# Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan vs EVOLUTION 3

The clearest difference is monetization model: Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan at free with in-app purchases against EVOLUTION 3's subscription. Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan also leads on ratings volume (77K vs 238) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). EVOLUTION 3's advantage is review sentiment (76% vs 66%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and EVOLUTION 3 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan has 77K ratings behind it against 238, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 66% of Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan's written reviews are positive against 76% of EVOLUTION 3's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan ships an update fortnightly, EVOLUTION 3 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan | EVOLUTION 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (77K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stronglifts-5x5-workout-plan/id488580022/reviews)** | [4.7 (238 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evolution-359-workout-program/id1260247611/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **77K** | 238 |
| Positive reviews | 65.8% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 161 MB | 181 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [StrongLifts](https://appshunter.io/developer/916468093) | [EVOLUTION359](https://appshunter.io/developer/1260247610) |

## What reviewers say

### Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stronglifts-5x5-workout-plan/id488580022)

This app guides you through a proven barbell strength training program with no guesswork. It plans every exercise, set, and weight for you, allowing you to focus on lifting and see consistent progress. Ideal for beginners or those returning to strength training.

**Highlights:** Proven 3x/week strength program, Automated progression, Guided workouts with timers, Progress charts, Simple interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Pro Quarterly | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Pro Quarterly | $99.99 | per 3 months |
| StrongLifts Pro 5 Years | $199.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |
| StrongLifts Pro 5 Years | $239.99 | one-time |
| Pro Family Lifetime | $299.99 | one-time |
| Pro Family Lifetime Upgrade | $299.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Effective strength-building program
- 📈 Tracks progress and helps with consistency
- 🤖 Automatic weight progression and plate calculation
- ⏱️ Convenient timer and rest period tracking
- 📚 Helpful exercise form videos

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and syncing issues
- 💰 Subscription model can be expensive for some
- 🔒 Limited customization options in free version
- ⚠️ Weights may not be accurate for all users
- 🕰️ Workouts can be time-consuming for some

**Reported bugs**

- Workout data loss and reset issues
- Inconsistent Apple Watch connectivity
- Inability to edit or delete custom exercises

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize core exercises
- Menstrual cycle tracking and programming
- More pre-built program options
- Integration with other fitness apps and devices
- Recommended meal plans and nutrition guidance


### EVOLUTION 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evolution-359-workout-program/id1260247611)

Follow a year-long weightlifting program with expert video tutorials on proper form. Track your progress, weights, and rest times with built-in tools. This ad-free app offers elite Hollywood personal training to help you achieve your fitness goals.

**Highlights:** Year-long workout program, Expert video tutorials, Progress tracking, Built-in timer, Barbell calculator, Ad-free experience

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EVOLUTION 3:59 Videos & WODs | $9.99 | per month |
| EVOLUTION 3:59 Videos & WODs | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| EVOLUTION 3:59 Videos & WODs | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Great for physical and mental health
- 📚 Content aligns with the book
- 🏋️‍♀️ Variety of exercises and training styles
- 👍 Easy to navigate and track weights
- 🎥 Excellent video support for proper form

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscription model
- ⏳ Content unlock delays
- 📱 Inconsistent app performance
- 📶 Requires WiFi to open initially
- 🔄 Workouts can be repetitive

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open
- Cannot use after switching phones
- Login fails with error messages in low signal areas
- Workouts are not correct/repeated
- Exercise history/progress lost on break

**Requested features**

- Offer a one-time purchase option
- Add a timer alarm for workouts
- Ensure all exercises have videos
- Allow offline access to workouts
- Improve weight tracking functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan free?

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is EVOLUTION 3 free?

EVOLUTION 3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan or EVOLUTION 3?

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan is rated higher. Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan averages 4.9 out of 5 from 77K ratings, while EVOLUTION 3 averages 4.7 from 238 ratings.

### Do Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan or EVOLUTION 3 have ads?

Neither Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan nor EVOLUTION 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan or EVOLUTION 3?

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan ships an update fortnightly, and EVOLUTION 3 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan was updated on September 25, 2026 and EVOLUTION 3 on September 24, 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.*