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Fitness · head to head

StrongLifts vs TrainHeroic

StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TrainHeroic logo

TrainHeroic

Fitness

Strength and conditioning platform

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.; TrainHeroic no annual billing discount explicitly stated; only monthly pricing shown
  • They diverge on capability: StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, TrainHeroic covers Workout programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which StrongLifts and TrainHeroic actually diverge.

Attributes where StrongLifts and TrainHeroic differ
AttributeStrongLiftsTrainHeroic
Pricing modelFree tier plus subscriptionsubscription
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
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 TrainHeroic

  • Workout programming
  • Progress tracking
  • Team management
  • Video analysis
  • Program marketplace
  • Fitbit
  • Garmin
  • WHOOP

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

TrainHeroic

  • Personal training client management and athlete coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Fitness program delivery and workout planningnot StrongLifts
  • Coach-athlete relationship managementnot 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.

TrainHeroic

  • No annual billing discount explicitly stated; only monthly pricing shown
  • Limited transparency on marketplace revenue sharing terms
  • No feature comparison matrix between tiers
  • Cancellation and refund policy not discussed

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

TrainHeroic

Free
  • 1 Athlete$9.99/month
    • Up to 1 athlete
  • 5 Athletes$17.99/month
    • Up to 5 athletes
  • 15 Athletes$34.99/month
    • Up to 15 athletes
  • 25 Athletes$44.99/month
    • Up to 25 athletes

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 TrainHeroic if

  • You need workout programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want progress tracking.
TrainHeroic review

Questions people ask

Is StrongLifts or TrainHeroic better?
Neither clearly leads. StrongLifts starts at Free and TrainHeroic at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, StrongLifts or TrainHeroic?
StrongLifts starts at Free and TrainHeroic at Free.
Does StrongLifts or TrainHeroic run on more platforms?
StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android. TrainHeroic runs on Web, iOS, Android.
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 TrainHeroic is typically brought in for.
What can StrongLifts do that TrainHeroic cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer. TrainHeroic covers Workout programming, Progress tracking, Team management, Video analysis.

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.

TrainHeroic: Is there a free trial for TrainHeroic?

Yes, TrainHeroic offers a 14-day free trial that requires no credit card.

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.

TrainHeroic: Can I add assistant coaches to my account?

Yes, you can add assistant coaches at $9.99 per month each.

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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