Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
The verdict on

LADDER Strength Training Plans

75
User verdict / 100 High confidence Loved, with caveats

LADDER offers highly effective, pre-planned strength training workouts with a strong community and coaching, but it struggles with persistent app bugs, poor customer support, and a misleading free trial experience.

4.9★ lifetime (164,642) Free + in-app purchases since 2020 by Ladder Technologies, Inc. updated 0.3 mo ago recent negative 3% 120 reviews across 4 regions
Workout Effectiveness Community & Coaching Customer Support & Business Practices App Bugs & Stability Workout Variety & Content
5★642
4★24
3★10
2★6
1★18
recent reviews across 4 regions, vs the 4.9★ lifetime average

LADDER is a fitness app praised for its structured strength training programs, diverse coaches, and motivational community that helps users achieve consistency and visible results. However, recent user feedback highlights significant issues with app stability, unreliable Apple Health sync, and unresponsive customer service, particularly regarding subscription cancellations and technical glitches.

What users like

  • Workouts are effective and lead to visible results and increased strength.R1R2R11R17
  • Pre-planned workouts eliminate guesswork and promote consistency.R1R2R4R6
  • Offers a wide variety of coaches and programs to suit different goals and equipment.R9R21R27R43
  • Strong sense of community and coach interaction provides motivation and support.R4R12R18R19
  • App allows users to play their own music during workouts.R16R23R29R56
  • Includes nutrition and water tracking features.R23R39R55R74

What users complain about

  • Frequent app crashes and bugs disrupt the workout experience.R3R139R398R560
  • Customer support is unresponsive and unhelpful, especially regarding cancellations and refunds.R54R69R150R157
  • Workouts can be repetitive and lack variety over time.R124R132R566
  • Misleading free trial and subscription practices, with some users reporting immediate charges or difficulty canceling.R150R157R300R463
  • Inconsistent or non-existent syncing with Apple Health and other wearables.R54R8R606
  • Lack of clear exercise explanation videos, potentially leading to improper form and injury.R96R287R542R616
  • Some users experience issues with workout videos not playing or audio not syncing.R139R544R560R570
  • Limited platform availability (primarily Apple) and lack of offline access for downloaded workouts.R194R483

Latest update · v4.10.1

What the developer says changed (the verdict above weighs this against what reviewers report):

This version includes the following: - Introducing workout plateaus, we'll proactively let you know when it seems like you've hit a plateau with a movement to see if you can push just that little bit more. You also have the freedom to mute/unmute them as you see fit. - Lot of other little updates to your workout experience. The music button is now always present, you can full screen the workout preview to see closed captions, a new setting to flash the screen when a movement is about to end. Love Ladder Teams? We would love to hear from you! Rate and review us in the App Store or drop us a note at [email protected]!

Recurring themes

Workout Effectiveness positive
Users consistently praise the app for its effective, structured workouts that lead to significant strength gains, weight loss, and overall body transformation. Many report increased consistency and motivation due to the pre-planned nature of the programs.R1R2R4R6
App Bugs & Stability negative
Despite recent updates, many users report persistent technical issues including app crashes, videos not playing, timers not activating, units randomly converting, and problems with Apple Health sync. These bugs significantly detract from the workout experience.R3R54R139R363
Customer Support & Business Practices negative
A recurring complaint is the poor quality and unresponsiveness of customer service, especially regarding subscription cancellations, refunds, and technical support. Some users feel misled by free trial offers and find it difficult to manage or cancel subscriptions.R54R69R150R157
Workout Variety & Content mixed
While many appreciate the diverse coaches and programs, some long-term users find the workouts repetitive and basic, wishing for more variety or advanced options. There are also requests for better explanation videos for exercises.R9R27R71R124
Community & Coaching positive
The app's community aspect and the quality of its coaches are frequently highlighted as major motivators. Users feel supported, encouraged, and appreciate the interaction and guidance from their chosen trainers.R4R12R18R19

Who it's for

LADDER is for individuals seeking structured strength training programs, especially those who struggle with consistency and need pre-planned workouts R4R6R12. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced lifters looking for diverse coaching styles and a supportive community R9R12. It is not for users who prioritize extensive exercise variety over time, require robust customer support, or rely heavily on seamless integration with non-Apple wearables R124R54R8.

Evidence note: The recent reviews skew heavily positive regarding workout quality and motivation, aligning with the high lifetime rating. However, a significant portion of negative reviews focus on recurring app bugs and poor customer service, suggesting these are persistent issues despite the overall positive sentiment for the core offering.

Frequently asked

Does LADDER offer a free trial?
While the app claims to offer a free trial, multiple users report that the trial either ends immediately after the intro workout or leads directly to a paid subscription without sufficient opportunity to explore content R520R539.
Can I use my own music with LADDER?
Yes, LADDER allows users to play their own music, with Spotify integration mentioned as a positive feature R16R23R29R56.
Is LADDER compatible with Apple Health or other smartwatches?
LADDER has inconsistent syncing with Apple Health, with some users reporting workouts not consistently transferring. Compatibility with other smartwatches like Garmin is requested but not currently available R54R8R606.
Are the workouts suitable for beginners?
Yes, many users find the app and its coaches suitable for beginners, providing guidance and making it easy to follow workouts R12R66R76R88.
Can I cancel my LADDER subscription easily?
Several users report difficulty canceling their subscriptions and issues with obtaining refunds, with customer service often being unresponsive R157R300R302R463.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] 5/5 · US 🔥🔥🔥: The first workout had me sore for a week. I love the workouts are already planned and give me the burn I need.
  2. [R2] 5/5 · US I've never been more consistent!!: I've never been more consistent with exercises than I have with ladder. I've seen such great progress and I'm only about 8 weeks in. Strong is beautiful.
  3. [R11] 5/5 · US life changing app: I never leave reviews but I try to put as many people on to ladder as I can bc as someone who’s tried every app and fad workout trend, this is the most consistent I’ve been in my life. I started January 2025 and haven’t missed a week since. Awesome gains, great coaches, fun workouts, intuitive app what more can I say
  4. [R17] 5/5 · US Effortless: Huge fan. They keep it fresh, easy to follow and stay motivated with this app. The progress is visible.
  5. [R4] 5/5 · US Week 2 ❤️’n it so far: I’m a busy working mom - nothing has stuck so far. I’m hopeful this will be it! The ease and convenience is what’s working for me. The workouts are fast and easy to track progress. Loving the community feel. Go team Movewell!
  6. [R6] 5/5 · US LOVE LOVE LOVE: This app makes me want to work out! It feels awesome to not have to guess what workouts to do. Just pick your favorite type of working out and be consistent! It’s only 30 minutes! Day 3 and I’m hurting but it feels great and I love how easy it is to follow!
  7. [R9] 5/5 · US So much versatility: I’ve been lifting pretty consistently for over 20 years. This app is the best I’ve ever come across to find a program that works for you. It is not one size fits all. There are so many coaches and programs that can fit the needs of virtually everyone. Explore the teams and find your fit and you will see results!
  8. [R21] 5/5 · US Finally something that works: Great app for keeping me consistent. Love that there’s multiple coaches you can pick from and workout with based on your equipment and time.
  9. [R27] 5/5 · US A different experience: I’ve tried a lot of paid and free apps for workouts. It seemed that one always lacked something the other had. This app has everything. A real coach, nutrition tracking, gym equipment to body only, cardio workouts with cardio equipment… the list goes on forever. I started with Team Formation and absolutely loved it. I did need to focus on building muscle so I switched to T
  10. [R43] 5/5 · US Best coaching and programming around: Coach Lauren and Coach Courtney have the absolute best programs I have ever done. I use them interchangeably and am so grateful for their programs. They are amazing
  11. [R12] 5/5 · US Greatest Workout App: I’ve tried a lot of fitness apps over the years, and this is the first one that’s really kept me motivated and consistent. What sets it apart is the coaching and the step-by-step guidance through every workout. It takes the guesswork out of training and makes it easy to stay on track, whether you’re just starting or have been working out for years. One of my favorite feature
  12. [R18] 5/5 · US Great workout app: Great workout app , the layout of each workout is straightforward, the coaching is very helpful. The community is very respectfully engaged n friendly
  13. [R19] 5/5 · US Absolutely best decision I EVER made!: I started ladder a month ago and I have never felt this good. The ladder community is by far the best ever. The workouts are insane and they make you feel like you can take on the world. If you’re looking for a great app that motivates you to get fit then this is the one to go with.
  14. [R16] 5/5 · US Love this app!!: It’s so helpful for me. It allows me to think only about the work out itself not about creating a workout an added bonus is that I can play my music while working out. My instructor is amazing also.
  15. [R23] 5/5 · US Exceptional: App runs very smooth and allows music to be played while the workout is going on. The workouts themselves are great quality and put together well. Overall if you need a good regimen it would help you. Also allows you to track your food and water intake.
  16. [R29] 5/5 · US Nalley: I’ve really been enjoying Ladder so far. I love having guided workouts that I can do from the comfort of my home, and even when I have to modify exercises because I don’t have all the equipment, I still get a great workout and definitely feel the burn. I’m excited to see my results over time. One of my favorite features is being able to listen to my own music while following the workouts.
  17. [R56] 5/5 · US Unique and effective app: Really well done app with the user interface and the Spotify integration, I mirror my phone to Apple TV in my workout room, or I watch on my phone at the gym with headphones.
  18. [R39] 5/5 · US BEST LIFESTYLE APP EVER: I can go on forever about this app but if you truly want to make changes in your habits & lifestyle then this is the app for you!! there are so many amazing & unique features that I haven’t seen anywhere else! the coaches are all incredibly knowledgeable, encouraging, & engaged in your journey! exactly what you want in a coach! the nutrition section was the real game chang
  19. [R55] 5/5 · US Life is better with Ladder: I struggled to make it to the gym on a weekly basis. I made excuses, and this app cleared my path to a fit life style. I feel like I’m right there with my trainer and she pushes me even when “I don’t feel like it”. If my trainer showed up then I’m showing up. The nutrition app is chefs kiss! Thank you!!! I recommend this to all of my friends who make excuses because if
  20. [R74] 5/5 · US Game Changer: I absolutely love Ladder! It is my one stop for all my fitness needs. I get my workouts, can track my macros, and have my entire team a click away in the chats. I promise it's worth it.... and Team Ascend is the best!
  21. [R3] 5/5 · US Can’t exit: Love the app! But when I’m done and hit complete the little blue fitness button is still in the upper left corner of my phone. The only way I’ve found to get rid of it is to restart my phone.
  22. [R139] 3/5 · US Amazing workouts: I’m not sure if it’s user error but sometimes between transitions I have to swipe my screen in order to get to the next exercise versus it moving on its own. That can get annoying and disruptive. Other then that I’m having a great time.
  23. [R398] 3/5 · CA Amazing personal trainers but the app has some frustrating bugs: I am on Team Ascend with Aria and am absolutely loving her and her program. The app itself is also great and has helped so many friends. Some frustrating bugs that can decrease quality of a session: - Units will randomly convert from lb to kg without notice and cannot be undone - Journal entries for weights will be deleted occ
  24. [R560] 1/5 · AU It Is clashing: It was excellent the first 4 days using the app, and then it’s clashing, videos stop, coach doesn’t speak… not working properly. seems like I just wasted my money
  25. [R54] 2/5 · US Phenomenal programming overall. Poor app support for Apple Health Sync.: First off: I love this app overall. My bad review here is only because I tried going through the support route to solve my issues and was met with extremely mediocre replies and care. I’m not sure what the issue is, but the workouts aren’t consistently syncing from Ladder to Apple Health. For those of us neurotic about clos
  26. [R69] 1/5 · US Decent app, very weird company: Updated to add: I did reach out when it happened, and also again based on this developer’s response, and both messages were ignored. It’s pretty clear that they know what they’re doing and just don’t care. App is fine. Some odd things but you can get a workout from it, whatever. What is not fine is their habit of deleting comments on social media and blocking payin
  27. [R150] 2/5 · US Generic Customer Support & Slippery App Promos: I had reached out to Ladder to see if they had any upcoming promos, as I was still getting familiar with the app but having trouble wrapping my head around paying $30/mo. They sent me some generic robot response saying no but to keep an eye out for occasional promos. Fine. No problem. I kept using the app, and eventually just cancelled my subscriptio
  28. [R157] 1/5 · US Terrible IT a d Zero CUSTOMER SERVICE: I enjoyed the workouts and the structure of the workouts in this app. However, all payments go through Apple. There is no other option for payments. So Ladder does not handle any of it. Be very aware that if you have to cancel your membership, they will not refund you anything. I’m also not a fan that everything is ran through AI and you never get to speak
  29. [R124] 3/5 · US Repetitive: It’s a good app for starters, but as I kept going, a lot of the exercises would repeat and they’re pretty basic. Nothing special. I’m going to quit and find something that that has more variety in exercise routine.
  30. [R132] 1/5 · US Disappointed: Same workouts/routines for the last two years.
  31. [R566] 2/5 · AU Ok, but highly repetitive workouts, false social media advertising & zero time between moves: I joined after following Maia Henry on Instagram but instantly felt duped by all her ‘give me a booty band and 6 weeks’ unique Pilates style posts, only to find out there hasn’t been a single booty band or similar exercise involved, the moves are all super generic exercises, she will work legs 3 days in a
  32. [R300] 1/5 · GB Don’t like: Can’t cancelle subscription
  33. [R463] 1/5 · CA Likely scam: The application does not let you delete before the free trial, but requires you to delete a 24 to 48 hours before, does not allow you to remove it off the App Store either
  34. [R8] 4/5 · US Amazing app BUT one complaint: Love this app so much, it’s wonderful to have everything in the same place however, I really would love to see Garmin watches being able to transfer information like steps etc. Currently it looks like only Apple watches are able to be connected, which is highly inconvenient. Absolutely love the app and the workouts. Just wish that it was compatible with my Garmin wat
  35. [R606] 2/5 · AU Iwatch app is buggy: I’ve already completed the workout and closed the app in my watch and it still keeps logging time, which affects my daily calories burned. It logs 2 plus hours of work out or more, even if the total time is really just half that.
  36. [R96] 1/5 · US How is this a good app: I keep getting notifications from random group chats and cant get out. Workouts unclear, browsing through exercises is horrible. Tons of “trainer sent you a message” and its those spam groups again. Nothing personalized. Literally youtube is better. Disappointing.
  37. [R287] 2/5 · GB Could improve: The app is good, the concept is fantastic and the app works great. Really easy to use and get used to, you know what workouts you have and such, however there is no explanation to how to do the movements really which has lead to me hurting my back and knees and this needs improving asap as this is dangerous, especially for those like me who don’t have clue about workouts and exercis
  38. [R542] 3/5 · CA good but needs improvement: some exercises need better explanation videos from different angles to ensure proper form
  39. [R616] 1/5 · AU Demonstrating videos never work: Every time I go to do a session and I even download the workout, the demonstration videos never work it’s always a black blank background some stretches and exercises I am unsure of
  40. [R544] 3/5 · CA Welcome video not working: (I haven’t used the app yet, the stars are just because I had to put something g to send it) I was looking for a help section on the app, but couldn’t find one. The screen goes black every time I try and do the welcome workout. I’ve tried all the standard troubleshooting but it hasn’t worked. I was looking forward to joining Ladder, but I would like to try the welcome vi
  41. [R570] 3/5 · AU Good, not great: Don’t like the fact that when you swap out an exercise, from the suggested plan - the audio doesn’t change. So you get prompted to follow the exercise you aren’t doing. Support confirmed this was a limitation. Overall, found it a little too rigid for my liking. Swapped to Shred instead.
  42. [R194] 3/5 · US Great but would be better: This is a great app but it would be better if it wasn’t only for Apple. I have an android and have to use my daughter’s old phone to use the app. I have to carry 2 phones to the gym with me.
  43. [R483] 1/5 · CA Waste of Time: Don’t waste your time. They sell you on downloadable workouts- and then when they won’t play support explains that you can’t access them without internet or data service. What’s the point of downloading them if you can’t even access your download? The whole point of downloading is to use with spotty or no service, is it not? Absolute waste. They don’t care about the people still wor
  44. [R363] 3/5 · CA Not bad: Could be more user friendly. Time between reps to just change position instead of always having to pause would be appreciated
  45. [R71] 4/5 · US Instructions Breakdown: Great app; great exercises; great coaches; downside - breakdown of how each exercise is supposed to be done would be nice.
  46. [R520] 1/5 · CA False Unethical business advertising: Add claims you can get a workout for free. Once you fill out forms no workout is provided. Not even a temporary one but you are immediately taken to a monthly fee where you are offered a discount for month one not free. Manipulative and misleading.
  47. [R539] 1/5 · CA No free trial: I thought I would give this a try. Downloaded the app and it claims to give you a 7 day free trial. Day 1, did the intro workout with one of the trainers and now it just say free trial has ended. $180 annual fee to continue. I can’t even look through the workouts to see what I’m signing up for. Disappointed!
  48. [R66] 5/5 · US Beginner workout: Love this app for all sorts of labels… can push myself but not too hard
  49. [R76] 5/5 · US Amazing: I looove this app. Helps you when your just a beginner because your coach explains what your doing and guides you through the workout. Or even if you already know what you are doing. You feel more motivated because there’s more people just like you!!!! Everyone helps each other out.
  50. [R88] 5/5 · US Love it!: It’s a great guide for beginners. I love coming to the gym and having my workout planned out!
  51. [R302] 1/5 · GB Poor customer service: I have emailed and messaged several times asking whether a refund was possible after two months and I have been ignored. Very disappointing.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store