Comparison

Forge 5/3/1 vs 531 Strength Workout

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

Head to head
About

Forge 5/3/1

This powerlifting app helps users follow the Wendler 5/3/1 Boring But Big program with personalized workouts. It offers detailed tracking, history, and gym-ready features, with optional premium upgrades for advanced customization and data management.

Highlights
  • Personalized 5/3/1 BBB workouts
  • Classic Wendler progression
  • Log sets, reps, and weights
  • Volume and estimated 1RM tracking
  • Offline functionality
  • Plate calculator
  • Customizable training percentages
Features
Read full description

Forge 531 is your powerlifting companion for Wendler 5/3/1 Boring But Big—built for lifters who want precision, customization, and privacy. No ads-driven onboarding and no required account. PROGRAM & WORKOUTS (included) • Enter one-rep maxes for squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press—Forge generates personalized 5/3/1 BBB sessions from your training maxes • Classic Wendler progression with Boring But Big assistance work • Four-week cycles including deload; intuitive week navigation and cycle management • Metric or imperial units—switch anytime in Settings TRACKING & HISTORY (included) • Log sets, reps, and weights for every workout • Volume totals (weight × reps) • Estimated 1RM from AMRAP sets (Brzycki) • Full history with analytics so you can see progress over time GYM-READY DESIGN (included) • Optional keep screen awake during sessions • Dark theme suited to dim floors • Fast movement between weeks and workout detail PRIVACY & SIMPLICITY (included) • No account—ever. Nothing to register; nothing you must log into later • Your data stays on your device—not tied to a Forge cloud profile • Works offline for everyday training PREMIUM — SMART PLATES & LOADS (14-day free trial, then one-time purchase — no subscription) • Plate calculator — visual plate combinations for any target weight • Plate settings — barbell weight and inventory that match your gym • Full calculator access lines up with your metric/imperial choice once Premium is active PREMIUM — TRAINING CONTROL (same trial / purchase model) • Training max % adjustments — tune percentages off Wendler defaults • Progressions customization — adjust weekly progression percentages • Warm-up sets — bar-only and configurable percentage warm-ups before working sets (deload options in Settings) PREMIUM — DATA PORTABILITY (Not included in the free trial — unlocks with Premium purchase) • Import/export — backup and restore workout history via CSV HOW PREMIUM WORKS New users receive a 14-day trial for most Premium features listed above.** Import/export requires a Premium purchase and is not part of the trial.** After the trial ends, Premium remains available as a one-time purchase—no subscription.

About

531 Strength Workout

This app guides users through strength training using the 531 method. It offers workout logging, customizable plans, real-time assistance, and progress tracking to help users build strength and achieve their fitness goals.

Highlights
  • 531 Workout Logger
  • Customizable Templates
  • Workout Assist
  • Cycle Manager
  • Progress Tracker
  • Strength Training Guidance
Features
Read full description

531 Workout is your ultimate training companion designed to help you build strength and track your fitness progress with ease. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just getting started, this app follows the proven 531 method to guide you through your workouts and keep you on track. Key Features: 531 Workout Logger: Easily log your daily workouts with the simple and intuitive interface. Customizable Templates: Tailor your workout plans to suit your personal goals and preferences. Workout Assist: Receive real-time guidance on sets, reps, and weights for each exercise to maximize your progress. Cycle Manager: Stay on top of your training cycles with automatic adjustments based on your previous performance. Progress Tracker: Monitor your strength gains and see how you improve over time with detailed charts and insights. With 531 Workout, you'll never lose track of your goals. Whether you're focusing on strength training, powerlifting, or general fitness, this app will keep you motivated and organized every step of the way. Some features may require a premium subscription or in-app purchases, which could be billed automatically. Terms of use: https://www.notion.so/akimk/531-Workout-Terms-of-Use-19f3a8b0a8f2802c9080f4aacff7ca49 Privacy Policy: https://akimk.notion.site/531-Workout-Privacy-Policy-19f3a8b0a8f280d1a16fdec74f7034d4?pvs=4

Screenshots

Forge 5/3/14 screens
531 Strength Workout4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: 531 Strength Workout at 3 against Forge 5/3/1's 1. Forge 5/3/1's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). 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. Forge 5/3/1 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and 531 Strength Workout sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 — 5.0 for Forge 5/3/1 against 5.0 for 531 Strength Workout. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Forge 5/3/1 versus 531 Strength Workout: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterForge 5/3/1531 Strength Workout
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB16 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperDev IT Digital LLCAkim Kasabulatov

Customer experience

Forge 5/3/1

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

531 Strength Workout

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Forge 5/3/1

One-time1
  • Premium Features$4.99
3 purchases

531 Strength Workout

Subscriptions2
  • 5/3/1 Workout Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • 531 Strength Workout Annual$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • 531 Workout Premium$29.99

Questions

Is Forge 5/3/1 free?
Forge 5/3/1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is 531 Strength Workout free?
531 Strength Workout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Forge 5/3/1 or 531 Strength Workout?
Forge 5/3/1 and 531 Strength Workout are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do Forge 5/3/1 or 531 Strength Workout have ads?
Neither Forge 5/3/1 nor 531 Strength Workout shows ads.

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