Softwr

Fitness · head to head

Strong vs StrongLifts

Strong logo

Strong

Fitness

Simple workout logging

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: Strong limited social and community features compared to newer competitors; 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: Strong covers Simple logging, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Strong and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Strong and StrongLifts differ
AttributeStrongStrongLifts
Pricing modelUnknownFree tier plus subscription
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Strong

  • Simple logging
  • Personal records
  • Progress charts
  • Routine templates
  • Apple Health
  • Apple Watch
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Only in StrongLifts

  • 5x5 programme tracking
  • Automatic progression
  • Plate calculator
  • Form videos
  • Workout history

Both cover

  • Rest timer

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Strong

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

Where each one falls short

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

Strong

  • Limited social and community features compared to newer competitors
  • No web-based dashboard or export options in free tier
  • Analytics require paid Pro subscription
  • No integration with fitness wearables or health apps in free plan

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

Strong

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Strong 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 Strong if

  • You need simple logging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want personal records.
Strong 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 Strong or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Strong 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, Strong or StrongLifts?
Strong starts at Free and StrongLifts at Free.
Does Strong or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Both run on iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Strong for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Strong best used for?
Strong 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 Strong do that StrongLifts cannot?
Strong covers Simple logging, Personal records, Progress charts, Routine templates. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Form videos. Both handle Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Strong: Does Strong have a free version?

Yes. Strong offers a free version with basic workout tracking and limited routine storage.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Strong: What does Strong Pro include?

Strong Pro costs $4.99/month or $29.99/year and adds unlimited routines, full analytics, custom themes, and advanced tracking features.

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.

Strong: What platforms does Strong support?

Strong is available on iOS and Android with full feature parity across both platforms.

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.

Share

Related pages

More on Strong

More on StrongLifts

Keep looking

Other head to heads