Which Workout App Should You Use in 2026?
Honest, feature-by-feature comparison. No sponsored placements, no affiliate bias — just what each app actually does well and where it falls short.
Quick Answer
Just want to log workouts for free?
→ Hevy
Generous free tier, fast logging, social community. Hard to beat at $0.
Beginner who wants AI to suggest workouts?
→ Fitbod
Good for getting started when you don't know what to do. Exercise variety keeps things fresh.
Experienced lifter who wants clean, fast logging?
→ Strong
Best iOS-native logging UX. Beautiful design, excellent Apple Watch app.
Serious lifter who wants the app to program around recovery?
→ Iridium
Adapts every set in real time, builds fully personalized workouts, and handles nutrition — the coach approach, not the logbook approach.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Iridium | Fitbod | Hevy | Strong |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Set Adaptation | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personalized AI Workouts | Full — recovery-aware | Freshness-based | Adaptive (Hevy Trainer) | None — manual |
| Custom AI Instructions | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Nutrition Tracking | ✅ Built-in with barcode scanner | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Volume Landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV) | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ Sets per muscle | ❌ |
| Per-Muscle Recovery Tracking | ✅ | ⚠️ Load-based freshness | ❌ | ❌ |
| Apple Watch App | ✅ Companion — log, rest timer, plates | ✅ Companion | ✅ Watch + Wear OS | ✅ Excellent |
| Progressive Overload Guidance | ✅ AI-driven | ✅ Automatic | ⚠️ In Hevy Trainer | ❌ |
| Workout Logging Speed | Fast | Moderate | Very fast | Very fast |
| Social Features | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Community feed | ❌ |
| Free Tier | Trial | Trial only | ✅ 4 routines free | ⚠️ 3 routines |
| Cross-Platform | ❌ iOS only | ✅ iOS + Android | ✅ iOS + Android | ✅ iOS + Android |
The Details
Iridium
Recovery-aware AI coaching
Serious lifters who want the app to program around their recovery
Free trial, then subscription
iOS, Apple Watch
Fitbod
AI workout variety
Beginners who want AI to suggest exercises
$15.99/mo or $95.99/yr
iOS, Android, Apple Watch
Hevy
Social workout logging
People who want free tracking + social accountability
Free (4 routines), Pro $2.99/mo
iOS, Android, Watch, Web
Strong
Minimalist logger
Lifters who want the cleanest logging experience
Free (3 routines), Pro $4.99/mo
iOS, Android, Apple Watch
Ready to train smarter?
Iridium builds fully personalized workouts, adapts every set in real time, and tracks nutrition — all steered by an AI coach you control.
Download Iridium for iOS