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

Logging workouts isn't glamorous, but it's the single habit that separates sporadic gym-goers from long-term progress. The right app makes tracking reps, sets, weight, and cardio effortless — and gives you the insights to actually improve. This guide compares the best workout tracking apps available in 2025, explains how we tested them, and shows how to choose and migrate without losing your training history.

How to read this list

I tested each app across real workouts (strength, hypertrophy, and conditioning), evaluated features against common needs (offline use, data export, wearable support), and ranked usability for beginners through advanced lifters. Use the quick “Best for” notes to jump to the app that matches your goals.

Top picks: Best workout tracking apps at a glance

• Strong: Best for weightlifters who want fast logging and plate math

• FitNotes: Best free, lightweight tracker for straightforward logging

• Trainerize: Best for coach-client workflows and program delivery

• Strava: Best for outdoor cardio and community-driven tracking

• Jefit: Best for extensive exercise library and routine templates

• MyFitnessPal: Best when nutrition and exercise need to be tracked together

• Fitbod: Best for AI-driven workout suggestions and recovery-aware plans

Each of the apps above has pros and cons depending on whether you prioritize simple logging, coaching features, or deep analytics. Below you'll find concise reviews and a practical buying guide.

1. Strong — Quick gym logging with robust strength features

Key features

• Fast set-by-set logging for barbell and machine lifts

• Plate calculator and 1RM estimates

• Workout history, PR tracking, and volume summaries

• Apple Watch support and CSV export (premium)

Pros: Extremely fast workflow for tracking heavy compound lifts; excellent plate loading helper.
Cons: Limited programming features unless you use templates; some advanced exports behind paywall.

Pricing: Free tier with basic logging; premium subscription for advanced analytics and cloud sync.

Best for: Lifters who want to move quickly between sets and keep a clean workout history.

2. FitNotes — Minimal, free, and dependable

Key features

• Local-first storage (works offline)

• Simple UI for logging reps/sets/weights and notes

• Export to CSV, customizable exercise list

Pros: Totally free and reliable offline; low battery impact.
Cons: No cloud backup by default (export recommended); limited wearable integration.

Pricing: Free (one-time donation APK available on some platforms).

Best for: Users who prefer a no-frills tracker and don’t need social features.

3. Trainerize — Best for coaches and remote training

Key features

• Coach dashboards, client programming, video demonstrations

• In-app messaging, session scheduling, and payments integration

• Integrates with fitness devices and nutrition tracking

Pros: Powerful coach-client workflow and accountability tools.
Cons: Can be expensive for solo coaches; more complex setup.

Pricing: Tiered plans for coaches; client apps often free or included with coach subscription.

Best for: Personal trainers and coaches delivering programming and tracking multiple clients.

4. Strava — Community and cardio leaderboards

Key features

• GPS-based running/cycling tracking with segments and leaderboards

• Social feed, challenges, and integration with many wearables

• Route planning and performance trends

Pros: Great community features and motivation through segments.
Cons: Strength logging is limited; battery-intensive during GPS use.

Pricing: Free with premium subscription for advanced metrics and route planning.

Best for: Outdoor runners and cyclists who enjoy social competition.

5. Jefit — Templates and a big exercise library

Key features

• Extensive exercise database with animations

• Pre-built programs, routine templates, and logging tools

• Export features and progress photos

Pros: Excellent for users who want structured programs and visual guides.
Cons: Interface can feel dated; free tier contains ads.

Pricing: Free basic plan; premium removes ads and unlocks cloud sync.

Best for: Users who prefer guided programs and a large exercise library.

6. MyFitnessPal — Best when you want nutrition and workouts together

Key features

• Food diary and macro tracking paired with exercise logging

• Large food database and barcode scanner

• Integrations with several workout apps and wearables

Pros: Industry-leading nutrition database and easy syncing with training apps.
Cons: Strength tracking and advanced workout analytics are basic.

Pricing: Free with premium subscription for advanced nutrition features.

Best for: Anyone prioritizing calorie/macro tracking alongside workouts.

7. Fitbod — AI-driven programming with recovery awareness

Key features

• Algorithms that generate workouts based on past lifts, available equipment, and recovery

• Adaptive progression and session-level fatigue considerations

• Integrates with Apple Health and wearable data

Pros: Great for lifters who want suggested workouts tailored to recovery and equipment.
Cons: Less manual control for advanced lifters who prefer custom programs.

Pricing: Subscription required for full features.

Best for: Users who want an intelligent assistant to generate progressive workouts.

How we tested: methodology and practical checks

Testing focused on real-world use rather than only feature lists. Each app was evaluated on:

• Logging speed and accuracy (how fast to record a set)

• Data integrity (CSV export and import, cloud sync reliability)

• Offline behavior (can you log without internet?)

• Wearable integrations (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin)

• Battery impact during use (GPS and background sync)

• Privacy and export options (what happens to your data?)

We ran sets of compound lifts, accessory work, and a cardio session for each app over a 4-week period. Where possible, we tested import/export between apps and checked how easy it was to restore data.

What to look for when choosing the best workout tracking app

Essential features

• Fast logging workflow: The app should let you log sets in 2–3 taps.

• Reliable progress metrics: PRs, weekly volume, and progression charts.

• Export and backup: CSV export and cloud backup prevent data loss.

• Offline capability: Crucial if your gym has poor cell service.

• Exercise library and customization: Ability to create custom exercises and supersets.

Advanced features that matter

• Wearable integration: Apple Watch or Wear OS support for hands-free logging.

• Coaching tools: Program sharing, coach dashboards, and client management.

• Automation: Plate calculators, 1RM and AMRAP estimators, and rest timers.

• Social features: Challenges and leaderboards (helpful but optional).

Privacy and data ownership

Check the app’s privacy policy for data retention, third-party sharing, and exportability. Prefer apps that let you export complete workout history in CSV and delete your account with data removal.

Pricing considerations

Free apps are excellent for basic logging. If you want analytics, device sync, or AI-driven programming, expect a subscription in the $3–$15/month range. Evaluate whether the app unlocks features you’ll actually use — a powerful AI program is only useful if you follow it.

Use-case recommendations: best apps by training style

• Powerlifting: Strong or Fitbod (plate math, PR focus)

• Bodybuilding: Jefit or Trainerize (structured programs and exercise libraries)

• CrossFit/conditioning: Wodify or SugarWOD (WOD logging and timers)

• Running/Cycling: Strava or Runkeeper (GPS, segments, routes)

• Beginner: FitNotes or Strong (simple interfaces)

Migration tips: switch without losing your history

1. Export from your current app: Look for CSV or JSON export in settings.

2. Clean the data: Open CSV in a spreadsheet, standardize exercise names and units.

3. Import: Use the new app’s import tool if available, or bulk-create exercises and paste historical rows where supported.

4. Keep backups: Save your exported files to cloud storage and local drives.

If your chosen app lacks native import, export CSV and keep it as an archival record. Some apps — especially newer ones — offer transfer tools or customer support assistance if you ask.

Privacy, security, and offline concerns

• Offline-first apps (like FitNotes) keep data local until you explicitly export. This minimizes cloud exposure but increases risk of data loss unless you back up.

• Cloud-first apps offer sync and restore but read their privacy policy: some may share anonymized usage data with partners.

• Two-factor authentication and OAuth-based logins (Apple/Google) add security. Check whether the app stores raw health data in third-party analytics services.

Advanced features to ask about before subscribing

• Does the app support supersets/circuits and timed rounds?

• Can you record form check videos and attach notes to sets?

• Does it calculate 1RM and weekly training volume automatically?

• Are there coaching integrations or APIs for third-party tools?

• How long is training history retained on free vs. paid plans?

Common troubleshooting and quick fixes

• Missing workouts after reinstall: Restore from cloud sync or import CSV backups.

• Duplicate exercises after import: Use the app’s rename/merge tool or export, dedupe in a spreadsheet, and re-import.

• GPS drift during runs: Try toggling high-accuracy location in device settings or use a connected watch for better GPS.

• Battery drain: Disable background GPS, reduce sync frequency, or use the app only during workouts.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best free workout tracking app?

For simplicity and offline reliability, FitNotes is often the top free choice. Strong offers a more polished UI with a useful free tier, though advanced features require premium.

Can I export my workout history if I switch apps?

Most reputable apps offer CSV export. If you plan to switch, export before deleting the old account and keep a copy in cloud storage.

Do any apps track recovery or fatigue?

Yes — Fitbod and some advanced platforms use workout history and wearable data to suggest loads based on recovery. These tools estimate fatigue but don’t replace professional guidance.

Will tracking my workouts actually make me stronger?

Tracking helps you implement progressive overload and spot plateaus. Recording sets, weights, and effort level (RPE) makes adjustments clearer and progress measurable.

Where to learn more and get templates

• If you want training guides and program ideas, check out Setgraph’s training resources: Setgraph Training Guide | Maximize Your Workout.

• For practical workout tips and articles that complement tracking, see Fitness & Workout Tips | Setgraph.

• If you’re evaluating apps and want user reviews for specific tracking workflows, refer to Setgraph App Reviews (2025): User Ratings for Tracking Sets, Reps & Workouts.

• For updates and new features across trackers and apps, Setgraph’s news page can be helpful: Setgraph News | Discover New Features & Updates.

• To explore an app that focuses on simple gym logging and clean design, visit the Setgraph homepage: Setgraph - Workout Tracker Gym Log App.

Final recommendations: choose based on your priorities

• If you want speed and minimal friction: choose Strong or FitNotes.

• If you need coaching features: Trainerize or Jefit are better suited.

• If outdoor cardio and social motivation matter: Strava.

• If nutrition and exercise need to be unified: MyFitnessPal.

• If you want smart, recovery-aware programming: Fitbod.

Whatever you choose, prioritize apps that let you export history and offer an offline option. Spend two weeks using an app consistently — that will tell you more than reading a dozen feature lists.

Tracking your workouts is simple habit architecture: log honestly, review progress monthly, and adjust load. The right app should reduce friction, not create it. Pick one that matches your workflow, back up your data, and let the numbers guide the grind.

Appendix: quick comparison checklist

• Logging speed: 1–5 (1 fastest) — Strong (1), FitNotes (1), Jefit (2)

• Offline support: FitNotes (excellent), Strong (limited offline), Strava (poor offline GPS)

• Export options: Strong, Jefit, FitNotes (CSV available)

• Best for coaches: Trainerize

• Best for community: Strava

If you want help choosing between two apps based on your exact routine (powerlifting, PPL, CrossFit, or marathon training), tell me your weekly schedule and priorities and I’ll suggest the best fit and migration steps.

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