Best Online Yoga Classes

0
43

In addition to being a low-impact, stress-reducing, mindful workout, yoga is also a physical activity that can be done just about anywhere—especially with the help of online yoga classes. Thanks to technology, you can stream on-demand, download, or join live classes from just about anywhere using a phone, tablet, computer, or television. All you need is a mat, and maybe some props like a ball or yoga strap, and you’ll be ready to strengthen and stretch with the help of an instructor on screen. 

There is no shortage of online yoga classes available to us, but as great as it is to have easy access to so many, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re new to the practice or you’re an advanced yogi with a decade of experience, we’ve rounded up some of the best online yoga classes to help you narrow down your choices.

01of 08

Best Overall: Glo

Glo Yoga
 GLO YOGA

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

  • Price: $20/month
  • Class Length: Up to 90+ minutes 
  • Free Trial: Yes—7 days

Why We Chose It

With more than 5,000 on-demand classes, as well as the option to join live streaming classes, Glo has tons to offer your practice, no matter your experience level. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Huge variety of class options
  • Subscription offers daily live classes and unlimited access to on-demand lessons
  • Available to stream on all major platforms

Cons

  • Only two membership tiers
  • No online member community

Overview

Glo stands out as the best online yoga class platform because it offers something for everyone. Members have access to more than 5,000 on-demand classes plus daily live-stream lessons from a variety of fantastic instructors. Classes are offered for all experience levels and range in length from under 10 minutes to 90 minutes. 

In addition to yoga, Glo also has meditation, Pilates, and general fitness classes, and members have access to educational videos to help them learn more about and grow their practice. For most classes, all you’ll need is some space and a yoga mat—but extra props for modifications are also an option. Thanks to these features and its intuitive website, Glo checks all of the boxes for the ideal online yoga class platform.

02of 08

Best for Beginners: Yoga International

Yoga International logo
YOGA INTERNATIONAL

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

Price: $19.99/month
Class Length: 
3 to 60+ minutes
Free Trial: 
Yes—7 days

Why We Chose It

Yoga International is a fantastic platform no matter your experience level, but we particularly like it for beginners because classes are led by some of the most well-trained teachers out there. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Class options for quick workouts or longer flows
  • Members have access to concentrated multi-class courses 
  • Platform has more than 100 expert teachers leading classes

Cons

  • No live class options
  • Some courses and classes are an additional charge

Overview

Yoga International has some of the best beginner classes taught by well-trained and knowledgeable instructors. As a member, you’ll have access to more than 3,000 on-demand classes as well as multi-class courses (some may be an additional charge), educational reading and videos, and community challenges. 

Class options with Yoga International include hatha, prenatal, restorative, vinyasa, and more, and range in length from under 10 minutes to an hour. As you start to advance your practice, you’ll find hundreds of classes in the next level up, so while this platform is especially great for beginners, there’s still plenty of great content for intermediate and advanced yogis as well.

03of 08

Best Budget: Yoga With Adriene

Yoga with Adriene logo
YOGA WITH ADRIENE

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

Price: Free (through YouTube)
Class Length: 
10 to 30+ minutes
Free Trial: 
N/A

Why We Chose It

It doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than Yoga With Adriene—her classes are free to stream on YouTube. There are hundreds of videos to choose from, with new content added regularly. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free to stream on YouTube
  • Huge variety of class types
  • Options for quick lessons or 30+ min classes

Cons

  • You’ll likely experience ads on YouTube (unless you are a paid subscriber)
  • Not ideal for more advanced yogis

Overview

Yoga With Adriene is perfect for people looking to try yoga classes without the financial commitment. With more than 11 million subscribers (and counting!), Adriene offers hundreds of free yoga videos through her YouTube Channel. You’ll find quick workouts lasting under 10 minutes, lunchtime yoga classes, and focused series (you can also use her website to browse classes). 

While she does have classes to help you master more intermediate and advanced poses, like inversions, most of her content is better suited for beginners or intermediate yogis rather than someone who is looking for a more challenging flow. That being said, there is no shortage of class options on her channel. Whether you’re looking for a fast core workout, stress relief, or a few poses to help you settle down for sleep, Adriene probably has something for you.

04of 08

Best for Advanced Yogis: Obé

Obé Fitness
 OBÉ FITNESS

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

  • Price: $24.99/month
  • Class Length: 5 to 60 minutes
  • Free Trial: Yes—7 days

Why We Chose It

With both live and on-demand classes, obé has a sizable library of yoga classes for all levels—including advanced. If you’re looking for even more of a challenge, members have access to workouts beyond yoga as well, such as Pilates and HIIT.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Available to stream through all major platforms
  • Access to live and on-demand classes
  • Members can take other types of classes as well, like Pilates, HIIT, and dance

Cons

  • No advanced yoga videos for seniors
  • Only one option for intermediate level seniors
  • Classes are not categorized by type 

Overview

While some yoga class platforms cater more to beginners, obé offers a huge selection of yoga classes for all experience levels, including more challenging classes for advanced yogis. Members can choose to join one of the many daily live classes or stream a lesson on-demand at their leisure. Classes range in length from under five minutes to an hour or longer, and you can search based on everything from fitness level to body focus to music to equipment. 

In addition to the library of yoga classes, obé members also have access to thousands of other types of classes, such as dance, Pilates, HIIT, sculpt, trampoline, spin, and more. And when you become a member of the platform, you join the online community, where you can chat, participate in challenges, and motivate each other.

05of 08

Best for Kids: Cosmic Kids

Cosmic Kids Yoga
COSMIC KIDS YOGA

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

  • Price: $10/month
  • Class Length: Under 10 to 30 minutes
  • Free Trial: Yes—14 Days

Why We Chose It

With a super affordable subscription price, Cosmic Kids offers ad-free yoga classes for kids—complete with bright colors and whimsical music. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • All classes are ad-free 
  • Extended free trial period
  • Classes are timed for kids’ short attention spans 

Cons

  • Better suited for younger kids
  • Website is somewhat overwhelming to navigate

Overview

It’s never too early to start practicing yoga, which is why Cosmic Kids is such a great platform for mini yogis in training. Members get access to classes that feature colorful graphics and kid-friendly poses and language. Videos can be streamed on a TV or through the app on a phone or tablet. 

If you’re not sure your little one is ready to start practicing, you can try Cosmic Kids out for two weeks for free before committing to the monthly subscription. This extended trial option is also great for caregivers of big kids who may decide they’re too old for the videos (some of the kid-friendly graphics and language are better suited for younger kids). If your older child decides the membership isn’t for them, there are still plenty of free downloads and articles on the site that are great resources for parents.

06of 08

Best for Live Classes: Omstars

OmStars logo
OMSTARS

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

Price: $12 to $18/month
Class Length: 
Under 15 to 60+ minutes
Free Trial: 
Yes—7 days

Why We Chose It

No matter the day, chances are high that you’ll find a live class to join on Omstars. But, if there happens to be a lull right when you want to practice, there are thousands of on-demand classes you can take as a backup. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Online schedule available to plan for live classes
  • More than 5,000 on-demand classes
  • Classes suitable for all levels 

Cons

  • Dramatic price difference in membership tiers
  • Higher tier membership required for live classes

Overview

Omstars is a great option for anyone who is seeking that group workout feeling since it offers several live classes to choose from every day. Class offerings include meditation, vinyasa flows, ashtanga, yin, and more. There are even intensive class options available for members who want to focus on things like inversions or more advanced poses. 

If on-demand classes are more your style, then at $18 per month, Omstars is a great platform. There are more than 5,000 pre-recorded lessons available in the library, ranging from quick workouts under 15 minutes up to an hour or longer, with options for all levels. For access to both on-demand and live-stream classes, however, you’ll have to choose the Omstars+ tier, which costs about $12 a month but doesn’t come with a free trial.

07of 08

Best for Groups or Couples: Alo Moves

Alo Moves
ALO MOVES

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

Price: $20/month
Class Length: 
Under 10 to 90+ minutes
Free Trial: 
Yes—14 days

Why We Chose It

Alo Moves is one of a handful of online yoga class platforms that offers a decent library of partner yoga classes and courses. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Both individual and partner yoga classes available
  • Membership price is on the lower side compared to other platforms
  • Four experience level options

Cons

  • Number of partner-focused classes is limited compared to traditional options
  • Only available on iOS

Overview

With all of the mindfulness and stress release that comes with yoga, it’s no wonder you’d want to share it with a partner (especially a romantic partner). Alo Moves offers one of the largest libraries of partner-focused yoga classes, and there are even series and courses partners can take to advance their practice together. 

Alo Moves has a much larger selection of standard online yoga classes than partner-specific ones, but there’s no reason why you and your partner can’t turn a traditional class into something for the two of you by practicing side-by-side. Plus, with on-demand classes, you can stream a class simultaneously even when you’re in different locations—like if one of you is traveling or if you want to set up a virtual yoga lunch hour from separate offices. With thousands of class options at varying experience levels, you and a partner will have plenty of choices no matter what kind of vibe you’re looking for.

08of 08

Best for On Demand: Gaia

Gaia Yoga
GAIA YOGA

SIGN UP NOW

Key Specs

Price: $11.99/month or $99/annually
Class Length: 
Under 10 to 60+ minutes
Free Trial: 
Yes—7 days

Why We Chose It

Gaia has more than 8,000 on-demand yoga videos and classes for all levels. Members get unlimited access to all of the videos, which can be streamed on a phone, tablet, or TV. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Huge selection of classes to choose from
  • Classes available at various experience levels
  • Members get access to educational content and news as well

Cons

  • No option for live stream classes
  • Website is a little difficult to navigate

Overview

If you’re looking for a platform with a huge library of on-demand videos, then Gaia is the one for you. Members have access to more than 8,000 videos (including classes and educational content) and classes are available for various experience levels for anywhere from under 10 minutes to an hour or longer. You’ll find classes in numerous styles including therapeutic yoga, meditation, ashtanga, Hatha, beginner yoga, kids’ yoga, chair yoga, restorative, vinyasa, and more. 

The cost of a subscription is $11.99 per month or $99 annually, which falls on the lower end of a lot of online yoga class platforms. With the monthly membership, you’ll have access to all videos with the option to stream on your phone, tablet, or TV. If you opt for the annual membership, you’ll save a bit by paying upfront, plus you’ll also get access to digital downloads on topics beyond yoga, such as plant medicine.

Final Verdict

We ranked Glo Yoga as our favorite platform for online yoga classes because of its variety of classes, from beginner to advanced. We love that members get access to thousands of videos, including both on-demand and live-streaming classes, whether they’re looking for a quick workout or something more in-depth. All of that said, if you’re trying to be budget-conscious, we love Yoga With Adriene, and Cosmic Kids is perfect for introducing little ones to the practice.

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Yoga Classes

What Are the Benefits of Online Yoga Classes?

The great thing about online yoga classes is that they offer a lot of the same great benefits as in-person yoga, like mindfulness, physical activity, and a little bit of “me time” for busy yogis. While with in-person yoga classes you have the benefit of being in the same room as an instructor who can help you adjust your poses as needed, you can still get a lot out of an online yoga class. “There are several advantages to taking online yoga classes, including scheduling flexibility, the convenience of practicing from home, and the comfort of trying new styles that one might not explore in person,” says yoga instructor Trin Perkins, RYT200. However, she does note that there is a sense of community that comes with in-person yoga classes that cannot be completely mimicked through an online member community.

Comparing Online Yoga Classes

The best online yoga class platform can vary from person to person, depending on individual needs and wants. Some things to consider when trying to choose the right one for yourself include:

  • Experience level: Make sure the platform offers classes that align with your level of experience such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced
  • Class format: Are you looking for more on-demand classes or do you want to participate in live classes (or both)? Check what each platform offers to ensure you’re getting what you want. 
  • Additional content: If you’re only interested in yoga classes, then a platform that focuses solely on yoga is ideal. On the other hand, if you like to mix up your workouts, then you might be better off with a fitness app with a variety of workouts including yoga. 
  • Price: From free to $25+ per month, most class streaming platforms come with a price tag, so keep your monthly budget in mind when you’re researching your options. 
  • Class length: Some platforms offer a bunch of quick classes under 30 minutes while others last as long as 90 minutes (or more). Consider how much time you’d really be able to invest in a single class. 
  • Accessibility: Are you planning on doing yoga at home in front of the TV or do you want a platform that allows you to stream from your phone, computer, and/or tablet as well? Not every platform works with every device, so make sure the one you choose is compatible with your technology and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

  • Can You Learn Yoga Online?You can absolutely learn yoga online, in fact, Perkins says “many people start their yoga journey online to better prepare them to attend in-person classes.” Additionally, an online format may be a more ideal option for someone who gets anxious working out in groups. The key is to pay attention to your form and to listen to your body since there won’t be an instructor in the room with you to offer adjustments. 
  • How Should a Beginner Start Yoga?For beginners, it’s a good idea to take some time to understand the practice as well as its benefits, which can be done by watching tutorial videos or just reading up on the history of yoga. From there, ease into the practice with beginner-level classes that are focused on fundamental poses and flows. Be sure to take advantage of modification options and consider investing in props, like yoga blocks and straps, to help you ease into the more challenging poses and become more comfortable with your practice. 
  • Is Yoga a Safe Workout to Do Daily?According to Perkins, “practicing yoga asana (the physical practice) every day is safe and beneficial for increased energy, mobility, flexibility, stress relief, and more.” However, she notes that it is important to switch up your style on occasion to avoid injury. And, as always, you should listen to your body and allow yourself time to rest if you need it. 
  • How Quickly Will You See Results From Practicing Yoga?Believe it or not, Perkins says you will notice a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being “almost immediately” once you start practicing yoga. “From a greater sense of calm and clarity to increased energy (depending on the style of yoga), even a short yoga practice can make a positive impact,” she says. 

Methodology

We compared more than 20 online yoga class platforms to create this best-of list. Throughout our research, we considered the types of classes offered (live, on-demand, or download), class accessibility, price, and variety. In order for a platform to make the list, it needed to offer classes for all levels, and there needed to be options for quick flows as well as longer sessions. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here