Navigating the burgeoning world of online yoga classes can feel like walking through a maze without a map. With an overwhelming number of options vying for your attention, where do you begin your search for the perfect digital yoga studio?
This comprehensive guide aims to help you uncover the answer, guiding you effortlessly through the myriad of choices at your fingertips.
From free YouTube channels led by charismatic instructors to premium subscription-based platforms offering immersive yoga experiences, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the best online yoga classes currently available in 2023.
Each recommendation is accompanied by a thorough examination of its pros and cons, ensuring you can make an informed decision based on your unique needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll find a platform that fits your level, style, and pace.
Now, let’s dive into the world of online yoga and discover a practice that resonates with you.
Contents
Quick list:
- Alo Moves App: For wellness enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of high-quality yoga, fitness, and mindfulness classes, with a vibrant community and personalized programs.
- Yoga Download: For yogis of all skill levels who want a combination of free + premium classes with an affordable membership. Use code YOGANOMADS for 10% off all purchases.
- Glo Yoga App: For the flexible yogis who crave variety, customization, and cross-platform syncing, offering 5,000+ classes, 16 yoga styles, and guided meditations.
- Yoga International: For the knowledge-seeking yogis who want to explore yoga philosophy, history, and holistic wellness through 2,000+ on-demand classes, educational resources, and personalized goals.
- Find What Feels Good (FWFG) (Yoga With Adriene): For beginner yogis who desire a welcoming and non-intimidating yoga journey, joining a supportive community led by Adriene with intentional classes and wellness talks.
- Obé: For the energetic fitness enthusiasts looking for fun, neon-themed, live and on-demand classes ranging from barre to cardio boxing, with training programs for goal-oriented routines.
- Gaia Yoga App: For mindful explorers seeking a holistic approach to conscious living, offering yoga classes, meditations, and thought-provoking films on various wellness topics.
1- Alo Moves App
Alo Moves is a top-tier yoga, fitness, and mindfulness app featuring a broad range of expert-taught classes. Subscriptions can be paid monthly or annually, with a free trial.
The app promotes mindfulness, updates weekly with new content, and offers curated playlists to support consistent routines. Its appeal lies in the variety of classes, aesthetic videos, and an engaging community through member message boards. However, the intensity and variety may deter beginners, and the preset music may not appeal to all.
Despite its strengths, Alo Moves might not satisfy those seeking deeper yoga philosophy or those preferring free content due to its paywall and focus on physical practices.
Alo Moves provides:
- Broad class variety, including yoga, fitness, mindfulness, pilates, strength training, and meditation.
- Personalized programs based on users’ experience and focus area.
- Classes catering to all skill levels and styles.
- Option to target specific skills or poses.
- High-quality, aesthetically filmed video content.
- Mindfulness resources like breathwork, yoga nidra, and sound bath meditation.
- Monthly and annual subscriptions with a free trial.
Pros
- Longer free trial than most apps.
- Offers mindfulness training, meditation, and breathwork.
- Regularly updates with new classes.
- Provides teacher series and curated playlists.
- Fosters a community with member message boards.
- Allows music during fitness classes.
- High-quality video content
Cons
- No free content; all videos require a subscription.
- Music is preselected by Alo, not user-customizable.
- Contains frequent in-app advertisements.
- Lacks tutorials on yoga history or philosophy.
- The class selection tool can be glitchy.
2- Yoga Download
Yoga Download offers a comprehensive online yoga platform, providing various options for individuals seeking to practice yoga at home.
With a broad selection of over 2,600 classes, the service caters to a wide range of needs and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The platform is distinctive for its extensive library, regularly updated with new content from renowned yoga instructors worldwide.
Yoga Download offers:
- Multiple membership plans: monthly to annual subscriptions.
- Affordable pricing, offering value for money.
- Unlimited streaming of extensive video library.
- Varied access to downloads and program discounts per plan.
- Emphasis on inclusivity in yoga classes.
- Classes for children, seniors, athletes, pregnant women.
- Over 25 different yoga styles available.
Use code YOGANOMADS for 10% off all purchases.
Pros
- Plenty of free options
- Affordable and flexible membership plans
- Unlimited streaming of a vast video library
- Inclusive, catering to diverse groups and needs
- Offers over 25 different yoga styles, including classes on yoga philosophy.
- Accessible across multiple devices and platforms.
Cons
- Variable download access depending on the plan
- Might overwhelm beginners with extensive choices
3- Glo Yoga App
The Glo Yoga App is a versatile wellness solution offering diverse yoga, meditation, and pilates classes. Suitable for all skill levels, it offers 16 yoga styles from 60 instructors and has classes from 5 to 120 minutes, compatible with multiple devices.
Specialized classes like prenatal yoga enhance its offerings. However, its limitations include lack of social dynamics and real-time feedback, narrower fitness content scope, absence of a structured program, and potentially prohibitive subscription cost.
Glo Offers:
- Over 5,000 total classes
- Instruction from 60 renowned yoga teachers.
- Variety in class length (5-120 minutes) and difficulty (beginner to advanced).
- 16 yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Kundalini.
- Themed classes like yoga for runners and prenatal yoga.
- Compatibility with iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Roku.
Pros
- User-friendly with customizable practices.
- Features diverse, experienced teachers.
- Offers live and pre-recorded classes.
- Includes educational and fitness classes.
Cons
- Limited free version with short video samples.
- Doesn’t save class progress if app is exited.
4- Yoga International
Yoga International is a 4-star yoga and meditation platform offering 2000+ on-demand classes from experienced teachers. Basic membership costs $19.99 monthly/$199 annually, and includes a 7-day free trial, while the $499/year premium plan offers one-on-one coaching and access to premier courses.
Users can set goals and save favorites, but class recommendations may be off, and the platform may overwhelm beginners. As of August 2022, no live classes are offered, and the interface can be challenging for new users. Complaints have been made about subscription cancellation difficulties and poor customer service.
Unique Features:
- Resources for yoga teachers and goal-setting options.
- Offers various yoga styles and premium features including one-on-one coaching and premier courses.
- Extensive resources like guided meditations, breathwork, and educational courses.
- Received a 4/5-star independent review rating.
- App ratings: 3.0 stars (Google Play, 1.7K reviews), 4.6 stars (Apple App Store, 6K reviews).
- Customer service rated 3/5 stars based on user reviews.
Pros
- Over 2000 on-demand classes on multiple devices.
- 7-day free trial with basic membership.
- Various resources including yoga classes, meditations, educational courses, articles, and podcasts.
- Diverse professional instructors and option to save favorite classes.
Cons
- No free trial with premium membership.
- Premium membership cost ($499/year) is high.
- Platform might be overwhelming for beginners.
- No live classes since August 2022.
- Off-target class and meditation suggestions reported.
Yoga International is suited for:
- Professional yoga instructors seeking continuing education.
- Individuals interested in yoga philosophy and lifestyle.
- Those wanting to try multiple yoga styles.
It may not be ideal for:
- True beginners find initial yoga practices challenging.
- People prefer a pre-made routine instead of creating their own.
- Those seeking purely workout-focused content, uninterested in yoga’s deeper aspects.
5- Find What Feels Good (FWFG) (Yoga With Adriene)
The Find What Feels Good (FWFG) app, connected to Yoga with Adriene’s YouTube channel, offers varied yoga classes, meditations, recipes, and community features. Subscriptions cost $12.99 monthly or $129.99 annually with a seven-day trial.
It caters to all yogis, with unique classes and a planning calendar, but lacks a personalized class recommendation system. Some may find the membership redundant due to free classes on YouTube.
Other features include member vlogs, wellness talks, and yoga journeys, but users seeking personalization or intense workouts may prefer alternatives like Asana Rebel or Glo Yoga.
FWFG Unique Features:
- Affiliate of Yoga with Adriene’s YouTube channel.
- Houses over a thousand videos.
- Offers curated yoga and mindfulness classes.
- Emphasizes community with vlogs, message boards, and community classes.
- Presents unique yoga classes for various emotional states.
Pros
- Fosters community engagement.
- Caters to all levels, with unique classes.
- Provides wellness recipes and talks.
- Features a progress tracking calendar.
- Offers classes for different age groups.
Cons
- Lacks personal goal or experience assessment.
- Searching specific classes is challenging.
- Extensive free content on YouTube might make subscription unnecessary.
FWFG is great for beginners seeking a non-intimidating yoga introduction and advanced practitioners who enjoy community engagement.
However, those seeking structured fitness programs or personalized class recommendations may prefer other apps. Individuals content with the free Yoga with Adriene YouTube classes may not see the need for the FWFG subscription.
6- Obé
Obé is an online fitness service that offers a wide range of live and on-demand workout classes.
With up to 22 live classes daily, users have access to various workouts, including barre, dance, cardio boxing, HIIT, Pilates, and more. The classes are set in a neon pastel studio, creating a fun and energizing atmosphere. Obé also provides themed live classes, with themes such as 80’s aerobics and many more, adding a unique touch to the workouts.
The on-demand library is extensive, offering flexibility in choosing workouts based on fitness level, length, body focus, impact, instructors, and equipment. Obé offers training programs that can map out a routine ranging from 7 to 30 days, depending on individual goals.
Obé suits those who like flexible at-home workouts and value community support. It offers varied classes for all fitness levels and provides an engaging, vibrant workout experience. However, it might not appeal to those preferring traditional gyms, heavy weightlifting, or needing structured schedules, as Obé is focused on bodyweight exercises and requires self-discipline to maintain consistency.
Obé’s Unique Features:
- Obé costs $27/month, $65/quarter, or $199/year and includes all classes.
- It offers up to 22 daily live classes, each lasting 28-60 minutes, with themed and obéFORWARD classes for variety.
- The on-demand library covers 15 workouts such as barre and Pilates, and users can filter classes by various parameters.
- Obé provides goal-based training programs lasting 7-30 days.
- Classes are accessible via web, mobile app, and can be cast on TV.
Pros
- Wide variety of workout classes with up to 22 live classes daily
- Themed live classes and obéFORWARD classes for added fun and diversity
- Extensive on-demand library spanning 15 different types of workouts
- Training programs available for goal-oriented routines
- User-friendly app with easy navigation and filtering options
- Classes suitable for all fitness levels, including pre- and post-natal and kids/seniors
- No additional equipment required for many workouts
- Live classes help to maintain a consistent workout schedule
Cons
- Some users may find the vast number of options overwhelming
- Lack of personalization in terms of recommended classes based on individual goals or interests
7- Gaia Yoga App
Gaia Yoga App is a streaming media network that offers a wide range of content including yoga classes, guided meditations, and conscious living programs. The app provides access to a variety of yoga styles taught by renowned instructors, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
It also offers additional fitness classes like pilates and HIIT. With a subscription cost of $11.99 per month or $99.99 annually, Gaia provides a seven-day free trial for users to explore the platform.
One of the standout features of Gaia is its extensive collection of yoga-related films, documentaries, and courses, earning it a high rating in the Extra Resources and Features category. The app offers a diverse range of areas of focus, such as yoga for travel and emotional wellness, allowing users to explore different aspects of yoga and mindfulness.
The lower cost compared to other yoga apps, along with the inclusion of meditation and other fitness classes, adds value to the subscription.
However, it’s important to note that Gaia is primarily a streaming TV service that also provides yoga classes, so yoga is not the main feature. Some users may find the vast amount of content overwhelming, and the app and website resources may differ.
Additionally, Gaia includes some content that may be considered controversial and unproven, which may impact its credibility for some users.
Overall, Gaia is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to mindful living and enjoy thought-provoking entertainment beyond just yoga. It may not be the best fit for individuals solely focused on personalized yoga programs, live yoga classes, or who prefer a more streamlined and yoga-specific experience.
Unique Features:
- Extensive collection of yoga-related films, documentaries, and courses
- Diverse areas of focus, such as yoga for travel and emotional wellness
- Lower cost compared to other yoga apps
- Inclusion of meditation and other fitness classes
- Original TV series and films on conscious living
Pros
- Wide variety of yoga styles and fitness classes
- Renowned yoga instructors
- Access to yoga-related films, documentaries, and courses
- Lower monthly cost compared to other yoga apps
- Inclusion of guided meditations and other fitness classes
- Original TV series and films on conscious living
Cons
- No free version, only two-minute previews of videos
- Yoga is not the main feature of the app
- Overwhelming amount of content
- App and website resources may differ
- Some content may be considered controversial and unproven
Gaia is best for those seeking a holistic yogic lifestyle, offering a variety of yoga styles, guided meditations, and content on conscious living, spiritual growth, and alternative healing. However, it may not suit those looking for personalized fitness programs, live classes, or a focused yoga experience. Gaia’s extensive content may be overwhelming for some, and its lack of free option could also be a deterrent.
Our takes on each platform
In conclusion, the online world offers an abundant array of yoga classes and platforms to cater to diverse needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned yogi, there’s an app that aligns with your yoga journey.
For those seeking high-quality yoga, fitness, and mindfulness classes, Alo Moves provides an enriching variety.
Glo Yoga excels in offering customizable practices with a wide range of yoga styles, while Yoga International caters to knowledge seekers who wish to dive into yoga philosophy and holistic wellness.
FWFG, connected to Yoga with Adriene’s YouTube channel, offers a non-intimidating start for beginners and a supportive community.
For energetic fitness enthusiasts, Obé provides fun, neon-themed workouts with a vibrant atmosphere.
Lastly, Gaia is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to mindful living beyond yoga, offering content on conscious living, spiritual growth, and alternative healing.
Navigating through the realm of online yoga classes might feel overwhelming, but this guide aims to provide clarity and simplify your search for the perfect digital yoga studio.