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Fitness · head to head

Apple Fitness+ vs StrongLifts

Apple Fitness+ logo

Apple Fitness+

Fitness

Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch

From
$9.99/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: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; 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: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Fitness+ and StrongLifts differ
AttributeApple Fitness+StrongLifts
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, tvOSiOS, Android
Founded1976Unknown

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 Apple Fitness+

  • Studio-style workouts
  • Real-time Apple Watch metrics
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Time to Walk
  • Meditation sessions
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Music
  • Health app

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.

Apple Fitness+

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

Where each one falls short

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

Apple Fitness+

  • Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
  • Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
  • No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
  • Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
  • Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps

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

Apple Fitness+

$9.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ 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 Apple Fitness+ if

  • You need studio-style workouts.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
  • You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Apple Fitness+ 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 Apple Fitness+ or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Apple Fitness+ or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
Apple Fitness+ 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 Apple Fitness+ do that StrongLifts cannot?
Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?

Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.

Source
StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Apple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.

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.

Apple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?

Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.

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.

Apple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?

Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?

Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.

Source
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