# 531 Strength vs Smolov Squat Program

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.

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.

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.

531 Strength ships an update every 2 months, Smolov Squat Program every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 531 Strength | Smolov Squat Program |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.9 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-strength/id1062989244/reviews) | [4.9 (74 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smolov-squat-program/id1315546492/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 74 |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 28 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Henrik Jachobsen](https://appshunter.io/developer/497731838) | [David Bai](https://appshunter.io/developer/609405595) |

## What reviewers say

### 531 Strength

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531-strength/id1062989244)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Additional exercises | $1.99 | one-time |
| Adjustable set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Plate calculator | $1.99 | one-time |
| Progress log | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and efficient
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 💪 Helps with strength gains
- 🔧 Customizable features
- ⏱️ Convenient timer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔢 Inaccurate percentage calculations
- 🗓️ Lack of ability to plan future workouts
- 📋 Limited exercise tracking
- 💰 Paid features not worth the cost

**Reported bugs**

- Rest timer stops when app is backgrounded
- Plate calculator not flexible enough

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smolov-squat-program/id1315546492)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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 30, 2026 and Smolov Squat Program on September 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*