# Macros vs Forge

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Forge at none against Macros's 11. Forge also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs monthly). Macros's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Macros sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Macros ships an update monthly, Forge daily. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Macros | Forge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macros-calorie-counter/id1216666985/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 79 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JosmanTek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1216666984) | [Lightbox Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1663381203) |

## What reviewers say

### Macros

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macros-calorie-counter/id1216666985)

Easily track your daily calorie and macronutrient intake to achieve your health goals. Whether you aim for weight loss, muscle gain, or a healthier lifestyle, this app provides personalized goals, a comprehensive food database, and activity tracking.

**Highlights:** Personalized calorie and macro goals, Extensive food database, Barcode scanner, Activity and water intake tracking, Meal planning, Net carbohydrate counter

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Macros Plus | $3.99 | per month |
| Macros Plus | $8.99 | per 3 months |
| Macros Plus | $12.99 | per year |
| Macros Plus | $17.99 | per year |
| Macros Plus | $24.99 | per year |
| Plus 1 month | $3.99 | one-time |
| Plus 3 months | $8.99 | one-time |
| Plus 6 months | $12.99 | one-time |
| Plus 1 year | $17.99 | one-time |
| Plus version | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Straightforward interface
- 🔓 No subscription required
- 💰 Affordable premium version
- 📊 Customizable macro settings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate food data
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Limited ability to adjust serving sizes
- 🔍 Lack of weight tracking feature
- 🔍 Ads in premium version

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanner not working
- Saved data being deleted or changed
- Constant freezing and loading issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to share recipes with friends
- Integration with fitness trackers
- Weekly/monthly progress tracking
- Easier way to add nutrition data manually
- Calorie cycling feature


### Forge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forge-athlete/id6761774749)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Macros free?

Macros is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Forge free?

Forge is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Macros or Forge have ads?

Macros shows ads; Forge does not.

### Which is updated more often, Macros or Forge?

Macros ships an update monthly, and Forge daily. Most recently, Macros was updated on October 29, 2026 and Forge on October 8, 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.*