Comparison

GymNotes Workout Tracker vs 5x5

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

Head to head
About

GymNotes Workout Tracker

Features
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Gym Notes - The Simple Workout Tracker Tired of workout apps that require an account, show ads everywhere, or make logging a workout feel complicated? Gym Notes is built for one thing: tracking your workouts as quickly and simply as possible. No account. No ads. No distractions. Just open the app and start lifting. Log workouts in seconds - Add exercises with just a few taps - Record weight and reps for every set - Add unlimited sets and exercises - Save your workout instantly Spend less time using your phone and more time training. Complete workout history Every workout is saved on your device. Review: - Every workout - Every exercise - Every set - Every weight - Every rep Never forget what you lifted last session. Track your strength See how your performance improves over time. Track: - Personal records - Best lifts - Latest sessions - Progress charts - Training volume Stay motivated by seeing your progress grow. Designed for simplicity Gym Notes intentionally keeps things simple. - No account required - No ads - No unnecessary features - No complicated setup Just a clean workout tracker that gets out of your way. Your data stays private Your workouts are stored locally on your device. We don't require an account. We don't upload your workouts. Your training data stays yours. Features - Fast workout logging - Weight and rep tracking - Unlimited exercises and sets - Workout history - Progress tracking - Personal records - Dark mode - kg and lbs support - Free core workout tracker - No ads - No account required Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're an experienced lifter, Gym Notes helps you stay consistent without getting in your way. Simple. Private. Built for lifters. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

5x5

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5x5 FiveByFive is a no-nonsense strength training tracker built around the proven 5Ɨ5 barbell method: five sets of five reps on the core compound lifts, adding weight every session. Open the app, see exactly what to lift today, tap a dot for each set you complete, and let the rest timer count you down. When you finish, 5x5 bumps your weights for next time automatically — and backs off intelligently when you stall. CORE LIFTS, DONE RIGHT • Squat, bench press, barbell row, overhead press, deadlift • Automatic linear progression — weights go up when you succeed • Smart auto-deload after repeated misses, so you never get stuck FAST IN-WORKOUT LOGGING • Tap to log each set — missed a rep? Tap again to drop the count • Add extra sets on the fly • Adjust your working weight mid-session • Full-screen rest timer with a Live Activity on your Lock Screen BUILD YOUR OWN PLANS • Run the classic 5Ɨ5 A/B routine or create custom plans • Edit sets, reps, and exercises to fit your training • Schedule workout reminders so you never skip a day TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Complete history of every session • Progress dashboard for each lift • Plate calculator shows exactly what to load on the bar • Syncs completed workouts to Apple Health PRIVATE BY DESIGN • All your data stays on your device • No account, no ads, no tracking Whether you're starting your first barbell program or running a tried-and-tested 5Ɨ5, this app keeps it simple: show up, lift, add weight, repeat.

Screenshots

GymNotes Workout Tracker4 screens
5x54 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: 5x5 at weekly against GymNotes Workout Tracker's every 2 months. GymNotes Workout Tracker's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GymNotes Workout Tracker ships an update every 2 months, 5x5 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
GymNotes Workout Tracker versus 5x5: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGymNotes Workout Tracker5x5
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.1 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarta Aramburu-Zabala PerezFrancesco Carrer

In-app purchases

None

GymNotes Workout Tracker

No in-app purchases

None

5x5

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GymNotes Workout Tracker free?
GymNotes Workout Tracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 5x5 free?
5x5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GymNotes Workout Tracker or 5x5 have ads?
Neither GymNotes Workout Tracker nor 5x5 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GymNotes Workout Tracker or 5x5?
GymNotes Workout Tracker ships an update every 2 months, and 5x5 weekly. Most recently, GymNotes Workout Tracker was updated on October 9, 2026 and 5x5 on October 6, 2026.

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