The Best Workout Apps of 2025: More Than 70 Tested by Personal Trainers

At a Glance 

• AI-powered programming customized to your individual needs
• 7-day trial available
• Lower than average cost
• Works with any equipment setup

Suitable for both at-home workouts and commercial gyms, the SHRED app is our pick for the best workout app overall because it offers high-quality weight training programs and serves as a virtual personal trainer at a fraction of the cost. We give the app 5 out of 5 stars for both ease of use and equipment demands.

Ease of Use: 5/5

Instruction: 5/5

Workout Variety: 4/5

Why We Like the Shred App

After entering some basic information about your height, weight, fitness history, goals, and training style, the app allows you to select from dozens of programs designed and led by world-class athletes. Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, has been following the Shred7 programming—a daily 7-minute high-intensity interval training program.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Training Programs

“The instructor, Adam Summer, is very energetic, and while it’s a grueling 7 minutes, you’re done with the workout in what seems like no time,” says Anthony, who rates the instruction at 5 out of 5. “I especially love that Adam gives pointers throughout the class. It makes it seem much more accessible than other workout apps.”

As you progress through your program, SHRED uses artificial intelligence to customize the training program to your needs based on your performance and feedback. You’ll have to grant the app access to your camera, though, so it can track and rate your performance and provide form corrections.

Another area where this app stands out: equipment demands. Anthony rated it a 5 out of 5, highlighting the level of flexibility to tailor your workouts according to what you do (or don’t) have on hand. Whether partaking in a full body gym workout at your local establishment or taking on a bodyweight session with no additional equipment, Shred’s workout library has a session for you.

Alternatives

While we think this is the best overall workout app, it’s really meant for athletes who want to follow pre-made programs rather than those who simply want an app to track their existing workouts. It’s good, but it’s a little limiting for those who want to make their own training plan. We give this app 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. 

You can choose your own training goal, but you can’t build your own workouts. Instead, you’ll have to choose from one of SHRED’s circuit-style workouts, which some may not enjoy. Even if you choose strength or bodybuilding workouts, the app uses circuit workouts rather than traditional strength training. 

You’ll also follow the workouts on your own, so aside from optional workout reminders, you’re not really getting any accountability with Shred. This isn’t a big deal for those who don’t mind training alone, but if you’re looking for accountability, you’ll need to choose a different option. 

If you want a plan that’s truly customized to your needs and goals by a human coach, you may want to consider a platform like Future.

Testing Breakdown

SHRED scored well above average for most categories, though it only earned 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features and accountability.

Vs. The Average

The SHRED app is significantly more affordable than the average workout app and includes a 7-day trial for new users. 

To learn more about this AI-powered circuit training app, be sure to check out our full Shred App review.

At a Glance 

• Provides audio and video instruction for workouts
• Optional coaching available for an additional fee
• App includes nutrition coaching
• Focuses primarily on bodyweight workouts

If you’re new to your fitness journey and aren’t entirely sure where to start, BetterMe can be a solid option, taking our pick as the best workout app for beginners. With nutrition tracking and a workout library filled with bodyweight and some dumbbell workouts, BetterMe provides a great place for just about anyone to start. It also earns 4 out of 5 stars for ease of use, making it a good option for those new to workout apps. 

Ease of Use: 4/5

Instruction: 4/5

Equipment Demands: 5/5

Why We Like BetterMe

BetterMe gets a 4 out of 5 in its initial setup, since you begin with a quiz on your fitness goals, mobility issues, sleep schedule, and more. “I like that the quiz will populate a workout plan based on your answers, but the quiz was a bit too long for my taste,” says GGR editorial member Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, who tested out the fitness app. 

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. “Once you get used to it, it’s easy enough; things are clearly labeled,” she adds.

Workouts are pretty easy to follow with provided video and audio instructions throughout the different exercises—they even account for rest periods. Nicole rates the level of instruction a 4 out of 5 and says the guidance is pretty good. “Don’t expect an instructor-led workout like Peloton does, though,” she adds. “You follow along with a video, but there’s no instructor doing it with you.”

Alternatives

Lifters, old and new, may not appreciate BetterMe as the majority of the workouts are bodyweight with several dumbbells-only workouts. Still, it gets a 5 out of 5 for equipment demands, as people can do these workouts almost anywhere, but it’s not the best app for strength training. 

It should be noted that customer reviews are mixed, with some reviews even calling BetterMe a scam. These reviews mostly talked about the nutrition side of the app, and also complained about cancelling their subscription. We had no issues in our testing, however, and more recent reviews seem generally more positive. 

If you want something with a greater focus on traditional strength training, you may want to consider something like Boostcamp instead.

Testing Breakdown

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. 

Vs. The Average

While BetterMe is more affordable than the average workout app, it doesn’t have quite as many strength-training plans.

You can read more in our complete BetterMe review.

At a Glance 

• Offers custom training and support
• Higher than average cost
• Ongoing support and feedback
• Works with any type of equipment setup

If you’re curious about personal training, the Future app is the next best option to working with an in-person instructor. You’ll be able to use the online personal trainer app to find a coach by sorting through coaching styles (high-energy, laidback, detail-oriented, etc.), coaching expertise (adaptive exercise, bodybuilding, injury prevention, etc.), or sport-specific coaches (football, hockey, winter sports, etc.). As one of the few apps that connects you with a real-life coach, Future earns 5 out of 5 stars for accountability. 

RELATED: Best Online Personal Trainers

Ease of Use: 5/5

Accountability: 5/5

Equipment Demands: 5/5

Why We Like Future

GGR expert product tester Logan Block reports his coach, Layne, is personable and energetic. “Layne does a great job of checking in on training and rest days. He also took my feedback into account when designing workouts going forward,” says Logan, who gave Future 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload.

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, says her coach is fantastic about daily check-ins and gathering feedback. Kate also likes the fact the Future app pairs with her Apple Watch. “Seeing my fitness rings on my Apple Watch worked really well for me in terms of keeping me on track with my workouts,” says Kate, who gave Future 4 out of 5 stars for interactive features. 

Additionally, Future has an incredible user interface. “Future is well-designed and intuitive,” Logan says. “I really think the ease with which you can communicate with your trainer and how clean everything operates is what sets this app apart.”

Alternatives

If we had to call out one issue with Future, it’s the price. At $199/month, this is still significantly more affordable than hiring a personal trainer on a monthly basis at your local gym, but it’s going to cost a lot more than most apps on our list. Overall, this app earns 2 out of 5 stars for pricing. 

We think it’s worth it, especially if you want personal coaching, and when you use our GGR-exclusive discount link, you can enjoy your first month completely free. This is the only trial optoin for users, which we we only gave this 3 out of 5 stars for the trial period. 

Typically, we like to see some sort of free trial, especially for a service with such an expensive cost. Those who join without our code won’t receive the free month, so we docked a couple of points for the trial period. 

If you want a more affordable app that’s still personalized to your goals and performance, JuggernautAI may be worth a try, especially if you’re focused on strength goals. 

Testing Breakdown

Future is an outstanding app in nearly every category, but the only real drawback is the cost, as it’s certainly not cheap. 

Vs. The Average

Future is more expensive than the average app, but you’re paying for human coaching, so we think it’s worth the cost. 

Read more about this personal training app in our Future App review.

At a Glance 

• Free plan, group coaching, and personalized programs available
• Designed for resistance training in a commercial gym setting
• Pricing options that fit all budgets
• You can submit videos of your lifts for coach review

While the Caliber app earns the nod on our best workout app for men, women can also achieve great results since it offers something for everyone. There is a robust free-forever version and two paid options that grant you access to either group coaching ($19 per month) or a fully customized one-on-one coaching program (starting at $200 per month).

With price points available for any preference and budget, Caliber earns 5 out of 5 stars for value.

Value: 5/5

Ease of Use: 4/5

Equipment Demands: 5/5

Why We Like Caliber Strength Training

While Caliber’s main offering is online personal training, we appreciate that the free version of the Caliber app is ad-free and features the full exercise library of over 500 movements. Each exercise features a demonstration video, step-by-step written instructions, and the ability to log your weights and reps (and access your history at any point). 

This alone is an incredible value, and we give the app 5 out of 5 stars for interactive features. 

Our tester and lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, notes there are bodyweight, dumbbell, and barbell progressions for most movements. Both the paid and free versions earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands. 

“I think no matter where you are, there will be a workout you can do with the app,” says Lindsay.

Another tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, used Caliber Premium to work with a coach for a customized strength training routine. She reports working with her coach and using the app is easy, and she appreciates the fact that there are demonstration videos for every exercise assigned to your program. 

“Not only are there video demos for every movement in the Caliber app (which are really well-done), but you can even send form videos to your coach,” Amanda explains.

Alternatives

Overall, our testers were very happy with their Caliber experience. Our only real callout was the app itself, which had a few technical issues. 

While you can upload photos to send to your trainer, you can only send one at a time, according to Amanda. 

“If you want to send photos to your trainer, such as of your meal, you can only send one photo at a time and you can’t add any text to it,” she told me. “This is minor, but annoying. It mostly annoyed me when my trainer asked for photos of the equipment at my gym and I had like 12 photos I needed to send.”

This is the main reason Amanda docked a point from the ease of use score, and only gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Amanda also noted the instructional videos do not always load. “Other than that, I don’t have any complaints,” she says. She also notes the app syncs with the Apple Watch but not apps like Garmin, Fitbit, or Strava, and she found it a bit frustrating to manually enter workout data later.

If you’re looking for another great app that also offers personalized coaching from a certified fitness professional, you may want to consider Future. It also costs $199 per month, but GGR readers can get their first month for free. 

Testing Breakdown

Caliber received above-average scores in most categories, but the personal coaching plan isn’t cheap, so we gave this 3.5 out of 5 for pricing. 

Vs. The Average

While the pricing varies, the highest tier of Caliber starts at $200 per month, which is significantly more expensive than the average app. However, it offsets this with affordable group coaching and a free forever plan.  

Read our Caliber App review to learn more about this premium fitness app. 

At a Glance 

• Offers virtual workouts and online competitions
• Requires Zwift-compatible equipment
• No instructors or live classes
• Only offers cycling workouts; no strength training options 

Hop on one of the top-rated exercise bikes and you’re highly likely to find Zwift—an app that creates virtual cycling races that pit your avatar against riders from around the world. The goal of this cycling app is simple: Pedal the fastest to climb the leaderboard. The harder you pedal in real life, the faster your avatar goes on the screen.

Zwift earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for interactive features from product tester and triathlete Bojana Galic, CNC, who says, “Alongside workout options, you can opt to go on group rides, compete in races, or join limited-time events, and whenever you use the app, you’re cycling with real people across the world.”

Ease of Use: 5/5

Workout Experience: 5/5

Progression: 5/5

Why We Like Zwift

Zwift releases a monthly calendar with classes and courses in each of its 11 virtual worlds, but you can also schedule races against friends by using the Zwift companion app (included in your monthly subscription). Zwift Companion also lets you send messages to your friends and join clubs based on your fitness level and preferences.

Bojana found the initial setup to be very easy, rating it 5 out of 5 stars, though you’ll need your own indoor trainer, which may take a little longer to setup if you don’t already own one.

She also gave the workout experience a 5 out of 5, saying, “I also love that these training camps change with the season, so there’s plenty of variety. In general, Zwift builds new programs and plans pretty frequently, so your development won’t stagnate.”

RELATED: Best Running Apps

To be clear, there are no instructors or live workout classes in the Zwift app, but you’ll be able to join virtual races with other users.

If you want a bit of added motivation, without hiring a trainer, it’s hard to think of a better option than joining a virtual race and competing against real users.

Alternatives

While we think Zwift is a fantastic cycling app, the one drawback is the potential start-up cost.

The monthly fee is affordable at $19.99 per month, or $199 per year, but you’ll need to purchase additional equipment if you don’t already own a Zwift trainer. You’ll either need the Zwift Kickr Core 2 to use with your existing bike or the standalone Zwift trainer. Neither is exactly cheap, with the Kickr costing $549 at the time of writing. 

Because of this, our tester gave Zwift 3 out of 5 stars for its pricing.

We also realize that Zwift only offers cycling classes. This is fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but many competitors, like Peloton, now offer a variety of workout modalities, and we wish Zwift would expand its offerings. 

If you like the idea of virtual cycling, but prefer spin class-style instructors over virtual racers, we recommend the Peloton App instead.

Testing Breakdown

Zwift scored highly in most categories, but as it’s more of a racing app than a platform that provides instruction, we only gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars for accountability and instruction. 

Vs. The Average

Compared to the average workout app, Zwift is more affordable, and has a longer trial period. However, you’ll need compatible hardware, and it’s only good for cycling workouts. 

To learn more about this racing app, read our full Zwift review.

At a Glance 

• Offers both free and premium versions
• Includes workout plans from a variety of professionals
• Detailed workout tracking and analytics
• Many features are locked behind the Pro version

For those needing a solid program for strength training, we highly recommend Boostcamp. This online portal provides you with hundreds of training programs from top fitness professionals and experts—folks like Dr. Eric Helms, Dr. Swole, or Jim Wendler, creator of the 5/3/1 workout.

It prioritizes strength training, but caters to a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. You can even build your own program if you so desire. It earns 4 out of 5 stars for workout variety.

App Setup: 5/5

Technology: 5/5

Ease of Use: 4/5

Why We Like Boostcamp

GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, has used Boostcamp for over a year, and it’s his preferred method for tracking his workouts. 

“I love that it has detailed charts and stats to track my  lifts over time,” he says. “Plus, there’s analytics, including an anatomy chart that’s heat-mapped based on volume, so you can add any neglected muscle groups to your routine.” He rates the ease of use a 5 out of 5.

Matt also rates the level of instruction a 4 out of 5. “The app has videos and detailed instructions of each exercise, but it won’t be at the level of having a coach or group trainer leading a class,” Matt explains. 

For those who want to follow a well-designed program for several months at a time, focusing on progressive overload in the gym, Boostcamp is a great option. 

Alternatives

While we love Boostcamp, and there’s a free version, it’s pretty limited in terms of scope. Some popular programs, as well as advanced analytics, are locked behind the Boostcamp PRO paywall. While there’s plenty to do in the free version, gym goers who love crunching numbers and data will get more stats and charts in the PRO version.

If you’re needing a bit of accountability, too, Boostcamp has some community and interactive features—push notifications, inviting friends to do your workouts or programs, and sharing progress—but Matt emphasizes that it’s not the main focus of the app, and he gives the accountability 3 out of 5 stars. He notes, “This is an app for intermediate lifters who simply need a better program, not beginners who are still learning the exercises. There aren’t any video demos or coaches to offer support, but if you don’t need those, you’ll love this app.”

This is the best app on the market for strength training, but if you prefer to focus on your cardio training and enjoy live classes, we recommend the Peloton App.

Testing Breakdown

Boostcamp receives high scores in nearly every category, but it’s best for intermediate lifters, as there’s little accountability or instruction provided. 

Vs. The Average

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. 

At a Glance 

• Free forever, no paid plans
• Large library of classes and workouts to choose from
• There are bodyweight-only workouts, but not many
• Good for strength, mobility, yoga, Pilates, and more

Nike offers a free strength-based training app that reduces the barrier of entry for weight-based workouts at home or in a commercial gym. A free training program may have the power to free your mind of any woes about designing an effective workout for yourself and worry about more pressing matters (like what you’re going to have for dinner). 

When it comes to value, this free app earns a 5-star rating. “It’s an unbeatable value,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “The NTC app has on-demand and live classes as well as periodized programming for a variety of goals and workout types.”  

Value: 5/5

Accountability: 3.5/5

Equipment Demands: 4/5

Why We Like Nike Training Club

Prior to 2020, the Nike Training Club app had both free and premium versions, but since the pandemic, Nike has made the entire workout library free to use. The app is also easy to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play, and we found it easy to set up and get started.

Whether you’re interested in getting stronger, improving your agility, or chilling out with some yoga or Pilates, the Nike Training Club app has you covered. 

Amanda gives NTC a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands, noting that you’ll need equipment for the majority of workouts, but you can filter workouts by what type of equipment you have available. 

“You need equipment for a majortiy, but not all, of the workouts,” Amanda explained. “There are actually a great deal of bodyweight only workouts, but when you compare it to the overall volume of the entire library, it’s a small fragment. Still, you can filter by equipment, which is really helpful for people who have no or minimal equipment.”

Alternatives

If you’re looking for accountability, this isn’t the app for you. “You can download it on your phone, but no one is gonna make you use it,” says Amanda. 

However, she does note that the app can send you notifications if you enable them in your settings, and you can join programs or challenges. Overall, Amanda gives Nike Training Club a 3.5-star rating for accountability. 

She also gave it 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. The app works well, but doesn’t offer any sort of interaction, such as live classes or interaction with instructors. 

If you’re looking for some human accountability, you may want to consider something like Future, which allows you to work virtually with a personal trainer. 

Testing Breakdown

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. 

Vs. The Average

Nike is better than the average workout app in nearly every category, which is very rare for a free workout platform. 

To read more about our testing experience, be sure to read our full Nike Training Club review.

At a Glance 

• Programming that adapts to your progress
• Focused on powerlifting or powerbuilding
• Moderate monthly cost
• No options for cardio or non-strength goals

JuggernautAI is a powerlifting program generated by artificial intelligence. You won’t work with a coach or personal trainer, but rather input information about yourself (like your previous workout experience, personal records, your recovery habits, and weak points, to name a few) into the app and allow artificial intelligence to create a personalized powerlifting program based on your stats. 

“The standout feature here is the AI, which is insanely smart and impressive,” says product tester Amanda Capritto. “Every day, the app asks you to score your motivation level to train, how well you slept/how tired you are, if you ate enough calories that day, and how sore/fatigued your body is feeling. The app then automatically adjusts your loads and rep scheme for the day based on what you log.”

This coaching algorithm is impressive, and JuggernautAI earns 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload.

Progressive Overload: 4.5/5

Ease of Use: 4.5/5

Equipment Demands: 4/5

Why We Like JuggernautAI

JuggernautAI is not just designed with your stats in mind—it’s structured to help you move the needle on your strength. “While artificial intelligence programs your workouts, it’s completely based on the principles of progressive overload,” explains Amanda Capritto, GGR product tester, writer, and certified personal trainer who used JuggernautAI for over a year. 

You’ll be challenged to lift heavier weights, increase range of motion, complete more sets, and add more repetitions. 

Because this is a powerlifting program, it may not be a surprise that you’ll need a squat rack, bench, barbell, and weight plates to complete your workouts. It will also be helpful to have access to dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands for a handful of different exercises. 

RELATED: Best Resistance Bands on Amazon

Although more equipment is needed than in other apps we reviewed, Amanda still gives JuggernautAI a 4-out-of-5-star rating for equipment demands. “You can swap in exercises each day or for an entire block based on what you have handy,” she explains. 

Alternatives

We’re huge fans of JuggernautAI’s programming and progressive-overload-focused approach, but there’s one big drawback. 

The program is centered around getting stronger and improving the big three lifts (squat, bench, and deadlift). If you’re not interested in powerlifting (or powerbuilding—a combination of bodybuilding-style training and powerlifting), this likely won’t be the best workout app for you. 

It’s a very impressive app, but only meant for a specific style of training, so we give it 3 out of 5 stars for the workout variety. 

We also think the pricing could be better. JuggernautAI costs about as much as the average workout app, however you’re not working with a real coach, and there aren’t any workout options that focus on cardio, cycling, or other activities. The algorithm works well, but it’s not very versatile. 

If you’re not a powerlifter looking to boost your big three lifts, you may want to consider an app service like Shred, which offers workouts for a variety of fitness goals. 

Testing Breakdown

This app received high scores in nearly every category, but it’s a little limited in workout variety and interactive features.

Vs. The Average

JuggernautAI costs slightly more than the average app, thought it offers a longer trial period than most so new users can experience the programming.

To learn more, read our full JuggernautAI review.

At a Glance 

• Affordable monthly cost
• Workouts for a variety of goals
• Features a supportive community
• Bodyweight and home gym options

The Aaptiv fitness app is a great pick for women (or anyone, really) because it offers a variety of quality workouts, multiple methods of accountability, and a reasonable monthly subscription fee of $14.99. 

GGR writer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto gives Aaptiv a 4-out-of-5-star rating for accountability. She notes there is a supportive online community, challenges you can join, and the ability to add your workout program to your calendar. When you use the calendar option, your workouts come up as appointments with calendar reminders, which is ideal for anyone establishing a routine.

Progressive Overload: 3/5

Accountability: 4/5

Equipment Demands: 5/5

Why We Like Aaptiv

If you’re new to workout apps, or fitness in general, Aaptiv can be a great choice. It offers beginner-friendly workouts for a variety of goals, which means you can try a few different disciplines or modalities to see what you like. 

Whether you’re looking for bodyweight workouts, strength training, mobility, or you like to rotate between workout styles, you’ll have plenty to choose from with Aaptiv.

Getting started is simple, too, and Amanda gave the ease of use 5 out of 5 stars. She said, “You just answer some basic questions about your fitness/wellness goals and your demographic information. Within 5 minutes you have access to the main dashboard and can start working out.”

Despite the easy setup, the app offers plenty of great features to help you stay motivated and make sure you’re continuing to make progress over time.

“You can join periodized, structured programs and add them to your calendar so you can see the workouts as ‘appointments’ in the app,” explains Amanda. “There’s also a community feed where you can post about your workouts or anything, really, and see posts from others. There are challenges to join, too.”

Alternatives

If Aaptiv has a weakness, it’s the progressive overload, or lack thereof. The programming on a macro-level may not be adequate for intermediate or advanced exercisers, and it only earns 3 out of 5 stars for the category.

“There are decent progressions in the programs, but it’s all pretty basic and you won’t see all the progression principles being used,” explains Amanda. “Most programs are only about four to six weeks, so it’s not quite enough time to see big results, especially if you have training experience under your belt.”

We also gave it 3 out of 5 stars for interactive features. There’s a basic community feed that allows you to view others’ workouts, but not much else. It’s a simple, streamlined app that’s very beginner-friendly, but it’s not the best choice if you prefer to have access to more advanced features. 

If you’re past the beginner stage and want a little more progressive overload in your strength training, we recommend a workout app such as Boostcamp.

Testing Breakdown

Aaptive is a simple to use app that received high scores in categories like app setup, ease of use, and accountability, but it only received average rankings for interactive features and progressive overload. 

Vs. The Average

We like that Aaptive is more affordable than the average app while still offering plenty of value, especially for beginners.

Read all the details in our in-depth Aaptiv Fitness App review.

At a Glance 

• Recreates the workout class experience
• Offers some of the best live instruction in the industry
• Workouts for cycling, strength training, running, yoga, and more
• Not much focus on progressive overload

As iconic as the brand’s Peloton Bike and Tread cardio machines, the Peloton App is what gives these digital training tools their bite. With a focus on studio-style programming with interactive leaderboards and callouts, it’s no secret why Peloton remains one of the most popular online workout programs.

The app features some of the most peppy, motivating, and upbeat instructors you’ll experience, and that’s why Peloton earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for instruction.

Instruction: 4.5/5

App Setup: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Why We Like the Peloton App

Certified CrossFit instructor and expert product tester Caroline Lubinsky was impressed with the variety of classes and instruction quality of the Peloton app. Not only are instructors filmed in high-quality studios with super crisp audio, Peloton offers more than just cycling with classes for nearly any type of training. We give the app 4 out of 5 stars for workout variety. 

She also appreciates the fact that you can filter workouts by instructors. “After a few weeks of using Peloton, I knew who my favorite instructors were: Robin Arzón, Jess Sims, and Becs Gentry. Each has their own unique style that helps me push myself to perform better.” 

Whether you’re participating in a yoga class, treadmill bootcamp, or strength training session, instructors provide adequate rest and enough time to change weights or resistance. They encourage you to stick through all the physically tough moments, and if you’re in a live class, they may even call you out by your username. 

While the shoutouts and engaging instructors are enough to keep us coming back for more, there aren’t regular check-ins with a trainer and you still need to keep yourself accountable. As such, we rate Peloton at 3 out of 5 for accountability.

Alternatives

Peloton offers classes and instructors for nearly any type of workout you can think of, so it’s hard to complain about much here. 

However, if we had to pick one thing, it’s the lack of actual programming or progressive overload. You can find recommended programs to follow, but most of the time, it’s fastest to hop on and pick a random class. 

This makes it easy to use, but it’s not always clear how much you’re improving. With the strength workouts, there’s really no focus on progressive overload at all unless you track your own workouts, so we only give this app 3 out of 5 stars for this category. 

You’ll also need Peloton-specific machines to take full advantage of the interactive features. Anyone can follow the workouts, but if you want to join live classes and see your stats displayed on the leaderboards, you’ll need to have either the Peloton Tread, Bike, or Rower, which aren’t cheap. 

RELATED: Peloton Bike+ Review

Speaking of cost, the app pricing is confusing. At the time of writing, Peloton offers three membership tiers for those who don’t have any Peloton cardio machines, including Peloton App One, Peloton App+, and Peloton Strength, all of which have different features. 

If you do have Peloton equipment, you’ll need to pay $49.99 per month to access all of the features. 

If you love using a stationary bike, but prefer virtual races instead of studio instructors, Zwift may be a better choice.

Testing Breakdown

Peloton scored very well in most categories, especially the instruction, ease of use, and generous trial period, but it only received average marks for accountability and progressive overload. 

Vs. The Average

The Peloton App isn’t cheap, but it offers a generous free trial and plenty of features to love.

For more, be sure to read our full Peloton App review. 

At a Glance 

• Personalized, yet affordable workouts
• Emphasis on progressive overload
• Plans for a variety of goals
• Only available on iOS

If you’re looking for a bit of help with your home workouts, Ladder is a top choice. GGR DIrector of Content and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis has used Ladder for months now, and continues to do so. She remarks, “I’ve had my hands on tons of fitness stuff throughout the years, and I fully believe that if your goal is to get stronger, then Ladder has unbeatable value for you.”

It’s not free, but Ladder easily earns a 5 out of 5 for value. You receive a personalized plan that would costs hundreds of dollars elsewhere, and you don’t need to go to the gym to meet with a trainer, which is why we think it’s the best workout app for home use.

Progressive Overload: 5/5

App Setup: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Why We Like Ladder

One of the main reasons we love Ladder is the exceptional value it provides. Users receive a multi-week exercise program personalized for you, and it only costs $30 per month. Nicole says, “You’d pay hundreds to get an online plan like this from a qualified certified specialist.” 

It’s also an intuitive app to use, as Nicole rates both the setup and ease of use a solid 5 out of 5.

Ladder is primarily a strength-training app with certain subcategories that delve into other interests and training modes: strength mixed with yoga or Pilates, HIIT, and endurance with power, for example. 

You’ll need some basic resistance training equipment for the strength programs, although it’ll vary depending on the series you choose. But you shouldn’t need much more than the essentials: kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands. Nicole rates the equipment demands a 4 out of 5.

Ladder is also heavily focused on progressive overload, which is the key to building strength and continuing to make progress once you’re no longer a beginner. This is one of Ladder’s strongest features, in our opinion, and the reason it earns 5 out of 5 stars for progressive overload..

Alternatives

We don’t have many complaints about Ladder, but there are two things worth calling out: 

First, the app doesn’t have much variety once you dive into a program, but that’s also strength training. “That’s kind of the point, though,” Nicole says, rating the variety a 3 out of 5. “Strength training will involve a lot of the same movements and exercises, but you’ll challenge yourself by increasing the weights or reps each time.”

Secondly, and this is a big one–Ladder is only available on iOS. This means if you’re an Android user, you’ll be unable to use Ladder’s programming, which is a major flaw in terms of accommodations. 

If you’re looking for another great app that works on both Android and iOS, with workouts for a variety of goals, we recommend the free Nike Training Club app.

Testing Breakdown

Ladder scored well in nearly every category, though it’s priced right around the average workout app, earning 3 out of 5 stars for its pricing.

Vs. The Average

Ladder costs a little bit less than the average workout app, while providing a fantastic workout experience. However, it’s one major flaw is the fact that it’s only available on iOS, so Android users can’t use the service.

To read more, check out our comprehensive Ladder App review.