# Hold Strong vs DFND

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DFND at 100% against Hold Strong's 33%. DFND also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Hold Strong's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hold Strong sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and DFND sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DFND holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Hold Strong's written reviews are positive against 100% of DFND's.

Hold Strong ships an update fortnightly, DFND monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hold Strong | DFND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hold-strong-train-smarter/id6738137196/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dfnd/id6751149925/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 497 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peter Ong](https://appshunter.io/developer/1779521186) | [DFND PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833692959) |

## What reviewers say

### Hold Strong

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hold-strong-train-smarter/id6738137196)

Build strength with static holds like dead hangs and planks using a precision timer and smart tracking. Offers a 30-day challenge with progressive daily plans and integrates with Apple Watch for hands-free workouts. No equipment is needed for these effective, joint-friendly exercises.

**Highlights:** Precision timing with tension-arc progress ring, Smart progress tracking and personal best logging, Apple Watch companion app with haptic feedback, Voice control for hands-free operation, Motion detection to automatically stop timers, 30-day progressive workout challenges, Syncs with Apple Health

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hold Strong: Train Smarter | $7.99 | one-time |


### DFND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dfnd/id6751149925)

This app offers a personal self-defense training system focused on practical skills for real-world situations. It provides step-by-step videos, progress tracking, and motivational tools to build confidence and fitness.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step training videos, Real-world self-defense techniques, Progress tracking and skill unlocking, Daily streaks and rewards, Live events and private lessons, Adaptive training for all levels

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DFND Monthly Subscription | $19.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hold Strong free?

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

### Is DFND free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Hold Strong or DFND?

DFND is rated higher. Hold Strong averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while DFND averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Hold Strong or DFND have ads?

Neither Hold Strong nor DFND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hold Strong or DFND?

Hold Strong ships an update fortnightly, and DFND monthly. Most recently, Hold Strong was updated on November 8, 2026 and DFND on November 5, 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.*