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
Only app that tracks per-muscle recovery, volume landmarks, AND nutrition. The coach approach, not the logbook approach.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Iridium | Fitbod | Hevy | Strong |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Workout Generation | Full — recovery-aware | Basic — exercise rotation | None — manual | None — manual |
| Per-Muscle Recovery Tracking | ✅ | ⚠️ Surface-level | ❌ | ❌ |
| Volume Landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Nutrition Tracking | ✅ Built-in with barcode scanner | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Apple Watch App | ✅ Full — log, rest timer, plates | ❌ | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Excellent |
| Progressive Overload Guidance | ✅ AI-driven | ⚠️ Weight suggestions | ❌ | ❌ |
| Workout Logging Speed | Fast | Moderate | Very fast | Very fast |
| Social Features | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Community feed | ❌ |
| Free Tier | Trial | Trial | ✅ 3 routines free | ⚠️ Limited |
| Cross-Platform | ❌ iOS only | ✅ iOS + Android | ✅ iOS + Android | ❌ iOS only |
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
$12.99/mo or $79.99/yr
iOS, Android
Hevy
Social workout logging
People who want free tracking + social accountability
Free (3 routines), Pro $4.99/mo
iOS, Android
Strong
Minimalist iOS logger
iOS users who want the cleanest logging experience
Free (limited), Pro ~$4.99/mo
iOS, Apple Watch
Ready to train smarter?
Iridium is the only app that programs around your recovery, tracks your volume landmarks, and handles nutrition — all in one place.
Download Iridium for iOS