HipTrain vs obé: a live coach or a class library?

Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this comparison, and we're one of the two options in it. We have a stake in your choice, so we've kept every fact about obé to what obé publishes. Sources are listed at the end.

The short answer

Choose obé if you want a huge library of workout classes to stream whenever you like, at a low monthly price. Choose HipTrain if you want a real coach with you, live on video, who watches your form and builds each workout around you. obé costs less: $24.99 a month, or $169.99 a year. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month for one live session a week. One thing has changed recently: obé's FAQ now says it no longer streams live classes.

Side by side

How HipTrain works

HipTrain is live, 1-on-1 personal training over 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.

Your coach is on camera with you for the whole session. They see how you move, adjust exercises that don't feel right, and plan what comes next. It's the same coach every time, and you can switch anytime. No gym or equipment needed. You can chat with your coach in the app between sessions and reschedule anytime.

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

"Felipe is a great trainer. He's very encouraging and I love the variety of exercises and the focus on proper form. I also love just showing up and having a custom plan ready to go. No planning needed!" (Luke D., Google review)

How obé works

obé is a streaming workout library. Its FAQ lists more than 16,000 on-demand classes, with new ones added daily, across over 20 categories. Those include cardio styles like HIIT, dance cardio, boxing and walking; strength styles like sculpt, Pilates, strength and barre; yoga and breathwork; and recovery classes like stretching and foam rolling. obé says it builds personalized programs around your goals.

obé used to be known for live classes. Its FAQ now states: "We no longer stream live classes." You stream classes on the web, on iOS or Android, or on a TV through Chromecast or Apple TV.

Membership is $24.99 a month, or $169.99 billed once a year (about $14.17 a month). New members get 7 days free. obé says you can use HSA or FSA dollars through its partner Truemed, which requires a Letter of Medical Necessity.

When obé might make sense

• You love variety and want to choose a different class every day.
• You want to work out at any hour, with no booking and no camera on you.
• You're already confident with your form and don't need someone watching.
• Price comes first. At $169.99 a year, obé costs less than one month of most HipTrain plans.

Pricing compared

Here are the published prices side by side.

• 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.
• obé: $24.99 a month, or $169.99 a year (about $14.17 a month).

obé is cheaper. Its monthly plan costs about $35 less than our starting plan. Over a year, obé is $169.99. One 30-minute HipTrain session a week for a year is $713.88 ($59.49 x 12).

The extra money buys something obé doesn't offer: a person who is live with you, watching your form and changing the plan to fit your body that day. Both can be paid with HSA or FSA dollars, with your plan's approval. See all our plans in the pricing section.

Where HipTrain isn't the right fit

If you want endless class choices on your own schedule, obé is built for that and we aren't. HipTrain asks you to show up at a booked time, on camera. We don't have a big on-demand workout library, and we don't offer nutrition coaching or in-person sessions. We also have far fewer reviews than the big apps (29 App Store ratings) and a small coach roster.

Who should pick which

• If you want the most class variety for the lowest price, pick obé.
• If you want a coach who sees you and corrects your form, pick HipTrain.
• If you're new to exercise, worried about injury, or returning after a break, pick HipTrain.
• If you like dance cardio, barre or boxing classes on your own time, pick obé.
• If you need someone expecting you at a set time to stay consistent, pick HipTrain.

Questions

Does obé still have live classes?

According to obé's own FAQ, no: "We no longer stream live classes." Its classes are on demand. HipTrain sessions are live, 1-on-1 video with your own coach.

Does obé offer 1-on-1 personal training?

obé's FAQ describes on-demand classes and personalized programs, not 1-on-1 sessions with a trainer. If you want a live personal trainer, see our guide to live online personal trainers.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, for both. obé gives you 7 days free. HipTrain gives you your first live session free, with no credit card.

Which is cheaper, obé or HipTrain?

obé. It costs $24.99 a month or $169.99 a year. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month for four live 30-minute sessions with your own coach. HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible, and obé works with Truemed for HSA / FSA. Check your own plan either way.

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
• obé
• obé FAQ
• Aspects Inspire: obé fitness review (May 2026)