Comparison

hex vs GymNote

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

Head to head
About

hex

Features
Read full description

hex-forge is a hypertrophy-focused workout tracker designed for lifters who want to maximize muscle growth through intelligent programming and progressive overload. SMART TRAINING Plan your training with mesocycles - structured training blocks that progress your volume and intensity over 4-6 weeks. Choose from proven templates like Push/Pull/Legs, Upper/Lower, or build your own from scratch. TRACK WITH PRECISION Log every set with weight, reps, and RIR (Reps In Reserve). hex-forge uses your performance data to predict optimal weights for your next session, taking the guesswork out of progressive overload. EXERCISE VIDEO LIBRARY Access demonstration videos for hundreds of exercises. See proper form and technique to ensure you're getting the most out of every rep. VOLUME MANAGEMENT Understand your training volume with muscle group tracking. See weekly sets per muscle group and stay within your recoverable volume to maximize gains without overtraining. FEATURES - Mesocycle-based programming with customizable templates - RIR tracking for autoregulated training - Weight predictions based on your performance history - Exercise demonstration videos - Muscle group volume tracking - Rest timer with configurable durations - Dark mode support - HealthKit integration for workout syncing Built for lifters who take their training seriously.

About

GymNote

Effortlessly log your weightlifting sessions with voice or text input. Track every rep, set, and personal record with detailed analytics and progress insights. Stay motivated with goals, streaks, and automatic session management, all without needing an account.

Highlights
  • Voice and text workout logging
  • Automatic PR detection
  • Instant last-session comparison
  • Muscle activation tracking
  • Progress and volume analytics
  • Offline functionality
  • Workout export and backup
Features
Read full description

Track every rep, set, and PR with a workout logger built for speed. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, tracking has never felt this effortless. Log naturally with voice or text, browse exercises, or use guided forms. Your choice, your way. Stay consistent with goals, streaks, and stats. No account needed. Works offline. Three screens, nothing you don’t need. KEY FEATURES • Reuse Past Workouts Quickly load any previous session with a single tap and save structured routines like Upper Body for effortless repeat tracking. • Notes-Style Workout Logging Type workouts naturally in one line. GymNote understands formats like 3x12, 12x3, 12/10/8 (e.g. Bench 170lbs 5x5) • Guided Exercise Logging Log exercises the traditional way with a guided form. Tap to enter sets, reps, and weight quickly. • Smart Voice Logging Just say "dumbbell curl 15 reps 12kg" or speak naturally. • Smart Exercise Recognition Recognizes 320+ exercises with intelligent format detection for sets, reps, weights, drop sets, and mixed inputs. • Instant Last-Session Comparison and Next Targets Automatically shows your last lift after logging an exercise so you can compare weight, reps, and effort with your previous workout. • New Next Weight Suggestion See your next suggested weight automatically to help you progress in the gym. • Warm-Up Sets, Supersets & Drop Sets Log warm-up sets, group exercises into supersets, and track drop sets without extra setup or menus. • Muscle Activation Tracking Maps exercises to specific muscle groups with percentage activation (e.g. deadlift: hamstrings, glutes, back). • Progress & PR Analytics Detects personal records, compares early vs recent workouts, tracks trends, streaks, and long-term progress. • Volume Insights with Real-World Context Turns total session volume into relatable comparisons to make progress feel tangible. • Quick Notes & Annotations Add simple notes to sets or workouts for cues, form reminders, or anything custom. • Automatic Session Management Sessions start automatically, track duration, calculate volume, and save without manual steps. • Smart Hints That Disappear Helpful guidance on first use, then quietly fades away once you’ve learned the flow. • My Training Page Track your goals, body measurements, progress photos, and personal notes all in one organized space. • Advanced Search & Filtering Fast exercise search, workout history filters, and flexible sorting to find anything quickly. • Export & Backup Options Export workouts as text, CSV, or JSON. Supports smart imports with merge or replace logic. • Shareable Workout Cards for Social Media Generate clean, aesthetic nworkout cards straight from your post-workout screen and share your progress anywhere. No accounts. No setup. Works offline. SUBSCRIPTION PRICING & TERMS Free: GymNote is free to use. You can log workouts, track basic stats and PRs, and see 8 past workouts. Pro: Unlock unlimited saved workouts, advanced stats, backups, productivity features and much more. Plans: $2.99 per month $29.99 lifetime (one-time purchase) Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account. Manage or cancel your subscription anytime in Apple ID Subscriptions. Terms of Use (Apple Standard EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://serious-wrist-e7c.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-for-GymNote-2d9f1afd45fd80218801ff011321f15e?source=copy_link

Screenshots

hex4 screens
GymNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: hex at none against GymNote's 2. GymNote's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.1). On price, update cadence, ads 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. GymNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. hex asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
hex versus GymNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterhexGymNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 daysEvery 2 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS26.115.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlex GeanaHerman Bjørheim

In-app purchases

None

hex

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

GymNote

Subscriptions1
  • GymNote Pro – Monthly$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • GymNote Pro – Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is hex free?
hex is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GymNote free?
GymNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do hex or GymNote have ads?
Neither hex nor GymNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, hex or GymNote?
hex ships an update every 2 days, and GymNote every 2 days. Most recently, hex was updated on October 18, 2026 and GymNote on October 24, 2026.

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