Once a personal trainer starts coaching clients remotely — programming workouts, checking in between sessions, tracking progress — a booking calendar alone stops being enough. Trainerize and TrueCoach are the two coaching apps trainers land on most for that job. They cover the same basics, but price out very differently once you look past the headline number.
Quick Verdict
For a solo trainer, TrueCoach is usually the simpler bet — one price, no add-ons to track down. Trainerize has the deeper workout builder and wearable integrations, but its real cost climbs once you add nutrition coaching or payment processing, which are separate paid add-ons rather than included. If you’re running a studio with multiple trainers, Trainerize’s scaling tiers are built for that in a way TrueCoach isn’t.
| Feature | TrueCoach | Trainerize |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (5 clients) | $29.98/mo ($26.34/mo billed annually) | From $23/mo, often $45+/mo once nutrition is added |
| Free plan | No (14-day trial) | Yes — 1 client |
| Workout builder depth | Solid, streamlined | Deeper library and builder |
| Wearable integrations | Limited | Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and more |
| Nutrition coaching | Included | Paid add-on, $20–45/mo |
| Built-in payment collection | Included | Paid add-on, $10/mo |
| Client app cost | Free for clients | Free for clients (branded app is $169 one-time) |
TrueCoach
TrueCoach’s pitch is simplicity: one plan, one price, and the core features — programming, check-ins, nutrition tracking, payments — bundled in rather than sold separately. It’s a good match for a trainer who wants to know exactly what they’re paying without doing add-on math every time a client asks for something new. If you’re also comparing booking tools, our Calendly vs. Acuity Scheduling comparison covers the scheduling side of a trainer’s stack.
Pros
- Nutrition tracking and payments included, not paid add-ons
- Simpler pricing — one number instead of a base plan plus extras
- Strong support ratings (4.8/5 on Capterra)
Cons
- No free plan — 14-day trial only
- Lighter wearable integration than Trainerize
- Workout builder is solid but less deep than Trainerize’s
Try TrueCoach
Start a 14-day free trial — no credit card required.
Trainerize
Trainerize goes deeper on the actual training side — a larger exercise library, more workout-builder flexibility, and wearable syncing that TrueCoach doesn’t match. The catch is that Trainerize’s headline price only covers the base plan; nutrition coaching, payment collection, and a branded client app are each sold separately, which is where the real monthly cost creeps up.
Pros
- Deeper workout builder and exercise library
- Wearable integrations (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin)
- Free plan for a single client, and scales to studio-size rosters
Cons
- Nutrition coaching and payments are separate paid add-ons
- Real monthly cost is easy to underestimate from the base price alone
- Branded client app costs $169 one-time on top of the plan
Ready to try Trainerize?
Start free with up to 1 client — no credit card required.
Best For
Solo Trainers Who Want Predictable Pricing
TrueCoach’s all-in-one price avoids the surprise add-ons that can push Trainerize’s real cost higher.
Best For
Trainers Who Want Deep Programming Tools
Trainerize’s larger exercise library and wearable sync suit trainers who build highly customized programs.
Best For
Multi-Trainer Studios
Trainerize’s Studio Plus tier scales to 500 clients per location — built for gyms running several trainers, not just one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TrueCoach include nutrition coaching, or is it a paid add-on like Trainerize?
TrueCoach bundles nutrition tracking into its standard plans rather than charging separately. Trainerize sells advanced nutrition as a $20–45/mo add-on on top of its base plan price.
Can clients use either app for free?
Yes — in both cases, only the trainer pays for the platform. Clients download a free app to view their programming, log workouts, and message their coach.
Which one works better with an Apple Watch or Fitbit?
Trainerize has more built-out wearable integrations, including Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin. TrueCoach’s wearable support is more limited by comparison.
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