Softwr

Fitness · head to head

StrongLifts vs Trainerize

StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Trainerize logo

Trainerize

Fitness

Online personal training software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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.; Trainerize the free Basic plan covers exactly 1 client seat and excludes the AI workout builder, custom programs and nutrition tracking
  • They diverge on capability: StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Trainerize covers Workout programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which StrongLifts and Trainerize actually diverge.

Attributes where StrongLifts and Trainerize differ
AttributeStrongLiftsTrainerize
Pricing modelFree tier plus subscriptionfreemium
PlatformsiOS, AndroidIos, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2012

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

  • Workout programming
  • Nutrition coaching
  • Habit tracking
  • In-app messaging
  • Progress tracking
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Apple Health
  • Fitbit

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

Trainerize

  • Personal training client managementnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness coaching and athlete developmentnot StrongLifts
  • Macro tracking and nutrition coachingnot 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.

Trainerize

  • The free Basic plan covers exactly 1 client seat and excludes the AI workout builder, custom programs and nutrition tracking
  • Pricing is driven by client seats, so the same feature set costs more as the roster grows
  • Advanced Nutrition Coaching, Business, Video Coaching and Stripe Integrated Payments are paid add-ons on the Grow and Pro plans rather than included features
  • Add-ons are priced from $10 per month each, with a custom branded app carrying a $169 one-time fee
  • Full API access, personalised onboarding and access to partner add-ons require the Studio Plus tier at $248 per month
  • SSO sign-in, a dedicated account manager and a separate app store listing are Enterprise features
  • Adding locations beyond the first is custom priced, and 5 or more locations requires contacting sales

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

Trainerize

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 1 coaching client
    • Mobile app
    • Workout programs
  • Grow$9/month
    • 2 coaching clients
    • AI Workout Builder
    • Custom programs
  • Pro$23/month
    • 5 coaching clients
    • Custom videos
    • Consultation forms
  • Studio Plus$248/month
    • 500 coaching clients
    • Group video calls
    • Custom recipes

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 Trainerize if

  • You need workout programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want nutrition coaching.
Trainerize review

Questions people ask

Is StrongLifts or Trainerize better?
Neither clearly leads. StrongLifts starts at Free and Trainerize at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, StrongLifts or Trainerize?
StrongLifts starts at Free and Trainerize at Free.
Does StrongLifts or Trainerize run on more platforms?
StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android. Trainerize runs on Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use StrongLifts for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Trainerize is typically brought in for.
What can StrongLifts do that Trainerize cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer. Trainerize covers Workout programming, Nutrition coaching, Habit tracking, In-app messaging.

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.

Trainerize: Does Trainerize offer a free plan?

Yes, the Basic plan is permanently free and includes 1 coaching client, mobile app, workout programs, basic messaging, and habit coaching. No credit card is required.

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.

Trainerize: What's the least expensive paid plan?

The Grow plan costs $9 per month USD and supports 2 coaching clients. It includes AI Workout Builder, custom programs, meal and macro tracking, and a Trainerize.me profile.

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 StrongLifts

More on Trainerize

Keep looking

Other head to heads