# Wendler Log 531 — user reviews > 221 indexed App Store user reviews of Wendler Log 531 by Charles Vanderhoff, rated 4.50/5 from 518 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wendler-log-531/id962162633/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wendler-log-531/id962162633.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 397 · 4★ 60 · 3★ 16 · 2★ 11 · 1★ 34 ## What do users think of Wendler Log 531? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - ⭐ Great app for 5/3/1 program - 🚀 Streamlines workout planning and tracking - 📊 Useful progress tracking and graphs - 💪 Helps achieve strength gains - 🧠 Eliminates need for manual calculations **Cons** - 💰 Subscription model change disappoints long-time users - 🔄 Recent UI update less intuitive for some - 🐛 Bugs with data syncing and saving workouts - ⏱️ Rest timer issues and lack of customization **Commonly reported bugs** - Workouts not saving properly - Subscription not recognized for previous purchases - Plate loading calculations not always accurate **Most requested features** - Integration with Apple Health - More 5/3/1 program variations - Ability to customize assistance exercises - Option for 2-3 day per week training cycles ## Newest reviews (14 of 221) ### 5/5 — Update *2026-03-30, version 108.0.14* I had some issues regaining. Access to this app after it had gone to a subscription model. He has allowed legacy users the ability to retain access. Chris was extremely responsive with my questions and I’m happy to recommend this application and any vandersoft applications. Thanks Chris for all of your assistance. ### 5/5 — Great App - much appreciated update *2026-03-24, version 108.0.14* I’ve been using this app since 2019, it does all the thinking for me in terms of sets, percentages and plate calculations. All I need to do is show up and do the work it tells me to do. New update is fantastic! ### 5/5 — Great app! *2026-02-17, version 108.0.14* I’ve been using Wendler Pro for about 5 years now. I’m 45yo, and my lifts have all increased. My 305 deadlift is now 485. My 135 bench is 225. This app is far easier than pen and paper and constant math. ### 5/5 — meilleur appli *2026-02-16, version 108.0.14* meilleur appli 531 ### 5/5 — Update now requires membership *2026-02-16, version 108.0.14* Update: my past purchase was restored and the developer reached out to me. Thank you for the support and transparency. I have updated my review back to 5 stars. Just recently updated the app and I was super excited about it because they added the ability to add new exercises, but I’m extremely disappointed. I’ve used this app for years and I’ve really enjoyed it but with the new update you cannot continue with cycles or workouts unless you have a monthly membership, annual membership or and get this: buy the app for $150. Looks like I’ll be using a different app to follow my 531 protocol. I understand that you want to make money, but this is such a drastic change from what I had before. It was shocking. I’ll give the app three stars just because it’s provided value for several years, but I’ll definitely be uninstalling this app and moving on to a different one. ### 5/5 — Mis-represented price *2026-02-08, version 108.0.14* I like the Wendler 5-3-1 program. I started with the free version. I had opportunity to buy the premium features and it said I would lay a one-time purchase price. So I did. Now after 3 mi the I am locked out and told I have to pay a subscription to continue. So messed up! ### 5/5 — My Companion For Years *2026-01-24, version 108.0.13* Bought the Premium version years ago. Been my workout buddy ever since. Easy to use, does what it should and does it well. ### 5/5 — Great app for Wendler 531 *2026-01-23, version 108.0.13* Have been using this app for a few years now. Great for planning workouts and tracking progress. Updated user interface looks good too. ### 5/5 — Restore purchases if you bought this before the latest revision *2026-01-22, version 108.0.13* Revised: There was an easy way to restore purchases, which did what I needed, so I redact my previous statement! END I bought the original version of this app 3 months ago for $10, fair price. Now they are moving to subscription and I can’t do more than 3 workouts. ### 5/5 — Everything you need for 5/3/1...at a price. IODATE *2026-01-22, version 108.0.13* A good, well thought out app for 5/3/1. Enter your 1 rep max and the app will lay out the program for you. However, it doesn't appear to follow the 5/3/1 programs we all know (Boring but big, trivium, etc) rather it allows you to pick clusters of exercises named things like "big muscle" or "big and dumb." The app will tell you how much weight to put on the bar while you're resting. It also has a built in timer. The interface is nice and simple, pretty straight forward. My only gripe is the price. Maybe it's because I've purchased so many fitness apps in the past, but $10 seems steep for the upgraded version. I sat on it for a few days and ultimately did it. Well worth it in my opinion, however I would've purchased it instantly for $5 and quicker for 7. UPDATE: Given how long ago I wrote this review and how the norm has shifted to subscription based models, I would gladly pay the one time fee for this app. ### 5/5 — Still use this app time to time *2026-01-21, version 108.0.13* Love BBB ### 3/5 — Ruined a good thing *2026-01-21, version 108.0.13* I paid $3 one time for this app years ago and have hundreds, maybe a thousand workouts since. I am now locked out and need to subscribe to continue. $6/month is an insane price for a workout journal. No update they have planned, which no one is asking for, is going to justify that cost. I’m going back to pen and paper. Why do we have always have fix things that aren’t broken? Edit: I figured out how to get past the subscription nag. You have to press restore purchases in the settings. It’s really not obvious and not sure why it doesn’t automatically check. Doesn’t help new users though. ### 2/5 — Ruined a good thing *2026-01-17* I paid $3 one time for this app years ago and have hundreds, maybe a thousand workouts since. I am now locked out and need to subscribe to continue. $6/month is an insane price for a workout journal. No update they have planned, which no one is asking for, is going to justify that cost. I’m going back to pen and paper. Why do we have always have fix things that aren’t broken? **Developer response:** If you purchased the app previously for a one-time fee, that purchase is still valid and continues to unlock Pro features. Email me at support@vandersoft.co and I’ll get it sorted out quickly. ### 5/5 — App was fixed *2026-01-15, version 108.0.11* The initial complaint I had was fixed due to the excellent customer support from the team. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — No free options anymore. *2026-07-20, version 108.0.23* This used to be the best simple option for 531 calculators. Now after entering 3 workouts it will no longer work unless you pay a fairly expensive monthly or yearly subscription. Pretty disappointing ### 1/5 — Paid subscription now *2026-07-18, version 108.0.23* Have used this app for years and paid a one time fee for accessories and now it’s updated and have to pay a pricey subscription fee. Will look for something else or just use an AI built calculator ### 1/5 — Changed *2026-04-01, version 108.0.14* No break timer. Less flexibility (cant start exercise 2-n without logging zero reps on exercise 1). No longer orange. ### 1/5 — Used to be so good *2026-03-09, version 108.0.14* Used this app for years and it was great. They recently changed to a paid subscription, fine and fair so I subscribed. Now every time I try to use the app it tells me I need to subscribe and pay… I am already. No way around the pay wall that I am paying to not be there. ### 1/5 — Charging monthly? *2026-03-06, version 108.0.14* I purchased the app years ago and now that you’ve changed to a monthly model you’re trying to get me to pay again, no sir. Honor your sale. ### 1/5 — Extremely disappointed *2026-01-27, version 108.0.13* I have had this app for 7 years, 5 years ago I paid for the “pro” upgrade for the assistance work (at that time was just a one time fee) … after this most recent update, it’s prompting me to now pay a monthly/yearly fee, which I understand to a certain extent.. I’ll just go back to using the simple free version, except now that doesn’t exist. It only let me do one week into my new cycle before prompting me to pay. No thanks….. the app itself, 5stars. The lack in loyalty to a long time customer who would recommend it to everyone = -10. Thanks for motivating me to keep a paper log again. ### 1/5 — Changed purchase use conditions *2026-01-13, version 108.0.11* I purchased this app for full price several years ago. I have been using it regularly since purchased. Recently, the developer has changed this app to ‘pay per month’ to use. This is equivalent to buying a car with cash only to have the seller require you to pay for a lease 5 years after purchase. I reached out to Apple with no response. Avoid this app. ### 1/5 — Disappointed *2026-01-12, version 108.0.11* I’ve been using the app far a pretty long time - 8+ years & loved it. Purchased it with a one time charge which was reasonable for me. Now they want a monthly fee of $8.00. No thanks. Hate to leave but I’ll look elsewhere ### 1/5 — I’m not paying *2026-01-12, version 108.0.10* I’m not paying for something that used to be free. Another gym app that’s no better than a car salesman. ### 1/5 — $100 a year *2026-01-09, version 108.0.10* Unfortunately the app was recently redesigned and now demands a monthly subscription. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great Program/Great Customer Service *2026-08-09, version 108.0.24* I bought this program when it started 9 years ago. I get serious with it and then slack off after a while. Program is awesome. It’s easy to use, calculations are made without thinking. Accessory work is awesome. I came back to start using the app again and couldn’t get it to work. I just didn’t see the restore purchase button. It was there, I just didn’t see it. I sent an email to customer service. They responded almost immediately and told me where it was. Good people. ### 5/5 — Love the App now love the update *2026-07-29, version 108.0.23* Using the app since about 2015. Though I’m not as consistent as I should be, this app keeps me on track and advancing or resetting my goals. I like that I can add the assistance exercises and sets that I want. I’ve tried many, but this is the only lifting app I use now. Great job. ### 5/5 — Best 5/3/1 app *2026-06-18, version 108.0.22* Been using it since it came out. Has gotten better with each update. ### 5/5 — 5-3-1ness *2026-06-11, version 108.0.22* The best app for anyone doing Jim's program. The recent additions with Ascending/Descending Sets and First Set Last were a nice addition to an already solid app. Do yourself a favor and buy Jims book Beyond 5-3-1. ### 5/5 — Brilliant program and app and great customer service *2026-05-25, version 108.0.21* I have been using and recommending this app and its program for the past 6+ years. Easy to use no more spreadsheets and having to count the app does everything for you. . As a coach myself I only use tools that I believe are efficient and effective. And this is one of them. And top notch customer service to boot! Thanks and stay strong ### 5/5 — Dead simple, get huge *2026-05-17, version 108.0.21* Hit my ATH using this app. Sq: 395, b 275, dl: 430. Do the assistance workouts! ### 5/5 — Awesome App *2026-04-30, version 108.0.19* I have been a 531 user for years and this app keeps getting better. Developer responds quickly with any issues. ### 5/5 — All good *2026-04-29, version 108.0.19* Was worried because I have used this app for almost 10 years and a subscription popped up. Make sure to restore purchases if you have a lifetime sub ### 5/5 — Wish I could choose plate availability *2026-04-19, version 108.0.14* Edit: thank you dev for responding with the solution!!!! This option to change availability should def be added to the Calculation section of the main app settings, where it says “Round to available plates” for ease of locating! Been using this app on and off for almost 10 years now. Was bummed to get back into it and see I needed to pay a monthly subscription to do everything I used to be able to do for free. Main annoyance is that I wish I could customize the plate availability at my gym. We don’t have the 2.5lbs plates so I need to do less exact workouts. Not a huge deal but would be nice to not have to do that ### 5/5 — Best 531 out there. *2026-04-01, version 108.0.14* I’ve used a handful of 531 apps over the years, but keep coming back to this one. The latest iteration is not only the best version of the app, but elevates it above all other 531 apps available, hands down. Super intuitive, helpful, and has a ton of free additional features that you have to pay for on other apps. Download this one. It’s well worth it. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*