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Fitness · head to head

Ergatta vs StrongLifts

Ergatta logo

Ergatta

Fitness

Game-based connected rower

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

5x5 barbell strength training app built around a fixed beginner programme, sold as a subscription

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only StrongLifts has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Ergatta hardware purchase required as primary cost; 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: Ergatta covers Game-based 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 Ergatta and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Ergatta and StrongLifts differ
AttributeErgattaStrongLifts
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsHardwareiOS, Android
Founded2019Unknown

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 Ergatta

  • Game-based workouts
  • Personalized calibration
  • Racing mode
  • Interval games
  • Progress tracking
  • Apple Health
  • Strava
  • Hardware 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.

Ergatta

  • Workout trackingnot StrongLifts
  • Nutrition managementnot StrongLifts
  • Health monitoringnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Wellness improvementnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

  • A beginner lifter wanting a structured, proven barbell programme rather than designing their ownnot Ergatta
  • Someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increasesnot Ergatta
  • A lifter wanting a plate calculator to avoid mental maths loading a barbellnot Ergatta
  • Someone following 5x5 specifically who wants form videos built into the tracking appnot Ergatta

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Ergatta

  • Hardware purchase required as primary cost
  • Financing available only up to 36 months

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

Ergatta

On request
  • Ergatta Lite Rower$1399/mo
  • Ergatta Luxe Rower$1999/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 Ergatta if

  • You need game-based workouts.
  • You work on Hardware.
  • You also want personalized calibration.
Ergatta review

Choose StrongLifts if

  • You need 5x5 programme tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want automatic progression.
StrongLifts review

Questions people ask

Is Ergatta or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Ergatta starts at On request and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ergatta or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Ergatta and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Ergatta or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Ergatta runs on Hardware. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ergatta starts at On request.
What is Ergatta best used for?
Ergatta is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can Ergatta do that StrongLifts cannot?
Ergatta covers Game-based workouts, Personalized calibration, Racing mode, Interval games. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Ergatta: What are the base prices for Ergatta rowers?

Ergatta Luxe starts at $1,999 and Ergatta Lite starts at $1,399. Specific membership or subscription fees are not detailed on the homepage.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

There is a free tier with limited access; full programme features require a paid subscription.

Ergatta: Does Ergatta offer financing options for rower purchases?

Yes. Customers can make easy monthly payments over 3, 12, 18, 24, or 36 months with 0% APR financing options available.

Source
StrongLifts: 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.

Ergatta: Are Ergatta rowers HSA/FSA eligible?

Yes. Through the Truemed partnership, Ergatta rowers are HSA/FSA eligible, potentially saving customers up to 30% using pre-tax dollars.

Source
StrongLifts: 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.

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