Home Nutrition Best Weight Loss Apps (2025)

Best Weight Loss Apps (2025)

by Energyzonefitness


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According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, “Sustainable weight loss requires a holistic approach to achieve the goal, often requiring multiple lifestyle changes across diet, sleep, and physical activity habits.” As such, the best weight loss programs can be helpful tools when trying to adhere to these new experiences. Weight loss apps can take this assistance even further with always-available features for diet tracking, habit-building, and more.

It takes one look into your device’s respective app store, though, to see there are plenty of available options, which can make finding the right weight loss app for your needs difficult. To help you make the most of your next download, our team of experts trialed over 12 different weight loss apps from popular platforms, using our equipment testing methodology to rate and examine each service in categories such as:

  • User Interface: Is the app easy to navigate? Are there any issues with the layout or general functionality?
  • Available Features: What sort of tracking can the app support? Is it food-, sleep-, or activity-based? Are there added tools like available coaching or community forums for extra weight loss support?
  • Device Compatibility: Is the platform only available on certain devices, or is the programming supported by all carriers?
  • Value: Does the app require a subscription? Is there a paywall to other available tools? Does the performance justify the cost?

The BarBend team has helped connect over 2.9 million athletes with high-quality nutrition, strength, and conditioning products supporting your entire fitness journey. If you’re in need of a new digital tool for weight loss support, we’re confident that the following details can make navigating the app store a far more manageable endeavor.

The 8 Best Weight Loss Apps of 2025

  • Best Weight Loss App Overall: WeightWatchers
  • Best Weight Loss App with Coaching: Future
  • Best Weight Loss App for Habit Tracking: Noom
  • Best Weight Loss App for Logging Meals: Cronometer
  • Best Free Weight Loss AppMyFitnessPal
  • Best Weight Loss App for BeginnersLose It!
  • Best Keto Weight Loss App: Carb Manager
  • Best Weight Loss App for Intermittent FastingSimple App

Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Best Weight Loss App Overall: WeightWatchers

WeightWatchers


Monthly subscriptions available

Caters to plant-based diets

Expert-backed guidance & support

Points-Based Dieting

WeightWatchers uses its branded “Points” system for identifying nutrient-dense foods.

Affordable Costs

Memberships can start at $23 monthly with premium options for access to workshops and weight management prescriptions.

Community Support

WeightWatchers features a built-in community feature for added motivation and accountability.

Recipe Library

The app gives you access to WW’s large library of nutrient-dense, Points-approved recipes.

Pros




Unique Points system doesn’t restrict foods



User-friendly app experience



Upgraded memberships for workshops and prescriptions



Affordable subscription fees starting at $23 monthly

Cons




Best supported with weekly weigh-ins



Can be confusing for newcomers



Tracking is reserved to just a handful of health metrics

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $23 monthly

Subscription Levels

Membership, Membership + Medication, Membership + Workshops

Area of Focus

Nutrition planning and meal logging through unique Points-based system

WeightWatchers uses a science-based points system to help users track more than just calorie intake so they can lose weight and develop better long-term habits. Additionally, the platform offers premium memberships, granting athletes access to helpful virtual or in-person workshops as well as the potential for prescription weight management medications.

Why We Like It

If you’re turning to an app service to help you lose weight fast, we believe WeightWatchers to be the top candidate. This affordable service has memberships available starting at $23 monthly, and the brand routinely offers promotional periods where you can score discounted memberships as low as $10 per month for set commitment periods.

We rate the value at 4 out of 5, too, since WeightWatchers — now simply branded “WW” — can be covered by most insurance plans. “I’ve used a handful of fitness apps and diet trackers, and the cost of WeightWatchers, to me, is more than justifiable,” states Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. Of course, though, another membership fee isn’t for everyone — if you’d prefer a free weight loss app, we suggest MyFitnessPal.

Unlike other calorie-counting services, WeightWatchers uses “Points” that signify each dish’s nutritional value. According to Meier, “I like this tactic as it removes the emphasis on calories and prioritizes some of the most nutrient-dense foods. However, there is no way to look at your macros for each meal, which may be a detriment to those with specific carb or protein goals each day.”

The WW app is simple to navigate, earning a 4-out-of-5 rating for ease of use. Meier states that everything is pretty intuitive, although newcomers to food tracking may experience a learning curve. “I do think the food database is expansive, though,” Meier adds, “And added conveniences like a barcode scanner and pre-loaded restaurants can make for easy tracking throughout each week.”

WeightWatchers is available under three membership options: Points Program, Workshops, and Weight-Loss Meds. While all plans offer food plan monitoring, access to dietitians, and a community forum for motivation across your weight loss journey, the Workshops and Weight-Loss Meds platforms can offer added guidance for improved support as well as access to popular weight loss medications. Accordingly, we rate the available features at 5 out of 5 and suggest thinking through which level of support is right for your needs.

Best Weight Loss App with Coaching: Future

Future


Workouts tailored to your available equipment

Monthly subscription required

Nutrition planning available via Nourish

Tailored Training

Your Future membership connects you to a certified personal trainer for custom nutrition and training suggestions.

Daily Interaction

Your assigned coach is just clicks away through the convenient app for motivation and guidance.

Workout Guides

Each prescribed exercise is accompanied by detailed instructions and helpful videos for improved form and safety.

High Price Point

Monthly memberships cost $199, which may be too expensive for some budgets.

Pros




Customized personal training workouts



In-app communication with trainer



Nutrition support via Nourish

Cons




Expensive monthly subscription costs



Workouts need to be logged manually



Training experience can be limited by your available equipment

Future offers online personal training in every facet of fitness. Every client gets a certified fitness professional who will prescribe training programs, follow up daily to assess progress, make program adjustments as needed, and offer accountability.

Why We Like It

“Combining resistance training and aerobic exercises like cardio or walking can be an effective weight loss solution as you burn calories and build muscle,” states Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. If you’re looking for one of the best workout apps to support your weight management aspirations, it can be beneficial to choose a service with available coaching, such as Future. The access to live personal trainers (and even dietitians, thanks to a 2024 partnership with Nourish) can be vital in ensuring your training is aligned with your goals.

Our tester rates the app service at 4.3 out of 5 overall, stating, “The instructors are well-versed in the training needs of different individuals, and I appreciate the level of accountability baked into the service. While your assigned trainer cannot physically make you hit the gym, the level of communication and daily check-ins do help you stay motivated in your fitness.”

Your Future experience can be customized based on your training experience level, available equipment, and personal goals. Plus, our tester notes that workout schedules can be customized to your available time — no need to alter your current regimen for the sake of hitting the gym. As such, we score the initial setup at 5 out of 5. “I also score the equipment demands at 5 out of 5, since you don’t need to have a full garage gym for your workout routine — your coach can work with you to ensure you’re working toward your health goals,” adds our tester.

You can adjust the weight during sets in Future's personal training app.You can adjust the weight during sets in Future's personal training app.
You can adjust the weight during sets in Future’s personal training app.
Talking to our digital personal trainer on the Future app.Talking to our digital personal trainer on the Future app.
BarBend’s Jake Herod chatting with his digital personal trainer on the Future app.

Admittedly, we’ve yet to test the all-new Nourish partnership, but if the feature is similar to the experience we’ve seen with our assigned instructors and guides, we’re sure the service can be worthwhile for weight loss enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, the main pitfall to this primarily exercise tracking platform is the cost. You’ll need to shell out roughly $199 monthly for your Future subscription — a definite discount when compared to traditional in-person trainers, but a heightened price tag when compared to other weight loss apps. Accordingly, we rate the value at 3.75 out of 5. If you’d prefer a cheaper weight loss app offering a multi-layered platform for weight management, consider Noom, which uses habit-tracking services and food logging tools to help you get control of your diet and build a more positive relationship with nutrition and wellness.

Read our full Future App Review.

Best Weight Loss App for Habit Tracking: Noom

Noom


Color-coding system for good meal options

Subscription required for app service

Can support plant-based eating habits

Habit-Based Foods

Noom utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy to help you build positive habits for weight management.

Goal Setting

Features prompts, check-ins, and progress tracking to keep you on course.

No Restricted Foods

The color-coding system used to label food groups does not label dishes as “good” or “bad.”

Daily Tracking

Noom works most effectively when you log each consumed dish, so be prepared for daily data entries.

Pros




Psychology-based weight-loss approach



Get access to health coach and community



Easy-to-navigate interface

Cons




Logging meals can be tedious



Doesn’t sync with activity trackers



Not ideal for specified diets or fitness goals

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $70 monthly

Subscription Levels

Noom Weight, Noom Med

Area of Focus

Psychology-based nutrition support that emphasizes positive habits associated with weight management and improved wellness.

Noom combines psychology and behavioral science with traditional weight loss features like meal and activity tracking, personal coaches, and online communities to help customers adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Why We Like It

Studies report that positive habit building can be key to weight loss and weight management. (1) For those in need of some digital assistance on this front, Noom can be an excellent tool for the task. Rather than a traditional calorie-counting service or nutrition planner, this subscription takes a psychological approach to dieting, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy to help you learn positive food habits and develop positive changes to your lifestyle.

Like other weight loss apps prioritizing a calorie deficit each day, Noom serves as a daily food tracker that analyzes the nutritional information of each consumed dish or snack. Where Noom differs from other services, though, is the color-coded system symbolizing “good” and “bad” foods. “Green foods are less calorically dense than Yellow or Orange dishes,” notes our tester, who rates the tracking capabilities at 3 out of 5. “While this can be great for structure and developing a positive relationship with nutrient-dense foods, labeling specific dishes as ‘bad’ can lead to problematic outcomes.” For a more traditional calorie-counting experience, consider a service like MyFitnessPal.

Screenshots of Noom App from BarBend tester.Screenshots of Noom App from BarBend tester.
Screenshots of Noom App from BarBend tester.

Our tester notes that the app’s user interface is simple and intuitive, rating the ease of use at 5 out of 5. “I appreciate the compatibility with my best fitness tracker, too, for logging calories burned during activities,” they add.

When it comes to price, Noom subscriptions can be difficult to assess since you’re offered membership rates based on how lengthy the app perceives your weight loss journey to be. Month-to-month rates, however, can hover at roughly $70, which may be too expensive for certain budgets. As such, we rate the value at 2 out of 5.

As a final note, Noom does offer a community-based forum for added support and motivation as you learn and adjust to healthy eating habits. According to our tester, “This feature was a nice touch that helped me stay focused on my goals. It showed that others were having similar struggles or successes and that we could rely on one another to persevere. Other apps, in my experience, don’t have this level of community (on the app, itself).”

Read our full Noom Weight Loss App Review.

Best Weight Loss App for Logging Meals: Cronometer

Cronometer


Capable of tracking up to 84 nutrients

Free version available with ads

Can support plant-based eating habits

Detailed Data

Cronometer offers comprehensive nutrition tracking capabilities spanning calories, macros, vitamins, and minerals.

Customized Goals

You can set personal daily intake goals by gram, percentage, or ratio.

Simple Interface

According to our tester, the app experience is enjoyable with easy-to-read graphs and charts.

Tedious Tracking

For optimal results, Cronometer recommends logging each ingredient consumed rather than general recipes.

Pros




Comprehensive tracking capabilities



Large community for support and motivation



Syncs with popular fitness trackers

Cons




Meals need to be logged by ingredient, which can be tedious



Certain tracking features hidden behind paywall



Some may prefer a weight loss app with additional training instruction

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $0 monthly

Subscription Levels

Cronometer, Cronometer Pro

Area of Focus

Calorie tracker with multiple data tracking features for macros, micronutrients, fasting times, and more.

For a detailed breakdown of your daily consumption, Cronometer can be a helpful digital tool capable of tracking key metrics like calories, macronutrients, micronutrients, and more. Plus, the built-in community can be great for sharing recipes, boosting motivation, and staying consistent with your nutrition goals.

Why We Like It

Perhaps your weight loss journey just needs a high-quality macronutrient counter for dialing in your weight management protocols. Of the bunch, we feel Cronometer is one of the best macros calculators thanks to its simple yet detailed user interface, approachable subscription costs, and additional trackers for activity, vitamins, and minerals.

“This is one of the most detailed trackers I’ve downloaded,” says our tester, a certified nutrition coach, who rates the tracking capabilities at 4.5 out of 5. “In addition to macronutrients and calories, you also have the power to focus on micronutrients — a feature less prevalent across other services.”

We also appreciate Cronometer’s easy-to-read visuals that provide bar graphs for each consumed macro- and micronutrient. This can make it easy to monitor food intake while also serving as a quick, simple way to stay informed of your consumption. According to our tester, though, this does mean that meals need to be added by ingredient rather than just as a general dish. “To me, this wasn’t a dealbreaker as I knew the end results would be well-detailed, but others on a weight loss journey may prefer a less-involved subscription service.” If you’d rather just enter a general dish and don’t care about pinpoint accuracy, consider services like WeightWatchers or MyFitnessPal.

There is a free version of Cronometer, which can be great for figuring out if the app is right for your tendencies and preferences. Premium memberships — which can cost up to $49.99 annually — unlock other dietary features like fasting trackers, nutrition scores, custom diary groups, and more. The service, available for iPhone and Android users, can also sync to popular wearables for more informed activity tracking and cross-device monitoring (perfect for when you don’t want to have your phone out during a meal).

As a final note, our tester says that the available tracking features can be overwhelming at the start. “It’s a ton of information, but all of it is worthwhile if you know what you’re looking at.” As such, we recommend trialing Cronometer through the free version prior to subscribing to more premium versions.

Best Free Weight Loss App: MyFitnessPal

Best Free Weight Loss App

MyFitnessPal


Multiple graphs and charts for data recognition

Premium version available for added tracking

Can be suitable for plant-based diets

Simple Tracking

According to our tester, the MyFitnessPal food library makes it easy to track and all consumed dishes.

Easy Interface

The layout of the app is intuitive and legible — a definite perk for calorie-tracking novices.

Activity Tracking

You can also monitor your activity levels through MyFitnessPal for more informed caloric needs.

Contains Ads

While the free version of the app is wallet-friendly, we do note that the platform does contain pop-up ads.

Pros




Large library of loggable foods and recipes



Simple interface is easy to navigate



Free version boasts plenty of effective tools and features

Cons




Weight management routines are less tailored than other services



Free version does not support barcode scanning for easier tracking

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $0 monthly

Subscription Levels

Base, Premium

Area of Focus

Calorie tracker with multiple data tracking features for macros, vitamins, and minerals

The MyFitnessPal app is a comprehensive tracker that allows you to plan your meals in advance and tailor your eating to specific calorie or macro goals. Plus, there is a free version of this app, too.

Why We Like It

When sticking to a meal plan or monitoring your nutrition for the sake of weight loss, your macronutrient intake is one of the most vital components to track. (2) That said, some may feel that expensive calorie counters and subscription-based weight tracking apps are too costly when what they seek are simple, effective weight management tools. Enter MyFitnessPal — our favorite free weight loss app.

Rather than calling for monthly membership fees to unlock specific features for keeping tabs on calorie intake and daily activities, a majority of MyFitnessPal’s features are free to users from the start. This can be excellent for athletes looking to maintain or lose weight on a budget, focusing their finances, instead, on worthwhile gym equipment or some of the best budget meal delivery services for wholesome, nutritious dishes each night.

MyFitnessPal app interface screenshotsMyFitnessPal app interface screenshots
MyFitnessPal app interface screenshots
MyFitnessPal app interface screenshotsMyFitnessPal app interface screenshots
MyFitnessPal app interface screenshots

As a former user of MyFitnessPal, I do appreciate the user interface and rate the experience at 4 out of 5. The included pie charts outlining daily macro intake can be helpful in understanding just what you’re taking in each day. Plus, I appreciate the vast food library that features a range of different meals and food items for easier logging.

Available features also earn a 4 out of 5 given the app’s available recipe library and activity tracking capabilities. That said, the activity tracker does not provide an elevated level of instruction. If you’d prefer a weight loss app with available coaching for resistance training, we recommend subscribing to services like Future.

Naturally, a free app is likely to earn a 5-out-of-5 rating for value, and that is definitely the case with MyFitnessPal. However, we do note that the free service does contain ads, so expect some scrolling and pop-ups as you begin to log your daily meals. A premium version is available ($79.99 annually) but the free version has virtually everything needed to warrant weight loss support.

Best Weight Loss App for Beginners: Lose It!

Lose It


Legible app interface for easy navigation

In-app purchases available

Can support plant-based diets

Calorie Smart

This service helps you create a simple daily caloric budget for food intake based on your goals.

Beginner-Friendly

The intuitive app interface can be simple to digest, making it an ideal service for weight loss beginners.

Barcode Scanner

The app features a barcode scanner for easier meal tracking and data collection.

Device Compatible

According to the brand, you can sync Lose It! to Apple Health and Google Fit for more data organization.

Pros




Simple, intuitive app layout



Capable of tracking activity, nutrition, water intake, and more



Syncs to popular wearables for more informed tracking



Barcode scanner available for easier meal logging

Cons




Fewer tracked metrics than other apps we’ve tested

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $0 monthly

Subscription Levels

Base, Premium

Area of Focus

Calorie tracker with multiple data tracking features for macros, vitamins, and minerals

Lose It! can be an effective weight loss app for beginners thanks to its robust library of preset foods and meals along with convenient tracking tools like a barcode scanner. Plus, the app’s built-in community forum can be ideal for staying motivated throughout your weight loss journey.

Why We Like It

Just learning how to count macros? Nervous about the dietary changes associated with a weight loss journey? Consider Lose It! and the service’s free access to calorie tracking, barcode scanning, and multitude of push notifications — a positive feature for those struggling to maintain a sense of consistency during diets.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates Lose It!’s ease of use at a perfect 5 out of 5, noting, “The app interface is very legible and provides all the necessary data in appealing charts and graphs.” Additionally, we appreciate the level of tracking available across calories and macronutrients. As a former Lose It! subscriber, however, I do rate the tracking capabilities at 4 out of 5 since the platform does not feature vitamin or mineral breakdowns. This lack of information may be a detriment to those prone to micronutrient deficiencies. For a more detailed tracking layout, we recommend services like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal.

In terms of the accountability, I was always pleased with the Lose It! notifications. They were attentive enough for daily reminders, but weren’t excessive in that you’d scroll past them like a spam call or text. While this can be a nice way to maintain consistency in food and calorie tracking, novice weight loss athletes may want more involvement through virtual coaching or customized meal plans. Accordingly, I rate the accountability at a conservative 3.5 out of 5.

As a final note, Lose It! does offer a community forum for additional motivation and support from like-minded users. However, this feature is an in-app purchase and only available to those with a premium membership. It can be a useful tool for novices, but it may be best to seek out online community support from other (free) communities before signing up for the costlier membership plan.

Best Keto Weight Loss App: Carb Manager

Carb Manager


Premium services available via subscription

Ideal for low-carb and ketogenic diets

Food database includes verified sources

Net Carbs Focus

Carb Manager primarily highlights net carb consumption — a main focus for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Simple Layout

According to our testers, the app interface is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

Recipe Database

In addition to meal logging, Carb Manager features a large library of keto-friendly recipes.

Health Insights

The comprehensive data monitoring offers charts on ketone levels, glycemic load, and nutrient intake.

Pros




Ideal for tracking net carb consumption



Features available recipes and other planning tools



Fasting tracker included in app layout



Can customize macronutrient goals

Cons




Premium features hidden behind paywall



Not recommended for those with disordered eating tendencies

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $0 monthly

Subscription Levels

Base, Premium

Area of Focus

Calorie counter with emphasis on low-carb, keto-friendly diet plans

With a specific layout catering to keto diets and low-carb athletes, Carb Manager can be a convenient calorie tracking tool for daily weight management goals. The available graphs and charts are simple and intuitive, and our testers appreciate the specialized format that aligns with a low-carb diet.

Why We Like It

Considering the keto diet for your weight loss program of choice? You’ll need an app that focuses on net carbohydrates — the amount of carbohydrates the body can actually digest from a food source. Carb Manager serves as a traditional calorie tracking app, but the emphasis is on net carb counts each day, making it a beneficial tool for keto-following athletes.

Having dabbled in keto myself, I have had Carb Manager across my home screen in the past. I really appreciate the ease of use, rating the service at 4 out of 5 for the category. In addition to the easy-to-read charts and measurements, the app also comes equipped with low-carb recipes for those interested in expanding their cooking skills.

Carb Manager app interface screenshotsCarb Manager app interface screenshots
Carb Manager app interface screenshots
Carb Manager app interface screenshotsCarb Manager app interface screenshots
Carb Manager app interface screenshots

When it comes to functionality, I had zero complaints, personally. However, we score this platform at 4 out of 5 since there is room for inaccurate inputs. “While the food directory is vast, I’d recommend scanning the macronutrients listed before finalizing your log,” notes Caine Wilkes, BarBend editorial team member and Olympian. “There were a few low-carb snacks that had inaccurate metrics, but they were quick to resolve in the app itself.”

Carb Manager does have the power to track other weight management factors including water intake, intermittent fasting times, and activity logs. That said, there are no available coaching tools for more informed training or meal planning. For such services, we suggest opting for an app like WeightWatchers or Future.

Finally, you can download Carb Manager for free, but a premium service is also available for micronutrient tracking. In my experience, the free version has all the necessary bells and whistles, so I’d recommend staying with the budget-friendly option. I rate the value at 4 out of 5, though, since the carb-conscious approach may not be ideal for everyone, especially those that routinely experience disordered eating habits.

Best Weight Loss App for Intermittent Fasting: Simple App

Best for Intermittent Fasting

Simple App


AI-driven fasting reminders

Premium subscriptions for added tools

Can support plant-based diets

Fasting Tracker

Simple logs daily fasts easily with flexible windows and visual cues for when to eat.

AI Tech

The AI-driven service allows for quick photos of your meals for easier, more convenient calorie counting.

No Built-In Forum

The AI-powered notifications are your lone source of accountability with this app service.

Reading Material

Simple boasts a range of educational articles outlining basic practices and perks associated with intermittent fasting.

Pros




Designed specifically to support intermittent fasting



Simple, convenient meal logging tools



Clean interface that’s simple to navigate and use

Cons




Limited accountability features



Less ideal for those following traditional dieting strategies



Some features hidden behind paywall

Available On

iOS, Android

Price

Starting at $0 monthly

Subscription Levels

Base, Premium

Area of Focus

Calorie counter with emphasis on intermittent fasting

For those interested in intermittent fasting, Simple can be an excellent app to add to your home screen. The AI-powered service learns as you progress and suggests fasting times with convenient notifications to let you know when you should be consuming nutrient-rich foods for optimal results.

Why We Like It

Another popular diet type for weight management is intermittent fasting. Studies suggest that practicing this regimented fasting for a set amount of time can potentially help with waist circumference, fat mass, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and other factors. (3) Our testers really enjoy the AI-powered efficiency of Simple for such needs, because, well, it’s simple!

Rather than logging each meal manually and setting regular timers, Simple’s AI-driven algorithm places alarms to notify you of when you can eat each day. Plus, our tester rates the ease of use at 4 out of 5, highlighting the intuitive meal logging. “You just snap a photo of your dish and the app uses its points system to grade your meal on a scale of 1 to 4,” they note. “From my experience, the app is fairly accurate in judging nutrient-dense foods, and I also like that the labeling is rather neutral — no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ meals that need to be obsessed over.”

Intermittent fasting, while trendy, can still be a rather new nutritional strategy for some, especially those accustomed to more traditional types of diets. Thankfully, Simple features educational articles for added information and beginner-friendly consoles outlining the basics of the program. Accordingly, we rate the access to information at 4 out of 5.

Unfortunately, Simple does not feature a community forum for extra motivation or praises, and the lone form of accountability is through the AI algorithm. “You do get worthwhile notifications for when to start and stop eating, but the lack of coaching or community can be a dealbreaker for some athletes,” notes our tester. As such, we rate the accountability at a modest 3 out of 5 and suggest those wanting more interaction from their weight loss app to consider platforms like Future, Noom, or WeightWatchers.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Weight Loss Apps

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To compile this guide to the best weight loss apps, our roster of experts downloaded, scrolled through, and examined 15 different platforms, using our equipment testing methodology to guide and structure each trial. We also rated each app on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in key categories, including:

  • User Interface: Similar to the best online workout programs, a weight loss app that’s complicated or difficult to navigate can lead to disgruntled or unmotivated experiences. We made sure to comb through all available features and user experiences, highlighting services that were intuitive and well-designed with clear metrics and legible charts.
  • Tracking Capabilities: Many weight loss apps operate as calorie-counting tools for weight management as you build out your food diary with consumed goods. Our trials examined whether these measurements were accurate based on listed nutritional information or standard metrics for common dishes and ingredients. We also prioritized multifaceted weight loss apps offering features like water intake monitoring, habit tracking, intermittent fasting features, and more.
  • Additional Features: While many weight loss apps (naturally) focus on diet and nutrition as they relate to your well-being, we understand that weight management is a multilayered process. As such, we prioritized services that allow you to build healthy habits in multiple categories, whether through instructor-led training sessions, psychological support, community-based communication, and more. For diet-specific apps, we also looked for food databases and supportive metrics that aligned with the diet’s strategy and perceived effects.
  • Device Compatibility: This is fairly straightforward, but you cannot expect to use an app if it isn’t available for your device. We made sure to note which operating systems supported each chosen service, as well as which apps were compatible with popular fitness wearables like Garmins, Apple Watches, and Fitbits.
  • Price: Most of the apps featured in this guide do offer a free version, yet some do require an eventual subscription to unlock all fitness-related features and weight management perks. We made note of available pricing when appropriate.

Benefits of Weight Loss Apps

“Well-intentioned weight loss programs and apps can be very beneficial for those in the throes of a weight management journey,” notes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS. “In addition to more informed eating and wellness tracking, they can also be motivating tools to assist in making changes for the better when it comes to your overall health.” Here are a few more potential perks that can come from adding a weight loss app to your home screen.

  • Higher Potential for Success: According to studies, athletes that utilize a weight loss app for nutrition tracking have shown more success in reaching their weight loss goals than those that don’t monitor their meals each day. (4) These cost-effective digital tools can also serve as more approachable means of caloric tracking when compared to traditional in-person weight management programs.
  • User-Friendly Data Tracking: Tracking calories can be stressful, especially if you’re less experienced with deciphering nutrition labels and determining key macros for weight loss with each dish. Weight loss apps typically feature a food library of preset metrics, eliminating the need for number crunching before picking up your eating utensils. Some advanced services can even feature convenient barcode scanners for direct data logging.
  • Convenient Features: “There is no magic pill for weight loss,” states registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. However, health apps focused on weight management can offer convenient, helpful guides to better lifestyle changes, such as suggested recipes for high-protein breakfasts and dinners, educational articles on specific diet types, supplemental trackers for habits and water intake, and much more.
  • Affordable Assistance: While not always the case, many health apps can be downloaded without a required subscription fee. Granted, some features may be hidden behind paywalls, such as online coaching instruction or micronutrient tracking, but you can easily get a feel for an app’s potential without having to invest upfront.
  • Access to Fellow Weight Loss Enthusiasts: In addition to health-minded features and food logging tools, some weight loss apps have community threads baked into their interface where fellow users share their experiences and offer words of encouragement. This can help instill a sense of support amongst others as you learn to develop (and stick to) healthy lifestyle changes and improved relationships with food and exercise.

How Much Do Weight Loss Apps Cost?

Like your food choices from the best high-protein fast food to home-cooked helpings of your favorite nutritious dishes, weight loss apps can vary in price depending on their available features, compatibility with digital training devices, and more. Thankfully, though, many popular services are available as a free app, albeit with potential ads or in-app purchases that ultimately push athletes to sign up for premium levels (at higher costs). Below, we’ve outlined the starting prices of all apps featured in this guide to help you decide which price point is right for your personal budget.

Best Weight Loss App Overall WeightWatchers Starting at $23 per month
Best Weight Loss App with Coaching Future $199 per month
Best Weight Loss App for Habit Tracking Noom $70 per month
Best Weight Loss App for Logging Meals Cronometer Starting at $0 per month
Best Free Weight Loss App MyFitnessPal Starting at $0 per month
Best Weight Loss App for Beginners Lose It! Starting at $0 per month
Best Keto Weight Loss App Carb Manager Starting at $0 per month
Best Weight Loss App for Intermittent Fasting Simple App Starting at $0 per month

What to Consider Before Downloading a Weight Loss App

“A good weight loss plan involves multiple changes surrounding nutrition, fitness, sleep, and wellness,” notes Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. Accordingly, when choosing a weight loss app to support your journey, you should consider a handful of factors before downloading a specific service.

Weight Loss Goals

If you’re interested in weight loss apps, odds are that one of your fitness goals is better weight management. That said, you should consider the how and why for this aspiration when deciding on a digital nutrition tool. 

a person using the Future appa person using the Future app

Are you looking to switch up diet plans and simply aim for a calorie deficit, or are you trying to rethink your relationship with food overall? What about training needs? Do you have a comfortable program, or do you need assistance on that front, as well? Considering why you want to lose weight and how you’d prefer to do so can greatly influence which weight loss app is ideal for your personal wants and needs.

Level of Involvement

While some athletes may prefer a simplified calorie counter with available food and recipe libraries, others may want some extra assistance for improved nutrition, either in the form of digital coaches, AI algorithms, or community-based support. Weight loss apps can offer any and all of these services, so you can comfortably download a platform that matches your preferences. Be mindful, though, that health apps with available coaching or consultations can typically cost more, so you’ll need to factor in any subscription fees when planning your budget.

Person using smartphone to track nutrition facts and calories in her food

Your level of desired involvement will also influence how much you need to work with the app each day. Take a gander at customer reviews to see if the food logging protocols are simple and convenient. If you’ll need to manually enter all meals instead of, say, scanning a barcode or choosing from a preset roster of dishes, odds are that this practice will grow tiresome over time.

Available Features 

In addition to calorie and activity tracking, weight loss apps can boast other wellness features designed to improve your weight management program. Such features can include diet-specific layouts catering to such nutrition plans as keto, plant-based, and paleo diets, available water and sleep tracking modules for multilayered data tracking, community forums for a social aspect to weight loss, and more. Be sure to read through all available features prior to download and determine which assets may be helpful for your personal journey.

Price

Thankfully, there are a ton of free weight loss apps on the market loaded with helpful features for improved nutrition. That said, some of these services may hide their most influential aspects behind a paywall, requiring a subscription for the most effective usage. When choosing a weight loss app, it may be best to consider the premium membership fees from the start. You can still download the free version to get a feel for the user experience, but budgeting for the higher expense can provide a more detailed sense of if the app is affordable within your budget.

Best Weight Loss Apps FAQs

What is the best weight loss app?

The best weight loss app can be subjective depending on factors such as your budget, preferred level of involvement, and overall weight management goals. For our money, though, we really enjoy WeightWatchers and the brand’s point-based system for tracking daily consumption. With a monthly subscription fee of $23, it’s also one of the most affordable weight loss apps we’ve tested.

How much do weight loss apps cost?

While there are many free versions of popular weight loss apps, you’ll likely need to pay a monthly membership fee to unlock all available features and tools. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $23 monthly to nearly $200 monthly, depending on how many resources you want in your app. Higher costs typically feature one-on-one consultations with a coach or nutritionist, high-quality data tracking capabilities across macro- and micronutrients, and other premium features.

Do weight loss apps actually work?

In theory, yes. Weight loss apps can be a beneficial resource when going through a weight management program, with studies suggesting they can lead to higher success rates than traditional tracking methodologies. (4) However, like anything health and fitness, your experience is dependent on your effort. If you use the tools as they’re intended and regularly engage with the app, you’ll likely see better results. Remember, too, that weight management is a marathon, not a sprint, but with the right mindset and dedication, results can come.

References

  1. Huttunen-Lenz, M., Hansen, S., Raben, A., Westerterp-Plantenga, M., Macdonald, I., Stratton, G., Swindell, N., Martinez, J. A., Handjieva-Darlenska, T., Poppitt, S. D., Silvestre, M. P., Fogelholm, M., Jalo, E., Brand-Miller, J., Muirhead, R., Larsen, T. M., Vestentoft, P. S., Handjiev, S., & Schlicht, W. (2022). Forming new health behavior habits during weight loss maintenance—the preview study. Health Psychology41(8), 549–558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35787141/
  2. Espinosa-Salas, S. (2023, August 8). Nutrition: Macronutrient intake, imbalances, and interventions. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594226/
  3. Sun, M.-L., Yao, W., Wang, X.-Y., Gao, S., Varady, K. A., Forslund, S. K., Zhang, M., Shi, Z.-Y., Cao, F., Zou, B.-J., Sun, M.-H., Liu, K.-X., Bao, Q., Xu, J., Qin, X., Xiao, Q., Wu, L., Zhao, Y.-H., Zhang, D.-Y., … Gong, T.-T. (2024). Intermittent fasting and Health Outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. eClinicalMedicine70, 102519. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38500840/
  4. Ufholz, K., & Werner, J. (2023, March 23). The efficacy of mobile applications for weight loss – current cardiovascular risk reports. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12170-023-00717-2



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