HipTrain vs Fitbod: a live coach or an AI workout planner?

Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this page, and we're one of the two options on it. So yes, we're biased. Every fact about Fitbod comes from Fitbod's own site or its App Store listing, and our sources are at the end.

The short answer

Choose Fitbod if you're comfortable in a gym or with home equipment and want an app that plans your strength workouts for you, for little money. Choose HipTrain if you want a real coach, live on video, who watches your form and adapts each session as you go. Fitbod costs $15.99 a month or $95.99 a year. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month (about $14 a session). Fitbod is the cheaper planner; we're the live coach.

Side by side

How HipTrain works

HipTrain is live personal training over video. You answer a two-minute questionnaire, and we match you with a coach who fits your goals and calendar. Many people go from sign-up to a first session in under a day.

Then you meet your coach on video at your booked time. They watch how you move, fix your form, swap exercises that don't feel right, and keep you going. It's the same coach every session, and if it isn't a fit, we rematch you. No gym or equipment is needed. Between sessions, chat with your coach in the app and reschedule anytime.

• 30-minute or 60-minute sessions, 1 to 3 times a week
• Vetted, certified coaches with specialties like strength training, weightlifting, mobility and stretching
• First session free, no credit card needed

"I joined HipTrain a couple of months ago and am already so much stronger. I work with Felipe twice weekly, and he is great: super enthusiastic, supportive, always has a new set of exercises to challenge me." (Emily G., Google review)

How Fitbod works

Fitbod is a workout planning app. It uses what it calls "a science-backed, proprietary algorithm" to build "fully customized workouts based on your goals, fitness level, and available equipment." Your plan updates as you progress, and the app tracks your lifts and which muscles need recovery. Its App Store listing says pro trainers are available by email for strength training questions. There are no live sessions.

Fitbod costs $15.99 a month or $95.99 a year, after a 7-day free trial. It runs on iOS and Android and works with Apple Watch and Fitbit. Fitbod says subscriptions "may be eligible" for HSA and FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your provider. It holds a 4.8 rating from about 287,000 ratings on the US App Store.

When Fitbod might make sense

• You already know your way around a gym and mostly want someone to plan sets, reps and weights.
• Budget comes first. The annual plan works out to about $8 a month.
• You want to train whenever you like, with no booked time.
• You'd like the comfort of an app with hundreds of thousands of ratings. We have 29.

Pricing compared

Here's the monthly math using published prices.

• HipTrain, 30-minute sessions: $59.49 a month for 1 a week, $119.99 for 2 a week, $179.99 for 3 a week. About $14 a session.
• HipTrain, 60-minute sessions: $109.99 a month for 1 a week, $219.99 for 2 a week, $319.99 for 3 a week. About $25 a session.
• Fitbod: $15.99 a month, or $95.99 a year (about $8 a month).

Fitbod is clearly cheaper. Over a year, Fitbod's annual plan is $95.99, and one live 30-minute session a week with us is $713.88 ($59.49 x 12). You're paying for different things. Fitbod plans your workouts and leaves the doing to you. A live coach watches your form, which many beginners and people returning to exercise find helpful. Some people use both: a weekly live session to learn the moves, and an app on the other days. For more on coaching costs, see our online personal trainer cost guide.

Where HipTrain isn't the right fit

We'd rather you pick what works for you. HipTrain asks you to show up at a set time, on camera. If you want full control and a plan you follow on your own, Fitbod fits better. We have far fewer reviews than Fitbod and a smaller group of coaches. We don't advertise nutrition coaching or a big on-demand library, and we don't offer in-person sessions.

Who should pick which

• If you want someone watching your form in real time, pick HipTrain.
• If you're an experienced lifter who just wants smart programming, pick Fitbod.
• If you're new to strength training or nervous about getting it wrong, pick HipTrain.
• If you want the lowest monthly price, pick Fitbod.
• If you need someone to keep you showing up each week, pick HipTrain.

Questions

Does Fitbod have real trainers?

Fitbod's workouts come from its algorithm. Its App Store listing says pro trainers are available by email for strength questions, but there are no live sessions. HipTrain sessions are live, 1-on-1 video with the same coach.

Can I use HSA or FSA money?

Fitbod says subscriptions "may be eligible" with a Letter of Medical Necessity. HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible (here's how it works). Rules vary, so check your plan.

Is there a free trial?

HipTrain's first session is free, no card needed. Fitbod offers a 7-day free trial.

Which is cheaper, HipTrain or Fitbod?

Fitbod is cheaper. It costs $15.99 a month or $95.99 a year, and our plans start at $59.49 a month for four live sessions. Comparing more apps? See HipTrain vs Future or the best online personal training.

Want to see if live coaching fits you? Try your first HipTrain session free. No credit card needed.

We checked pricing and features for every service here in October 2026. They change often, so double-check before you sign up.

Sources

• HipTrain
• HipTrain on the App Store
• Fitbod
• Fitbod FAQs
• Fitbod HSA/FSA
• Fitbod on the App Store