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Fitness · head to head

FitNotes vs StrongLifts

FitNotes logo

FitNotes

Fitness

Free workout tracker for Android

From
Free
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

  • Each has a real cost: FitNotes android only, no iOS version despite requests from users; 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: FitNotes covers Exercise logging, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FitNotes and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where FitNotes and StrongLifts differ
AttributeFitNotesStrongLifts
Pricing modelUnknownFree tier plus subscription
PlatformsAndroidiOS, Android
Founded2013Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 FitNotes

  • Exercise logging
  • Custom exercises
  • Progress graphs
  • Workout calendar
  • Data backup
  • Google Drive backup
  • Android 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.

FitNotes

  • 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 FitNotes
  • Someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increasesnot FitNotes
  • A lifter wanting a plate calculator to avoid mental maths loading a barbellnot FitNotes
  • Someone following 5x5 specifically who wants form videos built into the tracking appnot FitNotes

Where each one falls short

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

FitNotes

  • Android only, no iOS version despite requests from users
  • Limited community features compared to social fitness trackers
  • Minimal UI updates compared to more modern fitness apps

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

FitNotes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FitNotes review.

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 FitNotes if

  • You need exercise logging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Android.
  • You also want custom exercises.
FitNotes 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 FitNotes or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. FitNotes starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FitNotes or StrongLifts?
FitNotes starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free.
Does FitNotes or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
FitNotes runs on Android. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use FitNotes for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FitNotes best used for?
FitNotes 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 FitNotes do that StrongLifts cannot?
FitNotes covers Exercise logging, Custom exercises, Progress graphs, Workout calendar. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FitNotes: Is FitNotes free and does it have ads?

FitNotes is completely free with no ads and no paid tier. The developer offers a FitNotes Supporter app as optional support.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

FitNotes: Does FitNotes work offline?

Yes, FitNotes works completely offline and requires no internet connection or account sign-up to use.

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.

FitNotes: What platform is FitNotes available on?

FitNotes is Android only and is not available on iOS or other platforms.

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.

FitNotes: Can I export my FitNotes data?

Yes, FitNotes allows full CSV export so your workout data is yours and can be imported into other applications.

Source
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