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Fitness · head to head

PT Distinction vs StrongLifts

PT Distinction logo

PT Distinction

Fitness

Professional personal training software

From
$19.9/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: PT Distinction the $19.90 per month Basic plan includes only 3 clients, with each extra client costing $6.00 per month after the first month; 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: PT Distinction covers Advanced programming, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PT Distinction and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where PT Distinction and StrongLifts differ
AttributePT DistinctionStrongLifts
Starting price$19.9/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIos, Android, WebiOS, Android
Founded2014Unknown

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 PT Distinction

  • Advanced programming
  • Client portal
  • Automation tools
  • Custom branding
  • Comprehensive tracking
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Apple Health
  • Stripe

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.

PT Distinction

  • Personal trainingnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Wellness managementnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

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

Where each one falls short

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

PT Distinction

  • The $19.90 per month Basic plan includes only 3 clients, with each extra client costing $6.00 per month after the first month
  • The per-extra-client rate falls with the plan, from $6.00 on Basic to $2.40 on Pro and $1.60 on Master, so smaller coaches pay the most per client
  • Custom branded iOS and Android apps require the Pro plan at $59.90 per month; Basic ships unbranded apps
  • There is no free plan; the entry point is a one-month free trial
  • Client counts included are 3, 25 and 50, so growing past a tier means either an upgrade or per-client overage

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

PT Distinction

$19.9/month
  • Basic$19.9/month
    • 3 clients included
    • Extra clients at $6.00/month
    • All features included
  • Pro$59.9/month
    • 25 clients included
    • Extra clients at $2.40/month
    • All features included
  • Master$89.9/month
    • 50 clients included
    • Extra clients at $1.60/month
    • All features included

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 PT Distinction if

  • You need advanced programming.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want client portal.
PT Distinction 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 PT Distinction or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. PT Distinction starts at $19.9/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PT Distinction or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $19.9/month for PT Distinction and Free for StrongLifts.
Does PT Distinction or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
PT Distinction 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. PT Distinction starts at $19.9/month.
What is PT Distinction best used for?
PT Distinction is most often used for personal training, fitness coaching, wellness management. Of those, personal training and fitness coaching are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can PT Distinction do that StrongLifts cannot?
PT Distinction covers Advanced programming, Client portal, Automation tools, Custom branding. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

PT Distinction: How much does PT Distinction cost?

PT Distinction offers three tiers: Basic at $19.90/month (3 clients), Pro at $59.90/month (25 clients), and Master at $89.90/month (50 clients). Additional clients cost extra depending on tier.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

PT Distinction: What is included in PT Distinction plans?

All features are included in every tier with no hidden fees or extra costs. Tiers differ only in the number of included clients.

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.

PT Distinction: Does PT Distinction offer a free trial?

Yes, PT Distinction offers a one-month free trial that can be cancelled anytime without penalties or notice requirements.

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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