The Best Fitness Apps for Android, iOS and Apple Watch in 2025

Why Workout Tracking Actually Matters

You've probably heard the saying "what gets measured gets managed." When it comes to strength training, this couldn't be more accurate. Without tracking your workouts, you're essentially flying blind—guessing at weights, forgetting how many reps you hit last week, and wondering why your progress has stalled.

The right workout tracker app does more than just log numbers. It becomes your training partner, helping you identify patterns, push past plateaus, and stay accountable to your goals. After testing 15 different fitness tracking apps over three months, I've learned that the best ones share a few key traits: they're fast to use mid-workout, they help you see progress clearly, and they don't get in the way of actually lifting.

This guide breaks down the top workout tracking apps available in 2025, from simple gym log apps perfect for beginners to comprehensive strength training platforms for advanced lifters. Whether you're following a structured program or just trying to remember what you did last leg day, there's an app here that fits your needs.

How We Tested These Workout Tracker Apps

I didn't just download these apps and browse their features. Each one was tested during actual gym sessions over a 12-week period, tracking everything from basic compound lifts to accessory work. Here's what I evaluated:

Speed and usability during workouts: Can you log a set in under 10 seconds? Does the app work smoothly when your hands are sweaty? These practical concerns matter more than fancy features you'll never use.

Progress tracking capabilities: How easy is it to see if you're actually getting stronger? The best apps make your progression obvious at a glance, not buried in confusing charts.

Flexibility for different training styles: Whether you follow a strict program or prefer intuitive training, the app should adapt to your approach—not force you into a rigid structure.

Offline functionality: Your gym's WiFi probably sucks. The app needs to work without internet and sync later.

Data export and portability: What happens if you want to switch apps or the company shuts down? Your workout history should be yours to keep.

According to blog.dalm.co, the fitness app market has exploded with options, making it harder to identify which ones actually deliver value versus those with flashy marketing.

Quick Comparison: Top Workout Tracking Apps

[INFOGRAPHIC: Comparison table showing app names, pricing (free/paid tiers), platform availability (iOS/Android/Web), primary focus (strength training/general fitness/running), offline capability, and overall rating]

Best Workout Tracking Apps: Detailed Reviews

Setgraph: Built for Lifters Who Value Speed

Setgraph stands out for one simple reason: it's the fastest app to use during an actual workout. When you're between sets with limited rest time, you don't want to navigate through multiple screens or wait for animations to finish.

The app's core philosophy is refreshingly simple. You create exercises once, then access them whenever you need to log sets. You don't need to pre-plan workouts or follow a rigid structure—though you can if that's your style. This flexibility makes it perfect for both structured program followers and intuitive lifters who decide what to do when they arrive at the gym.

Key features that matter:

• Swipe to log sets without opening the exercise (saves precious seconds)

• Smart Plates feature calculates plate loading automatically

• Rest timer with Live Activity support on iOS

• Full set history accessible from any workout

• AI workout generator for personalized plans

• Exercise notes for form cues and program instructions

The app organizes exercises by most recently completed by default, so movements you haven't done in a while naturally rise to the top. For lifters running specific splits like Push/Pull/Legs, you can create separate workouts while still accessing the same exercise history across all of them.

What makes Setgraph particularly valuable is its understanding that not everyone tracks the same way. Some users only log personal records. Others track every single set. The app accommodates both approaches without forcing you into a specific methodology.

Pricing: Free version includes core features; Pro subscription ($4.99/month) adds advanced analytics and unlimited workouts.

Strong: The Minimalist's Choice

Strong has earned its reputation as one of the most popular workout tracker apps, and for good reason. With over 1.2 million downloads and mentions in CNBC and The Verge, it's proven itself in the market.

The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to start logging workouts immediately. You can create custom routines, track your progress over time, and view detailed exercise history. The app excels at the basics without overwhelming you with features you don't need.

However, Strong's free version is quite limited. You can only track three workouts, which becomes restrictive if you run a varied program. The Pro subscription removes this limitation and adds features like plate calculator and cloud backup.

Best for: Lifters who want a proven, straightforward app and don't mind paying for full functionality.

JEFIT: Massive Exercise Library

JEFIT's standout feature is its enormous exercise database with detailed instructions and animations. If you're new to lifting or want to learn proper form, this library is incredibly valuable.

The app includes pre-made workout programs for various goals (strength, hypertrophy, fat loss) and allows you to create custom routines. The social features let you connect with other users, though this can feel gimmicky if you're just trying to track your lifts.

The interface feels dated compared to newer apps, and navigation can be clunky during workouts. The free version includes ads that can be distracting mid-set.

Best for: Beginners who need exercise guidance and don't mind a less polished interface.

Hevy: Social Workout Tracking

Hevy combines workout logging with social features, letting you follow friends, share workouts, and compete on leaderboards. If you're motivated by community and friendly competition, this approach works well.

The app itself is well-designed with smooth animations and an attractive interface. Logging workouts is straightforward, and the progress charts are easy to understand. The free version is generous, offering most core features without payment.

The social aspect is either a major selling point or completely irrelevant depending on your personality. If you prefer to train solo and focus on your own progress, these features add unnecessary complexity.

Best for: Social lifters who enjoy sharing progress and competing with friends.

Fitbod: AI-Powered Workout Planning

Fitbod takes a different approach by using AI to generate personalized workouts based on your goals, available equipment, and recovery status. The algorithm considers which muscles you've trained recently and adjusts recommendations accordingly.

This works well for people who don't want to think about program design. The app handles the planning, you just show up and follow the workout. However, this automation comes at a cost—both literally (it's subscription-only with no free tier) and in terms of flexibility.

Advanced lifters following specific programs may find Fitbod's AI suggestions interfere with their planned progression. The app works best when you fully commit to its methodology rather than trying to mix it with your own programming.

Best for: Intermediate lifters who want guided programming without hiring a coach.

Best App for Specific Use Cases

For Powerlifters and Strength Athletes

If your primary goal is getting stronger on the big three lifts (squat, bench, deadlift), you need an app that makes tracking progressive overload dead simple. Setgraph and Strong both excel here, letting you quickly see your previous numbers and aim to beat them.

Look for apps that prominently display your one-rep max (1RM) and make it easy to calculate percentages for percentage-based programs like 5/3/1 or conjugate training.

For Bodybuilders and Hypertrophy Training

Bodybuilding requires tracking volume (sets × reps × weight) across many exercises. Apps with good exercise organization by muscle group help ensure you're hitting everything adequately.

Hevy and JEFIT work well for bodybuilding splits, offering easy ways to organize exercises by muscle group and track total volume over time. The ability to add notes about pump, mind-muscle connection, or form adjustments becomes valuable when fine-tuning your training.

For CrossFit and Functional Fitness

CrossFit workouts often include varied movements, time domains, and scoring methods (AMRAP, EMOM, for time). You need an app flexible enough to handle this variety.

While most strength-focused apps struggle with CrossFit's complexity, some like JEFIT allow custom workout types. However, dedicated CrossFit apps like Beyond the Whiteboard or SugarWOD may serve you better if this is your primary training style.

For Complete Beginners

If you're new to working out, you need an app that won't overwhelm you with features while still teaching good habits. The AI workout generator in Setgraph can create a personalized plan based on your goals and available equipment, giving you a structured starting point.

JEFIT's exercise library with form videos also helps beginners learn movements correctly from the start.

For Runners and Endurance Athletes

While this guide focuses on strength training apps, runners need different features: GPS tracking, pace analysis, and route mapping. Strava dominates this category, offering robust free features for tracking runs and rides.

If you do both strength training and running, you'll likely need two apps or a comprehensive platform like MyFitnessPal that handles multiple activity types (though it excels at neither).

Key Features to Look for in a Workout Tracker

Speed of Logging

This is the most underrated feature. If logging a set takes 30 seconds, you'll either rush through it (entering inaccurate data) or extend your rest periods (compromising your workout). The best apps let you log a set in under 10 seconds.

Look for:

• Pre-filled data from your last set

• Swipe gestures for quick actions

• Minimal screen transitions

• Large, easy-to-tap buttons (your hands might be shaky after heavy sets)

Exercise History and Progress Visualization

Seeing your progress is what keeps you motivated. The app should make it obvious whether you're getting stronger, not require you to analyze spreadsheets.

Good progress tracking includes:

• Clear graphs showing weight progression over time

• Personal record (PR) tracking and notifications

• Volume calculations (total weight lifted)

• Estimated 1RM based on your working sets

• Comparison to previous workouts

Flexibility vs. Structure

Some apps force you into their methodology. Others let you do whatever you want. Neither approach is inherently better—it depends on your needs.

Structured apps work well if you:

• Follow a specific program (5/3/1, Starting Strength, etc.)

• Want the app to tell you what to do

• Prefer consistency and routine

Flexible apps work well if you:

• Auto-regulate based on how you feel

• Run multiple programs simultaneously

• Like to experiment with different training styles

Setgraph's approach of letting you organize exercises into workouts (or not) offers a nice middle ground.

Rest Timer Integration

A built-in rest timer seems like a small feature, but it significantly impacts your training. Switching between apps to use your phone's timer breaks your focus and makes it easy to rest too long.

The best implementations:

• Start automatically after logging a set

• Allow custom rest times per exercise

• Send notifications when rest is complete

• Let you log your next set directly from the notification

Plate Calculator

If you've ever stood at a barbell trying to figure out which plates to load for 275 pounds, you understand why this feature matters. Smart plate calculators tell you exactly which plates to add, accounting for the bar weight and what's already loaded.

This saves mental energy for the actual lifting.

Free vs Paid: What You Get at Each Price Point

The fitness app market has shifted heavily toward subscription models, but several apps still offer robust free tiers. Here's what you typically get at each level:

Free Tier Features

Most free versions include:

• Basic workout logging (with limitations)

• Exercise history (sometimes time-limited)

• Simple progress charts

• Pre-made workout templates

• Exercise library (often with ads)

Limitations to expect:

• Restricted number of workouts you can create (often 3-5)

• Limited exercise history (last 30-90 days)

• Ads between sets (incredibly annoying)

• No data export

• Basic analytics only

Mid-Tier Subscriptions ($5-10/month)

This price range typically unlocks:

• Unlimited workouts and exercises

• Full exercise history

• Ad-free experience

• Cloud backup and sync

• Advanced analytics and charts

• Plate calculator

• Custom rest timers

• Data export

Setgraph's Pro tier ($4.99/month) falls here, offering excellent value for serious lifters who need unlimited tracking without breaking the bank.

Premium Subscriptions ($10-20/month)

Higher-priced apps usually add:

• AI-generated workouts

• Personalized coaching

• Video form analysis

• Nutrition tracking integration

• Social features and challenges

• Priority support

Whether these features justify the higher cost depends on your needs. Most lifters don't need AI coaching if they already follow a program, making mid-tier subscriptions the sweet spot for value.

One-Time Purchase vs. Subscription

A few apps still offer one-time purchase options, though this model is dying. Subscriptions ensure ongoing development and server costs, but they add up over time.

Consider the long-term cost: a $10/month subscription costs $120 annually or $600 over five years. If you're committed to tracking long-term, apps with lower subscription costs or generous free tiers make more financial sense.

Integration with Wearables and Other Apps

Your workout tracker doesn't exist in isolation. It should play nicely with your other fitness tools and devices.

Apple Watch and Wear OS Support

A good smartwatch integration lets you:

• Log sets without pulling out your phone

• View your workout plan on your wrist

• Track heart rate during training

• Get rest timer notifications

• Control music playback

Setgraph offers Live Activity support on iOS, letting you see your rest timer on your lock screen and Apple Watch. This keeps your phone in your pocket while still tracking your workout.

Health App Synchronization

Most apps sync with Apple Health or Google Fit, sending your workout data to a central location. This matters if you:

• Use multiple fitness apps

• Want a comprehensive view of your health data

• Track other metrics (sleep, nutrition, steps)

• Use health data for insurance or wellness programs

Check whether the app syncs automatically or requires manual export.

Fitness Tracker Integration

If you wear a Fitbit, Garmin, or Whoop, you might want your strength training data to sync with these devices. However, most dedicated strength training apps don't integrate well with these platforms, which focus more on cardio and general activity.

Strava bridges this gap better than most, syncing with virtually every fitness device and platform. But it's not ideal for detailed strength training tracking.

Data Export and Portability

This is crucial but often overlooked. What happens if:

• You want to switch apps?

• The company shuts down?

• You want to analyze your data in Excel?

Look for apps that let you export your complete workout history in standard formats (CSV, JSON). Your training data represents years of work—you should own it completely.

Most paid tiers include export functionality, while free versions often lock this feature. This is one reason to consider paying for an app you use regularly.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Your workout data reveals a lot about you: when you're at the gym (and therefore not home), your physical capabilities, your health status, and your daily routines. Here's what to consider:

What Data Gets Collected

Workout apps typically collect:

• Exercise performance data (weights, reps, sets)

• Workout timing and frequency

• Location data (if GPS-enabled)

• Body measurements and photos

• Device information

• Usage patterns

How Your Data Gets Used

Read the privacy policy (I know, boring). Most apps use your data to:

• Improve their algorithms and features

• Generate personalized recommendations

• Create aggregate statistics

• Serve targeted advertising (free apps)

• Train AI models

Some apps sell anonymized data to third parties. If this concerns you, look for apps with clear privacy commitments.

Data Storage and Security

Questions to ask:

• Is your data encrypted in transit and at rest?

• Where are the servers located?

• What happens to your data if you delete your account?

• Can you request a complete data deletion?

• Has the company had any data breaches?

Apps that offer local-first storage with optional cloud sync give you more control over your data.

How to Choose the Right Workout Tracking App

With so many options, how do you pick? Here's a decision framework:

Start with Your Training Style

If you follow a structured program: Choose an app that makes it easy to input your program once and follow it consistently. Look for workout templates and program notes.

If you train intuitively: Pick an app that's fast to use and doesn't force you into pre-planned workouts. Setgraph's flexible approach works well here.

If you're a beginner: Consider apps with AI workout generation or extensive exercise libraries to guide your training.

Consider Your Technical Comfort Level

Some apps are incredibly simple (Strong, Setgraph). Others have steep learning curves with advanced features (JEFIT). Match the complexity to your preferences.

If you just want to log sets and see if you're getting stronger, don't overcomplicate it with an app designed for professional athletes.

Evaluate the Free Version First

Most apps offer free trials or free tiers. Use them for at least two weeks of actual training before committing to a subscription. Pay attention to:

• How quickly you can log sets during your workout

• Whether the interface makes sense to you

• If you actually use the features or ignore them

• How motivating the progress tracking feels

Think Long-Term

You're building a database of your training history. Switching apps later means losing context or spending hours manually transferring data.

Choose an app you can see yourself using for years, not just one with a flashy feature you'll stop using in a month.

Platform Availability Matters

If you might switch from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), choose an app available on both platforms. Web access is a bonus for viewing detailed analytics on a larger screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track workouts offline without internet?

Yes, most quality workout tracker apps work offline and sync your data when you reconnect. This is essential since many gyms have poor WiFi or are in basements with no signal. Setgraph, Strong, JEFIT, and Hevy all offer full offline functionality. Apps that rely heavily on AI features (like Fitbod) may have limited offline capabilities.

Which app is best for beginners with no workout plan?

For complete beginners, apps with AI workout generators provide the most value. Setgraph's AI planner creates personalized programs based on your goals, schedule, and available equipment. Fitbod also excels at this, though it requires a subscription. If you prefer learning exercises first, JEFIT's extensive library with form videos helps you build knowledge while tracking.

How do these apps track progressive overload?

Most apps track progressive overload by displaying your previous performance (weight, reps, sets) when you log a new workout. You can see at a glance whether you're lifting more weight, doing more reps, or increasing total volume. Better apps calculate estimated 1RM, track personal records automatically, and show progression graphs over time. The key is making this information visible during your workout, not buried in analytics you check later.

Can I import data from another workout tracking app?

Data portability varies significantly between apps. Some allow CSV imports, making it relatively easy to switch. Others lock your data in proprietary formats. Before committing to an app long-term, check whether it offers data export and what format it uses. If you're switching apps, you may need to manually recreate your workout templates, though your historical data might transfer via CSV.

Do I need to pay for a workout tracker app?

Not necessarily. Several apps offer robust free tiers that cover basic tracking needs. However, free versions typically limit the number of workouts you can create, include ads, or restrict your exercise history. If you're serious about training and plan to track long-term, a paid subscription ($5-10/month) removes these limitations and usually pays for itself in motivation and progress. Think of it as less than the cost of one protein shake per month.

Will these apps work with my Apple Watch or Fitbit?

Apple Watch integration is common among iOS workout apps, with varying levels of functionality. Some apps (like Setgraph) offer Live Activity support for rest timers and workout tracking. Fitbit integration is less common since Fitbit focuses on its own ecosystem. For the best wearable experience, check the specific app's compatibility with your device before subscribing. Most apps sync with Apple Health or Google Fit, which can then connect to various wearables.

What happens to my workout data if I stop paying?

This depends on the app's policy. Most apps retain your data but limit access to it—you can view recent workouts but not your full history. Some apps delete data after a certain period of inactivity. Before subscribing, check the app's data retention policy and whether you can export your complete history. Apps that offer data export give you insurance against losing years of training records.

Can I track bodyweight exercises and cardio?

Yes, though apps vary in how well they handle non-weighted exercises. Most strength training apps let you log bodyweight movements (pull-ups, push-ups, dips) by tracking reps and sets without weight. For cardio, you'll need to check if the app supports time-based or distance-based tracking. Dedicated running apps like Strava handle cardio better, so you might need separate apps for strength and endurance training.

Making Your Choice

The best app for tracking workouts is the one you'll actually use consistently. Fancy features don't matter if the app frustrates you mid-workout or takes too long to log a set.

For most lifters focused on getting stronger, Setgraph offers the best combination of speed, flexibility, and value. Its design philosophy—fast logging, flexible organization, and full exercise history—aligns with how people actually train in the gym. The free version covers essential features, while the Pro subscription ($4.99/month) unlocks advanced analytics without breaking the bank.

If you value social features and community motivation, Hevy provides a more connected experience. Beginners who need exercise guidance benefit from JEFIT's massive library. And if you want AI to handle all your programming decisions, Fitbod delivers personalized workouts (at a premium price).

The key is matching the app to your training style and goals. Download a few options, test them during actual workouts, and pay attention to which one feels natural. Your workout tracker should enhance your training, not complicate it.

Ready to start tracking your progress and finally see consistent gains? Try Setgraph free and experience what a workout tracker built by lifters, for lifters, actually feels like. No complicated setup, no forced methodology—just fast, flexible tracking that helps you get stronger.

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