Searching for the best workout app feels like dating - you swipe through dozens before finding "the one" that actually delivers results.
Honestly, the fitness app market is overcrowded with flashy options that promise transformation but leave you hanging after a week. We've all downloaded those apps with great reviews only to discover clunky interfaces, repetitive routines, or subscription traps that make canceling harder than the workouts themselves.
That's why our team spent three months rigorously testing over 30 fitness applications across different devices, fitness levels, and workout styles. We tracked everything from user experience to actual fitness improvements - no marketing hype, just real results.
Whether you're looking for strength training, running guidance, or full-body workouts, we've narrowed down the 11 workout apps that genuinely deliver results in 2025. Each recommendation comes with detailed breakdowns of features, pricing, and who they work best for - so you can finally stop the download-delete cycle and find your perfect fitness companion.
Strava
Strava stands out as the social network for fitness enthusiasts, connecting over 100 million athletes worldwide. This GPS-based app primarily serves runners and cyclists while supporting more than 30 different activities.
Strava Key Features
Strava transforms your phone into a comprehensive fitness tracking system with segments that allow you to compete on popular routes. The platform's standout feature is its route builder, which leverages data from millions of recorded activities to suggest personalized paths. Additionally, the app provides detailed workout analysis, including pace zones, heart rate data, and fitness tracking over time.
Strava Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust community features with clubs, challenges, and kudos
- Compatible with numerous devices including Garmin, Apple Watch, and Fitbit
- Detailed performance analytics with fitness and freshness tracking
- Comprehensive route planning with 3D maps and terrain visualization
Cons:
- Most advanced features require subscription
- Some users report the auto-pause feature lacks sensitivity
- Certain functions only accessible via desktop website
- Leaderboard focus may trigger unhealthy competition
Strava Pricing
The free version provides basic activity tracking and social features. For premium features, Strava offers several options:
- Monthly subscription: $11.99
- Annual subscription: $79.99 ($6.67/month)
- Family Plan: $139.99/year for four accounts ($2.92/month per person)
- Student discount: 50% off annual membership
Strava Best For
Strava excels for serious endurance athletes training for events. It's particularly valuable when traveling, as the route finder helps discover popular local paths. Moreover, the platform proves ideal for those motivated by friendly competition and data-driven training insights.
Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ integrates seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, offering guided workouts for users at all fitness levels. This subscription service works primarily with Apple devices, providing access to thousands of instructor-led workout videos.
Apple Fitness+ Key Features
The platform offers 12 different workout types including strength training, HIIT, yoga, cycling, and meditation. Workouts range from 5 to 45 minutes, with new content added weekly. The service creates personalized recommendations based on your preferences and previous activities. Furthermore, Apple Watch integration displays real-time metrics like heart rate and calories burned onscreen during workouts. The service also features unique audio experiences like Time to Walk and Time to Run, narrated by celebrities for outdoor exercise.
Apple Fitness+ Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Makes fitting workouts into busy schedules easier
- Diverse, inclusive trainer representation with ASL support
- Family sharing available with up to five members
- High-quality 4K Ultra HD content
Cons:
- Requires Apple products for full functionality
- Some workouts require additional equipment
- Lacks comprehensive long-term training programs
- Limited workout durations compared to gym sessions
Apple Fitness+ Pricing
Monthly subscription costs $9.99 or $79.99 annually. New subscribers receive one month free, whereas purchasing a new Apple device provides three months of free access. The service is also included in the Apple One Premier subscription bundle.
Apple Fitness+ Best For
Apple Fitness+ works best for existing Apple device owners seeking convenient, quality-guided workouts. It's ideal for beginners and intermediate exercisers who prefer variety over specialized training programs. The platform especially suits busy individuals who value short, effective workouts they can do anywhere with minimal equipment.
Fitbit
Fitbit has evolved from basic activity trackers into comprehensive health monitoring devices since becoming part of Google in 2021. The platform combines wearable hardware with a robust app experience to track fitness metrics and wellness data.
Fitbit Key Features
Fitbit devices excel at tracking steps, sleep patterns, and heart rate with high accuracy—the Inspire 3 demonstrated just 0.32% deviation in step counting during testing. Most models offer water resistance up to 50 meters, with battery life ranging from 5-10 days depending on the device. The platform provides detailed sleep analysis, stress management features, and irregular heart rate notifications. Higher-end models include built-in GPS, ECG capabilities, and blood oxygen monitoring.
Fitbit Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally easy-to-use app interface with intuitive navigation
- Excellent sleep tracking with detailed analysis
- Community features for motivation through challenges and social connections
- Long battery life compared to smartwatches
Cons:
- Full experience requires Premium subscription
- Recent Google integration removed some longtime social features
- Heart rate and GPS accuracy issues in some models
- Bands can be difficult to adjust on certain models
Fitbit Pricing
Device prices range from $79.95 to $399.95. The Premium subscription costs $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually, unlocking features like Daily Readiness Score, advanced sleep insights, and guided workouts. New Fitbit purchases typically include a free Premium trial period.
Fitbit Best For
Fitbit works best for everyday users seeking comprehensive health monitoring rather than hardcore athletes. It's ideal for those motivated by data visualization, sleep quality improvement, and stress management. The platform serves well as an entry-level fitness companion for maintaining daily activity goals.
PUSH
Developed by fitness influencer Joe Delaney, PUSH focuses exclusively on muscle building with scientific precision. This specialized workout app stands apart with its science-backed approach to strength training.
PUSH Key Features
PUSH generates personalized workout programs based on your experience, sleep quality, stress levels, and available training time. The app automatically adapts sets, reps, rest periods, and volume using performance data and AI. Programs include strategically organized phases - starting with strength, moving to compounds, and finishing with pump training. Meanwhile, the interface displays traffic-light indicators for progress, personal bests, and plateaus at a glance.
PUSH Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek, well-designed interface that makes tracking workouts enjoyable
- Automatic progression based on your performance data
- Provides scientific references for all training recommendations
- Allows exercise substitution based on equipment availability
Cons:
- Higher price point than many competing apps
- Focused solely on muscle building (no cardio, mobility, etc.)
- Occasional AI quirks with weight recommendations
- No volume control for rest timer
PUSH Pricing
The yearly subscription costs $89.99/£89.99/AU$144.99, alternatively $15.49/£14.99/AU$23.49 monthly. A brief free trial period is available before commitment.
PUSH Best For
PUSH serves best for those serious about building muscle efficiently through weightlifting. Essentially, it's ideal for users who want science-backed progressive overload without manually tracking everything themselves. The app suits both beginners and experienced lifters seeking structure and consistent progression in their training.
Runna
Runna transforms your smartphone into a personal running coach, offering personalized training plans for runners of all abilities. This highly-rated app (4.9/5 on Apple App Store) specializes in creating customized running programs that adapt to your performance.
Runna Key Features
The app creates science-based training plans tailored to your fitness level, goals, and schedule. Users can select from various programs including 5K improvement, marathon training, and recovery plans. Runna syncs with popular devices like Garmin, Apple Watch, and Fitbit. Additionally, the platform includes complementary strength training, mobility work, and Pilates sessions alongside running plans.
Runna Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Plans adapt to your performance and schedule
- Comprehensive warmup and cooldown guidance for each workout
- Precise pacing instructions with audio feedback
- Seamless integration with popular fitness devices
Cons:
- Focus exclusively on running (not general fitness)
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Limited customization for advanced runners
- No option for double workouts in a day
Runna Pricing
Monthly subscription costs $19.99, with annual plans at $119.99. First-time users receive a 7-day free trial.
Runna Best For
Runna serves runners pursuing specific race goals, from beginners training for their first 5K to experienced athletes targeting marathon improvements.
Strong
With millions of users logging over 30 million workouts, Strong has established itself as a leading weight training tracker focused on simplicity and effectiveness. Unlike apps offering guided routines, Strong excels at tracking your self-directed gym sessions.
Strong Key Features
Strong provides an intuitive interface for recording weights, reps, and rest periods. The app remembers your previous lifts, automatically suggesting weights for your next workout. Users can create custom routines or utilize templates. Additionally, Strong offers plate calculators, warm-up guides, and progress visualization through detailed charts.
Strong Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, distraction-free interface that stays out of your way during workouts
- Comprehensive exercise library with form instructions
- Syncs across devices with cloud backup
- Customizable rest timers between sets
Cons:
- Limited functionality in free version (only three custom routines)
- Primarily focused on weightlifting, not ideal for cardio tracking
- Lacks guided workouts or program creation for beginners
- Occasional exercise library gaps requiring manual additions
Strong Pricing
The free version offers unlimited workout logging but restricts custom routines. Strong PRO costs $4.99 monthly or $29.99 annually, unlocking unlimited routines, all charts, body measurements, and additional features.
Strong Best For
Strong serves experienced lifters who know what exercises they want to perform. It's ideal for those seeking a digital replacement for pen-and-paper gym logs without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Hevy
Designed with weightlifters in mind, Hevy offers a clean, intuitive interface for tracking strength workouts. This highly-rated app (4.9/5 stars from 290,000+ verified reviews) focuses on three core pillars: workout logging, progress tracking, and social interaction.
Hevy Key Features
Hevy allows users to create unlimited custom workouts using an extensive library of 400+ exercises with form videos. The app enables tracking weights, reps, and rest periods with customizable timers. Users can organize exercises into supersets for efficient training and visualize progress through detailed charts tracking volume, max weight, and total reps. The social component lets users follow friends, share workouts, and compare performance statistics.
Hevy Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, distraction-free interface optimized for strength training
- Generous free version with core tracking functions
- Active social community for motivation
- Detailed analytics and progress visualization
Cons:
- Limited to 4 routines and 7 custom exercises in free version
- Not ideal for cardio or general fitness tracking
- No guided video classes
- Free graph history limited to 3 months
Hevy Pricing
The free plan offers unlimited workout logging with basic features. Hevy Pro costs $2.99 monthly, $23.99 annually, or $74.99 for lifetime access. Pro unlocks unlimited routines, custom exercises, measurement tracking, and unlimited graph history.
Hevy Best For
Hevy serves strength athletes and bodybuilders seeking detailed workout tracking. It's ideal for gym-goers who want to monitor progress over time without unnecessary complexity. The app particularly benefits those motivated by community interaction and data visualization.
Runkeeper
Originally launched in 2008, Runkeeper has evolved into a comprehensive tracking solution that goes beyond basic run logging. This ASICS-owned app combines GPS tracking capabilities with tailored training plans for fitness enthusiasts at every level.
Runkeeper Key Features
Runkeeper offers nearly 30 different activity types, including both GPS-tracked outdoor exercises and stopwatch-mode indoor workouts. The app creates personalized training plans for various goals from first-time 5Ks to marathons. Users can customize workouts by setting intervals, distances, and paces. Additional features include auto-pause functionality, adjustable audio cues with multiple voice options, and night mode for evening sessions. The interface allows simple tagging of friends on workouts and control over map visibility settings.
Runkeeper Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive library of routes for discovering new paths
- Customizable interface with easy workout creation
- Seamless integration with music services like Spotify
- Goal-setting tools with visual progress tracking
Cons:
- Advanced metrics locked behind premium subscription
- Live tracking only available in paid version
- Limited advanced features in free version
- Some users report GPS accuracy issues
Runkeeper Pricing
The free version provides basic tracking capabilities. Runkeeper Go premium subscription costs $9.99 monthly or $39.99 annually, unlocking advanced features like live tracking, premium training plans, and detailed fitness reports.
Runkeeper Best For
Runkeeper serves runners seeking structured training programs for specific goals like completing a first 5K or improving marathon times. It's ideal for those who value both data tracking and community features. The app particularly benefits users transitioning from casual running to more dedicated training with its progressive plan structure.
Gymverse
Gymverse functions as a pocket personal trainer, offering professionally designed workout plans that adapt to your specific body type and fitness goals. Generating nearly $800,000 monthly from 200,000 downloads, this app has clearly found its niche in the crowded fitness marketplace.
Gymverse Key Features
The app delivers personalized workout routines based on your equipment availability, schedule, and fitness level. It contains over 500 exercises with high-quality videos demonstrating proper form. Gymverse stands out through its adaptability—simply update your available equipment and the app instantly refreshes your plan. The Apple Watch integration allows hands-free workout tracking directly from your wrist.
Gymverse Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Professional program design with strategic progression
- Real-time exercise substitutions if equipment is unavailable
- Automatic weight optimization based on performance
- Detailed progress tracking across multiple metrics
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to competitors
- Limited free functionality
- Extensive 17-step onboarding process
- Some users report inconsistent support responses
Gymverse Pricing
Monthly subscriptions cost $19.99, alongside annual options ranging from $59.99 to $149.99. New users receive a 7-day free trial to test features.
Gymverse Best For
Gymverse serves travelers navigating unfamiliar hotel gyms and those seeking professional guidance without hiring a personal trainer. It excels for users needing adaptable programs that accommodate changing equipment situations.
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club delivers more than just workouts—it fosters sustainable fitness habits through diverse exercise options and thoughtful guidance. This completely free app has evolved beyond basic routines into a comprehensive fitness companion.
Nike Training Club Key Features
The app provides access to over 200 free workouts ranging from 5-50 minutes, suitable for all skill levels. Users enjoy workout scheduling and casting capabilities, allowing flexibility in when and where exercises happen. Programs are intentionally progressive, offering specific nutrition, recovery, and mindset tips alongside physical training. Additionally, the app features goal-setting tools and daily content updates to maintain motivation.
Nike Training Club Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Completely free with no subscription required
- Extensive workout variety (HIIT, yoga, strength, mobility)
- Includes workout programs with nutritional guidance
- Customizable based on equipment availability
Cons:
- Limited structured workout plans compared to paid apps
- Must download workouts before following them
- No weight loss or nutrition tracking features
- Fewer training programs than previously offered
Nike Training Club Pricing
Unlike most competitors, Nike Training Club remains entirely free. Previously premium features were made available at no cost during the pandemic, a policy Nike has maintained.
Nike Training Club Best For
The app excels for beginners seeking approachable guidance and those needing quick, flexible workout options. It's ideal for users who value variety over specialized training, allowing workout experimentation without financial commitment.
Peloton App
Beyond just a cycling platform, Peloton has evolved into a comprehensive fitness ecosystem offering thousands of workouts across multiple disciplines. With a 4.9/5 star rating from over 649,000 App Store reviews, this platform has clearly resonated with fitness enthusiasts.
Peloton App Key Features
Peloton offers more than 10 workout categories including cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation, and bootcamp. The app provides both live and on-demand classes with detailed performance tracking and metrics. Notable features include community events, personalized recommendations, and the ability to stack multiple workouts for customized sessions. The platform also offers exclusive Artist Series featuring music from specific performers.
Peloton App Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Immersive, game-like training environments
- Works with many smart trainers and sensors
- Easy-to-use interface with sleek design
- Diverse instructor personalities for different motivation styles
Cons:
- Monthly subscription required
- Best experience depends on having Peloton equipment
- Setup can be tech-heavy for beginners
- Limited features in lower-tier subscriptions
Peloton App Pricing
- App One: $12.99/month (limited access)
- App+: $24.00/month (full access without equipment)
- All-Access: $44.00/month (required for Peloton equipment owners)
- 30-day free trial available for new users
Peloton App Best For
Peloton serves individuals seeking instructor-led workouts with a community feel. It's ideal for those who enjoy structured classes yet want variety in their fitness routine.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect workout app might feel overwhelming with countless options available. Fortunately, this extensive review narrows down your search to 11 exceptional fitness applications genuinely delivering results in 2025. Each app serves distinct fitness needs - Strava excels for endurance athletes seeking community, while PUSH focuses exclusively on science-backed muscle building.
The diversity among these applications ensures something for everyone. Runners will appreciate specialized coaching from Runna or comprehensive tracking through Runkeeper. Strength enthusiasts can choose between Strong's minimalist approach or Hevy's social-focused weightlifting experience. Meanwhile, those preferring guided sessions might gravitate toward Apple Fitness+ or Peloton's instructor-led workouts.
Price points vary significantly across these platforms. Nike Training Club stands out as completely free, whereas others like Gymverse offer premium experiences at higher subscription rates. Most apps provide free trials, allowing you to test functionality before committing financially.
Your fitness journey deserves proper technological support. Rather than downloading dozens of flashy apps that ultimately disappoint, start with these rigorously tested options. Consider your specific goals, preferred workout style, and budget when making your selection.
Remember, the best workout app isn't necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed - it's the one you'll actually use consistently. Whether tracking runs through city streets, lifting weights at the gym, or following yoga sessions at home, these 11 applications deliver the accountability, guidance, and motivation needed to transform your fitness routine.
