Alternatives
SweatMates alternatives: partner workout apps compared (2026)
SweatMates is built for two people keeping each other to a weekly workout goal, with photo check-ins and a forfeit such as dinner when someone misses. People often search for a free version, or for something that verifies the workout rather than relying on a photo. Here is what we checked on 20 October 2026.
What SweatMates does
- You and a partner set weekly workout goals, post a quick photo after each workout and see each other’s check-ins and streak.
- You get a notification when your partner works out, and you can nudge them. A workout you forgot to log can be sent as a “Pinky Promise”, and your partner decides whether it counts.
- The forfeit for a missed week is something you agree, such as dinner or coffee. The app does not handle money.
- The UK App Store lists it as a free download with Sweatmates Pro purchases from £1.99 to £59.99. It is on iOS and Google Play.
At a glance
| Option | How a workout counts | What happens if someone misses | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SweatMatesOfficial site | A photo after each workout, seen by your partner. | The forfeit you agreed, such as buying dinner. Your partner can accept a workout you forgot to log. | Free download; Pro from £1.99 in the UK App Store. | Couples and friends who want light, friendly pressure. |
| FitBond Head to HeadHow Head to Head works | Verified from connected data (Apple Health, Strava, WHOOP, Polar, Withings) or a gym check-in by location. | Both people pay a deposit into the Bond. Settlement follows the rules shown before joining, after a 15% platform fee; there is no partner vote on what counts. | Paid Bonds need FitBond Pro (£7.99 a month or £59.99 a year after a trial). Preparing for launch, iOS first. | Pairs who want the goal checked by data rather than by each other. |
| StravaUK App Store listing | Recorded activities shared with followers. | Nothing happens beyond your friends noticing. | Free, with a paid subscription for extra features. | Pairs who mainly want to see each other’s training. |
| A shared plan (no app)Free worksheet | A shared note or calendar where each of you ticks the session. | Whatever you agree in advance. | Free. | Pairs who are honest with each other and just need a visible plan. |
Check each provider's current rules, store listing, eligibility and price before joining. Details were checked on 20 October 2026 and can change.
Is there a free alternative to SweatMates?
Yes. A shared calendar plus an agreed forfeit gives you most of the same structure for nothing, and Strava’s free tier lets you see each other’s activity. What free options do not give you is an independent check: both of you have to trust each other’s word. That is the gap paid options like FitBond try to fill with verified data, and it is a matter of preference, not a must.
Sources
- Sweatmates: Partner FitnessSweatmates
- Sweatmates UK App Store listingApple App Store
- Strava UK App Store listingApple App Store
- FitBond Terms of ServiceFitBond
Join the FitBond launch list
FitBond is preparing for launch in the UK, iOS first. Join the list for early access; there is no payment to join.
Join the FitBond launch list