Fitness · head to head
Centr vs StrongLifts

StrongLifts
Fitness
5x5 barbell strength training app built around a fixed beginner programme, sold as a subscription
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only StrongLifts has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Centr centr Coach app subscription pricing not disclosed on website; StrongLifts it is built around one specific programme, so once a lifter progresses beyond what 5x5 is designed for and stalls, the app's core structure no longer fits their needs and they typically need a different programme entirely.
- They diverge on capability: Centr covers Expert-led workouts, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Centr and StrongLifts actually diverge.
| Attribute | Centr | StrongLifts |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29.99/one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | one-time | Free tier plus subscription |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Mobile app (iOS/Android assumed) | iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2019 | Unknown |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Fitness).
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 Centr
- Expert-led workouts
- Meal planning
- Mindfulness content
- Progress tracking
- Self-care routines
- Apple Health
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
Only in StrongLifts
- 5x5 programme tracking
- Automatic progression
- Plate calculator
- Rest timer
- Form videos
- Workout history
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Centr
- Home gym users with existing or planned equipment investmentsnot StrongLifts
- Athletes training for HYROX racing or longevity-focused conditioningnot StrongLifts
- Users seeking equipment-integrated personalised programmingnot StrongLifts
StrongLifts
- A beginner lifter wanting a structured, proven barbell programme rather than designing their ownnot Centr
- Someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increasesnot Centr
- A lifter wanting a plate calculator to avoid mental maths loading a barbellnot Centr
- Someone following 5x5 specifically who wants form videos built into the tracking appnot Centr
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Centr
- Centr Coach app subscription pricing not disclosed on website
- Specific app subscription terms and feature details unavailable
- Equipment is sold individually with no bundled pricing packages mentioned
StrongLifts
- It is built around one specific programme, so once a lifter progresses beyond what 5x5 is designed for and stalls, the app's core structure no longer fits their needs and they typically need a different programme entirely.
- Full functionality requires a paid subscription, and the free tier is limited enough that serious use of the programme effectively requires paying.
- It offers little flexibility for customising exercises or set schemes compared with general-purpose workout loggers, since flexibility is not the point of the product.
- 5x5 as a method is not suited to every body or goal, for example it is not designed for hypertrophy-focused or advanced lifters, and the app does not steer users away from it once it stops being appropriate.
- Subscription billing continues after a user has outgrown the programme unless actively cancelled, which is a common pattern across fitness app subscriptions generally.
Pricing, plan by plan
Centr
$29.99/one-time- Kettlebells$undefined/mo
- Dumbbell Sets$439/mo
- Benches$undefined/mo
- Weighted Vests$72/mo
StrongLifts
Free- FreeFree
- Limited programme access and logging
- StrongLifts Premium$undefined/month
- Full 5x5 programme access
- Custom plate settings
- Expanded workout history and stats
Which should you pick?
Choose Centr if
- You need expert-led workouts.
- You work on Mobile app (iOS/Android assumed).
- You also want meal planning.
Choose StrongLifts if
- You need 5x5 programme tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android.
- You also want automatic progression.
Questions people ask
- Is Centr or StrongLifts better?
- Neither clearly leads. Centr starts at $29.99/one-time and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Centr or StrongLifts?
- StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29.99/one-time for Centr and Free for StrongLifts.
- Does Centr or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
- Centr runs on Mobile app (iOS/Android assumed). StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
- Can I use StrongLifts for free?
- Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Centr starts at $29.99/one-time.
- What is Centr best used for?
- Centr is most often used for home gym users with existing or planned equipment investments, athletes training for hyrox racing or longevity-focused conditioning, users seeking equipment-integrated personalised programming. Of those, home gym users with existing or planned equipment investments and athletes training for hyrox racing or longevity-focused conditioning are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
- What can Centr do that StrongLifts cannot?
- Centr covers Expert-led workouts, Meal planning, Mindfulness content, Progress tracking. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Centr: What is the cheapest Centr fitness equipment?
Centr's most affordable items are kettlebells starting at $29.99. The cheapest functional training system is Centr 1 at $899.
SourceStrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?
There is a free tier with limited access; full programme features require a paid subscription.
Centr: How much do Centr's premium home gyms cost?
Centr offers tiered home gyms: Centr 1 at $899, Centr 2 at $2199, Centr 3 at $3299, and the Inspire Series up to $5999.
SourceStrongLifts: Is this the same as the Strong app?
No, Strong is a general-purpose workout logger for any routine; StrongLifts is built specifically around the 5x5 programme.
Centr: What is the price range for Centr treadmills?
Centr's treadmills range from $1299 to $3199 depending on features and specifications.
SourceStrongLifts: Who is 5x5 suited for?
Primarily beginner to early-intermediate lifters building a strength base; it is not designed as a long-term or advanced programme.
Centr: Does Centr offer a subscription service?
Yes, Centr Coach is a subscription app that pairs with Centr equipment for guided workouts tailored to fitness levels and goals, but specific subscription pricing is not publicly disclosed.
SourceRelated pages
More on StrongLifts
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