We make Defiant, one of the apps below. That makes this a vendor's guide, not an independent ranking. We say plainly where another app is the better pick, prices and ratings come from each app's App Store listing (US, checked October 7, 2026), and the sources are at the end.
The short answer
- Follow-along programs and skill tutorialsThenx
- Big free libraryCalisteniapp
- Rings-first coachingDIE RINGE
- Tracking progress on rings, bars and weighted calisthenics, with targetsDefiant
- A flexible log you set up yourselfHevy
Two kinds of calisthenics app
Most calisthenics apps are coaching apps: they give you a program, videos and skill progressions to follow. A few are tracking apps: they record what you actually did and tell you what to do next time. Many people use one of each. Here's what good tracking needs for bodyweight work:
- Holds in seconds. L-sits, support holds and front lever progressions are measured in time, not reps.
- Added weight. Weighted pull-ups and dips need the belt or vest weight logged, and progress tracked on it.
- Bodyweight in the maths. A pull-up at 180 lb is a heavier lift than at 160 lb. Strength estimates should include your bodyweight.
- Rings as equipment. Ring dips and ring push-ups are harder than their bar and floor versions, and should be tracked separately.
- Progressions. Tuck, advanced tuck, straddle: each step is its own exercise with its own history.
At a glance
| App | Type | Holds | Added weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defiant | Tracking, with targets | Yes, with a hold timer | Yes | Free now |
| Thenx | Coaching | Not stated | Not stated | From $89.99/yr or $9.99/mo |
| Calisteniapp | Coaching | See app | See app | Free tier; Pro about $66.99/yr or $9.49/mo |
| DIE RINGE | Coaching (rings) | See app | See app | Varies by plan |
| Hevy | Tracking | Duration sets | Yes | Free tier; Pro $23.99/yr, $2.99/mo or $74.99 lifetime |
The apps, one by one
Defiant
Our appBest for tracking rings, bars and weighted calisthenics
- App Store rating
- New (launched October 2026)
- Price
- Free now; Pro $69.99/yr or $9.99/mo later. First 1,000 downloads free for life
- Platforms
- iPhone (iOS 26.1+)
- Apple Watch app
- Yes
Defiant treats rings as equipment and bodyweight lifts as real lifts: your logged bodyweight (or Apple Health's) goes into every pull-up and dip estimate, added weight on a belt or vest is tracked and progressed, and holds run on a timer and progress in seconds. Its library includes Calisthenics & Rings, a Recommended Routine-style plan inspired by r/bodyweightfitness, Bodyweight Basics and Skills & Strength programs, and you can mix calisthenics with weights. Form photos let you compare a planche or lever with last week's.
Good
- Targets for reps, holds and added weight
- Bodyweight counted in strength estimates
- Mix rings and barbells in one plan
- Form photos to compare week to week
Watch out for
- Not a video coaching app: fewer tutorials than Thenx or DIE RINGE
- iPhone and Apple Watch only (iOS 26.1+)
Pick it if you want to know exactly what to do on the rings next session, and see it add up.
Every set gets a weight and rep target from your own training. First 1,000 downloads get Pro free for life.
Download on the App Store
Scan with your iPhoneThenx
Best for follow-along programs and skill tutorials
- App Store rating
- 4.8 (12K ratings)
- Price
- From $89.99/yr or $9.99/mo
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad
- Apple Watch app
- No
Thenx offers beginner-to-advanced calisthenics programs, skill challenges for moves like the muscle-up, planche and handstand with expert tutorials, daily workouts and mobility work. You can log reps, sets and personal bests.
Good
- Polished video programs
- Skill tutorials
- 4.8 from 12K ratings
Watch out for
- Subscription-based
- Ring-specific training isn't a listed feature
Pick it if you want someone to coach you through each workout.
Calisteniapp
Best for a big free library
- App Store rating
- 4.8 (about 1.4K ratings)
- Price
- Free tier; Pro about $66.99/yr or $9.49/mo
- Platforms
- iPhone, Android
- Apple Watch app
- See listing
Calisteniapp has a large library of calisthenics routines and programs with a free tier; a subscription unlocks all programs, challenges and detailed metrics.
Good
- Generous free content
- iPhone and Android
Watch out for
- Full programs and metrics need Pro
Pick it if you want lots of free routines to start with.
DIE RINGE
Best for rings-first coaching
- App Store rating
- See listing
- Price
- Free basic; premium varies by plan (yearly plan can include rings)
- Platforms
- iPhone, Android
- Apple Watch app
- See listing
DIE RINGE builds its programs around gymnastic rings, with guided training that builds strength and technique from the ground up. Some yearly plans include a set of rings.
Good
- Built around rings
- Guided progressions
Watch out for
- Pricing varies by plan and country
- Coaching-led rather than tracking-led
Pick it if rings are your main tool and you want a structured coaching program.
Hevy
Best for a flexible log you set up yourself
- App Store rating
- 4.9 (97K ratings)
- Price
- Free tier; Pro $23.99/yr, $2.99/mo or $74.99 lifetime
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad, Android, web
- Apple Watch app
- Yes
Hevy isn't a calisthenics app, but it handles bodyweight, weighted and duration sets well, and many calisthenics athletes use it as their log. You build the routines and decide the progression.
Good
- Free, fast and flexible
- Duration sets for holds
Watch out for
- No calisthenics programs or targets
- You decide every progression
Pick it if you already know your programming and want a solid free log.
Questions
What is the best app to track calisthenics progress?
For tracking with targets, Defiant: it logs reps, holds and added weight, counts your bodyweight in strength estimates and tells you what to aim for next. For a flexible free log you set up yourself, Hevy.
What's the best calisthenics app for beginners?
A coaching app like Thenx or Calisteniapp is the easiest start, because it shows you every exercise. Defiant's Bodyweight Basics program is a good fit if you'd rather follow a simple plan with targets.
Is there an app for the r/bodyweightfitness Recommended Routine?
Defiant includes a program in the style of the Recommended Routine, with its paired strength work set in rep ranges. Its progressions are our adaptation rather than the subreddit's official version.
Can I track ring training in a normal workout app?
Yes, as long as it supports bodyweight and duration sets. Track ring exercises separately from bar and floor versions, since they're harder.
How do I track weighted pull-ups?
Log the added weight on each set. A good app combines it with your bodyweight to estimate strength, so a heavier you and a heavier belt both count.
Weight and reps for every set, worked out from your own training. iPhone and Apple Watch. First 1,000 downloads get Pro free for life.
Download on the App StoreScan with your iPhoneSources
- Thenx on the App Store
- Calisteniapp on the App Store
- DIE RINGE on the App Store (Germany)
- Hevy on the App Store
- How Defiant estimates bodyweight lifts
Defiant isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any app on this page. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected] and we'll fix it.
