Expert-Tested: The Best Workout Apps 2026

During workouts, Max provides real-time voice coaching with form cues, AI-recommended rest times, and exercise substitution suggestions if you don’t have the right equipment. The app tracks 17 muscle groups for recovery status, auto-detects personal records, and provides a workout score across multiple metrics after each session. We also have a community with clubs, leaderboards, and workout proof sharing. The core workout features are free — premium unlocks advanced analytics and additional coaching features.

Best weight lifting tracker app

Intermediate lifters benefit from programs on Google Play and the App Store that build upon core strength and promote weight loss. Meanwhile, advanced athletes can access specialized Peloton-like training modules, pushing the boundaries of their capabilities. Each app is designed to progress users through their fitness journey, providing valuable insights and tailored experiences. The best strength training apps of 2025 understand this, offering user experiences that adapt to each athlete‘s unique fitness level and goals.

Best strength training app for beginners

We invite you and your friends to join us and support each other in our active workout community. However, the partnership didn’t last and the workouts were removed from Netflix in March 2024, according to What’s on Netflix. The Netflix and Nike deal was meant to see if Netflix could compete with Peloton for streaming workouts, but it seems the company didn’t want to progress any further. There are also handy features like Strava Beacon, which are designed to keep you safe, by allowing your friends or family members to track your live location on a run. During a workout, if you’re wearing one of the best Apple Watches, you’ll be able to see stats from your watch on the screen. When it first launched, you had to have a Watch to use Fitness Plus, but Apple removed the restriction in 2022.

Best Free Strength Training Apps

One of the most frustrating things about browsing an app store on your Android device or iPhone is that almost every workout app says they’re free, but with in-app purchases. Once you install the app, however, you realize that the in-app purchase is to unlock full use of the workout app. It offers several features that make it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts. Meanwhile, detailed maps allow users to find and navigate through the best routes for their workouts. You can track the weights used in your workouts, which helps increase the difficulty over time. Overall, Strong is a good option for experienced lifters wanting a convenient way to start losing weight track workouts but may not be ideal for beginners needing structured guidance.

Best for iPhone Users

Online workout programs are a great option for anyone who is physically capable of exercising. Most of the options on our list offer multiple types of workouts, a variety of instructors, and a mix of live and on-demand classes. One standout feature I love is workout animation — the watch will play short videos of a silhouette performing certain exercises.

Why We Like Caliber Strength Training

If you want a full structured plan without apps, explore our home workout routine. Caliber, Fitbod’s primary competitor in the beginner-to-intermediate segment, solves a different problem entirely. You get structured strength programs, an exercise video library with form demonstrations, workout logging, and progress tracking, all at no cost and with no ads. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which best strength training app matches your training intent — and you’ll have the comparison data to back up your decision.

Social Workout Apps to Exercise With Friends and Meet Fitness Goals Together

• Earning an impressive overall score of 4.3 out of 5, Shred does this all for $10 per month, making it a high-value app and training resource.
• I also liked that I had an abundance of activity tracking options to choose from.
• I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including stories on workout headphones, walking shoes and point-and-shoot cameras.
• For those grappling with stagnant routines or plateaued progress, this article promises solutions.
• Our tester notes that this is a great platform for independent users who enjoy training alone, but it might not work for everyone, especially those looking to interact with others on their fitness journey.
• The best apps in this category understand the nuances of periodization and recovery, offering guidance that evolves with the user’s performance.

His works have been previously featured by DICK’S Sporting Goods as well as Gear Patrol. In Print Journalism from Penn State University and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When not training, testing products, or writing content, Ben spends his time pursuing his other interests which include cooking, hunting, fishing, hiking, DIY projects, and intramural sports, among others. Selecting the perfect weightlifting app requires aligning the app’s features with your personal fitness goals and preferences. Whether a beginner or an experienced lifter, the right app can significantly enhance your training experience.

A refresher: What is an online workout program?

Our tester also gave the app a 3 out of 5 for value, stating that it’s “very AI forward” and lacks the community aspect and competitive leaderboard you would find in other apps. Our tester notes that this is a great platform for independent users who enjoy training alone, but it might not work for everyone, especially those looking to interact with others on their fitness journey. Muscle Booster also earned perfect marks in the accountability and progressive overload categories. In order to move on to new workouts and learn different exercises, you have to complete your previous workouts. Our tester appreciated this, as the app pushes you to master your current workout before moving on. In terms of cost, there’s the $15 monthly iFIT Train plan and the $39 monthly iFIT Pro plan.

Online Support

In 2025, the landscape of digital fitness solutions has seen a significant surge, with strength training enthusiasts embracing apps that offer comprehensive guidance for exercises like squats and deadlifts. These platforms provide a wealth of information, enabling users to refine their technique with dumbbell workouts and other bodybuilding activities. The integration of such technology has proven indispensable for those seeking to enhance their strength training regimen, offering a level of precision and personalization previously unattainable.

You’ll also find plans for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, athletic training, bodyweight training, and more. It offers a mix of strength, cardio, bodyweight, mobility, and machine exercises for the gym or home gym, making it a versatile tool for overall fitness improvement. Plus, it guides you on the right weights to use, ensuring you challenge your muscles properly for progress. Developed by an exercise scientist, Dr. Muscle uses data from your past workouts to craft new ones tailored to your needs and goals. Whether you’re just starting or have been lifting for years, this app helps you optimize your workouts for strength training and get the most out of your training.

Programming

It prioritizes strength training, but caters to a variety of programs and disciplines, including powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. Muscle Booster is beginner-friendly because it pays close attention to the user. During the sign-up process, you’ll answer a quick quiz that includes questions about your goals, activity level, equipment access, and more. Once you sign up for a paid subscription, you get access to personalized fitness plans to meet those goals. Paid plans are around $14.99 per month, but don’t be surprised if you get a discount as a first-time user.