workouts many times, focusing on progressive overload, to continue to make progress. However, that doesn’t mean workouts should be boring, so we use this category to assess how much variety there is for users, both in terms of training styles (strength, cardio, etc…) and actual workouts.

The free app will analyze basic workout stats, but for a deeper dive into statistics, the premium subscription is needed. Also, GPS apps like Strava aren’t incredibly private and can reveal a lot about your location and other information. This may be fitness app recommendations something to consider before jumping into an app like this.

Best Workout App for Fun and Motivation: FitOn

Matt Cummings is a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer with years of experience as a fitness instructor and running coach. He combines his passion for writing with his desire to help others lead healthier lives. As a former collegiate athlete, Matt still can’t shake his competitive streak. In his free time, you’ll find him playing soccer, lifting weights, hiking, or doing anything outdoors. For even more time with your trainer, Caliber offers an additional package with monthly live strategy sessions over Zoom for $266 a month. Our tester explained, “That comes out to $66 for 4 live calls with your trainer.