Simple 5x5 vs Ascend RPG
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Simple 5x5
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.
- 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
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Simple 5×5 is a completely free and open-source weight lifting workout tracker for 5x5 style barbell programs. FEATURES: - All features completely free! - Track your main lifts: Squat, Bench Press, Row, Overhead Press, Deadlift - Automatic weight progression after successful workouts - Built-in rest timer with notifications - Add custom accessory exercises - Progress charts for all exercises - Plate calculator showing which plates to load - Export/import your data for backup No ads, no subscriptions, and no accounts required. Your data stays on your device.
Ascend RPG
This app combines fitness tracking with RPG elements, allowing users to log workouts, nutrition, and see their progress visualized as fantasy character progression. It offers a free tier with basic features and a premium subscription for advanced plans and in-game perks.
- Workout and nutrition logging
- RPG-style character progression
- Extensive exercise library
- Customizable workout plans
- Meal and nutrient tracking
- Adaptive running programs
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Your training has a story. Ascend RPG makes it visible. Ascend RPG brings workouts, plans, nutrition and fantasy progression into one app. Log real training, build consistency, and turn your effort into progress across an evolving RPG adventure. FREE FOR EVERYONE - 1,900+ exercises to browse by muscle group or training style, with the muscles each one trains. - Set and rep logging with your last session and new bests. - Up to 3 saved custom workouts. - Three starter plans: Foundations Full Body, Upper / Lower Classic and Bodyweight Basics. - Meal and nutrient tracking, and a free sample of every recipe category. - A muscle recovery map and the first week of a personalized running plan. ASCEND PRO - Every workout plan, including Big Three Strength, Push / Pull / Legs, Upper / Lower Hypertrophy, Aesthetic 5-Day, Glute and Lower Body Builder, Shred, Dumbbell-Only Hypertrophy and Calisthenics Skills, with weights that progress from your logs. - Unlimited custom workouts and the full high-protein recipe library. - The full 16-week adaptive running program and Hybrid Performance training (7-day free trial). - Monthly gems, double coins on daily challenges and other in-game perks. Ascend Pro is an auto-renewing subscription, billed monthly or yearly to your Apple Account. It renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; manage or cancel it in your App Store account settings. MAKE CONSISTENCY MATTER - Turn completed activity into visible RPG progress, and earn coins for every plan week you finish. - Develop your hero, earn rewards, and climb through an expanding fantasy world. FOOD DATA Food search and barcode scanning use USDA FoodData Central and the fatsecret Platform API. Powered by fatsecret Platform API. HEALTH Ascend RPG is not a medical device and gives general fitness and nutrition information only. Talk to a qualified professional before starting or changing an exercise or nutrition program. Terms of Use: https://www.dualforcedigital.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.dualforcedigital.com/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Simple 5x5 at none against Ascend RPG's 10. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Ascend RPG sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Simple 5x5 asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Simple 5x5 against 5.0 for Ascend RPG. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively.
Simple 5x5 ships an update every 4 days, Ascend RPG every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Simple 5x5 | Ascend RPG |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (4 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 168 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Andrew Bibire | Dual Force Digital LLC |
Customer experience
Simple 5x5
Ascend RPG
In-app purchases
Simple 5x5
No in-app purchases
Ascend RPG
- 550 Gems$4.99
- Titus Bundle$4.99
- Blood Moon Shogun Bundle$4.99
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Elara Bundle$4.99
- 1,200 Gems$9.99
- RAIGO Bundle$9.99
- Selena Bundle$9.99
- Thenaia Bundle$9.99
- 2,600 Gems$19.99
- 7,000 Gems$49.99









