HAVING A PLAN is essential when it comes to training effectively. If you are needing a little guidance, help is just a download away. Once you're in your workout clothes and training shoes and ready to go, the next thing you're probably doing is reaching for your smartphone. These days the digital world is very much a part of a daily existence, and for all of the negatives that come with that, there are also potentially useful tools that are available to those in the pursuit of fitness.
As the ways we approach exercise have shifted in the face of changing technology, having a digital training partner has become more commonplace. Whether you're exercising at home, or on the road, the best workout apps have become one of the most versatile fitness tools out there.
While lots of people kick it old school and only use their phones for timers or music streaming via workout headphones, these apps open up a whole word of fitness learning at your fingertips, with programs designed to help you to make the most of your training time. We're talking libraries of workout routines, tips, and more. Some apps are free, some will cost you, but they all have the same basic goal: Helping you have a great time training to become the strongest, fittest version of yourself.
These smartphone apps all serve a distinct purpose. Some act as a digital trainer, guiding you through new, tough workouts. Others help you to track your activity and diet, giving you new insight to your nutrition. All of the apps are free to download (although many require in-app purchases and subscriptions to unlock all their features), so it's worth your time to check them out.
Start by identifying your fitness goals, as they will guide your app selection. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, gain muscle, improve flexibility, or train for a specific event, choose an app that specializes in the type of workouts and progress tracking aligned with your objectives. Clear goals can also help you stay motivated and measure your success over time. Some of the apps we've tested are excellent for goal-setting, while others are optimized for community or learning. So even if you don't have serious goals but just want to find a way to stay more fit and find some encouraging workout friends, there is an app for that.
Consider the workouts you enjoy or want to check out, whether that's yoga, strength training, cardio, or HIIT. Some apps focus on specific activities, while others provide a variety to keep your routine exciting. Matching the app's offerings to your preferences can make sticking to your fitness routine easier, which is really the whole point with finding a training resource.
Workout apps come with various pricing options, from free versions with basic features to premium subscriptions or one-time purchases. Assess your budget and compare the value offered by each app, such as workout variety, coaching options, and additional perks like meal planning or community access. Apps with personalized, one-on-one coaching will generally cost more, as you're getting something more akin to proper personal training, while apps with AI coaching (or no "coaching" at all) will be the most budget-friendly. Every app we've tested offers a free trial, which you can use to help you decide before committing.
If you need guidance or motivation, consider apps that provide coaching features. These may include virtual personal trainers, live classes, or AI-driven feedback to ensure proper form and progress tracking. For those who prefer a more personalized touch, look for apps offering one-on-one coaching sessions or tailored workout plans. A little coaching can go a long way in keeping you dialed into your schedule and on top of your goals, though it makes sense that some folks may not be interested in the extra stress of keeping up with a coach.
Our team of Men’s Health fitness editors, including certified trainers and former athletes, have tried every new app that's entered the market over the past several years. That's on top of our expansive experience on digital fitness since it became a "thing." We also consulted our large network of experts, including our Men's Health Advisory Board, to share their insights.
From there we further tested our top contenders during workouts at our Men's Health gym, our training spaces at home, local performance facilities, and outdoors. We made sure to utilize both iOS and Android smartphones, to compare how these apps performed on those different operating systems. Keep reading to discover the best 12 workout apps to use right now.