Best fitness trackers 2026: Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung and more

While TR[Ai]NER doesn’t offer a free-forever plan, per se, it gives you up to three workout programs for free. Some programs last eight weeks, meaning you can follow the app (in theory) for up to six months before deciding whether to upgrade to a paid plan. Our top picks range in modes of training and fitness levels, so you’ll want to read on for our selection of the best free workout apps. Other times, the free version is so limited that it almost forces you to pay for the premium deal. It may make you think that there aren’t any truly free workout apps available.

ASICS Runkeeper—Run Tracker

Below, you will find our methodology, the top picks by category, and a full 10-app comparison table so you can scan the whole field in one glance.

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• Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, says that personalized workout programs can be very beneficial, especially once you’re past the beginner stage.
• In Print Journalism from Penn State University and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Outside of sleep, Samsung estimates steps, and automatically logs walks and runs.
• This can be a little subjective, but this score is based on whether we feel the cost justifies what you’re getting.
• There are 16 styles of classes to choose from, all of which are taught by experienced and credentialed instructors.
• Also new to the Charge 6, you can now broadcast heart rate via Bluetooth to some third-party apps like Peloton.

The plate calculator (a built-in tool that tells you exactly which plates to load on each side of the barbell) is one of the best in any app. At $149.99/year, it’s easily the most expensive app I tested—twice the price of Strava. I can totally see the price being worth it, though, especially if you have a home gym or a cheap gym membership. Gymverse basically takes the place of a free fitness apps personal trainer—so if you need a lot of guidance, it could be well worth the price. Based on which you choose, the app will put together a running program for you. If I were new to running, this is exactly the kind of experience I would hope for.

Hevy and Strong both handle it easily — just set up a routine with three exercises and three sets each. Jefit’s pre-built routines include several that match the structure without any setup required. Some of the most-searched fitness questions in 2026 are not about apps at all — they are about specific workout rules and celebrity routines that people want to understand before they try to track them. Here is a plain-language breakdown of the four most common ones, plus which apps handle each best.

Plans for all your goals

I switched to a standalone tracker after losing three weeks of workout data when my phone battery died mid-trail, and the difference in how consistently I actually use it has been significant. Daily Burn excels at exactly this combination, while Noom and MyFitnessPal pair well with it for the nutrition side. Pick the tool that matches your bottleneck, commit to 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, and the scale will move. The fitness app provides workouts, structure, and accountability, but you also need a calorie deficit, sufficient protein, and sleep. The best results come from pairing a workout app with a nutrition-tracking habit.

The Best Fitness Trackers & Smartwatches, From Screen-Free Powerhouses to Stylish Wearables

Morelli is a fan of this app, saying she loves how easy it is to filter the workouts to find her favorites, like Vinyasa flow with instructor Tiffany Cruikshank. While some workouts require dumbbells or resistance bands, there are plenty of bodyweight options to choose from as well. Several Healthline testers have commented that the Peloton app is the key to their at-home fitness success. Tester Sydney Samuels started using the Peloton app during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to use it to supplement her in-person gym and exercise classes.

Personalization

We’ll be testing all new arrivals and updating this guide if any earn a place among our top picks. The charger even makes the watch into a little clock, positioning the crown where the snooze button would be. It’s the perfect companion to the Pixel smartphone, and will even work well with other non-Samsung Android devices. Unlike the SE 2, it does have always-on display, but it’s missing the ECG and blood oxygen tracking capabilities (although the Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 are now being sold without blood oxygen tracking).

Factors to consider when choosing a workout app

By applying these criteria consistently, we filter out apps that only appear free and highlight those that truly respect your time, data, and health goals. The apps listed next meet all of these standards, making them practical, transparent, and worth your attention. Many users look for a free calorie counting app for iPhone or prefer tools that work across platforms. While ads are acceptable, they shouldn’t block core actions or disrupt logging. Some users may also prefer a free calorie counter app no sign up, which lowers friction and makes starting easier. However, many devices like Garmin watches and the CMF Watch Pro by Nothing require nothing more than their own apps to work, meaning you can use them with either handset just fine.

Garmin Forerunner 265

Used thoughtfully, a food tracking app can support weight loss, but it’s most effective when paired with personalized, expert guidance. Logging meals (especially when dining out) can be tricky, and not every database entry is verified for accuracy. For that reason, our experts emphasize using these apps as a supportive tool rather than a definitive measure, helping you build awareness of your habits. The Forerunner 265 uses Garmin’s best-in-class GPS and heart rate tech to deliver highly reliable metrics during every workout. During runs, the watch shows just the right amount of information — pace, time, distance, splits, and heart rate zones — all on a crisp AMOLED display. It even has a Garmin Run Coach that, when synced with your headphones, will tell you to slow your pace for a more sustainable heart rate.

Best workout app for iPhone users

While there is a paid plan available, the free plan provides plenty for most users, earning a 5 out of 5 for value. You’ll be able to access over a thousand strength-training programs, including over 100 programs created by certified expert coaches. The only thing you’ll be missing is some of the Pro plans, as well as advanced training stats and analytics. With the free version, you can log your own workouts, or let the Caliber algorithm create a custom workout program for you, based on a quick assessment while setting up the app.

Best Overall App for Tracking Every Type of Workout

MyFitnessPal has the largest food database of any app and pairs it with macro and exercise tracking. It’s not a workout app on its own, but combined with a workout program, it gives you the calorie precision needed to maintain a deficit. Below, we break down how the leading weight-loss fitness apps compare, what features matter most, and how to choose the right one for your goals, schedule, and budget. You’ll find the usual collection of nightly health data, but packaged nicely with straightforward scores. The Zepp Coach can help build workout plans tailored to your abilities, while food logging is more straightforward than on other apps.