The best free and paid fitness, workout, and nutrition apps
App stores offer a wide variety of different options for both training and nutrition purposes, along with apps that combine both. As the features offered by each app can vary widely, how can you find the app that best matches your needs?
Apps can be divided roughly into three different categories:
- Trackers, which are apps used to keep track of your meals, workouts, or daily step count.
- Apps that offer the users traditional, pre-prepared training programs or individual workouts to complete at the gym or at home.
- Apps with AI-customized contents that take into account the user’s goal, level of experience, and progress, for example.
Whether you are a beginner or a hardened workout expert, achieving your desired results typically requires a combination of the right training and meals. You can choose between using two separate apps or a single app that combines a proper diet with workouts that support your progress.
Find the best app for your personal needs
Training
Nutrition
Tracker
FitPeak
Best overall & training
4.5/5
4/5
5/5
Yazio
Best nutrition
4.5/5
3/5
Centr
3.5/5
2/5
Fatsecret
4/5
2.5/5
Fitify
2.5/5
Fiton
3.5/5
3/5
Freeletics
4/5
Jefit
2.5/5
Best overall & training score
Comprehensive app for any fitness enthusiast
FitPeak creates customized workouts using AI, but it also includes a vast selection of handmade training programs you can browse based on venue. The app offers an extensive range of workouts to do at the gym, at home, or outside and a few running programs. FitPeak is different from its competitors in that the programs offered by the app are suitable for both beginner as well as more experienced fitness enthusiasts. One unique example of this are the fitness and bodybuilding training programs designed for competition use.
Sustained progress through customized programs
The app creates the user a customized training program to follow at the gym or at home. Once the user completes their program, the app creates a new one, thus enabling sustained progress and eliminating the hassle of finding your next training program. The app also includes a wide selection of premade programs that adapt based on the user’s progress, unlike many other apps. You can also use the app to create your own, even complex training programs.
Nutrition program based on actual consumption
On the nutrition side, FitPeak is not as extensive in terms of food databases, but its features and customization options ensure that it can still beat apps specifically developed for this purpose, such as FatSecret or Yazio. The app can even customize the user’s recipes to correspond to their macronutrient targets. FitPeak creates a nutrition program based on the user’s actual daily consumption.
Extensive features create a well-functioning ensemble
In addition to the training and nutrition features, FitPeak also includes overall consumption and GPS tracking. The app is compatible with, for example, Apple Health and Apple Watch, which means that the information stored there can be accessed by the app, thus allowing you to track your overall consumption. Combined with the extensive nutrition features and the versatile reporting tools, this app is a solid option for anyone interested in tracking their workouts and nutrition.
At the time of writing, FitPeak is completely free to use and does not even display ads in the app.
FitPeak pros and cons
Training
4.5/5
- Training programs based on the user's background and goals
- Workouts adapt based on progress
- Workout intensity varies and progresses based on the program
- Extensive range of premade workouts to do at the gym, at home, and outdoors
- Users can follow a training program or track their own workouts
- Option to customize the training program or workout frequency
- App prepares a weekly plan to follow
- Option to create personal programs
- Tracking the progress of each muscle group
- Add any exercise to the app
- Utilizing the extensive range of features requires a concerted effort from the user
Nutrition
4/5
- Calories adapt based on consumption
- Option to store personal recipes
- Free recipe bank
- You can replace or modify recipe ingredients
- Meal-specific calorie and macronutrient recommendations
- Water consumption tracking
- Shopping list feature
- Size of the ingredient bank
- Recipe bank more limited than those of competitors
- No barcode scanner
Tracker
5/5
- Overall consumption tracking
- Consumption affects the calorie recommendations
- Gps tracking
Best nutrition score
Counting calories with an extensive recipe bank
Yazio is a calorie counting app with a truly extensive recipe bank that sets it apart from the competition. The recipe bank includes options for different meals and various nutrition programs ranging from fasting to cleansing programs.
The app also allows the user to add individual ingredients, store recipes, and access a bank of premade recipes. Other features include a barcode scanner, water consumption tracking, and shopping list.
Calorie counting based on actual consumption
Different activities can also be added to the app manually, and the app can be connected with the Apple Health and Google Fit platforms, for example. Whichever activities you add, the app will use them to adapt your daily recommended intake of calories based on consumption.
The app calculates the user’s daily calories and macronutrients based on their basic information and distributes them over different meals. Yazio’s other basic features, such as food logging and macronutrient and calorie counting, are also available in the free version. A paid membership is however required for many additional features, the most important of which is access to the recipe bank.
Solid counter with some day-to-day usability issues
Yazio is a very decent calorie and macronutrient counter that accounts brilliantly for actual consumption. The app looks nice and offers browsable contents and new ideas for the kitchen.
In terms of usability however, Yazio does have some issues, as it does not allow the user to replace ingredients used in the recipes, for example. This comes up constantly when using the app in day-to-day life. You also cannot adjust the recipes based on the packaging sizes of ingredients, which would be quite handy in everyday use.
Yazio pros and cons
Training
0/5
- Option to add individual activities
- The app does not include training programs and instead requires a second app for training.
Nutrition
4.5/5
- Calories adapt based on consumption
- Extensive recipe bank
- Option to store personal recipes
- Option to add meals using individual ingredients (also using barcodes)
- Water consumption tracking
- Shopping list feature
- Does not allow the user to replace or modify recipe ingredients
- Many features are restricted to the paid version
Tracker
3/5
- Overall consumption tracking
Comprehensive guidance
Centr is probably one of the best-known training apps. It differs from its competitors in that it offers the user meditation combined with training and nutrition. The app features a very extensive range of workouts, each of which includes optional guidance. Most of the workouts can be completed without equipment, but the app does also offer some options for building muscle mass if the user has access to dumbbells, barbell, and weight bench. However, Centr is not really designed for gym use.
7 training days per week
The app provides the user a premade weekly schedule, which ensures that even beginners can get started with the app. The fact that the schedules include 7 training days each week may pose a challenge to many, and can even be a bit much for more experienced workout enthusiasts.
The workouts are of a high quality and the app offers a near-endless supply. The user can choose the intensity of each workout to match their preferred level, but the app does not offer other customization options. The workouts do not adapt to the user’s progress, and the app does not advise the user on which workout they could skip in their weekly routine if seven days of training per week seems excessive.
No calories, just changing recipes
Centr’s nutritional program offers the user a selection of three recipes each day, along with a selection of recipes for snacks or sweet treats. If the user does not like one the recipes, it can be replaced. The app does not however include the option of adding your own dishes or editing the existing recipes, which means that a bit of effort is required from the user to follow the daily recipes. The recipes do not specify the caloric content per portion, which means that the app is more of a recipe library than a calorie counter.
Solid option, higher price
Centr is a good choice for both beginners and more experienced at-home training enthusiasts who want a clear, ready-made weekly program that includes both food and workouts and are prepared to follow it. Centr is also significantly more expensive than its competitors, which means that it is not a fitting solution for those looking for a cheap or free application. The app is not really suitable for tracking workouts or calories, but it does provide a very solid option for creating complete programs and weekly routines.
Centr pros and cons
Training
3.5/5
- Extensive, high-quality selection
- Complete workouts with or without guidance
- Premade weekly routine
- Choose how challenging you wish the workouts to be
- Workouts do not adapt to the user’s progress
- Workouts cannot be modified
- No option to create personal workouts
- No option to enter other exercise information
Nutrition
2/5
- Wide selection of nutrition programs with recipes
- Creates a weekly list of recommended recipes
- Recipes cannot be modified
- Recipes do not include calorie tracking
- Following the weekly program requires commitment
Tracker
0/5
- No overall consumption tracking
- No calorie counter for the nutrition programs
Calorie tracking and community features
FatSecret is a calorie counting app that sets itself part from the competition with it truly extensive ingredient bank and simple user interface. The communal aspect of the app also makes it different from others. Users can add ingredients and recipes to the app and share them with others. The community feature allows for more extensive content, but also increases the room for error, as the recipes are not created by professional.
The app includes all basic features you would expect from a calorie counter, which means that it allows you to add individual ingredients for meals, store personal recipes, and use premade recipes. Unlike many other apps, FatSecret does not distribute the daily calories over different meals but instead provides a daily recommended intake, which the user has to allocate throughout the day as they best see fit.
The app claims that it is 100% free of charge, but many features are in fact locked behind a paid membership. A paid membership is, for example, required to access to recipes and a meal planning feature.
Limited connection between features
The additional features of the app include a barcode scanner, weight tracker, water consumption tracker, and a shopping list function. The app also includes a feature that allows the user to take a photo of their food, which the app uses to calculate the calories contained by the product or dish. The functionality of this feature is quite limited and adding ingredients manually is probably easier.
The app allows the user to add activities manually and it can also be connected with Apple Watches and the Google Fit and Samsung Health platforms for automatic syncing. It should be noted that consumed calories are only used for display purposes and do not affect the recommendations.
Simple solution for calorie tracking
FatSecret is a decent basic food tracker. In terms of features, it does come second best to other apps (for example, Yazio and FitPeak), but it is still a good option for users who want a simple and free app they can use to add ingredients and keep track of calories and macronutrients.
Fatsecret pros and cons
Training
0/5
- Option to add individual activities
- The app does not include training programs and instead requires a second app for training.
Nutrition
4/5
- Extensive ingredient bank
- Easy to use and add entries to
- An extensive recipe bank created by the community
- Option to store personal recipes and ingredients
- Shopping list feature
- Water consumption tracking
- No meal-specific calorie recommendations
- No meal-specific macronutrient recommendations
- Poor reporting options
Tracker
2.5/5
- Overall consumption tracking
- Consumption does not affect calorie recommendations
Simple solution for adaptive at-home training
Fitify sets itself apart from the competition by offering a simpler app that is particularly suited for beginners. The app uses a preliminary survey to create a training program for the user, which is added automatically to their calendar. The programs are primarily based on bodyweight exercises, but users can add equipment they have at home to included exercises using said equipment in their training program.
The weekly progress of the training program varies in intensity, which provides variety and progression for the training. The workouts adapt to the user’s progress as the program proceeds. The app offers both a program created specifically for the user and a largish selection of supplementary workouts. The programs offered by the app are quite simple, which makes it a good fit for beginners, but also means that it may not offer enough challenge to intermediate or experienced exercise enthusiasts in particular.
Personal training programs, limited adjustment options
The app allows the user to create their own training programs, but with a limited set of tools. For example, the time specified for each exercise included in a workout is the same and the app does not offer the option of specifying repetitions, which makes the functionality too limited for many users.
Simple workouts for beginners
The app may be second best in terms of quality, but it does offer a solid and simple solution for those whose primary goal is to begin working out at home. This app is probably not a good fit for more experienced users.
Fitify pros and cons
Training
2.5/5
- Easy to use
- Workout intensity varies and progresses based on the program
- Option to create personal programs
- App prepares a weekly plan to follow
- Limited options for creating personal training programs
- Quite simple premade programs
- No option to enter other exercise information
Nutrition
0/5
- The app does not include nutrition features and instead requires a second app for tracking consumption.
Tracker
0/5
- No overall consumption tracking
Versatile selection of individual at-home workout sessions
FitOn offers an extensive selection of at-home workouts and exercises, unlike many of its competitors primarily for free and the app is designed specifically for women. All workouts can be completed with guidance by an instructor. Based on a preliminary survey, the app offers the user a wide selection of recommended exercises including options ranging from HIIT workouts to Pilates. The user can choose from the list of workouts and begin training at a their desired time. All the training sessions are however individual and separate from each other, which means that the app does not offer a continuous program that progresses over time.
A paid membership offers the user, among other things, a nutrition program, unlimited workout downloads for offline use, and the option connect the app with some sports watches.
Recipe tips without calorie counting
The 12-week nutrition program included in the Pro membership provides recipes for each day. However, the recipes cannot be adjusted nor do they display the amount of calories. The recipes are useful for adding variety in the kitchen, or if you are prepared to follow them exactly using the specified ingredients. If you wish to keep track of your consumed calories, the Pro membership does not provide added benefits.
Alternative to group fitness classes
FitOn is a good fit for working out at home if you wish to begin exercising regularly or maintain your basic fitness, as the app does not offer any real options for improving physical strength. The extensive workout selection included in the app also provides a good at-home alternative to group fitness classes. Like many competitors, FitOn does not offer programs that adapt to the user’s progress, which means that it is not really suitable for pursuing long-term goals based on your fitness level. All features offered by the app are static and offer little to no adjustment options. This is another reason why more experienced users may find the app quite limited.
Fiton pros and cons
Training
3.5/5
- Plenty of guided exercises available free of charge
- High-quality guided workout videos
- Provides a list of recommended workouts you can easily choose from
- The recommended workouts a separate sessions that do not form a program
- Workouts do not adapt to the user’s progress
- Workouts cannot be modified
- No option to create personal workouts
- No option to enter other exercise information
Nutrition
3/5
- A selection of nutrition programs with recipes available for an additional charge
- Recipes cannot be modified
- Recipes do not specify calories
Tracker
0/5
- Workout-specific consumption tracking
- No overall consumption tracking
- No calorie counter for the nutrition programs
Customized programs for at-home training
Freeletics focuses particularly on workouts you can complete at home without any equipment, but the app also includes programs designed for running. There is also a strength training option that uses dumbbells, kettlebell, or barbell for resistance, but the app is not really designed for actual gym training.
The free version offers a small selection of individual workouts and a range of warmup and stretching routines. The actual customized training programs can only be accessed with a paid membership, which also offers the users a wider selection of other workouts.
Number of training days adapts to everyday life
The customized program is based on the user’s weekly routine. The user can select the number of training days per week, but training time is specified automatically by the app. All programs can be completed with guidance. If you are unable to complete the chosen number of workouts for the week, the app will reduce the number of sessions and increase the intensity, which is a nice feature for anyone whose weekly training days may vary. The workouts adapt each time based on the user’s personal progress.
The paid membership also enables integration with, for example, Apple Health, Apple Watches, and Spotify.
Nutrition program in a separate app
The Freeletics nutrition program is available through a different app, which has to be purchased separately, and the two apps do not share information with each other. The nutrition app is closer to a recipe book than a nutrition program. If you wish to keep track of your calories and record your meals, this app does not really provide any added benefits.
No focus on muscle mass but a solid selection of at-home workouts
Freeletics is suitable for everyone. The app works best for users with little or some exercise experience, who are interested in training without equipment or using a few items they have at home, but who do not have far-reaching goals in terms of muscle building or weight training.
Freeletics pros and cons
Training
4/5
- Training programs based on the user's background and goals
- Workouts adapt based on progress
- Number of workout sessions can be modified
- High-quality guided workout videos
- Easy to use
- Workouts do not include warmup or cooldown sections
- Workouts cannot be modified
- No option to create personal workouts
- No option to enter other exercise information
Nutrition
0/5
- The app does not include nutrition features and instead requires a second app for tracking consumption.
Tracker
0/5
- No overall consumption tracking
For more experienced gym users for tracking training and progress
Jefit is different from other available apps in that it is specifically designed for more experienced gym users and works particularly well as a tracker. The app also offers a solid tool for creating personal training programs.
The app features an extensive selection of static gym workouts that do not adapt to the user’s progress. The premade programs are quite short, which means that significant changes are unlikely to occur during them. The app also offers a selection of at-home workouts, which allow the user to add training outside the gym. All the offered programs can be modified if there is an exercise or section that does not appeal to the user. Each exercise also includes animated instructions. The chosen programs are added automatically to the calendar for the chosen training days, which makes following the routine easier.
Almost all features are available in the free version, but in this case the user has to sit through a lot of ads. The ads can be removed by purchasing a membership. The most useful feature offered by the paid membership is the option to access more extensive reports, which can be used, for example, to track muscle-specific progress as the training proceeds.
Jefit is a good choice if you are looking for a tracker to use at the gym and are already familiar with gym training. The app is also a solid option if you want to access premade gym programs free of charge and would maybe like to supplement your training with at-home workouts but do not have significant goals in terms of progress.
Jefit pros and cons
Training
2.5/5
- Extensive selection of premade gym training programs and a wide variety of exercises
- Selection of at-home workouts
- Creates a weekly training routine
- Exercises include clear animated instructions
- Tracking the progress of each muscle group
- Option to create personal programs
- No option to enter other exercise information
- Training programs do not adapt to the user’s progress
- Not suitable for those new to gym training
- Slightly confusing interface
Nutrition
0/5
- The app does not include nutrition features and instead requires a second app for tracking consumption.
Tracker
0/5
- Workout-specific consumption tracking
- No overall consumption tracking
