Softwr

Fitness · head to head

Freeletics vs StrongLifts

Freeletics logo

Freeletics

Fitness

Bodyweight and HIIT training app with an AI coach, plus a separate nutrition coaching tier

From
On request
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: Freeletics published pricing is inconsistent across regions and marketing pages, so the headline monthly figure should be verified directly before subscribing.; 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: Freeletics covers AI Coach, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Freeletics and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where Freeletics and StrongLifts differ
AttributeFreeleticsStrongLifts
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelPer user per month, billed annuallyFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes

Identical on both: 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 Freeletics

  • AI Coach
  • Bodyweight training focus
  • Nutrition Coach add-on
  • HIIT-style conditioning
  • Training journal
  • Large workout library

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.

Freeletics

  • Someone who wants structured training without a gym membership or home equipmentnot StrongLifts
  • A user who wants nutrition guidance bundled with their workout coaching in one subscriptionnot StrongLifts
  • Someone returning to fitness who wants an AI coach to set difficulty rather than guessing their own levelnot StrongLifts
  • A traveller who needs a workout that fits a hotel room with no equipmentnot StrongLifts

StrongLifts

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

Where each one falls short

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

Freeletics

  • Published pricing is inconsistent across regions and marketing pages, so the headline monthly figure should be verified directly before subscribing.
  • Its bodyweight focus means it is a weaker fit than Fitbod for someone whose goal is heavy barbell strength training in a fully equipped gym.
  • The Nutrition Coach is a separate paid tier on top of training, so the combined cost is higher than a training-only competitor.
  • As with most AI coaching apps, programming quality depends on honest self-reported effort, and it cannot physically correct exercise form.
  • With a large claimed user base and years of operation, some long-time users report the workout variety feeling repetitive over extended use.

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

Freeletics

On request
  • Training Coach$9.99/month
    • Adaptive bodyweight and HIIT training
    • Progress tracking
  • Training and Nutrition Coach$14.99/month
    • Training Coach features plus diet and meal guidance

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 Freeletics if

  • You need ai coach.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want bodyweight training focus.
Freeletics 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 Freeletics or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. Freeletics starts at On request and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Freeletics or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Freeletics and Free for StrongLifts.
Does Freeletics or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
Both run on iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Freeletics starts at On request.
What is Freeletics best used for?
Freeletics is most often used for someone who wants structured training without a gym membership or home equipment, a user who wants nutrition guidance bundled with their workout coaching in one subscription, someone returning to fitness who wants an ai coach to set difficulty rather than guessing their own level, a traveller who needs a workout that fits a hotel room with no equipment. Of those, someone who wants structured training without a gym membership or home equipment and a user who wants nutrition guidance bundled with their workout coaching in one subscription are not what StrongLifts is typically brought in for.
What can Freeletics do that StrongLifts cannot?
Freeletics covers AI Coach, Bodyweight training focus, Nutrition Coach add-on, HIIT-style conditioning. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Freeletics: Do I need equipment for Freeletics?

No, the core programming is built around bodyweight and minimal-equipment training.

StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

Freeletics: Is nutrition coaching included?

No, it is a separate paid tier on top of the Training Coach subscription.

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.

Freeletics: How is it different from Fitbod?

Freeletics focuses on bodyweight and HIIT conditioning with an optional nutrition tier; Fitbod focuses on equipment-based strength training with automatic progressive overload.

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 Freeletics

More on StrongLifts

Keep looking

Other head to heads