Comparison

Simple 5x5 vs Ascend RPG

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Workout and nutrition logging
  • RPG-style character progression
  • Extensive exercise library
  • Customizable workout plans
  • Meal and nutrient tracking
  • Adaptive running programs
Features
Read full description

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

Simple 5x54 screens
Ascend RPG4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Ascend RPG sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Simple 5x5 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Simple 5x5 versus Ascend RPG: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple 5x5Ascend RPG
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings)
Number of ratings34 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB168 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperAndrew BibireDual Force Digital LLC

Customer experience

Simple 5x5

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

Ascend RPG

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Simple 5x5

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Ascend RPG

One-time10
  • 550 Gems$4.99
  • Titus Bundle$4.99
  • Blood Moon Shogun Bundle$4.99
Show 7 more
  • 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

Questions

Is Simple 5x5 free?
Simple 5x5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ascend RPG free?
Ascend RPG is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Simple 5x5 or Ascend RPG?
Simple 5x5 and Ascend RPG are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 4 ratings respectively.
Do Simple 5x5 or Ascend RPG have ads?
Neither Simple 5x5 nor Ascend RPG shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple 5x5 or Ascend RPG?
Simple 5x5 ships an update every 4 days, and Ascend RPG every 5 days. Most recently, Simple 5x5 was updated on October 18, 2026 and Ascend RPG on October 13, 2026.

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