HipTrain vs Future: live coaching or app coaching?

Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this page, and we're one of the two options on it. So yes, we're biased. We've kept every fact about Future to what Future publishes, and you'll find our sources at the end.

The short answer

Choose Future if you like to work out on your own time, follow a plan in an app, and check in with a coach by text. Choose HipTrain if you want a real coach with you, live on video, for every workout, at a time you book. HipTrain also costs less: from $59.49 a month (about $14 a session) compared with Future's $199 a month. Future has far more reviews and a longer track record, and that matters too.

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 your calendar. Many people go from sign-up to their first session in under a day.

Then you meet your coach on video at the time you booked. They watch your form, adjust exercises as you go, and keep you moving. It's the same coach every session. If it's not a fit, we rematch you. You don't need a gym or any equipment, and you can join from your phone, tablet or computer. Between sessions, you can chat with your coach in the app, and you can reschedule anytime.

• 30-minute or 60-minute sessions, 1 to 3 times a week
• Coaches are vetted and certified, with specialties like strength, mobility, Pilates, stretching and rehab training
• First session free, no credit card needed

One member put it this way: "Miranda is highly professional. I am 68 years old, she is VERY patient with me. Most importantly, I am making progress." (Douglas Hendrick, Google review). You can meet Miranda here.

How Future works

Future describes itself as "Personal training, reimagined." You're paired with a coach who builds your workouts, and you do them on your own in the Future app. You stay in touch with your coach by text. Future does not advertise live video sessions.

Future costs $199 a month. Your first month is $50, and if you prepay for 12 months the price drops to $149 a month. Future offers a 30-day full refund. You can also pay with HSA or FSA dollars through its partner, Truemed.

Future is well known. It has a 4.87 rating from 10,714 ratings on the US App Store, and Garage Gym Reviews names it "Best Overall" in its online personal trainer roundup.

When Future might make sense

• You want to work out whenever you like, without booking a set time.
• You're comfortable doing workouts alone and mainly want a plan and someone to check in by text.
• You'd feel better with a very large, well-reviewed company. Future has thousands of ratings; we have 29 on the App Store.
• You like the idea of a 30-day refund window and a $50 first month.

Pricing compared

Here is the monthly math, using each company's 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.
• Future: $199 a month, $50 for the first month, or $149 a month if you prepay for a year.

So one live 30-minute session a week with HipTrain ($59.49) costs about $140 less a month than Future's standard plan ($199). Even three live sessions a week ($179.99) comes in under Future's monthly price. Over a year, Future's prepaid plan is $1,788 ($149 x 12). HipTrain at one 30-minute session a week is $713.88 ($59.49 x 12).

To be fair, the two aren't the same product. Future's price covers a coach and app programming you do on your own. HipTrain's price covers live time with a coach. See all our plans on the pricing section.

Where HipTrain isn't the right fit

We'd rather you pick the right thing than pick us. HipTrain asks you to show up at a scheduled time, on camera. If that sounds stressful, an app like Future may suit you better. We also have far fewer reviews than Future (29 App Store ratings against more than 10,000), and a smaller group of coaches. We don't advertise nutrition coaching or a big on-demand workout 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 your schedule changes every day and you'd rather train whenever, pick Future.
• If you're on a tighter budget but still want a real coach, pick HipTrain (from $59.49 a month).
• If you like a big app with lots of reviews behind it, pick Future.
• If you're returning to exercise and want patient, hands-on guidance each time, pick HipTrain.
• If you're confident training alone and just want a plan plus accountability, pick Future.

Questions

Is Future live?

Future does not advertise live video sessions. Its coaching happens through programmed workouts in the app and texting with your coach. HipTrain sessions are live, 1-on-1 video, every time.

Can I use HSA or FSA money?

Both, in different ways. HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible (here's how it works). Future accepts HSA and FSA through Truemed. Check your own plan before you buy, since rules vary.

Is there a free trial?

HipTrain's first session is free, and you don't need a credit card. Future offers a $50 first month and a 30-day full refund.

Which is cheaper, HipTrain or Future?

HipTrain. Plans start at $59.49 a month, and even our 3-a-week, 30-minute plan ($179.99) costs less than Future's $199 a month. Future's prepaid annual plan is $149 a month. If you're also weighing other apps, see HipTrain vs Trainwell or Future alternatives.

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

• https://www.hiptrain.com/
• https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hiptrain-personal-training/id1598403186
• https://future.co
• https://faq.future.co/en/articles/12073382-membership-plans-pricing
• https://www.truemed.com/shop/partners/future
• https://www.garagegymreviews.com/best-online-personal-trainer