Best workout apps in 2026: expert picks for every fitness goal
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xercise apps offer a simple and convenient way to stay fit and active, whether you’re at home, at the gym, or traveling. If you pick the right app, it can give you the kind of guidance and motivation a personal trainer would, without the hefty price tag. That’s why my Cybernews team and I rolled up our sleeves to find the ones worth your time.
We researched strength training, cardio, yoga, and overall wellness platforms, based on user and expert feedback. You can check out all our findings, from the best workout apps list to a breakdown of their features, user experience, costs, and benefits, in the article below.
Best workout apps – shortlist
- Nike Training Club – best workout app overall
- Reverse Health – excellent choice for women
- Better Me – great beginner-friendly workout app
- Verv – app with a well-rounded approach to fitness
- JustFit – top option for users who struggle with motivation
Our team of in-house researchers, writers and editors reviews and analyzes health tech products using a research-driven approach. We gather data from multiple sources, fact-check all information, and conduct our research based on peer-reviewed studies, expert opinions, consumer ratings, and regulatory approvals.
You can learn more about how we test health tech products here.
The best workout apps compared
Before you start reading our in-depth workout apps’ reviews, you can get a sense of what they offer in the table below.
| App | Our rating | Workout types | One-on-one coaching | Availability | Free trial | Best for |
| Nike Training Club | 4.8 | Strength, endurance, HIIT, mobility, yoga, pilates, meditation | No | Android and iOS | Yes | Overall |
| Reverse Health | 4.5 | Wall pilates, chair yoga, and somatic yoga | Yes | Android and iOS | No | Women |
| Better Me | 4.2 | Running, calisthenics, chair yoga, pilates, military boot camp, boxing, kegel workouts | Yes | Android and iOS | Yes, for 7 days | Beginners |
| Verv | 4.0 | Body toning, resistance band, running, walking, 30-day challenges | No | Android and iOS | Yes | Integrated approach to fitness |
| JustFit | 3.8 | Wall, bed, and chair workouts, strength workout, body sculpting workouts | No | Android and iOS | No | Motivation |
5 best workout apps – our detailed list
Without further ado, check out the full reviews of the best workout apps you can find online in 2026.
1. Nike Training Club – top fitness app overall
| Workout types | Strength, endurance, HIIT, mobility, yoga, pilates, meditation |
| One-on-one coaching | No, only follow-along exercises |
| Free trial | Yes, the entire app is free |
| Best for | Overall |
Nike Training Club is by far the best of the free workout apps my team and I have dug into during this review. It packs close to 200 workouts, covering strength-training, high-intensity, yoga and meditation, kid-friendly, and many other exercises. They’re all designed by professionals, and come in the form of trainer-guided videos of different lengths and intensities.
The app also offers multi-week programs, self-guided whiteboard workouts, and fitness journeys with goals and achievements. Plus, it syncs easily with a range of mobile devices and wearables, so you can monitor your performance and track your progress. The only downside is the lack of live or personalized workouts, which one would expect from a brand like Nike.
2. Reverse Health – best workout app for women
| Workout types | Wall pilates, chair yoga, and somatic yoga |
| One-on-one coaching | Yes, based on your daily check-ins |
| Free trial | No |
| Best for | Women |
The Reverse Health app is one of many wellness platforms for women over 40 that have appeared recently. What makes it stand out from the crowd is its approach.
The app offers a comprehensive library of workouts, all focusing on no-equipment, body-weight exercises, which are easy to do at home. There are several versions of yoga, popular for building physical strength while practicing mindfulness among women. And for those who want to reach specific goals, the app accepts personalized program requests.
Reverse Health also includes a Meal plan and nutrition advice, and comes at a reasonable price (from $15.19) compared to most competitors. However, users have reported issues with subscription fees, cancellations, and refunds, so make sure you’re confident you like the app before you commit.
3. BetterMe – best workout app for beginners
| Workout types | Running, calisthenics, chair yoga, pilates, military boot camp, boxing, kegel workouts |
| One-on-one coaching | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days |
| Best for | Beginners |
BetterMe is our top choice among the best fitness apps for beginners for its user-friendly interface and tailored workout programs.
The first thing you do after launching the app is fill in a questionnaire, based on which you’ll get an easy-to-follow, personalized workout plan. The clean and simple interface will lead you into a structured weekly routine to help you reach your fitness objectives.
Yet, you’ll also always have the option to diversify the routine, picking from standalone workout types for anything from back pain to postpartum recovery. And you’ll get to test them through a 7-day free trial, with the music of your choice by syncing your Spotify app with BetterMe.
Some users noted that AI-based videos feel less relatable than trainer-led ones and mentioned issues with cancellations, so keep that in mind before signing up.
4. Verv – leading holistic fitness app
| Workout types | Body toning, resistance band, running, walking, 30-day challenges |
| One-on-one coaching | Yes, paid additionally |
| Free trial | Yes |
| Best for | Integrated approach to fitness |
Verv made it into our best workout apps list for its all-in-one approach to fitness.
It features hundreds of exercises focusing on specific muscle groups, as well as activities such as running, walking, and stretching. It also offers audio and video sessions for meditation and sleep, as well as dance tutorials, supporting recovery and overall well-being beyond workouts.
On top of that, Verv is compatible with Apple Health, which is great for tracking steps, logging workout data, and staying on top of your performance. The downside most users cited has nothing to do with its content, but rather with the terms and conditions.
Apparently, the app auto-renews subscriptions, charges for these renewals, and makes human customer support somewhat hard to reach.
5. JustFit – great exercise app for motivation
| Workout types | Wall, bed, and chair workouts, strength workout, body sculpting workouts |
| One-on-one coaching | No |
| Free trial | No |
| Best for | Motivation |
The Cybernews team and I consider JustFit a great fitness companion for anyone who struggles with motivation.
The app lets you set goals, choose program length, and specify any recent injuries or a focus on a specific group of muscles. You can also participate in a range of challenges or stick to lazy, no-equipment exercises you can do on a chair, even in bed.
The app will guide you through each session with visual cues, track your progress in terms of activities and calories burned, and celebrate your milestones. With these qualities, JustFit would be the best at home workout app on the market were it not for its price.
The app is advertised as free, but you can’t access it until you subscribe for at least $24.99 per month. There’s also no free trial, which means you can’t test it firsthand. The only way to find out what it's like is through reviews like ours.
Our methodology
To keep the workout app reviews comprehensive and unbiased, my colleagues at Cybernews followed a clear set of criteria. The list below outlines each one and why it matters.
- Workout variety and customization (30%). When evaluating these apps, our main focus was the exercise programs they offer. We wanted to ensure that there are enough options to cater to users with different preferences, fitness levels, and goals.
- UX and design (30%). Another priority was to eliminate all platforms with a steep learning curve, lag, and bugs. We considered each app’s layout, navigation, loading speed, and overall reliability, looking for the most user-friendly ones.
- Pricing and value (25%). Costs also played a big role in my team's and my final decisions. While we didn’t limit ourselves to free workout apps, we made sure all our picks delivered quality and features to warrant their price.
- User feedback (15%). All of our research and conclusions were informed by user reviews. Learning about the firsthand experience of an average person gave us insight into each app’s real-world value and long-term effectiveness.
Benefits of workout apps
If you’re still debating whether to download one of our best home workout apps, a breakdown of their benefits may help you make a decision.
- Convenience. Most users turn to work out apps because of how easy they are to use. You don’t have to find slots in your busy schedule or drive to a specific spot to exercise. They can help you stay active no matter where you are or what time it is.
- Personalization. The best fitness apps offer tailored programs and one-on-one coaching, as you can see in our top list. This advantage gives you the flexibility to target your goals in a way that feels manageable and effective.
- Tracking progress. These apps generally store your progress, whether that’s the workouts you’ve done or lifestyle changes you’ve made. They’ll show you how far you’ve come and give you the push you need to stick with it.
- Affordability. While most good workout apps feature a subscription fee, they’re typically cheaper to use than a personal trainer or gym membership. Low expenses offer another reason to stay consistent with the routine.
- Motivation and community. Many workout applications include various features to help you stay on track and keep you accountable. These include monthly challenges, built-in reminders, and tools that let you connect with friends or the app’s other users.
Best workout apps according to users
This best workout apps guide wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include users’ opinions and experiences. So, let’s consider the top brands according to users, as well as what they look for and try to avoid in a fitness app.
- Top-rated apps according to users include Strong App, Nike Training Club, Caliber, FitBod, and a few others.
- Users prioritize these apps mostly for their simple designs, easy-to-follow workout videos, and free of charge plans. Most also prefer apps that offer some level of customization and feature exercises suitable for different abilities and needs.
- Trends in user reviews show fitness apps get the most praise for being flexible and great at tracking progress for motivation. On the flip side, they criticize applications that are buggy, too expensive for what they offer, and don’t keep users engaged and motivated.
How to choose the best workout app for you
Choosing the best home workout app comes down to your needs, goals, and preferences. To help you tick these boxes, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you below.
- Define your goals. Whether you’d like to tone your body, build muscle, build your cardio endurance, or do something else, the app you end up picking should address those specific objectives.
- Reflect on your workout preferences. Make sure the app you choose offers the workout types you enjoy with the equipment you have or can afford to buy. You’ll find using it regularly easier, and be less likely to abandon the routine altogether.
- Consider your fitness level. Don’t forget to check the intensity of the workouts your app offers. If you’re new to fitness, look for the best workout apps for beginners, and if you’re a veteran, focus on platforms with high-intensity exercises. You’ll get more out of your training.
- Account for the costs. Calculate how much you can afford to pay for an exercise app without breaking the bank, and look for options that fit. Consider paying for a longer subscription to lower your monthly costs, if you think you can stick with it long-term.
- Factor in the app’s design. Take advantage of the free trial or learn as much as you can about the apps you’re interested in online. Ensure you pick a solution that is easy to navigate on a daily basis, for workouts, progress tracking, challenges, and other activities.
- Check the app’s compatibility with wearables. If you use fitness tech like a smartwatch or smart ring, make sure the app you’re planning to download is compatible with it. It’ll be easier to track your performance and improvement over time.
Final word on the best workout apps
Workout apps can be a powerful companion on your fitness journey, you just have to pick the right one. My colleagues at Cybernews and I have read hundreds of expert and user reviews to help you find it. So, check out our best workout apps breakdown, pick a solution you like, and test it through a free trial if available. Remember, the most important part is staying consistent and finding a routine that actually fits your lifestyle.
FAQ
Are workout apps better than going to the gym?
Whether workout apps are better than the gym depends on personal preferences. Some people prefer the convenience, affordability, and progress tracking of the apps, while others find going to the gym more motivating and effective.
Can I use workout apps without equipment?
Yes, the best workout apps feature a range of programs designed for exercising at home, with no equipment. These can include bodyweight circuits, yoga, HIIT sessions, and stretching routines. Apps like JustFit even offer lazy workouts you can do from your bed or while sitting in a chair.
Do workout apps really help with weight loss?
Yes, workout apps may be able to help with weight loss if you choose the right program and remain consistent. Many of them also feature nutrition advice to support your progress, and trackers that show your achievements to help you stay motivated. However, keep in mind these results are not guaranteed.
What’s the average cost of the best workout apps?
The average cost of the best workout apps ranges between $15 and $120, depending on the provider and pricing plan you choose. However, you can also find free versions, like our top-rated option, Nike Training Club, and get decent value while keeping your budget intact.
Which workout app is best for beginners?
The best workout app for beginners is BetterMe, according to our research. The app has a straightforward interface, so it’s easy to get around. It offers customizable workout options, including injury recovery, limb loss exercises, and wheelchair fitness, which you can test for free for 7 days.
