The Ladder app costs $29.99/month or $179.99/year in 2026. Here's what's included, how it compares to working 1:1 with a trainer, and how to choose between the two.
TrainerMatch
Team Blog Post
Ladder is a strength training app that's been showing up in a lot of feeds lately. Here's what it costs, what's included, and how it compares to working 1:1 with a personal trainer.
You get a 7-day free trial with no payment info required upfront. After that it's subscription only, and there's no free plan.
Ladder's pricing page lists the PRO plans. The higher tiers are App Store purchases you'll find inside the app.
After a short matching quiz, you join a "team," which is a program led by one coach in a specific style, like bodybuilding, HIIT, kettlebell, or Pilates-style strength. Each Sunday, the coach releases a new week of workouts for the team.
Workouts include video demos, audio cues, and timing for each set. You can track reps and weights, chat with your team, and log meals and macros in the iPhone app.
The main difference is who the plan is written for. Ladder's programs are designed for the whole team, not for each member. Higher tiers add 1:1 chat with a coach, but the workouts still follow the team's plan.
Ladder describes itself as built for general strength training, not individualized coaching or injury rehab. A 1:1 trainer, online or in person, may be a better fit if:
A team-based app may fit if you're generally healthy, want structure, and are comfortable following a shared program.
A 1:1 trainer may fit if you have an injury, a medical condition, a specific goal, or you want a program built entirely for you.
Or combine them. A few sessions with a trainer can help you dial in your form and get a plan built around your body. Then you can decide how much ongoing support you need.
If 1:1 training sounds right for you, TrainerMatch can help. It's free for clients, and every trainer's certification is verified before their profile goes live. You can browse by specialty, like injury recovery, prenatal and postpartum, sports performance, or powerlifting, and connect with a trainer online or in person.
Is Ladder free?
No. The download is free and there's a 7-day trial, but a subscription is required after that.
Is Ladder worth the money?
It depends on what you need. If you want a structured, shared strength program, it's one option. If you need a program built specifically for you, a 1:1 trainer is a better match.
Does Ladder have personal trainers?
Ladder has coaches who design a weekly program for each team, and members can chat with their coach in the app. Ladder describes itself as coach-led programming rather than 1:1 personal training, so it's a different format from working with a personal trainer.
Ladder vs personal trainer: which is cheaper?
Ladder costs less per month than most personal training. A single session with a trainer can cost more than a month of the app. The trade-off is personalization: for injuries, specific goals, or form coaching (not to mention the relational aspect of having a personal coach who knows you), a few 1:1 sessions can be worth the investment.
Is Ladder on Android?
Not currently. It's on iPhone and Apple Watch, with a web version for workouts and team chat.
This article is general fitness information from its author, not medical advice. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise or nutrition program.