Comparison

531 Strength vs Smolov Squat Program

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

531 Strength

This app simplifies tracking your progress on the 5/3/1 strength training program. It calculates and displays weights, reps, and sets based on your one-rep max, allowing you to easily plan and execute your workouts. Rounding options help match available gym plates.

Highlights
  • Calculate 5/3/1 weights
  • Track 1RM for exercises
  • View cycle step weights
  • Round weights to available plates
  • Full overview of weights, reps, sets
Features
Read full description

Makes it quick and easy to get a full overview of all weights, reps and sets based off your 1RM when you’re following the 5/3/1 program. - Save your current 1 RM for each of the four exercises - View calculated weights for each step in the cycle - Round the weight to match the plates you have available This app is made for people who are familiar with the structure of the 5/3/1 program and who needs simple access to the calculated weights for each exercise.

About

Smolov Squat Program

This app automates weight calculations for the 13-week Smolov Squat Program. Track your progress through this intensive routine designed for experienced lifters to maximize squat gains.

Highlights
  • Automated weight calculation
  • Workout tracking
  • Progress logging
  • Adaptable to other exercises
  • 13-week program structure
Features
Read full description

Smolov is the number one app for calculating, tracking , and logging your Smolov Squat Program workouts. Stop using old school spreadsheets and print out. This app will automatically calculate the weights at specific reps and sets that you should use based on the 13 week Smolov Squat program. Easily keep track of your workouts each week as you progress through this 3 month long, intensive squat routine. This program is commonly used for back squats but can adapted to other exercises such as bench press, shoulder/overhead press, and deadlifts. Its also meant for experienced lifters and should only be performed by those that are intermediate to advanced l Smolov was originally designed by the Russian Master of Sports, Sergey Smolov and has been known to add some massive gains to your lifts!

Screenshots

531 Strength4 screens
Smolov Squat Program4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: 531 Strength at Free against Smolov Squat Program's $1.99. 531 Strength also leads on review sentiment (94% vs 67%) and ratings volume (12K vs 74). Smolov Squat Program's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

531 Strength is free to download; Smolov Squat Program costs $1.99 up front. 531 Strength sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Smolov Squat Program asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for 531 Strength against 4.9 for Smolov Squat Program. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 531 Strength has 12K ratings behind it against 74, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 94% of 531 Strength's written reviews are positive against 67% of Smolov Squat Program's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

531 Strength ships an update every 2 months, Smolov Squat Program every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
531 Strength versus Smolov Squat Program: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter531 StrengthSmolov Squat Program
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.9 (12K ratings)4.9 (74 ratings)
Positive reviews93.8% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings12K — better74
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.611.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB12 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperHenrik JachobsenDavid Bai

Customer experience

531 Strength

All ratings11,581 ratings
Positive98.0%
Neutral1.2%
Negative0.8%
Written reviews272 reviews
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.9%
Negative3.3%

Smolov Squat Program

All ratings74 ratings
Positive97.3%
Neutral1.4%
Negative1.4%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

531 Strength

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Rest timer stops when app is backgrounded
  • Plate calculator not flexible enough

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to adjust training max separately from 1RM
  • Option to track rep PRs and estimated 1RM
  • Accessory exercise tracking and planning
  • Sync progress across devices

Smolov Squat Program

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

531 Strength

One-time4
  • Additional exercises$1.99
  • Adjustable set$1.99
  • Plate calculator$1.99
Show 1 more
  • Progress log$6.99
None

Smolov Squat Program

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 531 Strength free?
531 Strength is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Smolov Squat Program free?
Smolov Squat Program costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, 531 Strength or Smolov Squat Program?
531 Strength and Smolov Squat Program are both rated 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store, from 12K and 74 ratings respectively.
Do 531 Strength or Smolov Squat Program have ads?
531 Strength shows ads; Smolov Squat Program does not.
Which is updated more often, 531 Strength or Smolov Squat Program?
531 Strength ships an update every 2 months, and Smolov Squat Program every 3 months. Most recently, 531 Strength was updated on September 28, 2026 and Smolov Squat Program on September 9, 2026.

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