8 best free fitness apps on Android and iOS

Most fitness apps will incentivize upgrading to a paid tier to access all the features; some premium apps, like Peloton, have quietly retired their free membership program for new users. Anyone who’s never tried a fitness program should always sample it before buying. There’s no answer to a perfect fitness app or best fitness tracker (or at least one that fits like a glove); as it turns out, everyone has their own goals and preferences for receiving lessons, training, and setting up routines. However, not all fitness apps operate on the same basis; some apps respect your time and budget, while others do not. So, this is why we’ve created a list focusing on the best apps for free fitness training and workouts on Android and iOS.

1 Nike Run Club

Best free runner app

The Nike Run Club app allows you to track your next run conveniently. It includes a GPS to record your distance, pace, elevation, and calories; inside the Nike Run Club app, you will find guided runs, community challenges, and training plans. While there are many runner-focused apps, the best part about the Nike Run Club app is that it is free; its UI is also clean and easy to navigate, and you don’t have to worry about paywalls being an obstacle while exploring the app. Overall, the Nike Run Club app provides all the tools to focus on cardio without any need to open up your wallet.

Download Nike Run Club on the App Store

2 Strava

Downloading the Strava app prompts you to create a free account, which will ask questions about your activities/interests. The app also lets you connect with friends who use Strava, a nice social perk to help you stay motivated and work toward your goals. The app does ask you to start a free trial after signing up, but you can safely ignore it. After finishing the preliminary setup steps, the Strava app will bring up options for connecting to other devices, which include Garmin, Samsung, Fitbit, and more. Inside the app, you will see a maps section, a record button, groups, and your profile. While in the Maps sections, you can explore mapped out routes, but be aware that customizing your own requires paying. You’ll want to visit the record button whenever you plan to walk, run, hike, cycle, and partake in other sports.

The only limitation of the Strava app is that it does not provide hands-on instructions for your activities. The app assumes you already know what you’re doing, and if you’re a beginner, this may not be the case. You will also face a paywall if you want a more in-depth progress report since the free version only measures distance, time, and elevation. It’s a handy app, especially if your fitness plans involve running or hiking.

Download Strava on the App Store

3 Freeletics: Fitness Workouts

A great fitness app for those on a budget

Freeletics: Fitness Workouts offers all the tools you need for bodyweight-focused workouts. You receive guided training and video demonstrations to help you get started. Most of the exercises in the app don’t require equipment, so if you’re trying to get in shape while on a budget, the Freeletics app would be an excellent one to try. Another perk of using the app is that the community is built-in, so you can connect with other like-minded users to keep you motivated. The only downside of using the Freeletics app on the free tier is that your Daily Athlete Score profile is locked, and training plans require a subscription. Otherwise, the Freeletics: Fitness Workouts app does well for what it offers.

Download Freeletics: Workout & Fitness on the App Store

4 FitOn

Well-rounded free workout app

When you’re looking for workout-focused apps, FitOn becomes a top choice. It does require signing up for an account, and there is a premium subscription you can pay for, but there are still plenty of free options to explore. What’s nice about FitOn as a free option for fitness is how non-intrusive the app structure is; you do not encounter ads while experiencing the app. The app also lets you freely browse trainer tips for workout, nutrition, fitness, and self-care. You can also receive hands-on instructions for workouts. The only limitation is you cannot register for any courses without subscribing.

Download FitOn on the App Store

5 5 Minute Yoga

A great Yoga app for beginners

The 5 Minute Yoga app doesn’t offer comprehensive Yoga workouts compared to the Daily Yoga app. However, it is still an excellent app for beginners (especially if you plan to improve your flexibility). If you’re using the 5 Minute Yoga app as a quick workout, it has plenty to offer in its free tier; you can see all the free features by navigating to the dedicated “What’s free” option in the main menu. Inside the app, you will find Yoga exercise challenges (that change on rotation) with instructions and a customizable timer. While exploring the Daily tab, you will also find sessions (even free ones) labeled by date.

The 5 Minute Yoga UI is also slightly basic, and the audio sounds are limited to three tracks only. Also, if you’re seeking more advanced Yoga workouts, it is better to upgrade to the paid version. Overall, the 5 Minute Yoga app provides great fitness training for beginner Yoga enthusiasts looking for shorter workouts; plus, it isn’t filled with ads, which is always a plus.

Download 5 Minute Yoga on the App Store

6 Map My Fitness

Excellent built-in GPS tracking for cardio

Map My Fitness is developed by Under Armour, which created one of our favorite pedometer apps, Map My Walk. Opening the Map My Fitness app will require signing up for an Under Armour account; the app will ask you to optionally subscribe to receive personalized reports on workout stats and special rewards, but you can opt out and stay within the free version. Inside the app, you will find challenges, activity measurements (distance, pace, calories burnt), a dashboard (summarizes weekly performances and mileage), and a place to track workouts (inside the dashboard). Map My Fitness also allows you to sample new workouts and build a routine; you will only encounter a paywall if you add heart rate to your tracked stats and join a training program. Otherwise, you can explore the workout routines to improve your daily fitness, all for free. The app’s workout routines and the ability to log workouts make this one of the better free apps on this list.

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The only con about the Map My Fitness app (which applies to most apps on this list) is that you’re forced to provide personal information whenever you create an account; you also need to give consent (for data processing and collection) before you can access the rest of the app.

Download Map My Fitness on the App Store

7 adidas Running

A fine tool for new runners

Like other app entries on this list, the adidas Running app uses a freemium model (and supports ads). The free version includes access to an activity tracker logging distance, calories, and average pace, a community tab showing challenges, events, a leaderboard, a progress tab for logging your activity and training plans, and your profile. You must also create an account to access the app and answer your questions regarding fitness goals. Another bonus is that the Adidas Running app integrates with several smartwatch brands, like Garmin and Amazfit.

The only downside of the free version is you don’t get direct access to advanced stats, track achievements, and use a customizable training plan. It also locks you out of having the ability to create your own high-intensity workout, which means the adidas Running app’s free version might be too limited for more advanced runners. Otherwise, adidas Running’s library has plenty of resources to train you for your next marathon.

Download adidas Running: Walk & Run on the App Store

8 Caliber

Good library for strength training

Caliber requires an account and answering a survey (ten questions) before accessing the app. It also gives you the option to sync to Google Fit. The Caliber app follows the Caliber Method to see results in fitness goals; it is designed to show continuous progression as you begin working out. The app lets you log workouts and follow a progress chart. It also includes an extensive exercise library to fall back on if you’re struggling.

Though Caliber faces some problems as a free workout app, it still offers some nice benefits thanks to its extensive library. The app is also free from ads, but unfortunately, it comes at a cost, as it operates exclusively on a freemium model. The app will ask you to subscribe to Caliber Plus to unlock the full app (though it does include a 7-day free trial), but you can safely ignore it if you’re fine using the app’s bare minimum features. Otherwise, it is difficult to justify this app being higher on this list when half of its features are hidden behind the subscription.

Download Caliber on the App Store

Get help with your fitness

Improving your fitness benefits your overall health, including your physical and mental well-being. We often don’t know where to start, so we turn to fitness apps for guidance. But it doesn’t mean all fitness apps are created equally, which is why we’ve selected a strong lineup of free apps to try out before opting for the premium experience. However, to make the most out of these apps, you may want to consider purchasing a smartwatch specialized in fitness. That way, you can have a reliable metric to see your training progress.