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Fitness · head to head

Future vs StrongLifts

Future logo

Future

Fitness

Your personal trainer in your pocket

From
$199/month
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: Future high monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs; 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: Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Future and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Future and StrongLifts differ
AttributeFutureStrongLifts
Starting price$199/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
Founded2017Unknown

Identical on both: platforms (iOS, Android), 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 Future

  • Dedicated personal trainer
  • Custom workout plans
  • Real-time accountability
  • Weekly plan adjustments
  • Trainer messaging
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Health
  • 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.

Future

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

Where each one falls short

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

Future

  • High monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs
  • No real-time coaching: lacks in-workout guidance from coaches during actual training sessions
  • Limited customer support: email-only support model without phone or chat options for immediate assistance
  • Requires wearable for full tracking: relies on Apple Watch or smartwatch for comprehensive activity and heart rate data
  • Binding coach relationship: switching coaches or ending relationships may impact workout continuity

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

Future

$199/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Future 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 Future if

  • You need dedicated personal trainer.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want custom workout plans.
Future 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 Future or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Future starts at $199/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Future or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $199/month for Future and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Future or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Both run on iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Future starts at $199/month.
What is Future best used for?
Future 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 Future do that StrongLifts cannot?
Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Custom workout plans, Real-time accountability, Weekly plan adjustments. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Future: How much does Future personal training cost?

Future Pro membership costs $199 per month for one-on-one personal training with a certified coach. First-time users can access the first month at a discounted rate through affiliate links.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Future: Do Future coaches provide form feedback?

Yes, users can record and submit exercise videos to their coach, who will provide personalized form corrections and technique feedback for proper exercise execution.

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.

Future: Does Future work with wearables like Apple Watch?

Yes, Future integrates with Apple Watch, smartwatches, and can cast workouts to TV. The app tracks activity and heart rate data through wearable devices.

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.

Future: How often are Future workouts updated?

Future coaches deliver customized weekly workouts by Sunday that adapt to travel, injuries, or schedule changes. Coaches also provide ongoing daily motivation and track workout completion.

Source
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