Comparison

nSuns 5/3/1 vs Progressive 5

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

Head to head
About

nSuns 5/3/1

This app is a dedicated companion for the nSuns 5/3/1 strength training program. It allows users to log lifts, track progress, and automatically calculates weight progression based on training max and AMRAP results. Customizable features and progress charts help users optimize their workouts.

Highlights
  • Log lifts and track progress
  • Automatic weight progression
  • AMRAP-driven programming
  • Customizable accessory exercises
  • Rest timer with Apple Watch support
  • Progress charts for main lifts
  • iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

The dedicated tracking companion for the nSuns 5/3/1 strength program. Log your lifts, track your progress, and let the app handle the math. Your Training Max and AMRAP results drive automatic weight progression — no spreadsheets needed. FEATURES • 4-day, 5-day, 6-day Squat and 6-day Deadlift templates • Automatic weight and rep programming based on your Training Max • AMRAP-driven progression — lift more, the app adjusts automatically • Customizable accessory exercises for each day • Rest timer with Apple Watch support • Progress charts for each main lift • iCloud sync — workouts and history across all your devices • Metric and imperial units APPLE WATCH A companion watch app keeps your rest timer and current set on your wrist. ABOUT THE PROGRAM The nSuns 5/3/1 LP program was created by reddit user /u/nSuns. For details: reddit.com/r/nSuns ABOUT THIS APP Built by a lifter, for lifters. Free to download — no paywalled core features. If you find it useful, a rating in the App Store means a lot. Contact: reddit.com/u/jonnybeegod

About

Progressive 5

This app guides users through the 5•3•1 strength training program, automatically calculating percentages and training maxes. It offers various templates and allows for customization of cycles and auxiliary sets, with optional in-app purchases for advanced logging and timers.

Highlights
  • Built-in 5•3•1 templates
  • Customizable training cycles
  • Minimalist and intuitive design
  • No account required for basic use
  • Smart rest timer (in-app purchase)
  • Workout logging and progress tracking (in-app purchase)
  • Plate calculator (in-app purchase)
Features
Read full description

Train with purpose using the proven 5•3•1 method. Progressive 5•3•1 is designed for lifters who want structured, sustainable strength gains without distractions. Whether you’re new to the 5•3•1 method or a longtime follower, this app helps you stay focused and make progress week after week. Key Features: • Built-in 5•3•1 Templates — Automatically calculates your percentages and training maxes. • Custom Cycles — Switch between 5s PRO, Boring But Big, First Set Last, and more. • Minimalist Design — Clean and intuitive, with nothing you don’t need. • No Account Required — Get started instantly without signing up or syncing. Upgrade When You’re Ready (In-App Purchase): • Smart Rest Timer — Auto-starts when your set is completed, remembers your preferred rest. • Log Workouts — Track sets, reps, and weights over time, keep notes , see progress over time. • Plate Calculator — Input what weights and bars you have, app tells you what to load. • Add Additional Lifts — Add other lifts besides the Big 4. • Add Auxiliary Sets — Add BBB, FSL, SSL, joker, pyramid, and drop sets. Why 5•3•1? Developed by Jim Wendler, the 5•3•1 method is one of the most respected strength programs in the world. It’s simple, effective, and built to last. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

nSuns 5/3/14 screens
Progressive 54 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: nSuns 5/3/1 at every 9 days against Progressive 5's every 8 months. nSuns 5/3/1 also leads on ratings volume (4.9K vs 2). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. nSuns 5/3/1 sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Progressive 5 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for nSuns 5/3/1 against 5.0 for Progressive 5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: nSuns 5/3/1 has 4.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

nSuns 5/3/1 ships an update every 9 days, Progressive 5 every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
nSuns 5/3/1 versus Progressive 5: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameternSuns 5/3/1Progressive 5
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (4.9K ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews96.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings4.9K — better2
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB2 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperJonas ReichertFrancisco Alcala

Customer experience

nSuns 5/3/1

All ratings4,902 ratings
Positive98.7%
Neutral0.8%
Negative0.6%
Written reviews242 reviews
Positive96.7%
Neutral0.8%
Negative2.5%

Progressive 5

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

nSuns 5/3/1

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Workout template not updating correctly
  • Timer issues or disappearing on app switch
  • Inconsistencies with training max updates

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to customize workout days
  • Option to add and track custom accessory exercises
  • Carry over accessory exercises to next cycle
  • Plate calculator or weight breakdown feature
  • Notes section for each workout

Progressive 5

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

nSuns 5/3/1

One-time6
  • Beer$0.99
  • Coffee$1.99
  • Protein Brownie$2.99
Show 3 more
  • Protein Shake$3.99
  • Gym Weekly Fee$4.99
  • Supporter$8.99
5 purchases

Progressive 5

One-time5
  • Plate Calculator$0.99
  • Additional Sets$0.99
  • Additional Exercises$0.99
Show 2 more
  • Rest Timers$0.99
  • Workout Log$1.99

Questions

Is nSuns 5/3/1 free?
nSuns 5/3/1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Progressive 5 free?
Progressive 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, nSuns 5/3/1 or Progressive 5?
Progressive 5 is rated higher. nSuns 5/3/1 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.9K ratings, while Progressive 5 averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do nSuns 5/3/1 or Progressive 5 have ads?
Neither nSuns 5/3/1 nor Progressive 5 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, nSuns 5/3/1 or Progressive 5?
nSuns 5/3/1 ships an update every 9 days, and Progressive 5 every 8 months. Most recently, nSuns 5/3/1 was updated on October 22, 2026 and Progressive 5 on October 24, 2026.

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