Comparison

Top Set Training vs Compound Theory

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

Head to head
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.

About

Compound Theory

This strength training tracker offers a vast library of proven workout programs and allows users to build their own custom routines. It provides insights into muscle recovery, strength standards, and integrates with Apple Health for a comprehensive view of fitness progress.

Highlights
  • Extensive library of pre-built strength programs
  • Customizable workout routine builder
  • Muscle recovery tracking with visual indicators
  • Strength standards comparison
  • Apple Health integration for recovery insights
  • One-tap set completion and auto-progression
  • Apple Watch workout tracking
Features
Read full description

Compound Theory is a no-nonsense strength training tracker built for lifters who already know what they're doing, and the ones who want to. PROVEN PROGRAMS, BUILT IN Linear: StrongLifts 5×5, Starting Strength, Greyskull LP, GZCLP, Reddit PPL, Reddit Basic 3×5. Intermediate: Madcow 5×5, Texas Method. Peaking: Candito 6 Week, Juggernaut Method 2.0. Full 5/3/1 family: Original, BBB, FSL, SSL, Triumvirate, Monolith, Leader/Anchor, Beginner, 2 day Minimalist. Power/hypertrophy: PHUL, PHAT, nSuns 4 Day, Jacked & Tan 2.0, Powerbuilding Template, Juggernaut Base. Not sure where to start? The Find Your Program quiz picks the best match for your goal, experience, and schedule in under a minute. MUSCLE FRESHNESS Every exercise row carries a recovery dot, green, yellow, or red, so you know which movement patterns are ready for another hard session. Tap in for a per pattern recovery bar, last loaded time, and the workouts that contributed. STRENGTH STANDARDS See where your Squat, Bench, Deadlift, and Overhead Press rank against the rest of the lifting population, adjusted for your bodyweight, age, and sex. Per lift progress bars show how far you are from Intermediate, Advanced, or Elite. RECOVERY INSIGHTS Connect Apple Health and the app watches your HRV, sleep, and recent training load. When recovery looks reduced, a banner on Home suggests a lighter day. Every past alert stays in Progress so you can scroll back through the data that drove every recommendation. LIFT, LOG, DONE One tap set completion with a crisp haptic click. Auto calculated warmups. Plate math that respects the plates you actually own. Rest timer that auto starts when you finish a set. Weight auto progresses after every workout. Supersets drawn as paired cards with rest pause timer behavior. BUILD YOUR OWN Have a program the presets don't cover? Custom Programs now lets you design anything from a flat StrongLifts-style linear plan to a multi-week wave with per-set percentages of your training max, AMRAP markers, and auto TM advancement on 5+ rep finishers. Nest LEVIASUNS, an nSuns variant, or your own coach's block in minutes. Export the whole program (or a program + history bundle) as a single .ironprog file, share it, and import on another device without losing a set. BODYWEIGHT, DONE RIGHT Pull ups and dips accept signed weights (+25 for a belt plate, −40 for band assistance) and factor your real bodyweight into total volume. Push ups and planks just track reps. WATCH + HEALTH Track workouts on Apple Watch: start a set on your wrist, see the rest timer tick down, end the workout without pulling out your phone. Optional auto RPE suggestion from heart rate recovery (beta). Workouts sync to Apple Health as strength training sessions. Body weight, heart rate, and calories flow both ways. STREAK THAT UNDERSTANDS YOUR SCHEDULE A 3×/week program means Tuesday is a rest day, not a gap. Your streak only breaks when you miss a scheduled session. iCLOUD SYNC + IMPORT Your workouts live on every device signed into your iCloud account. Coming from StrongLifts, Strong, or a spreadsheet? One tap CSV import brings years of workouts with you. MAKE IT YOURS Seven themes. 29 app icons including Terminal, Space, Matrix, Holographic, Neon, Gold, Carbon Fiber, Blueprint, and more. WHAT YOU WON'T FIND No social feed. No trainer DMs. No push notifications begging you to open the app. No dark pattern paywalls gating basic set tracking. Pro unlocks advanced analytics (Muscle Freshness, Strength Standards, Recovery Insights), every program template, premium themes, and alternate icons. Available as a monthly or yearly subscription, or as a one-time lifetime unlock. Built for the barbell. Designed for the people who lift it. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://compoundtheory.x90sky.sh/privacy

Screenshots

Top Set Training4 screens
Compound Theory4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Compound Theory at every 6 days against Top Set Training's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Top Set Training sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Compound Theory sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Top Set Training ships an update every 2 weeks, Compound Theory every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Top Set Training versus Compound Theory: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTop Set TrainingCompound Theory
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGreg McInnesShane Young

In-app purchases

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
3 purchases

Compound Theory

Subscriptions2
  • Compound Theory Pro7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Compound Theory Pro7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Compound Theory Pro$99.99

Questions

Is Top Set Training free?
Top Set Training is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Compound Theory free?
Compound Theory is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Top Set Training or Compound Theory have ads?
Neither Top Set Training nor Compound Theory shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Top Set Training or Compound Theory?
Top Set Training ships an update every 2 weeks, and Compound Theory every 6 days. Most recently, Top Set Training was updated on October 17, 2026 and Compound Theory on October 24, 2026.

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