Orangetheory is a coach-led group workout in a studio. HipTrain is a coach just for you, live on video, wherever you are. Here is how to choose.
Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this page, and we're one of the two choices it compares. That makes us biased. We've kept every fact about Orangetheory to what Orangetheory publishes, with links at the end.
Choose Orangetheory if you like training in a room full of people, with a coach leading the class and heart-rate numbers on a screen. Choose HipTrain if you want a coach focused only on you, live on video, from home or anywhere else. Orangetheory is in person and in a group. HipTrain is online and 1-on-1. Orangetheory doesn't publish national prices because each studio sets its own, so get a quote from your local studio to compare.
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 schedule. Sign-up to first session can happen in under a day.
Your coach trains you one on one, in real time. They watch how you move, adjust exercises as you go, and pick the pace that's right for you that day. It's the same coach every session, and you can switch anytime. You don't need a gym or equipment, and there's no commute: join from your phone, tablet or computer. You can chat with your coach between sessions and reschedule in the app.
"My trainer is Demian and he is great with checking in to make sure the exercises are not causing discomfort. He is also very flexible with my changing schedules, and he is very patient." (Andrea M., Google review)
Orangetheory runs group workouts in its studios. Its FAQ describes "a 1 hour, full body workout, focused on training endurance, strength and/or power," led by fitness coaches who offer modifications for every fitness level. Its OTbeat heart-rate technology shows members real-time data during class. The brand's message is "More personalized. Less pressure."
Orangetheory doesn't post membership prices online. Its FAQ says "Our rates and fees vary based on studio," so your price depends on where you live. Your first workout is free at most studios for first-time visitors 18 and up, and its site was showing an intro offer of 8 days of unlimited classes for $39 when we checked.
On HSA and FSA, Orangetheory says a membership may be eligible for reimbursement if it qualifies as a medical necessity, with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a licensed provider. It says it does not accept HSA or FSA cards directly.
HipTrain's prices are the same everywhere:
To compare fairly, ask your local studio for its monthly price and how many classes it includes, then divide to get a cost per class. Compare that with about $14 for a 30-minute HipTrain session or about $25 for 60 minutes. Remember what each price buys: a group class with a coach leading the room, or a private session where the coach watches only you. For how in-person training compares more broadly, see HipTrain vs an in-person personal trainer. All our plans are in the pricing section.
If you love the buzz of a full studio, HipTrain can't give you that. We're online only, with no in-person sessions and no group classes. You need to show up on camera at a booked time. We also have far fewer reviews than big brands (29 App Store ratings), a small coach roster, and no nutrition coaching or big on-demand library.
Orangetheory doesn't publish national prices. Its FAQ says rates and fees vary by studio, so ask your local studio. When we checked, the site offered a first workout free at most studios and 8 days of unlimited classes for $39.
Orangetheory's site and FAQ describe group classes. We didn't find 1-on-1 training listed. HipTrain is 1-on-1 every session, live on video.
HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible (learn how). Orangetheory says it may be reimbursable with a Letter of Medical Necessity, but it doesn't take HSA or FSA cards. Always check your own plan.
Yes. Orangetheory's first workout is free at most studios. HipTrain's first live session is free, with no credit card needed.
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.