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Fitness · head to head

Mariana Tek vs StrongLifts

Mariana Tek logo

Mariana Tek

Fitness

Boutique fitness software

From
$200/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: Mariana Tek none of the three packages (Core, Core plus Growth, Full Growth Bundle) shows a price; each tier displays only a Book a demo button; 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: Mariana Tek covers Custom branded apps, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mariana Tek and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Mariana Tek and StrongLifts differ
AttributeMariana TekStrongLifts
Starting price$200/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIos, Android, WebiOS, Android
Founded2016Unknown

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 Mariana Tek

  • Custom branded apps
  • Spot booking
  • Waitlist management
  • Analytics dashboard
  • Franchise management
  • Stripe
  • ClassPass
  • Apple Pay

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.

Mariana Tek

  • Class booking and membership management for boutique fitness studiosnot StrongLifts
  • Spot booking and check in for cycling and strength studiosnot StrongLifts
  • Multi location studio operations and reportingnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

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

Where each one falls short

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

Mariana Tek

  • None of the three packages (Core, Core plus Growth, Full Growth Bundle) shows a price; each tier displays only a Book a demo button
  • The Core package is scoped to single locations just getting started
  • Add on features are bought by upgrading the membership, so the entry package price is not the final cost
  • Card payments run through Stripe at its standard flat rate for all purchases regardless of card type

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

Mariana Tek

$200/month
  • Studio$200/month
    • Booking
    • Payments
    • Branded app
  • Enterprise$500/month
    • Multi-location
    • Franchise tools
    • API

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 Mariana Tek if

  • You need custom branded apps.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want spot booking.
Mariana Tek 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 Mariana Tek or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Mariana Tek starts at $200/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mariana Tek or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $200/month for Mariana Tek and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Mariana Tek or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Mariana Tek runs on Ios, Android, Web. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mariana Tek starts at $200/month.
What is Mariana Tek best used for?
Mariana Tek is most often used for class booking and membership management for boutique fitness studios, spot booking and check in for cycling and strength studios, multi location studio operations and reporting. Of those, class booking and membership management for boutique fitness studios and spot booking and check in for cycling and strength studios are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can Mariana Tek do that StrongLifts cannot?
Mariana Tek covers Custom branded apps, Spot booking, Waitlist management, Analytics dashboard. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mariana Tek: What are the main pricing tiers for Mariana Tek?

Mariana Tek offers three main pricing tiers: Core for single locations getting started, Core + Growth (most popular) for established studios, and Full Growth Bundle for large growth-oriented studios. Specific prices are not published and require booking a demo or contacting the sales team.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Mariana Tek: What features are included in each Mariana Tek pricing tier?

Core tier includes custom-branded apps, business app, kiosk check-in, waivers and forms. Core + Growth adds marketing automation, SMS capabilities, landing pages. Full Growth Bundle adds gamification, feedback suite, and custom marketing plan. All tiers include multi-location support and unlimited classes.

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.

Mariana Tek: What support is included with Mariana Tek subscriptions?

All tiers include white-glove support with reported 95 percent customer satisfaction score. Support features and response times may vary by tier, but specific support level details require contacting the sales team for custom pricing discussions.

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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