Best Online Workout Subscriptions of 2023

Photo composite of a woman doing yoga on a mat with her laptop out. — Byrdie / Design by Amelia Manley

Life is busy, and it can feel tough to squeeze in the Centers for Disease Control’s recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. Luckily, those sweat sessions don’t have to be long, nor do they have to be at the gym. Online workout subscriptions allow you to move your body from the comfort and privacy of your home.

The options for online workout subscriptions have exploded in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Working out at home saves the commute time to the gym and allows you a greater variety of classes than what may be available nearby. We’ve rounded up the most effective online workout subscriptions that can fit into your schedule and budget.

Best Online Workout Subscriptions of 2023

Best Overall: NEOU
Best for Budget: Fitness Blender
Best for Yoga: Gaia
Best for Athletes: Les Mills
Best for HIIT: Daily Burn
Best for Group Fitness: Fhitting Room
Best for Dance: Steezy
Best for Pilates: Pilates-ology

Best Overall: NEOU

NEOU

Key Specs

Pricing: $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annually
Platform: iOS or Android app, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox
Kinds of Workouts Offered: Yoga, bootcamp, strength, barre, cardio, dance, core

Why We Chose It

NOUE Fitness offers a huge variety of classes, including live interactive group classes, for a very affordable price. It also has structured programs to help keep you on track.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Thousands of workouts available
Very affordable price
Options for live classes or prerecorded

Cons

No nutritional support

When you’re looking for an online workout subscription, you want it all—a variety of classes, various ways to interact with them, and affordability. NEOU hits the mark on all counts, offering thousands of workouts in a variety of styles at your fingertips, all for a monthly fee that’s less than $10. NEOU is available on an app or by streaming on your TV using Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Xbox. Plus, for those who love the thrill of in-person classes, there’s a live two-way video class available daily.

Variety is NEOU’s strength. Workouts can be as brief as five minutes or as long as 90 and don’t require expensive equipment. Class styles range from yoga and dance to boxing and strength training. Members can also choose structured programs like Project Weight Loss or Beginner Bootcamp to keep them on track. Structured programs feature a set workout schedule intended to push you closer to your goal with increasing difficulty. A seven-day free trial makes it even easier to give it a go.

Best For Budget: Fitness Blender

Fitness Blender

Key Specs

Pricing: Basic level is free; upgrade to Plus for $6.97 monthly; or buy a 1-, 7-, or 30-day pass
Platform: Access streaming content on your phone, tablet, or desktop through the website
Kinds of workouts offered: HIIT, strength, pilates, low impact, kettlebell, cardio

Why We Chose It

Fitness Blender has a wide variety of online workouts, as well as nutritional guidance. Its free level makes it risk-free to try, and the Plus membership offers ways to track progress, save workouts, and choose meal plans.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free level offers a variety of classes
Nutritional guides provide recipes and inspiration
Multiple levels of instruction available
FB Plus Passes allow access to Plus content without the commitment

Cons

Free level includes ads
Some content is only available with paid subscription
No app; only browser-based streaming

Fitness Blender combines a huge variety of strength conditioning and toning classes with nutritional advice and healthy living inspiration to provide a well-rounded healthy living plan. The free level has a surprising amount of content so users can get their fitness journey started even before they decide to commit to the whole program.

While the free level has a lot of value, the paid subscription offers even more bang for your buck. The Plus level allows users to join workout challenges, access recipes, save workouts, and access subscriber-only workouts. The FB Plus pass also has a unique option: the ability to purchase access to Plus level workouts for a single day, week, month, or an entire program.

Best for Yoga: Gaia

Gaia Yoga

Key Specs

Pricing: $11.99 monthly or $99 annually
Platform: App, Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, Apple TV
Kinds of workouts offered: Yoga, meditation, Pilates, HIIT, qigong, tai chi

Why We Chose It

Gaia has become synonymous with yoga and for good reason. Its online workout subscription offers thousands of yoga videos in a variety of styles, as well as other types of workouts like tai chi, Pilates, and core work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Many different styles of yoga available
Lots of additional content on self-enlightenment, meditation, etc.
Workouts available for every level

Cons

Some content is available for free on YouTube
No structured programs available

Yoga can be an intimidating prospect, and many think they may not have the flexibility to even try it. Gaia meets users where they are with hundreds of different yoga and meditation videos from dozens of different styles. With a focus on whole body health, the app offers not just workouts but documentaries, articles, and other educational tools to help users discover new ways of thinking about yoga and mindfulness.

Gaia’s programming extends beyond yoga; it has a catalog of more than 8,000 videos, including more intensive workout styles like HIIT, and other gentle styles like tai chi and qigong. Its seven-day free trial is a good way to acquaint yourself with the programming and find the right teachers and groove for your practice.

Best For Athletes: Les Mills+

Courtesy of Les Mills

Key Specs

Pricing: $14.95 monthly, $11.99 quarterly, $89.88 annually
Platform: App, Xbox One, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Android TV, Apple TV, browser
Kinds of workouts offered: Strength, cycling, aerobics, HIIT, yoga, martial arts, dance

Why We Chose It

Les Mills has a reputation for creating tough but effective workouts and took the group fitness world by storm. The Les Mills+ offers the same intensity at home, so serious athletes can feel the burn no matter where they are.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Large supportive community of devoted followers
Gym-level intensity customized for home workout
Kids programming included
Workout plans included

Cons

Some workouts require pricey equipment such as indoor cycling bikes
No nutritional support
May be intimidating for beginners

Les Mills made a name for itself for creating some of the most effective in-gym group fitness classes. With the introduction of Les Mills+, it brings the intensity to your living room. All of the Les Mills-branded workouts are here, with thousands of videos in the library.

In addition to the variety of workouts available, including cycling, martial arts, and yoga, there’s also programming for kids. And athletes will find Les Mills+ doesn’t pull punches. The workouts are scientifically driven, using the latest exercise philosophies and plans to keep you on track.

As esteemed as Les Mills is, you would expect to pay more, but annual plans are surprisingly affordable. Try a seven-day free trial to see if you can keep up.

Best for HIIT: Daily Burn HIIT

Key Specs

Pricing: $19.95 monthly
Platform: App
Kinds of workouts offered: Daily Burn offers a wide variety; HIIT app focuses on high intensity intervals

Why We Chose It

High intensity interval training is one of the most effective ways to torch calories. The Daily Burn takes a personalized approach and customizes a weekly plan of HIIT workouts for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Customized for you
New workouts every week
In-app instruction to ensure proper form

Cons

No nutritional advice
Separate app means you have to switch between to do other Daily Burn workouts

Daily Burn became popular for its daily live workout classes in a variety of styles. Now, it offers specialized apps for running, yoga, and HIIT. The HIIT app uses your data to create a customized plan for a week’s worth of workouts tailored to your goals. It even offers in-app instruction on how to complete your movements with proper technique, so you get the most out of your effort and avoid injury.

One of the best parts of the HIIT app is how customizable it is. Workouts are available that range from 10 to 30 minutes in length and with various difficulty levels. Users can chart their progress and connect their stats to Apple Health. Download the app for a free 10-minute workout to see if it’s a good fit.

Best for Group Fitness: Fhitting Room

Fhitting Room

Key Specs

Pricing: $20 per class, $300 for unlimited monthly classes
Platform: Zoom
Kinds of workouts offered: Bodyweight, kettlebell, HIIT, strength and conditioning

Why We Chose It

When you want the energy of a live class but don’t want to start the car, the Fhitting Room gives you the best of both worlds. Classes are held live via Zoom so users can receive live feedback from instructors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

A new workout every day
Opportunity for constructive comments from instructors
Minimal equipment needed

Cons

Expensive compared to pre-recorded classes
Must be available at the class time for Zoom classes

Sometimes you just want the feedback of working out with other people, even if you’re in your living room. The Fhitting Room is the closest thing to going to the gym—classes are conducted live on Zoom so that other classmates and instructors can encourage and inspire each other. You can practically smell the group sweat in the air.

The Fhitting Room, which has in-person classes in NYC and New Jersey, offers a backlog of prerecorded classes as well. While the energy of a live or Zoom class may be infectious, it’s not without its cost—this is the most expensive membership we found. Try two classes for the price of one to see if it’s right for you.

Best for Dance: Steezy

steezy

Key Specs

Pricing: $20 per month or $100 per year
Platform: App, desktop, Chromecast
Kinds of workouts offered: Dance of all kinds—hip hop, ballet, jazz, workout, house, salsa, etc.

Why We Chose It

Dancing can be a great workout but hard to follow if you’re not used to the choreography. Steezy allows users to slow down dances, look from different angles, and go at their own pace.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Huge variety of dance styles available
Can change views of the class in-app, loop moves, and control speed
Routines available at every level of proficiency

Cons

No other types of exercise
Not all routines are exercise-focused

If you’ve ever dreamed of being one of Beyoncé’s backup dancers but tripped over your own feet during Jazzercise, Steezy is for you. Steezy can teach anyone to dance with programs for beginners all the way up to trained professionals. The subscription offers a wide variety of styles as well, including salsa, ballet, hip hop, locking, and, of course, aerobic dance workouts.

Steezy’s strength lies in its ability to put you in control. While watching your class, you can choose to view from the front or the back of the room, slow it down or loop the instructions, and even use your webcam as a virtual mirror. Routines use the latest hit music and most up-to-date dance styles and choreography for a workout that will be as useful at the club as it is at the gym. Try a few classes during the seven-day free trial to find your rhythm.

Best for Pilates: Pilates-ology

Key Specs

Pricing: $20 per month or $179 per year
Platform: App, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast
Kinds of workouts offered: Pilates

Why We Chose It

Pilates is a remarkably versatile exercise methodology, and Pilates-ology zeros in on all it can do. Workouts are both mat and machine-based, and technique videos help keep your form strong.

Pros & Cons

Pros

More than 1,500 workouts available
Expert instruction on technique
Programs and challenges to keep you focused

Cons

No other types of exercise
No nutritional guidance

For Pilates devotees, there’s always more to learn and refine in your practice. Pilates-ology is focused on helping you find great technique through thousands of challenging workouts on the mat, reformer, tower, or Wunda chair. Users can choose a program to help them focus their practice or pick a new workout each time to mix things up.

Pilates-ology offers a return to classical Pilates theory and beginner progressions intended to ease users into the style. Workshops and tutorials are also included in the price. No wifi? No problem. Users can download workouts for later too. The first 14 days are free, so you can see whether Pilates is the right modality for you.

Final Verdict

We chose NEOU as the best overall online workout subscription because of its variety, opportunity to take live classes, and low cost. With workouts ranging from five to 90 minutes, NEOU makes it easy to squeeze in fitness, even for the busiest people.

If you’re just dipping your toe into the online workout world, you can access many classes for free on Fitness Blender. For a more specialized approach, Steezy will give you a deep dive into dance with in-app controls that allow users to go at their own pace and master the choreography.

Guide for Choosing the Best Online Workout Subscriptions

Comparing Online Workout Subscriptions

An online workout subscription is one of the easiest ways to get your workout in, right from the comfort of home. Not all subscriptions are created equal though. Keep these elements in mind when choosing:

Cost: Most online workout subscriptions have monthly and/or annual fees. Make sure your service fits your budget and gives you enough value for your investment.
Variety: Do you want to focus on one type of exercise or mix it up? Choose a service that offers exercise that you’ll enjoy and stick to.
Delivery method: if you plan to work out mainly in your living room, consider if you can stream the workouts on your television or if you have to do them on your phone on an app. If you plan to work out someplace that doesn’t have reliable wifi, look for a service that allows you to download classes.
Community: Do you want to connect with other people using the app? If so, find one that has an active Facebook group or forum where you can receive support.

How to Choose an Online Workout Subscription

Choosing a workout subscription is as individual as you are. In general, look for something that fits into your schedule and uses either minimal equipment or equipment that you already have on hand. Be honest with yourself about whether you need structure to keep you on track. If so, look for a service that offers established workout plans. Most importantly, decide what is most important to you: Is it the length of workout, type of workout, or cost of the program?

What Are Online Workout Subscriptions?

Online workout subscriptions allow you to break a sweat from the comfort of home. These days, there are digital fitness subscriptions for every type of workout, from boxing to barre. Built on the premise of making it easy to work out whenever and wherever you please, online workout subscriptions provide on-demand access to countless fitness classes that can be viewed on your phone, laptop, or TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Online Workout Subscriptions as Effective as In-Person Workout Classes?

Yes. Many online workout subscriptions offer the same level of classes as you would find in a gym. How hard you push is up to you.

How Much Do Online Workout Subscriptions Cost?

Online workout subscriptions range from free to monthly fees of up to $300, depending on the type of plan you chose.

What Equipment Do You Need for Online Workout Subscriptions?

Many online workout subscriptions don’t require any equipment, but for others, you may need free weights, resistance bands, yoga mats, or larger equipment like stationary cycles.

What’s the Difference Between HIIT and Weight Training Classes?

High intensity interval training (HIIT) involves intense bursts of activity interspersed with periods of rest. Weight training focuses on lifting heavy weights in sets of reps, often at a more consistent pace.

Methodology

We examined more than 30 different online workout subscriptions to choose the best of the best. We looked at price, availability, and variety of workouts, either in modalities or length of the class. All winning subscriptions featured the most up-to-date instruction, music, and viewing options (app, streaming, or browser-based), with well-respected instructors at the helm.

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Edited by Ally Hirschlag

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