I've been using fitness apps for over 20 years, from Strava on group rides to Garmin on long runs to Zwift on a smart trainer when Southern California traffic made outdoor cycling unbearable. Most fitness apps promise a lot and deliver just enough to keep you subscribed—but a few can be life-changing. I tested 9 fitness apps for 2026 to find out which ones are actually worth your time and money.
Read on to discover the next best fitness app for you, whether you're a gym-goer who wants to track every set, a cyclist who wants to ride virtually through the Scottish Highlands, or someone who just wants a guided workout they can do in their living room.
Stay fit on the go with unlimited data
Streaming workout videos and live cycling sessions add up fast on a cellular plan. If you're using a fitness app away from Wi-Fi, make sure your data plan can keep up.
Here are the most popular unlimited plans today:
|
XFINITY Mobile
Premium Unlimited Plan
$50.00/mo
|
|
PureTalk
Unlimited Data w/ 30GB Hotspot Plan
$64.99/mo
+ $3 Upfront
|
|
T-Mobile
Experience More
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
Best fitness apps at a glance
| App | Subscription price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Training Club | Free | Free guided workouts for all levels |
| Zwift | $19.99/month (or $199.99/year) | Virtual indoor cycling and running (with equipment) |
| Garmin Connect | Free (subscriptions from $6.99/month) | Garmin watch owners and runners |
| Hevy | Free (subscriptions from $4.99/month) | Lifters who want a modern tracker with a social community |
| Peloton | From $9.99/month | Guided classes without equipment |
| FitNotes | Free (Android only) | Gym-goers who want a no-frills workout log |
| Apple Fitness+ | $9.99/month (or $79.99/year) | Apple Watch owners who want studio-feeling workouts |
How we rated the best health and fitness apps
WhistleOut searches for Android and iPhone apps that are easy to use and affordable. We evaluate apps through hands-on testing and rate them on a five-star scale based on the following criteria:
- User experience: We look for apps that make your phone more useful, not more complicated. The apps we recommend are intuitive from the first session.
- Price & value: We favor apps that are free or reasonably priced, and we always flag when a paywall gets in the way of the features that matter.
- Efficacy: We test each app to see whether it actually delivers on its promises.
- Practicality: A fitness app needs to fit into real life. We reward apps that are worth opening every single day.
- Privacy & security: We evaluate app permissions and scour user reviews for reported security concerns.
1. Nike Training Club: The free workout app I can't stop recommending
- Free
- Available for iOS and Android
Nike Training Club went fully free a few years ago, and it's one of the best deals in fitness apps. It's Nike's guided workout app with video-led sessions across strength training, yoga, HIIT, cardio, and mobility, coached by Nike Master Trainers and designed for every level from complete beginner to seasoned athlete. You do need to create a free account with your email and birthday to get started, but that's the only barrier between you and the full library. You're not getting a watered-down demo of the app; you get the full workout library at no cost.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
The videos are straightforward and easy to follow. A trainer leads the session, demonstrates every move, and walks you through the whole thing without any filler. I did a Fiery Flow yoga class with my partner, and we were both surprised by how easy it was to keep up, even without any yoga experience between us.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
The library is broken down into five categories: Yoga, Strength, HIIT, Pilates, and For The Gym. Each category has more than 100 videos. There are no ads anywhere in the app, which almost feels unreasonable in a free app. Nike Training Club is the app I'm taking on my next vacation so I can keep up with my routine without hunting for a hotel gym or paying for a day pass somewhere.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
Plus, Nike Run Club is the free companion running app that's just as good. The guided runs focus on perceived effort rather than rigid pace targets, which makes training feel more intuitive and less like you're constantly staring at your watch. For first-time runners especially, learning to run by feel is a shift that pays off significantly on race day.
What Reddit says about Nike Training Club
Many Redditors argue that Nike Training Club is better than many paid subscription apps. u/Huge_Confection4475 explained in r/XXRunning why they chose NRC for half marathon training, arguing, "I use a 14-week NRC program to train for my first half marathon. I trialed Runna but appreciated the way that NRC guided runs focused more on perceived effort for runs rather than certain paces. I felt when I used Runna I was focusing more on looking at my watch to check my pace to make sure it was keeping up with what the run suggested versus just running at the perceived effort that NRC tells me to."
Hit your workout goals while abroad
Nike Training Club is free, so the only thing left to sort out is your phone plan. If you're traveling with the app and relying on cellular data for your workouts, make sure you're not paying overage fees for the privilege.
See the best plans with international data below:
|
T-Mobile
Experience More
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
|
Verizon
Simplicity Plan
$30.00/mo
|
2. Zwift: The indoor cycling app that replaced my gym
- $19.99/month (or $199.99/year)
- Try the 14-day free trial
- Available for iOS, Android, PC, Mac, and Apple TV
Zwift is the best indoor cycling app of all time, and it's the only fitness subscription I'm never canceling. As a long-time street cyclist, I made the transition to indoor cycling after a close call with a white Honda in a bike lane. That's when I quickly bought a smart trainer but still wanted the same outdoors feel... in the safety of my own home. Within a week on Zwift's free trial, I'd signed up for the annual plan.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
You can ride through thousands of virtual maps, including recreations of famous classic race routes with real pavement textures and hill climbs. If you want company, you can join a group ride with dozens of other cyclists chatting in real time. My Sunday group rides have become a highlight of my week, with conversations ranging from barefoot-style shoes to cycling nutrition, all while struggling up a virtual Alpe du Zwift.
I use Zwift every. single. day.
For more structured training, the pre-planned workout library is ideal. The 30-minute burn sessions are the ones I keep coming back to, but there are plans for every level, from complete beginners to race-ready athletes. You can also hop on the monthly challenge programs and make your way through the sessions. I'm currently going through the Grinding Gravel segment and love earning badges when I complete each stage.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
The graphics are so impressive that I find my longer rides flying by as I watch redwoods and sunsets. The detail is extremely immersive, so much so that it actually reminds you to drink water when your in-game avatar reaches for a bottle. I've ridden through Watopia, Makuri Islands, New York, and I'm currently touring Scotland, where the castle backdrops and rolling green hills make a cloudy Tuesday feel like vacation.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
Zwift also supports running on a treadmill if you live in colder climates or don't want to run outside. It pairs with heart rate monitors and GPS watches for a complete training session that accurately measures your effort. I pair mine with my Garmin for full data tracking.
But, an amazing product isn’t cheap and Zwift does require a real financial commitment. Add the expense of a smart trainer you need to use it too. I am a huge fan of the ThinkRider XXPro, which runs about $300, or you can opt for an older model for less. At $19.99/month (or $199.99/year for the annual plan), it's one of the pricier fitness subscriptions around. If you plan on using it as a gym replacement (like me), then the cost is easy to justify. I use it every single day, which brings the per-session cost down to almost nothing. Plus, it’s much better than alternatives like MyWhoosh which has too much lag for a realistic ride.
What Reddit says about Zwift
Redditor u/escort8173 shared their experience in r/Zwift, saying, "Zwift is one of my favorite things in life. The community, the exercise, and the amount of fun I have on the app, beats anything else. I'm grateful for what this has done to me in my life, and if anyone is considering Zwift, do it! You won't regret it. Just someone who lost 50+ lbs on a cycling app. So yeah thanks for the input."
Upgrade to lightning-fast Wi-Fi for smoother rides
Training indoors is only as good as your connection. If your Wi-Fi drops mid-ride, so does your workout.
Check out the best home internet plans to keep your Zwift sessions running without interruption:
|
Optimum
8 Gig Internet
$90/mo
with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas.
|
|
Brightspeed
8 Gig
$119.99/mo
Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change.
|
|
GFiber
Edge 8 Gig
$150/mo
Available in select locations
|
3. Garmin Connect: The free fitness tracker I use every day
- Free (Connect+ from $6.99/month)
- Available for iOS and Android
Garmin Connect is what Strava used to be before Strava started locking its best features behind a subscription. It's the free companion app for Garmin watches that turns your device's raw data into a full fitness dashboard by tracking your workouts, monitoring your sleep, mapping your routes, and building training plans all in one place. I made the switch to Garmin Connect two years ago and haven't thought about Strava since. The free tier covers everything I need, and it isn't cluttered with ads.
I’ve been using Garmin Connect for two years and love it.
I started the year with a resolution to follow whatever Garmin told me to do every day without fail. That includes following the paces it sets and even sprint work too. I can confidently say that Garmin does a good job of progressively building up your training, but quickly resets if you take a day off.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
I even recently added a half marathon training goal just to test how the programming holds up, and I was more impressed than I expected. You choose a coach, a timeline, a target distance, and how many days per week you want to train. Then you pick which day you want for long runs and which for speed work. Garmin builds the schedule around those answers and adjusts it as you go. Better yet, when you have a training goal, it doesn’t just reset your baseline when you skip a day. It treats the missed day as a rest day and recalibrates your next workout accordingly. So you basically end up training harder if you don’t stick to your plan.
Is Strava still worth using in 2026?
As someone who trains every single day of the year (and is very competitive), Strava just isn’t worth using and paying for anymore.
Strava used to be the gold standard for run and ride tracking, but personal bests, leaderboards, and route maps are now locked behind a premium subscription. If you have a Garmin watch, the free Garmin Connect app covers most of what Strava does for free. Truth be told, if you’re training and look at your stats, you probably have a Garmin and can use Garmin Connect. It's harder to justify Strava’s cost when free alternatives do the same job.Garmin Connect tracks walks, cycling sessions, swims, and almost any other activity. The sleep statistics are addictive to check in the morning, and spot on. Android users can also share live locations with family and friends during workouts, which is very handy for long runs, trail hikes, or even exercise abroad.
My biggest issue with Garmin Connect is the fact that many features are becoming premium subscription-only accessible. My hot take is that you shouldn't have to pay for the essential Garmin features since you've already purchased an expensive watch. But for now, Garmin Connect is still worth using and beats other apps plagued by ads and pop-ups.
What Reddit says about Garmin Connect
One Redditor posted in r/Garmin about the frustrating paywall creep in the app, complaining, "Since Garmin introduced their food logging the connect to MyFitnessPal has started to become unusable... I understand that Garmin wants users to sign up for Connect+ and this is their prerogative, but for decades their promise was no paywall because the devices are very expensive."
Running or cycling more? Make sure your plan has the data for it
Garmin Connect is free, but it works best when your phone plan keeps up with your training. If you're sharing live location on long runs or syncing data on the go, an unlimited data plan makes a real difference.
Compare the most popular options below:
|
XFINITY Mobile
Premium Unlimited Plan
$50.00/mo
|
|
PureTalk
Unlimited Data w/ 30GB Hotspot Plan
$64.99/mo
+ $3 Upfront
|
|
T-Mobile
Experience More
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
4. Hevy: The modern gym log for iOS and Android
- Free (Pro from $4.99/month)
- Available for iOS and Android
Hevy is a free workout tracker for iOS and Android that logs your gym sessions, tracks your strength progress, and lets you see what your friends are training. The free tier covers unlimited workout logging, a large exercise library including CrossFit and Pilates-style movements, and a social feed where you can share workouts with friends. All you have to do is tap to add sets, use the built-in rest timer, and modify your session on the fly.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
The exercise library covers everything from classic barbell and dumbbell lifts to calisthenics, functional movements, handstands, and a wide range of accessory exercises. If your training looks more like a CrossFit class than a traditional powerlifting session, Hevy is better than other log alternatives. Hevy also has a Wear OS app, which no other tracker on this list can match for Android smartwatch users.
Never lose track of your set (or weights) again with Hevy.
The free tier does have limits, though; you can only create up to seven custom exercise plans and access three months of graph history without upgrading. Most casual gym-goers won't hit these walls quickly, but if you're deep into tracking and building custom programs, an upgrade to Pro (priced at $4.99/month) would be best. The free tier also runs without ads, which is a small but appreciated detail.
What Reddit says about Hevy
u/uncle-bjoernsy kept it simple in r/Hevy, stating "Get it, it's good. You can use the free version at first. I was convinced to get a subscription after a week or two."
Keep up with your sets, and social feed
If you're logging workouts at the gym and sharing sessions with friends in real time, a solid unlimited plan means you're never waiting on a slow upload between sets.
See the most affordable data plans below:
|
XFINITY Mobile
Premium Unlimited Plan
$50.00/mo
|
|
PureTalk
Unlimited Data w/ 30GB Hotspot Plan
$64.99/mo
+ $3 Upfront
|
|
T-Mobile
Experience More
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
5. Peloton: Studio-quality classes without buying the bike
- Subscription required
- Strength+ costs $9.99/month, App One costs $12.99/month, App+ costs $29.99/month
- Available for iOS and Android
You don't need a Peloton bike to use the Peloton app. In fact, Peloton has thousands of classes and none of them require you to own a single piece of their hardware. The app gives you access to the full library of instructor-led classes for cycling, strength training, yoga, running, stretching, and more. You can stream them directly to your phone or cast them to your TV for the best home workout ever.
Image: Angelo Ilumba | WhistleOut
At some point, you’ve probably tried a HIIT class on YouTube or a yoga sample, but Peloton’s class quality is much better and easier to follow. Instructors are energetic without being obnoxious, and cues are clear. Tracking syncs with Apple Watch, Android-based watches, and Fitbit, so your workout data stays in one place regardless of what you're wearing on your wrist. Plus, Peloton users are active in the community, which adds a competitive edge through leaderboards and challenges—if that kind of motivation works for you.
In the mood for strength training? Low impact with a yoga session? Peloton includes many different workout types for every day of the week.
Peloton offers three subscription tiers depending on how much of the library you want to access. Strength+ costs $9.99/month and includes strength training, yoga, cardio, and meditation. App One is slightly more expensive at $12.99/month and adds cycling, running, and outdoor classes. App+ is the most expensive offering at $29.99/month and unlocks everything, including scenic routes and full hardware integration.
If you aren’t sure, test out Peloton’s 30-day free trial. There's honestly no reason not to test it before committing.
What Reddit says about Peloton
u/PonytailFriday shared in r/pelotoncycle about their fitness journey with Peloton, explaining, "The You Can Run: 5K program is my favorite thing I've done on Peloton devices. I am very much not a runner, nor am I in the top shape I've ever been in. This program is incredible with Pace Targets and slowly increasing the time and intensity, it feels manageable."
Double the screen for double the detail
Streaming Peloton classes on your phone is so much better on a bigger display. Foldable phones double your screen size so you can follow your classes in better detail.
Check out the best deals on foldable phones available today:
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
6. FitNotes: The no-fuss gym log that keeps every set organized
- Free
- Available for Android
FitNotes is the gym log I wish I'd found 20 years ago, and the fact that it's completely free with no ads makes it even better. I've tried tracking workouts in notebooks, the Notes app, and Google Sheets over the years, and none of it stuck. FitNotes is the first app that actually fits the way I think in the gym—especially when I change my workout structure mid-routine.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
Everything in FitNotes is built around logging your exercise, adding the weight, and adding the reps. Just pick your exercise from the full FitNotes library and add in the weight and reps completed. Once you've been using it for a few weeks, you can break down your workouts with the analysis view. It shows you the distributed effort across muscle groups, which may expose the fact you’ve been skipping leg day. I found out I was dedicating significantly more volume to pushing movements than pulling ones, which explained a shoulder issue I'd been ignoring.
You can also leave notes on individual workouts. If you had a heavy leg day before a race, or felt unusually strong on a particular day, that context is right there when you review your history. The built-in bodyweight tracker means you can log your weight when you arrive at the gym and watch your trends over time alongside your training stats.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
However, the app is Android-only, and there's no cloud sync, so if you ever switch to iPhone or lose your phone, your history doesn't transfer. But for Android users who want something completely free with no strings attached, it's the best option available.
What Reddit says about FitNotes
Redditor u/SadlerStudios recommended FitNotes in r/fitness40plus, commenting, "FitNotes is a free and fully functional tracker. Great if you want the basics... I'd recommend FitNotes for anyone who just wants something simple and offline."
Get a new Samsung for less
FitNotes is Android-only, so if you've been on the fence about switching from iPhone to Android, this is your sign. Your gym log is now one more reason to make the move.
Check out the best Samsung deals available right now:
Galaxy Z Fold7 5G 512GB
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy Z Fold7 5G 256GB
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy Z Fold5 5G 256GB
- 7.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Cameras: 4MP, 10MP
7. Apple Fitness+: The easiest way for iPhone users to stay consistent
- $9.99/month or $79.99/year
- Available for iOS (Apple Watch required)
If you already wear an Apple Watch, Apple Fitness+ is the easiest fitness subscription you'll ever set up. By pairing both, your metrics show up in real time on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV screen while you follow along with the workout. Heart rate, calories burned, movement. All of it appears directly on the video itself, without opening another app or fumbling with your watch mid-plank.
Image: Angelo Ilumba | WhistleOut
Sessions run in 10, 20, and 30-minute increments across HIIT, strength, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, and core. You can easily fit a complete workout into a lunch break or a gap between meetings without compromising on quality. A mat and a set of free weights cover most of what the library asks for, and new sessions are added weekly so the catalog doesn't go stale.
The Apple Watch requirement is the one real limitation—and as a Garmin fanatic, I can't say I support Apple Watches entirely. If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, this app doesn't exist for you. Android users should look at Peloton or Nike Training Club instead. But for iPhone and Apple Watch owners, Fitness+ at $9.99/month is a solid pick to round out your Apple fitness experience.
What Reddit says about Apple Fitness+
u/pghtopas posted in r/AppleFitnessPlus, raving about the session format, saying, "What I love about Apple fitness is I only use a mat and a few free weights. I mix up the workouts and do HIIT, strength training, yoga, kickboxing, pilates, and core. Because the workouts are 10, 20, and 30 minute increments, Apple Fitness has made it easy for me to be consistent... It's become a habit and it's the best money I've ever spent on a fitness product, and it's not even expensive."
Upgrade to the newest iPhone, for less
Apple Fitness+ works best on the latest Apple hardware. And the newer the Apple Watch, the more accurate your metrics. If your watch or iPhone is a few generations old, it might be time for an upgrade.
Check out the best iPhone deals available now:
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
What equipment do I need?
Most of the apps on this list work with nothing more than your phone, but a few require specific hardware to function. Here's how they break down before you commit to a download.
The best fitness apps that need nothing but your phone
Four of the seven apps on this list require zero additional equipment: Peloton, Nike Training Club, FitNotes, and Hevy all work from your phone the moment you download them.
Peloton and Nike Training Club benefit from a mat and a set of dumbbells for their strength and yoga workouts, but neither requires them to get started. FitNotes and Hevy are pure logging apps, so whatever you're already doing at the gym or at home, they track it.
The apps that require extra hardware
Zwift, Garmin Connect, and Apple Fitness+ all need something beyond your phone to work properly. Zwift requires a smart trainer and a bike—without one, the app has nothing to connect to.
- Zwift is the biggest upfront investment on this list by a big margin since you have to shell out for a smart trainer (and then save in the long run).
- Garmin Connect requires a Garmin watch or fitness tracker, since the app is essentially a dashboard for your device's data.
- Apple Fitness+ requires an Apple Watch specifically, as the real-time metrics that appear on your workout video are pulled directly from the watch.
If you already own any of these devices, the associated app is a no-brainer addition. If you don't, it's worth factoring the hardware cost into your decision before subscribing.
How I tested the best fitness apps
I personally tested Zwift, Garmin Connect, FitNotes, and Hevy through regular use across multiple training sessions. For Zwift, I've been a paying subscriber and active daily user for over a year. Garmin Connect is my everyday go-to for run and ride tracking, including half marathon training. FitNotes and Hevy were both evaluated through gym logging sessions, comparing workout flow, exercise library depth, and analysis features side by side.
For Peloton, Nike Training Club, and Apple Fitness+, I evaluated based on class quality, platform availability, pricing, free trial terms, and current user and industry reports. All pricing, app store availability, and feature details were verified at the time of writing.
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We've been around since the birth of the iPhone. Along the way, we've learned how to spot the best deals for your wallet (and your sanity). We spend our days researching informative guides and writing insightful reviews on every kind of wireless plan, distinguishing what matters from what doesn't. We played around with these plans before recommending them, ensuring they're worth your hard-earned money.
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Fitness and health apps: FAQ
What is the best free fitness app?
Nike Training Club is the best free fitness app for guided workouts, with a full library of strength, cardio, yoga, and mobility sessions at no cost. For gym logging, FitNotes (Android only) and the free tier of Hevy (iOS and Android) are both excellent options with no paywall.
Do I need a Peloton bike to use the Peloton app?
No, you don't need a Peloton bike to use the Peloton app. The Peloton app subscription gives you access to the full class library on any device, including your phone, TV, and other smart bikes, with no Peloton equipment required.
Is Zwift worth it if I already have a gym membership?
Zwift works best as a gym replacement for cyclists with a smart trainer. If you have Zwift, you won't need anything else.
Does Apple Fitness+ work without an Apple Watch?
No, an Apple Watch is required to use Apple Fitness+. The real-time metrics integration is the whole point of the platform, since your heart rate and activity data appear directly on the workout video itself.
Is FitNotes available for iPhone?
FitNotes is Android-only. iPhone users looking for a free gym log should try the free tier of Hevy, which is available on both iOS and Android and covers the same essential logging features.
What is the best fitness app for runners?
Garmin Connect is the best free running app if you own a Garmin watch, with smart adaptive training plans and detailed performance tracking. Nike Run Club is the best free option for runners without a Garmin, especially for anyone training for their first race.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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