Forge 5/3/1 vs Top Set Training
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Top Set Training
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Your complete strength training companion. Most lifting apps are built around one program. When you want to try something new you end up juggling spreadsheets and switching apps. Top Set Training is different. It is a hub for many proven barbell programs, with smart tools that follow you from one plan to the next. Stop worrying about spreadsheets and plate math. Top Set Training handles the programming and numbers so you can focus on lifting heavy and getting stronger. PROGRAMS THAT FIT HOW YOU TRAIN Pick from a growing library of popular programs, all in one place. : Beginner: Starting Strength, StrongLifts 5x5 Intermediate: 5/3/1 variations, nSuns, GZCLP, PPL style programs Advanced: High volume and auto regulated templates And more Top Set Training supports linear progression, percentage based work, AMRAP sets, RPE and more. You are not locked into a single style. SWITCH PROGRAMS WITHOUT LOSING PROGRESS Change goals without starting from scratch. • Carry your current training maxes into any new program • Start new cycles with updated maxes or keep them the same • Keep a continuous history of every workout across programs You can also use the same logic engine that powers the built in templates to build your own programs, including complex progressions. SEAMLESS WORKOUT TRACKING • Weights calculated automatically from your training maxes • Log AMRAP sets and track rep PRs • Rest timer with Lock Screen and Dynamic Island support • Visual plate calculator that shows exactly which plates to load • Add accessory work and notes to any workout TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Watch your estimated 1RM climb over time • See training max trends for each main lift • Compare strength using Wilks, DOTS and IPF GL scores • Browse full workout history across all programs and cycles NOW WITH APPLE WATCH + APPLE HEALTH • Apple Watch companion app reads heart rate for richer Apple Fitness workout data • Apple Health integration syncs workouts to Apple Fitness with calorie estimation BUILT IN STRENGTH CALCULATORS No need for separate apps. Everything is built in: • One rep max estimator from submaximal lifts • RPE calculator for autoregulated training • Training max percentage charts for 5/3/1 style work and more • Plate loading visualizer for fast setup on the bar • Strength score calculators using Wilks, DOTS and IPF GL CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRAINING • Create and save custom programs and templates • Adjust weight increments and rounding rules • Configure bar weights and your available plates • Use metric or Imperial units FREE TO START. UPGRADE WHEN READY. Use Top Set Training for free with access to core features, calculators and custom programs. When you are ready, upgrade to Pro to unlock the full library of programs. Choose weekly ($0.99/wk), monthly ($2.99/mo), or a one-time lifetime purchase ($14.99). Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Manage subscriptions in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Terms of Use: https://gregorymcinnes.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://gregorymcinnes.com/apps/top-set-training/ Whether you are a beginner learning the barbell or an experienced lifter cycling through different proven programs, Top Set Training gives you structure without locking you in. Download now and start your next training cycle.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Forge 5/3/1 at 13.0 against Top Set Training's 17.0. On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. Forge 5/3/1 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Top Set Training sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Forge 5/3/1 ships an update every 3 weeks, Top Set Training every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 9, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Forge 5/3/1 | Top Set Training |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dev IT Digital LLC | Greg McInnes |
In-app purchases
Forge 5/3/1
- Premium Features$4.99
Top Set Training
- Premium Weekly7 Days trial$0.997 Days
- Premium Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Top Set Training Premium$9.99
Questions
Is Forge 5/3/1 free?
Is Top Set Training free?
Do Forge 5/3/1 or Top Set Training have ads?
Which is updated more often, Forge 5/3/1 or Top Set Training?
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