Software · head to head
Apple Fitness+ vs FitNotes
The short version
- Only FitNotes has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; FitNotes android only, no iOS version despite requests from users
- They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, FitNotes covers Exercise logging.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and FitNotes actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Fitness+ | FitNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9.99/month | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, tvOS | Android |
| Founded | 1976 | 2013 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Fitness+
- Studio-style workouts
- Real-time Apple Watch metrics
- Personalized recommendations
- Time to Walk
- Meditation sessions
- Apple Watch
- Apple Music
- Health app
Only in FitNotes
- Exercise logging
- Custom exercises
- Progress graphs
- Workout calendar
- Data backup
- Google Drive backup
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Fitness+
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
FitNotes
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Both are used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching, wellness improvement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Fitness+
- Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
- Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
- No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
- Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
- Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps
FitNotes
- Android only, no iOS version despite requests from users
- Limited community features compared to social fitness trackers
- Minimal UI updates compared to more modern fitness apps
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Fitness+
$9.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.
FitNotes
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the FitNotes review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Fitness+ if
- You need studio-style workouts.
- You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
- You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Choose FitNotes if
- You need exercise logging.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Android.
- You also want custom exercises.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Fitness+ or FitNotes better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and FitNotes at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or FitNotes?
- FitNotes has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for FitNotes.
- Does Apple Fitness+ or FitNotes run on more platforms?
- Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. FitNotes runs on Android.
- Can I use FitNotes for free?
- Yes. FitNotes has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
- What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
- Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching.
- What can Apple Fitness+ do that FitNotes cannot?
- Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. FitNotes covers Exercise logging, Custom exercises, Progress graphs, Workout calendar.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?
Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.
SourceFitNotes: Is FitNotes free and does it have ads?
FitNotes is completely free with no ads and no paid tier. The developer offers a FitNotes Supporter app as optional support.
SourceApple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?
Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.
SourceFitNotes: Does FitNotes work offline?
Yes, FitNotes works completely offline and requires no internet connection or account sign-up to use.
SourceApple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?
Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.
SourceFitNotes: What platform is FitNotes available on?
FitNotes is Android only and is not available on iOS or other platforms.
SourceApple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?
Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.
SourceFitNotes: Can I export my FitNotes data?
Yes, FitNotes allows full CSV export so your workout data is yours and can be imported into other applications.
SourceApple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?
Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.
Source