Comparison

Simple Strength NLP vs Top Set Training

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

Head to head
About

Simple Strength NLP

This app guides novice lifters through a linear progression strength training program. It automatically adjusts weights, suggests modifications when you stall, and tracks your progress. Features include a rest timer, workout history, and an offline mode.

Highlights
  • Automatic weight progression
  • Rest timer with Lock Screen widget
  • Workout history and personal records
  • Apple Health integration
  • Plate calculator
  • Offline functionality
  • 1RM calculator
Features
Read full description

Simple Strength NLP An adaptive strength training tracker for the novice linear progression program. SIMPLE BY DESIGN Track your squat, bench, press, and deadlift. The app tells you what weight to lift and increases it when you're ready. SMART PROGRESSION Start light, add weight every workout. When you stall, the app suggests deloads and programming modifications. FEATURES -Automatic weight progression after successful lifts -Rest timer with Lock Screen widget and Dynamic Island -Workout history and personal records -Apple Health integration -Plate calculator shows exactly what to load -Works offline—your data stays on your device -1RM calculator, progression estimates, and more THE PROGRAM Based on the time-tested Starting Strength novice linear progression: three barbell workouts per week, alternating between Workout A (Squat, Press, Deadlift) and Workout B (Squat, Bench, Deadlift). MODEL Pay once, own it forever. No subscriptions, no premium tiers, no ads.

About

Top Set Training

Features
Read full description

Your complete strength training companion. Most lifting apps are built around one program. When you want to try something new you end up juggling spreadsheets and switching apps. Top Set Training is different. It is a hub for many proven barbell programs, with smart tools that follow you from one plan to the next. Stop worrying about spreadsheets and plate math. Top Set Training handles the programming and numbers so you can focus on lifting heavy and getting stronger. PROGRAMS THAT FIT HOW YOU TRAIN Pick from a growing library of popular programs, all in one place. : Beginner: Starting Strength, StrongLifts 5x5 Intermediate: 5/3/1 variations, nSuns, GZCLP, PPL style programs Advanced: High volume and auto regulated templates And more Top Set Training supports linear progression, percentage based work, AMRAP sets, RPE and more. You are not locked into a single style. SWITCH PROGRAMS WITHOUT LOSING PROGRESS Change goals without starting from scratch. • Carry your current training maxes into any new program • Start new cycles with updated maxes or keep them the same • Keep a continuous history of every workout across programs You can also use the same logic engine that powers the built in templates to build your own programs, including complex progressions. SEAMLESS WORKOUT TRACKING • Weights calculated automatically from your training maxes • Log AMRAP sets and track rep PRs • Rest timer with Lock Screen and Dynamic Island support • Visual plate calculator that shows exactly which plates to load • Add accessory work and notes to any workout TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Watch your estimated 1RM climb over time • See training max trends for each main lift • Compare strength using Wilks, DOTS and IPF GL scores • Browse full workout history across all programs and cycles NOW WITH APPLE WATCH + APPLE HEALTH • Apple Watch companion app reads heart rate for richer Apple Fitness workout data • Apple Health integration syncs workouts to Apple Fitness with calorie estimation BUILT IN STRENGTH CALCULATORS No need for separate apps. Everything is built in: • One rep max estimator from submaximal lifts • RPE calculator for autoregulated training • Training max percentage charts for 5/3/1 style work and more • Plate loading visualizer for fast setup on the bar • Strength score calculators using Wilks, DOTS and IPF GL CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRAINING • Create and save custom programs and templates • Adjust weight increments and rounding rules • Configure bar weights and your available plates • Use metric or Imperial units FREE TO START. UPGRADE WHEN READY. Use Top Set Training for free with access to core features, calculators and custom programs. When you are ready, upgrade to Pro to unlock the full library of programs. Choose weekly ($0.99/wk), monthly ($2.99/mo), or a one-time lifetime purchase ($14.99). Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Manage subscriptions in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Terms of Use: https://gregorymcinnes.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://gregorymcinnes.com/apps/top-set-training/ Whether you are a beginner learning the barbell or an experienced lifter cycling through different proven programs, Top Set Training gives you structure without locking you in. Download now and start your next training cycle.

Screenshots

Simple Strength NLP4 screens
Top Set Training4 screens

Verdict

The call

Simple Strength NLP and Top Set Training are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Simple Strength NLP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Top Set Training sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 21, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Simple Strength NLP versus Top Set Training: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple Strength NLPTop Set Training
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (7 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJared MeyerGreg McInnes

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Simple Strength NLP

One-time1
  • Unlock Simple Strength$7.99
3 purchases

Top Set Training

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Weekly7 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Premium Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Top Set Training Premium$9.99

Questions

Is Simple Strength NLP free?
Simple Strength NLP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Top Set Training free?
Top Set Training is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Simple Strength NLP or Top Set Training have ads?
Neither Simple Strength NLP nor Top Set Training shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simple Strength NLP or Top Set Training?
Simple Strength NLP ships an update every 2 weeks, and Top Set Training every 2 weeks. Most recently, Simple Strength NLP was updated on August 21, 2026 and Top Set Training on September 13, 2026.

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