- The Handbook Team researched 30 health and fitness apps and tested 10 of them.
- We evaluate each platform by cost, ease of use, accountability, types of workouts available, training plan options, access to personalized coaching, any required equipment, and safety.
- We also conducted multiple surveys and focus groups of participants using online personal trainers and weight loss programs to determine what is most important to our audience.
- Testers used each online personal training app for two weeks and recorded their thoughts and observations on the experience.
- We regularly update our content because we are continually testing new platforms and keeping pricing and services up to date.
- Learn more about how we tested online personal trainers.
Key takeaways
- Future is our pick for best personal trainer platform because of its highly personalized workout plans, ease of use, and large selection of coaches. No equipment is required, and the cost is comparable to—or less than—what you’d pay for an in-person trainer.
- The cost of online personal trainers in this review ranges from $15–$200 per month, with the higher-priced options generally offering more personalized features.
- Our Handbook Team researched multiple platforms, conducted surveys and focus groups with people who use online personal trainers, and hands-on tested each platform’s features to create our list of the best online personal trainers.
Regular physical activity has been found to improve mental health and sleep quality, and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. But according to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 1 in 4 adults get enough physical activity. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends moderate-intensity physical activity for all healthy adults for a minimum of 30 minutes each day for five days of the week, and two days that include strength maintenance or building. But it can be difficult to start an exercise routine that sticks.
This is where workout apps and online personal trainers may be a good starting point. If you’re having trouble self motivating and you want outside motivation and encouragement from a personal trainer, but prefer working out at home, an online personal trainer could be a great option.
The best online personal trainer platforms take into account your fitness level, the equipment you already have, and your schedule—at a price that you can afford. With so many online personal trainers available, ranging from live one-on-one coaching to coaching by text to AI-driven programs, there is a lot to consider.
To help narrow down your choices, our team spent hundreds of hours researching and testing online trainer platforms. Here are our top five picks.
Best Online Personal Trainer Overall
Future earns our top pick for best overall due to its high level of personalization, coach selection, and bonus features like video messaging and coach feedback.
5 best online personal trainers of 2024
- Future: Best overall
- Noom: Best for weight loss
- Caliber: Best for strength training
- iFIT: Best for variety
- FlexIt: Best for beginners
Future: Best overall
Why Future is our pick for best overall
Future earns our top pick for best overall due to its high level of personalization and coach selection. Bonus features like video messaging and coach feedback set Future apart from other online trainers we’ve tested. Additionally, with Future, you’re always in control of the intensity, duration, and frequency of your workouts—a feature that can help you stay committed to your health goals.
Who may like Future: People seeking an online personal trainer that offers a structured yet flexible workout plan, along with ongoing support and motivation from your coach.
Who may want to avoid Future: People looking for an online personal trainer who provides real-time feedback or live classes.
Future tester and user insights
Our testers found the Future app straightforward and easy to navigate. They like being able to choose from a variety of coaches with different backgrounds, and say it was easy to change coaches as needed.
We were also pleased with the timeliness of the responses when our testers messaged their coaches between sessions. “I could text my trainer in between sessions with quick responses,” says one tester, adding, “If I missed a workout, my trainer checked in to see if I needed a schedule adjustment.”
One drawback we noticed is that your trainer can’t watch you work out, so you won’t get the real-time movement guidance that you would from an in-person trainer, meaning that you might not be in proper form, which could lead to inefficiency at best, and injury at worst. However, our testers were able to record themselves working out and send it to their trainers for feedback on their form.
Starting at $199 per month, Future is more expensive than some other workout apps we’ve tested, but it may be more affordable than hiring an in-person personal trainer, who, according to some estimates, charge as much as $100 for one hour-long session.
From one of our Future testers:
“Switching coaches was a breeze. My old trainer provided my new one with notes about my workout preferences, making it easy to pick up right where we left off.”
Read our in-depth Future review for more information.
Noom: Best for weight loss
Why Noom is our pick for best for weight loss
Noom, named best overall in our review of the best weight loss programs, is our pick for the best personal trainer for weight loss. We appreciate Noom’s whole-body approach, which focuses on nutrition, exercise, and behavior change—factors that have been clinically proven to improve weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. We also love that it pairs personalized coaching with tools to help you establish and maintain healthy habits for long-term success.
Noom includes daily interactive lessons about nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness, as well as tracking tools for food and exercise to keep you engaged.
Who may like Noom: Anyone looking for a comprehensive weight loss program that prioritizes nutritional education and behavioral changes while providing basic workouts and exercise tracking tools.
Who may want to avoid Noom: People looking for personalized fitness guidance and people who want to maintain or gain weight, or have a history of an eating disorder, may want to use a different platform.
Noom tester and user insights
Overall, our Handbook Team had a good experience with Noom. Our testers like the app’s user-friendly interface, daily lessons, and simple recipes. They also like that physical exercise is gradually incorporated into the plan, and they appreciate the focus on behavioral changes, which wasn’t found with some of the other weight loss programs we’ve tested.
“The exercise expectations are reasonable,” notes one tester. “For example, they say they recommend walking 10,000 steps daily, but they start you off with a goal of 3,000 [daily] steps.”
Noom coaches aren’t required to be registered dietitians, so they can only provide basic nutritional advice and motivation. During testing, our testers found it difficult to have real-time conversations with their coaches, but when they did reply, their feedback was personalized to the tester and the coaches used positive, encouraging language.
From one of our Noom testers:
“I appreciate the tips for how to add extra steps into your routine—the tips are realistic and don’t require too much additional effort.”
In our September 2023 survey of Noom users, most participants reported a positive experience with the platform. However, several participants said they felt that the daily weigh-ins and color-coded food system was not sustainable long-term and led to a negative relationship between food and body dissatisfaction. As a result, we don’t recommend Noom for anyone with a history of eating disorders.
Read our in-depth Noom review for more information.
Caliber: Best for strength training
Why Caliber is our pick for best for strength training
We chose Caliber as best for strength training because it offers full-body workout plans, nutrition coaching, and lessons on strength training and healthy eating. The program utilizes progressive overload, a type of strength training that is designed to gradually increase the intensity of your workout to improve strength and muscle growth.
Caliber also stands out for its approach to progress tracking by using two specialized metrics: strength score and strength balance. These metrics measure your strength and how well-balanced you are so that you can have a clear picture of your starting score and see measurable progress in your muscular development and strength.
Who may like Caliber: Anyone interested in a structured, personalized program that focuses on strength training and nutritional habits to support muscle growth and overall fitness.
Who may want to avoid Caliber: With plans that include personalized support starting at $200 per month, Caliber may not be the best choice for someone on a tight budget.
Caliber tester and user insights
Exercise and nutrition play important roles in muscle growth. We appreciate that Caliber serves as both an online personal trainer and nutritionist, creating personalized diet and workout regimens tailored to your health goals and dietary needs.
Plans start at $600 for a three-month coaching program, which includes a one-time strategy call with your trainer, a personalized workout and nutrition plan, and unlimited messaging. If you’d like more frequent interactions, you can upgrade your plan. A three-month program that includes monthly strategy calls costs $800, and a three-month plan with weekly strategy calls costs $1,400.
We realize this can be quite an investment for a lot of people. One of things we like is Caliber’s 30-day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out for you.
If you’re unsure about committing financially to Caliber, you can try the basic free version of Caliber’s app first. The free version allows you to design your own workout routines using the video-based exercises available in Caliber’s exercise library. If you want more structure, you can upgrade to Caliber Plus, which costs $12 per month, or $6 per month if billed annually, and unlocks access to coach-created workout plans and a library of educational content.
iFIT: Best variety
Why iFIT is our pick for best variety
iFIT offers 60 workouts to choose from and thousands of live and on-demand classes taught by experienced personal trainers, making it our top pick for online personal trainers with the best variety of workouts. Our testers say they like that the app provides cardio and strength exercises in addition to balance and stretching exercises like yoga and tai chi, which are all key components of a well-rounded fitness routine. The app connects with most major health apps, like Apple Health and Google Fit, and with several popular brands of workout equipment, for seamless tracking of your workouts and progress.
Who may like iFIT: People seeking variety in their online fitness routine. It’s also great for those on a budget, as it is the most affordable exercise app in our review.
Who may want to avoid iFIT: People who want live support and accountability from a personal trainer may want to choose a different platform.
iFIT tester and user insights
iFIT software is commonly built directly into fitness equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers, from well-known brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, and Freemotion, though you don’t need these machines to use iFIT exercises. With the iFIT Train membership, which starts at just $15 per month, you can use the iFIT app to complete strength, cardio, and high-intensity workouts from virtually anywhere.
We love that iFIT Train has a 30-day trial period to give users the chance to try it out. Our testers found the app easy to navigate, and they say the workouts are of good-quality.
One of our testers had some initial difficulty signing up, noting that the Pro membership, which is designed for people who own the compatible equipment, was the only option they could find on the website. Because we knew from our research that iFIT also has the Train membership plan, we used the website’s chat option to ask an iFIT customer support agent about it. They told us that the Train option is not available through the website and that they (the customer service agent) would have to manually add the Train membership to our cart. The agent also falsely told us that there wasn’t a monthly payment option—only a yearly plan for $180.
Our tester’s experience with the app was different, however. When they signed up for a membership through the app, they got a free month trial and the option to pay $15 per month. For that reason, if you are interested in trying iFIT, we recommend purchasing a membership through the iFIT app on your smartphone or tablet instead of through the website.
FlexIt: Best for beginners
Why FlexIt is our pick for best for beginners
We chose FlexIt as best for beginners because it has a simple, straightforward interface that allows you to work with live, personal trainers who can give real-time feedback and personalized guidance.
Who may like FlexIt: People who are new to fitness and want a personalized training plan with live support during their workouts.
Who may want to avoid FlexIt: People on a tight budget and people who want more than 12 sessions each month.
FlexIt tester and user insights
FlexIt offers live, personal training and nutrition coaching through both its app and website. We love that you can choose your own coach, and that coaches have bios and intro videos to help you get a feel for who may be a good fit for you. FlexIt has several different membership options to accommodate different budgets and health goals.
You can choose a monthly plan of four, eight, or 12 sessions, and sessions are available in 30, 45, and 60-minute durations. You can schedule sessions with one coach or with multiple coaches if you want to change things up. Pay-as-you-go plans start at $176 for four 30-minute sessions ($44 per session). Monthly plans start at $159.60 for four 30-minute sessions with unlimited messaging between sessions. Monthly plans require a two-month commitment.
For those who prefer less frequent interactions but still want a personalized workout plan, you can consider trying FlexIt’s Connected Training plan. For $75 per month, you get 16 customized workouts (four per week), a 30-minute virtual session with a trainer to review your goals and progress, and unlimited messaging with your trainer for ongoing support.
How we test and choose the best online personal trainers
To better understand online personal trainers, we surveyed 600 people and hosted a focus group with real users who were currently using online personal trainers and weight loss programs. To narrow down the best online personal trainers, we researched 30 of the most popular apps and websites and tested 10 of them ourselves, spending hundreds of hours learning the pros and cons of each one.
When our testers sign up for an online personal training platform, they use the platform for two weeks. During this time, they:
- Complete the signup process and any onboarding questionnaires.
- Get matched with or choose a personal trainer or workout coach.
- Create a personalized workout plan during an initial consultation.
- Complete and track workouts for two weeks.
- Connect with personal trainers for feedback and support between or during workouts.
- Use any additional features on the app, including online forums, educational content, or recipes and meal recommendations.
- Contact customer service with questions.
We then chose the best online personal trainers by comparing the platforms by cost, ease of use, accountability, types of workouts available, training plan options, access to personalized coaching, any required equipment, and safety.
Learn more about our healthy living review methodology.
How do online personal trainers work?
Online personal trainers connect people with fitness professionals who create customized workout plans and provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support—similar to an in-person personal trainer but from the comfort of home.
The process generally begins with an initial consultation, where the trainer/coach will ask about your personal fitness goals, your health status, any physical limitations or recent injuries, and the equipment you have available. Depending on your goals, the trainer may ask for your current body fat and muscle mass percentages so that these metrics can be tracked over time. In some cases, a trainer may require your doctor’s clearance for physical activity, especially if you have a history of heart or lung disease, or any other condition that could be exacerbated by exercise.
Following the consultation, your trainer will create a personalized workout plan with the best exercises for your unique needs and preferences.
Depending on the platform, once the plan is in place you’ll be able to access training sessions, audio instructions, video demonstrations, educational materials, messaging, and tools to monitor your progress through the platform’s app or website. You may also be able to access nutritional information, like foods suggested for optimal health, meal plans, and recipes.
While most online fitness coaches cannot watch you work out in real time, they can often provide feedback on your form if you record and upload videos of yourself performing exercises. Trainers are usually available through video or messaging check-ins to answer questions, provide advice, and give support and motivation, and will adjust your workout plan based on your progress.
How to choose the best online personal trainer for you
The services and features offered by online personal trainers can vary greatly. If you’re unsure of what to look for in an online personal trainer, consider the following factors.
- Cost: The cost of personal training apps varies based on the features, how many sessions are offered, and the level of support that’s available.
- Current fitness level: When choosing an online personal trainer, consider your fitness level. Some online personal trainer programs are geared toward beginners, while others are designed with more advanced routines for intermediate and advanced users.
- Personalization and interaction: Lower-priced online personal training programs often provide limited or no real-time interaction with a trainer and may use algorithms to create your workout plans. In contrast, higher-priced apps often offer customized workout plans and interactions with trainers through live video consultations, messaging between sessions, and real-time feedback on your form, resulting in a more personalized experience. Depending on the platform and your preferences, personal trainers may provide frequent check-ins to help keep you motivated and on course.
- Areas of expertise: It’s best to spend a little time doing some background research on the trainers you’re interested in, such as their certifications, experience, and what they specialize in, whether it’s building muscle, strength training, functional fitness, or losing weight.
- Equipment required: Before choosing a program, you’ll want to consider the type of equipment you might need—which will depend on your fitness goals. Most online personal trainers will work with the equipment you already own, even if it’s just tennis shoes. However, some programs may require specialized shoes (such as for running), weights, exercise mats, resistance bands, or access to larger gym equipment.
Compare the best online personal trainers of 2024
| Monthly cost | $199 | $70 | $200 | $15 | $160 ($40/session) |
| Best for | Best overall | Weight loss | Strength training | Variety | Beginners |
| Compatible devices | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, desktop |
| Workouts offered | Personalized strength and cardio routines | Generic exercises via the app | Customized strength and cardio routines | Strength training, cardio, yoga, meditation | Strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, meditation |
| Equipment needed | None | None | None | None | None |
Our final verdict
Our overall top pick for the best online personal trainer is Future, which impressed our testers with its ease of use, quality coaches, and high level of flexibility and personalization. While a Future membership can be a large investment, it may be more convenient and affordable than leaving your home to work with an in-person trainer.
We recommend Noom for weight loss and building healthy habits, Caliber for strength training, and FlexIt for live sessions with real-time feedback. For those looking for a variety of workout classes and options at an affordable price, we recommend looking into an iFIT Train membership.
The best choice for you ultimately depends on your budget, lifestyle, and health goals. We recommend consulting your health care provider before beginning any new exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health issues or have not exercised in a long time.
Frequently asked questions
It’s a good idea to consider the level of personalization you want from an exercise app or website, as it can vary greatly among platforms. You’ll want to select one with programs that align with your fitness level, workout preferences, and budget.
When choosing an online personal trainer, do some background research on the trainers you’re interested in, such as their certifications, experience, and what they specialize in. Depending on the platform and your preferences, personal trainers may provide frequent check-ins to help keep you motivated and on course, or they may be available for questions in-between sessions. Choose the trainer (or trainers) who most closely aligns with your support needs and fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, building strength, or losing weight. And don’t be afraid to change trainers if you’re not feeling it with one. In the end, it’s your comfort and health that are most important for sticking to a sustainable exercise plan.
If you’re looking for an online personal trainer who develops a workout routine tailored to your needs, you can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $200 or more per month.
Whether an online personal trainer will work for you depends on many factors, but this type of exercise plan may be especially useful for people who are able to self-motivate, stick to a consistent exercise schedule, and ask questions when they need help. Many online training platforms include tracking features to measure your progress and encourage you to stay consistent.
Preventing exercise-related injuries is an important part of being able to stick to a consistent routine and avoid disrupting your progress. We recommend choosing an online trainer that can give real-time feedback on your form, or that provides video demonstrations to teach proper form.
- World Health Organization. Physical Activity. Link
- American College of Sports Medicine. Physical Activity Guidelines. Link
- Medline Plus. Working with a Personal Trainer. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and National Institutes of Health. Link
- Olateju, I.V., Ogwu, D., Owolabi, M.O., Azode, U., Osula, F., Okeke, R., & Akabalu, I. (2021, September 18). Role of Behavioral Interventions in the Management of Obesity. Cureus, 13(9): e18080. Link
- Plotkin, D., Coleman, M., Every, D.V., Maldonado, J., Oberlin, D., Israetel, M., Feather, J., Alto, A., Vigotsky, A.D., & Schoenfeld, B.J. (2022, September 30). Progressive Overload Without Progressing Load? The Effects of Load or Repetition Progression on Muscular Adaptations. PeerJ, 10: e14142. Link
- American Heart Association. Balance Exercise. Link