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Fitness · head to head

Mirror vs StrongLifts

Mirror logo

Mirror

Fitness

The nearly invisible home gym

From
$39/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: Mirror no built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms; 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: Mirror covers Live classes, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mirror and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Mirror and StrongLifts differ
AttributeMirrorStrongLifts
Starting price$39/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone hardware, iOS appiOS, 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 Mirror

  • Live classes
  • On-demand library
  • Real-time form check
  • Personal training option
  • Heart rate display
  • Apple Watch
  • Bluetooth heart rate monitors
  • 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.

Mirror

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

Where each one falls short

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

Mirror

  • No built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms
  • Strength training classes are circuit-based rather than traditional weightlifting programs
  • Lululemon discontinued hardware sales, affecting new customer acquisition

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

Mirror

$39/month
  • Hardware$1495/one-time
    • Mirror screen
    • Installation option available
  • Subscription$39/month
    • 10,000+ classes
    • Live and on-demand
    • All class types
  • Personal Training$40/half-hour session
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • Form correction

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 Mirror if

  • You need live classes.
  • You work on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
  • You also want on-demand library.
Mirror 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 Mirror or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Mirror starts at $39/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mirror or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $39/month for Mirror and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Mirror or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Mirror runs on Standalone hardware, iOS app. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mirror starts at $39/month.
What is Mirror best used for?
Mirror 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 Mirror do that StrongLifts cannot?
Mirror covers Live classes, On-demand library, Real-time form check, Personal training option. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mirror: What does the Mirror hardware cost?

The Mirror costs $1,495, with optional white-glove delivery and installation for an additional $250. Financing options available at $32/month for 48 months.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Mirror: Is there a subscription fee beyond hardware?

Yes, Mirror requires a $39/month subscription for access to live and on-demand workout classes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional $40 per half-hour.

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.

Mirror: What types of workouts does Mirror offer?

Mirror offers over 10,000 live and on-demand workout classes across 60 different categories including strength, cardio, dance, boxing, and yoga.

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.

Mirror: Who owns Mirror now?

Lululemon acquired Mirror in June 2020 for $500 million and currently operates it as part of their fitness offerings, though hardware sales have been discontinued.

Source
Mirror: Does Mirror provide strength training with weights?

Mirror offers strength training classes but does not include built-in weights or resistance arms like Tonal. Users can filter for classes based on their available equipment.

Source
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