Comparison

5/3/1 Workout 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

5/3/1 Workout

This app simplifies strength training by automatically calculating and tracking progress for the 5/3/1 program. It focuses on key compound lifts and offers a guided approach for beginners and advanced users alike. The first two weeks are free to help you start building strength.

Highlights
  • Automated 5/3/1 progress calculation
  • Focus on compound movements
  • Guided workouts for beginners
  • Progress tracking with graphs
  • Warmup calculator
  • Weight and rep calculator
Features
Read full description

● Easiest program to calculate and track your 5/3/1 progress. ● Focuses on key compound movements. Bench, Squat, Deadlift. ● This program is not affiliated with Wendler and is adjusted for efficiency. 531 Workout is designed to be friendly for first time lifters, but can also be tailored towards veterans. The workouts focus on 4 movements. Squats, bench press, deadlifts, and overhead press. Getting started in weight training can be intimidating, but we've taken out the guesswork and doubt. There are many flavors of 3x5, 5x5, 531, and other powerlifting programs. At the very core of the these lifting programs, they share the same proven elements. Results have been proven time and time again for the past decades since the original 5x5 by Mark Berry in the 1930s, Reg Park in the 1950s, Bill Starr in the 1970s, and the many versions you see today. 531 Workout by Zen Labs Fitness includes the simplest version to make getting started easy. We've broken down the process into one workout a day. Guaranteed results. This program includes your first 2 weeks for free! ≈ Only 4 Simple Workouts ≈ Day 1 - Squat Day 2 - Bench Press Day 3 - Deadlift Day 4 - Overhead Press ≈ Starting is EASY ≈ 1. Enter your current 1RM (1 rep max) for Bench, Squat, Deadlifts. (or press beginner) 2. Our app will automatically calculate your program tailored you 3. Press start and start building strength! ≈ FEATURES ≈ ◉ First 2 weeks are free! Get started today! ◉ Workout 4 days a week. ◉ Workout weeks are grouped into "blocks". Each "block" is 4 weeks. ◉ Entire program is 7 blocks. Guaranteed gainz! ◉ Core program is only 1 workout per day. Simple! We focus on compound movements for efficiency. ◉ Progress graph to keep track of your PRs (personal records) ◉ Multiple cycles. After you finish 7 blocks, deload and start a new cycle! ◉ Warmup calculator to help you properly warm up and prevent injury. ◉ Weight and reps calculator ◉ Accessory workouts to add more volume for advanced users ◉ Apple Health integration ≈ NEW Zen Unlimited Pass - Try it for free! ≈ ◉ Award winning music curated from top DJ's! ◉ Scientifically proven to increase motivation by 35% ◉ Unlimited access to all pro features across ALL Zen Labs Fitness apps Questions/comments regarding the app? Please email us at contactus@zenlabsfitness.com or visit us at www.zenlabsfitness.com. ≈ Connect ≈ Facebook: @C25Kfree Twitter: @C25Kfree Instagram: @officialc25k Hashtag: #C25K https://forums.zenlabsfitness.com Subscription pricing and terms: The subscription will automatically renew unless turned off in your iTunes Account Settings at least 24 hours before current period ends. You can go to your iTunes Account settings to manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew. Your iTunes Account will be charged when the purchase is confirmed. If you subscribe before your free trial ends, the rest of your free trial period will be forfeited as soon as your purchase is confirmed. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use: https://www.zenlabsfitness.com/privacy-policy/ Legal Disclaimer This app and any information given by it or by Zen Labs LLC are for educational purposes only. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program.

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

5/3/1 Workout4 screens
Progressive 54 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Progressive 5 at 5.0 against 5/3/1 Workout's 4.6. 5/3/1 Workout's advantage is ratings volume (214 vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 8 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. 5/3/1 Workout sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month 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

Progressive 5 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5/3/1 Workout has 214 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

5/3/1 Workout ships an update every 2 months, Progressive 5 every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
5/3/1 Workout versus Progressive 5: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter5/3/1 WorkoutProgressive 5
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (214 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings214 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size193 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZen LabsFrancisco Alcala

Customer experience

5/3/1 Workout

All ratings213 ratings
Positive89.7%
Neutral5.2%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral33.3%
Negative33.3%

Progressive 5

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

In-app purchases

3 purchases

5/3/1 Workout

Subscriptions3
  • Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Zen Power Playlist 3 Months7 Days trial$29.993 Months
  • Zen Unlimited Pass Annual7 Days trial$74.991 Year
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 5/3/1 Workout free?
5/3/1 Workout 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, 5/3/1 Workout or Progressive 5?
Progressive 5 is rated higher. 5/3/1 Workout averages 4.6 out of 5 from 214 ratings, while Progressive 5 averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do 5/3/1 Workout or Progressive 5 have ads?
Neither 5/3/1 Workout nor Progressive 5 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 5/3/1 Workout or Progressive 5?
5/3/1 Workout ships an update every 2 months, and Progressive 5 every 8 months. Most recently, 5/3/1 Workout was updated on November 6, 2026 and Progressive 5 on October 30, 2026.

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