What matters depends on what we're evaluating. There is no mandatory scorecard that decides every review, comparison, or ranking.
What We Evaluate
When relevant, we look at workout logging, planning, progress, usability, training breadth, privacy and data, connectivity, wearables, programs, value, and anything else that materially affects the answer.
The question determines what matters most.
How We Evaluate
Use the Product
Where practical, we install and use the app to understand the actual experience rather than relying on feature lists or promotional descriptions.
Research the Current Offering
We review current app-store information, developer documentation, pricing, subscriptions, supported platforms, and other relevant product information.
Compare Where It Matters
We compare the capabilities that matter to the question and identify the differences that can materially affect the recommendation.
Evaluate the Training Experience
Features are considered in context. Having a feature does not automatically make an app better. What matters is what the feature actually does for the person using it.
Make the Call
We reach the conclusion supported by the comparison. When one app is the strongest answer to the question, we say so.
Different Questions Can Have Different Winners
The best simple workout logger doesn't have to be the best app for following a program. The best social lifting app doesn't have to be the best offline app. And the best app for someone who only lifts may not be the best choice for someone who takes strength and cardio equally seriously.
Features Don't All Count the Same
A checklist can tell us whether a feature exists. It doesn't tell us how well that feature works or how useful it is.
We consider implementation as well as availability and distinguish between simply having a feature and doing something meaningful with it.
Pricing and Value
We consider what users receive for the price they pay, including free versions, trials, subscriptions, one-time purchases, and important paywalls. Cheaper does not automatically mean better value, and more expensive does not automatically mean better.
Apps Change
Workout software changes. Features, pricing, interfaces, free tiers, and platform support can change after publication.
We date major reviews and comparisons, update them when warranted, and correct information that is no longer accurate.
See Something We Missed?
If an app has changed or information in one of our reviews is no longer accurate, let us know.