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Fitness · head to head

StrongLifts vs TrueCoach

StrongLifts logo

StrongLifts

Fitness

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TrueCoach logo

TrueCoach

Fitness

Personal training software for coaches

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.; TrueCoach starter tier limited to 5 active clients (requires upgrade for more)
  • They diverge on capability: StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, TrueCoach covers Workout programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which StrongLifts and TrueCoach actually diverge.

Attributes where StrongLifts and TrueCoach differ
AttributeStrongLiftsTrueCoach
Pricing modelFree tier plus subscriptionsubscription
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2015

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 TrueCoach

  • Workout programming
  • Client tracking
  • In-app messaging
  • Payment processing
  • Progress photos
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Stripe
  • Apple Health

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

TrueCoach

  • Personal training programme creation and deliverynot StrongLifts
  • Client progress tracking and metrics monitoringnot StrongLifts
  • Nutrition and habit tracking for fitness coachingnot StrongLifts
  • Automated billing and payment processingnot StrongLifts
  • Coach-to-client direct messagingnot StrongLifts
  • Wearable device integration for automated trackingnot 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.

TrueCoach

  • Starter tier limited to 5 active clients (requires upgrade for more)
  • Standard tier limited to 20 active clients
  • Pro tier limited to 50 active clients (custom pricing required for 250+ clients)
  • Custom-branded fitness app only available in Standard and Pro tiers, not Starter
  • Wearables data integration (Apple, Garmin, WHOOP) only in Standard and Pro tiers
  • Public coach profiles feature only available in Standard and Pro tiers
  • Advanced nutrition and habit tracking only in Standard and Pro tiers

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

TrueCoach

Free
  • Starter$26.34/month
    • Program & Workout Builder
    • Client Management Tracker
    • MyFitnessPal integration
  • Standard (Most Popular)$57.99/month
    • Everything in Starter
    • Up to 20 active clients
    • Public Coach Profiles
  • Pro$136.99/month
    • Everything in Standard
    • Up to 50 active clients
    • All integrations and features

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 TrueCoach if

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

Questions people ask

Is StrongLifts or TrueCoach better?
Neither clearly leads. StrongLifts starts at Free and TrueCoach at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, StrongLifts or TrueCoach?
StrongLifts starts at Free and TrueCoach at Free.
Does StrongLifts or TrueCoach run on more platforms?
StrongLifts runs on iOS, Android. TrueCoach 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 TrueCoach is typically brought in for.
What can StrongLifts do that TrueCoach cannot?
StrongLifts covers 5x5 programme tracking, Automatic progression, Plate calculator, Rest timer. TrueCoach covers Workout programming, Client tracking, In-app messaging, Payment processing.

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.

TrueCoach: Does TrueCoach offer a free trial?

Yes. TrueCoach offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Trial users can fully test the platform before committing.

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.

TrueCoach: Do TrueCoach clients need to pay separately?

No. According to the pricing page, 'TrueCoach is 100% free for your clients.' Only the coach pays the subscription; clients access all features at no cost.

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.

TrueCoach: Are there hidden fees beyond the stated monthly price?

No. TrueCoach explicitly states 'Nope, what you see is what you get', there are no hidden fees. The monthly cost is all-inclusive.

Source
TrueCoach: What discounts are available for annual billing?

TrueCoach offers 1 month free on Starter, and 2 months free on Standard and Pro plans when billed annually instead of monthly.

Source
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