Apple Fitness+ is a strong choice for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who value personalized workout plans and seamless integration with their Apple Watch. HIIT via YouTube is a cost-effective option for those seeking variety and flexibility in their workouts, particularly beginners or those on a budget.
| Attribute | Apple Fitness+ | HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) via YouTube (e.g., channels like POPSUGAR Fitness) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Cost (Monthly/Annual) | Monthly: $9.99, Annually: $79.99, Bundling: Available with Apple One Premier plan, Free Trial: 1 month free for new subscribers, 3-month free trial with new device purchases (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV) | — |
| Variety of Workout Types | Offers 12 workout types, including HIIT, Yoga, Core, Pilates, Dance, Cycling, Treadmill, Rowing, Strength, Mindful Cooldown, Meditation, and Kickboxing. Also includes "Time to Walk" and "Time to Run" audio experiences. New sessions are added weekly. | — |
| Workout Duration Options | Workouts range from 5 to 45 minutes. Custom Plans allow setting total time per day from 10 to 90 minutes. | — |
| Instructor Quality and Style | Features experienced and motivating professional trainers. Instructors are diverse in age, ethnicity, and background. Instructors are articulate, helpful, and easy to follow. Trainers are enthusiastic and provide positive motivation. | — |
| Music Integration and Selection | Workouts are set to music from Apple Music. Apple Music subscribers can download Fitness+ playlists. Trainers map workouts around music builds and beat drops. Music selection can be filtered by genre. | — |
| Equipment Requirements | Many workouts require minimal or no equipment. Some workouts may need dumbbells, yoga mats, or specific machines like treadmills, rowing machines, or stationary bikes. | — |
| Customization Options | Personalized recommendations based on past workouts. Custom Plans can be created based on activity preferences and schedule. Custom plans allow selection of workout days, duration, activity types. | — |
| Integration with Wearable Devices | Apple Watch integration provides real-time metrics like heart rate and activity rings. Metrics are displayed on-screen during workouts. | — |
| Offline Content Availability | Apple Music subscribers can download playlists for offline use. | — |
| Community Features and Social Interaction | Integration with Strava for sharing workouts. | — |
| Skill Level Adaptability | Workouts include modifications for different fitness levels. Suitable for beginners to advanced exercisers. | — |
| Screen Compatibility | Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Apple TV. Can stream to AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs. Metrics not available on Mac when using AirPlay. | — |