Comparison

Top Set Training vs Compound

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

This workout app simplifies strength training with a single, progressive routine. It automatically tracks your progress, adjusts weights, and includes warm-ups and cool-downs. Log workouts precisely as you perform them, with Apple Watch integration for seamless tracking.

Highlights
  • Automated double progression weight increases
  • Automatic warm-up and cool-down routines
  • Customizable rep ranges and weight jumps
  • Real-time Apple Watch mirroring
  • Flexible logging for various exercise types
  • Private, on-device data storage
Features
Read full description

Compound is a workout app with exactly one workout in it. NO MORE BOOKKEEPING Compound runs on double progression, a tried-and-true method for getting stronger. We just handle the bookkeeping. Hit your target reps, and the app bumps the target up for next time. Hit the top of the rep range? The weight goes up (5 lbs for big lifts, 2.5 lbs for accessories) and your reps reset. If you miss a set, just long-press to log what you actually did, and the app holds the weight steady until you're ready. No spreadsheets, no thinking. If you want a slower climb, you can tell the app to require up to five successful sessions before it forces a weight jump. MORE THAN JUST MOVING WEIGHT Every workout starts with an actual warm-up: three minutes of timed cardio, dynamic movements, and ramp-up sets calculated directly from your first working weight. Rest timers kick in automatically between sets. Ten minutes of guided mobility wraps up the day. You can tweak or turn off any of this, but the defaults are designed to give you a complete, balanced program. TRACKS LIKE REAL LIFE Not every exercise fits perfectly into a generic "reps and weight" counter. Tap to log your squats. Run the built-in stopwatch for dead hangs and let it save your PR. Use the countdown for planks. Every exercise is tracked exactly the way you actually do it. LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET The Apple Watch app mirrors your session in real time. Log sets, skip rests, and adjust the weight on the bar right from your wrist. Your phone and watch stay perfectly synced, and everything gets sent straight to Apple Health, complete with your heart rate and active calories. YOURS, PRIVATELY No account. No sign-up. Nothing is uploaded to a server that reads your training. Your history is stored on your device, full stop, and you can export the whole of it as a file at any time, subscribed or not. Start by entering the weights you lift today, or start everything at zero and let the progression build. Either way, the next session is always ready. SUBSCRIPTION Compound Standard unlocks the whole app and comes in two terms, monthly and annual, both opening with a 14-day free trial. Prices are shown in your own currency on the subscription screen inside the app before anything is charged. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation. It renews automatically unless auto-renew is switched off at least 24 hours before the current period ends, and can be managed or cancelled any time in Settings › Apple Account › Subscriptions. Privacy Policy: https://trycompound.cc/privacy Terms of Use: https://trycompound.cc/terms Terms of Use (Apple standard EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Top Set Training4 screens
Compound4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Compound at weekly 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 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Top Set Training versus Compound: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTop Set TrainingCompound
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGreg McInnesSCOTT BERKLEY SHUMAKER

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

Subscriptions2
  • Progression · Monthly14 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Progression · Annual14 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Progression · Lifetime$99.99

Questions

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

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