Comparison

StepLoad vs Strength Direct

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

Head to head
About

StepLoad

Features
Read full description

StepLoad - Progressive Overload Training Transform your fitness journey with StepLoad, the intelligent workout tracker designed around the proven principle of progressive overload. Build strength systematically with our unique 3×3 to 5×5 progression system that gradually increases intensity over 9 weeks. Smart Progression System • Automatic progression from 3 sets × 3 reps to 5 sets × 5 reps • Week-by-week guidance ensures steady, sustainable gains • Track both dynamic exercises (reps) and static holds (duration) • Custom progression tracking for every exercise Complete Workout Management • Create structured programmes with scheduled training days • Build standalone workout templates for flexibility • Comprehensive exercise library with muscle group targeting • Add your own custom exercises • Track rest times, weight, sets, and reps Calendar & Schedule • Visual calendar showing upcoming and completed workouts • Schedule programmes across your preferred training days • Daily notes to track how you're feeling • Set and monitor fitness goals with deadlines Stay Motivated • Track workout streaks and weekly session counts • Monitor programme completion progress • Complete programmes to review your journey • Smart notifications for scheduled workouts Whether you're a beginner starting your fitness journey or an experienced athlete optimizing gains, StepLoad provides the structure and progression tracking you need to achieve your strength goals. EULA - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Strength Direct

This app helps you focus on lifting by tracking your gym workouts. It allows you to build reusable routines, compare previous performance, and visualize your progress with clear charts. It works offline and prioritizes user data control.

Highlights
  • Previous workout comparisons
  • Reusable workout routines
  • Automatic rest timers
  • Progress charts
  • Customizable exercises
  • Apple Watch integration
  • Local data storage
Features
Read full description

Focus on your lifting. Free forever. No ads. No subscriptions. No tracking. No account required. Works offline. Strength Direct is a gym workout tracker with the tools you need to train consistently: previous-workout comparisons, reusable routines, automatic rest timers, and clear progress charts. PICK UP WHERE YOU LEFT OFF See your previous weights and reps beside each set, so you know what to aim for today. Build your own workout templates, start with Push, Pull, or Full Body routines, or repeat a workout from your history. YOUR ROUTINE. YOUR WAY. Choose built-in exercises or create your own. Organize supersets, warm-ups, and drop sets. Add notes, technique reminders, and optional reps in reserve. Track weights and reps, bodyweight exercises, timed holds, cardio, and loaded carries. YOUR WORKOUT, ON YOUR WRIST Start your workout on iPhone, then follow your exercises, log sets, and adjust weights and reps from your Apple Watch. Check your rest countdown without reaching for your phone. REST WITHOUT WATCHING THE CLOCK Enable automatic rest timers for working sets and supersets. For supersets, the countdown starts after you log a working set on the final exercise. Customize rest times for each exercise, follow the countdown on your Lock Screen or Dynamic Island on supported devices, and enable notifications for an alert when it’s time for your next set. SEE YOUR WORK PAY OFF Track your training volume and estimated one-rep max over time with clear progress charts. Review individual exercises, strength trends, logged cardio, and body weight. Browse your workout calendar and edit past entries when needed. KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR DATA Your workout history is stored locally. Back up and restore your workout data. For another perspective on your training, copy a structured summary into your preferred AI assistant for feedback. You choose what to share. Log your next workout. Keep progressing.

Screenshots

StepLoad4 screens
Strength Direct4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Strength Direct at every 9 days against StepLoad's every 3 months. StepLoad's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StepLoad ships an update every 3 months, Strength Direct every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
StepLoad versus Strength Direct: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStepLoadStrength Direct
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.9 (122 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—97.4% of reviews
Number of ratings—122 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.1 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB9 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperRyan FroggattArnaud Floesser

In-app purchases

None

StepLoad

No in-app purchases

None

Strength Direct

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StepLoad free?
StepLoad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Strength Direct free?
Strength Direct is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do StepLoad or Strength Direct have ads?
Neither StepLoad nor Strength Direct shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StepLoad or Strength Direct?
StepLoad ships an update every 3 months, and Strength Direct every 9 days. Most recently, StepLoad was updated on November 12, 2026 and Strength Direct on November 12, 2026.

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