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Fitness · head to head

PushPress vs StrongLifts

PushPress logo

PushPress

Fitness

Gym management software for CrossFit boxes, martial arts and training studios

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: PushPress free tier has higher payment processing fees (4.99% + $0.30 for cards); 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.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PushPress and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where PushPress and StrongLifts differ
AttributePushPressStrongLifts
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree tier plus subscription
PlatformsWebiOS, Android

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 PushPress

Nothing recorded that StrongLifts does not also cover.

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.

PushPress

  • Gym managementnot StrongLifts
  • Studio managementnot StrongLifts
  • Membership billingnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness trackingnot StrongLifts
  • Payment processingnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

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

Where each one falls short

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

PushPress

  • Free tier has higher payment processing fees (4.99% + $0.30 for cards)
  • Add-on products (Train at $79/month, Grow at $329/month) cost extra
  • ACH processing fee is $0.30 on all tiers
  • Free tier highest cost option for card processing

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

PushPress

Free
  • FreeFree
    • For small gyms and studios
    • Payment processing 4.99% + $0.30 (card) or 2.89% + $0.30 (ACH)
    • Unlimited users/members/staff
  • Pro$159/month
    • For mid-size gyms and studios
    • Payment processing 2.89% + $0.30 (card) or 0.79% + $0.30 (ACH)
    • Unlimited users/members/staff
  • Max$229/month
    • For established gyms and studios
    • Payment processing 2.75% + $0.30 (card) or 0.79% + $0.30 (ACH)
    • Unlimited users/members/staff

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 PushPress if

  • You want to start without paying.
PushPress 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 PushPress or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. PushPress 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, PushPress or StrongLifts?
PushPress starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free.
Does PushPress or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
PushPress runs on Web. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use PushPress for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is PushPress best used for?
PushPress is most often used for gym management, studio management, membership billing, fitness tracking. Of those, gym management and studio management are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can PushPress do that StrongLifts cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

PushPress: How much does PushPress cost?

PushPress offers a free plan for small gyms, Pro at $159/month for mid-size gyms, and Max at $229/month for established gyms. All plans include unlimited users, members, and staff accounts.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

PushPress: What are PushPress payment processing fees?

Free plan charges 4.99% + $0.30 per card transaction or 2.89% + $0.30 for ACH. Pro plan charges 2.89% + $0.30 for cards or 0.79% + $0.30 for ACH. Max plan charges 2.75% + $0.30 for cards or 0.79% + $0.30 for ACH.

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.

PushPress: Are there additional fees for add-on products?

Yes. The Train module for workout tracking starts at $79/month and the Grow module for marketing/CRM features starts at $329/month.

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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