Software · head to head
Apple Fitness+ vs Strong
The short version
- Only Strong has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Strong limited social and community features compared to newer competitors
- They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Strong covers Simple logging.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Strong actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Fitness+ | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9.99/month | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, tvOS | iOS, Android |
| Founded | 1976 | 2011 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Fitness+
- Studio-style workouts
- Real-time Apple Watch metrics
- Personalized recommendations
- Time to Walk
- Meditation sessions
- Apple Music
- Health app
- SharePlay
Only in Strong
- Simple logging
- Rest timer
- Personal records
- Progress charts
- Routine templates
- Apple Health
- Android support
- Apple-watch support
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Fitness+
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Strong
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Both are used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching, wellness improvement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Fitness+
- Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
- Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
- No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
- Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
- Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps
Strong
- Limited social and community features compared to newer competitors
- No web-based dashboard or export options in free tier
- Analytics require paid Pro subscription
- No integration with fitness wearables or health apps in free plan
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Fitness+
$9.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.
Strong
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Strong review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Fitness+ if
- You need studio-style workouts.
- You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
- You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Choose Strong if
- You need simple logging.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android.
- You also want rest timer.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Fitness+ or Strong better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Strong at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Strong?
- Strong has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for Strong.
- Does Apple Fitness+ or Strong run on more platforms?
- Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Strong runs on iOS, Android.
- Can I use Strong for free?
- Yes. Strong has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
- What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
- Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching.
- What can Apple Fitness+ do that Strong cannot?
- Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Strong covers Simple logging, Rest timer, Personal records, Progress charts. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?
Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.
SourceStrong: Does Strong have a free version?
Yes. Strong offers a free version with basic workout tracking and limited routine storage.
SourceApple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?
Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.
SourceStrong: What does Strong Pro include?
Strong Pro costs $4.99/month or $29.99/year and adds unlimited routines, full analytics, custom themes, and advanced tracking features.
SourceApple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?
Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.
SourceStrong: What platforms does Strong support?
Strong is available on iOS and Android with full feature parity across both platforms.
SourceApple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?
Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.
SourceApple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?
Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.
SourceRelated pages
More on Apple Fitness+
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- Strong vs Nike Training Club
- Strong vs Tonal
- Strong vs Centr
- Strong vs Cronometer
- Strong vs Noom
- Strong vs Oura Ring
- Strong vs Tempo
- Strong vs TrainHeroic
- Strong vs WW (WeightWatchers)
- Strong vs ABC Fitness
- Strong vs FitNotes
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- Strong vs Hydrow
- Strong vs Garmin Connect
- Strong vs WHOOP
- Strong vs ClassPass
- Strong vs Fitbit
- Strong vs MyFitnessPal
- Strong vs Peloton
- Strong vs Strava
- Strong vs Komoot
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- Strong vs Zen Planner
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