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Fitness · head to head

MacroFactor vs StrongLifts

MacroFactor logo

MacroFactor

Fitness

The smart macro tracker

From
$6.99/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: MacroFactor the App Store listing states MacroFactor offers only a 7 day trial of the premium, ad-free macro tracker before a subscription is required, without stating the subscription price in the visible description.; 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: MacroFactor covers Adaptive algorithm, StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MacroFactor and StrongLifts actually diverge.

Attributes where MacroFactor and StrongLifts differ
AttributeMacroFactorStrongLifts
Starting price$6.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree tier plus subscription
Free tierNoYes
Founded2021Unknown

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 MacroFactor

  • Adaptive algorithm
  • True expenditure calculation
  • Fast food logger
  • Detailed analytics
  • Knowledge base
  • Apple Health
  • Apple Watch
  • Garmin

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.

MacroFactor

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

Where each one falls short

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

MacroFactor

  • The App Store listing states MacroFactor offers only a 7 day trial of the premium, ad-free macro tracker before a subscription is required, without stating the subscription price in the visible description.

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

MacroFactor

$6.99/month
  • Monthly$11.99/month
    • Adaptive algorithm
    • Expenditure tracking
    • All features
  • Annual$71.99/year
    • Adaptive algorithm
    • Expenditure tracking
    • All features

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 MacroFactor if

  • You need adaptive algorithm.
  • You work on Ios, Android.
  • You also want true expenditure calculation.
MacroFactor 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 MacroFactor or StrongLifts better?
Neither clearly leads. MacroFactor starts at $6.99/month and StrongLifts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MacroFactor or StrongLifts?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $6.99/month for MacroFactor and Free for StrongLifts.
Does MacroFactor or StrongLifts run on more platforms?
MacroFactor runs on Ios, Android. StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MacroFactor starts at $6.99/month.
What is MacroFactor best used for?
MacroFactor 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 MacroFactor do that StrongLifts cannot?
MacroFactor covers Adaptive algorithm, True expenditure calculation, Fast food logger, Detailed analytics. StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

StrongLifts: Is StrongLifts free?

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

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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