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Fitness · head to head

StrongLifts vs Sweat

StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

5x5 barbell strength training app built around a fixed beginner programme, sold as a subscription

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sweat logo

Sweat

Fitness

Fitness app for women

From
$19.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only StrongLifts has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 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.; Sweat pricing details are not published on the website; only promotional discount mentioned
  • They diverge on capability: StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Sweat covers Trainer-led programs.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which StrongLifts and Sweat actually diverge.

Attributes where StrongLifts and Sweat differ
AttributeStrongLiftsSweat
Starting priceFree$19.99/month
Pricing modelFree tier plus subscriptionsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, AndroidIos, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2015

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 StrongLifts

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

Only in Sweat

  • Trainer-led programs
  • BBG, PWR, BUILD
  • Meal planning
  • Progress tracking
  • Community challenges
  • Apple Health
  • Apple Watch
  • Spotify

What people use each for

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

StrongLifts

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

Sweat

  • Workout trackingnot StrongLifts
  • Nutrition managementnot StrongLifts
  • Health monitoringnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Wellness improvementnot StrongLifts

Where each one falls short

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

Sweat

  • Pricing details are not published on the website; only promotional discount mentioned

Pricing, plan by plan

StrongLifts

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited programme access and logging
  • StrongLifts Premium$undefined/month
    • Full 5x5 programme access
    • Custom plate settings
    • Expanded workout history and stats

Sweat

$19.99/month
  • Monthly$19.99/month
    • All programs
    • Meal plans
    • Progress photos
  • Annual$119.94/year
    • All programs
    • Meal plans
    • Progress photos

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Sweat if

  • You need trainer-led programs.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want bbg, pwr, build.
Sweat review

Questions people ask

Is StrongLifts or Sweat better?
Neither clearly leads. StrongLifts starts at Free and Sweat at $19.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, StrongLifts or Sweat?
StrongLifts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for StrongLifts and $19.99/month for Sweat.
Does StrongLifts or Sweat run on more platforms?
StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android. Sweat runs on Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Yes. StrongLifts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sweat starts at $19.99/month.
What is StrongLifts best used for?
StrongLifts is most often used for a beginner lifter wanting a structured, proven barbell programme rather than designing their own, someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increases, a lifter wanting a plate calculator to avoid mental maths loading a barbell, someone following 5x5 specifically who wants form videos built into the tracking app. Of those, a beginner lifter wanting a structured, proven barbell programme rather than designing their own and someone wanting automatic weight progression calculated for them rather than manually tracking increases are not what Sweat is typically brought in for.
What can StrongLifts do that Sweat cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer. Sweat covers Trainer-led programs, BBG, PWR, BUILD, Meal planning, Progress tracking.

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.

Sweat: How much does Sweat cost?

Sweat does not publish specific pricing on its website. The site promotes a temporary offer of 25% off, but the base pricing and plan structure are not disclosed on the homepage.

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.

Sweat: Does Sweat offer a free trial?

The website mentions a free trial option in the FAQ section, but specific terms and trial duration are not detailed. Further information requires visiting the sign-up page or subscription management section.

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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