Ladder is a low-cost team workout app with a coach in your ear. HipTrain is a live coach on video, just for you. Here is how to choose.
Full disclosure: this page was written by HipTrain, one of the two services it compares. We're biased, so we've kept every fact about Ladder to what Ladder publishes, with links at the end.
Choose Ladder if you want an affordable workout app with a coach's voice guiding you through programs you do on your own. Choose HipTrain if you want a real coach watching you, live on video, just for you. Ladder costs less: $29.99 a month or $179.99 a year, against HipTrain's $59.49 a month to start. The difference is what you get: a shared team program versus 1-on-1 time with your own coach.
HipTrain is live, 1-on-1 personal training on video. You answer a two-minute questionnaire, and we match you with a coach who fits your goals and your schedule. Sign-up to first session can happen in under a day.
At each session, your coach is right there with you. They see how you move, adjust exercises if something doesn't feel right or feels too easy, and cheer you on. You see the same coach every time, and if it's not a fit, we rematch you. No gym or equipment needed. Join from a phone, tablet or computer, chat with your coach between sessions, and reschedule anytime in the app.
"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)
Ladder's message is "Stronger, not smaller." You join a team program in the app and follow along with workouts on your own time, with a coach's audio in your ear guiding you. It's a shared program, not 1-on-1 coaching, and it does not include live video sessions with a personal coach.
Ladder costs $29.99 a month or $179.99 a year. It offers a 7-day free trial, and you don't need a card to start. Ladder does not list HSA or FSA as a payment option.
Ladder is very popular. Its app has a 4.95 rating from 203,880 ratings on the US App Store, and it has run a campaign with Hilary Duff.
Here are the published prices side by side.
Ladder is cheaper, plain and simple. HipTrain's starting plan ($59.49) costs about $30 a month more than Ladder's monthly plan, and about $44 more than Ladder's yearly plan works out to. Over a full year, Ladder's annual plan is $179.99, and HipTrain at one 30-minute session a week is $713.88 ($59.49 x 12).
What the extra money buys is a coach who is live with you, watching your form and changing the workout to fit your body that day. HipTrain is also HSA / FSA eligible, which can lower your real cost if you have pre-tax health dollars. See all plans in our pricing section.
If you're happy training alone and want the lowest price, Ladder is the better deal. HipTrain also asks you to show up at a booked time, on camera, which doesn't suit everyone. We have far fewer reviews (29 App Store ratings against Ladder's 203,880) and a small coach roster. We don't advertise nutrition coaching or a big on-demand workout library, and we don't offer in-person sessions.
No. Ladder's workouts are team programs you do on your own, with a coach's audio guiding you. It is not 1-on-1. HipTrain sessions are live video with your own coach.
HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible (learn more). Ladder does not list HSA or FSA. Check your own plan's rules before you buy.
Yes, for both, and neither needs a card. Ladder gives you 7 days free. HipTrain gives you your first live session free.
Ladder. It's $29.99 a month or $179.99 a year. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month, for one live 30-minute session a week with your own coach. Comparing other coaching apps? See HipTrain vs Future or affordable online personal trainers.
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.