# Simple 5x5 vs Ascend

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Simple 5x5 at none against Ascend's 2. Simple 5x5 also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 10 days) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ascend sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Simple 5x5 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple 5x5 ships an update every 4 days, Ascend every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple 5x5 | Ascend |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (65 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-5x5/id6753905717/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **65** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 36 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Bibire](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845616506) | [Bogdan Tsiganiuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/6791122314) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple 5x5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-5x5/id6753905717)

This app helps users track 5x5 style barbell weightlifting programs. It automatically progresses weight, includes a rest timer, and offers progress charts. All features are free with no ads or subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Track main lifts (Squat, Bench Press, Row, OHP, Deadlift), Automatic weight progression, Built-in rest timer with notifications, Add custom accessory exercises, Progress charts for all exercises, Plate calculator, Export/import data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ascend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-rpg-weight-tracker/id6791695056)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ascend Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Ascend Pro Annual | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple 5x5 free?

Simple 5x5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ascend free?

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

### Do Simple 5x5 or Ascend have ads?

Neither Simple 5x5 nor Ascend shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple 5x5 or Ascend?

Simple 5x5 ships an update every 4 days, and Ascend every 10 days. Most recently, Simple 5x5 was updated on October 28, 2026 and Ascend on October 4, 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.*