The Plus Set vs Strength Cycle
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Plus Set
This app simplifies tracking your Wendler 5/3/1 workouts, including Boring But Big assistance. It automatically calculates weights, tracks progress, and features a built-in rest timer. Focus on your training with smart progression and flexible customization.
- Automatic weight calculation
- Plate loading guidance
- Warmup and working set tracking
- AMRAP set prompts
- Estimated 1RM calculation
- Built-in rest timer
- Calendar workout history
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The Plus Set is a clean, focused app for tracking Wendler 5/3/1 workouts with Boring But Big (BBB) assistance work. SIMPLE WORKOUT TRACKING • Automatically calculates weights for each set based on your training maxes • Shows exact plate loading for every weight (no more mental math) • Tracks warmup sets, working sets, and BBB assistance work • Tap to log reps, with special prompts for AMRAP sets SMART PROGRESSION • Calculates estimated 1RM from your AMRAP performance using the Epley formula • Automatically suggests new training maxes after each cycle • Training maxes only go up, never down BUILT-IN REST TIMER • Automatic rest timer starts after each set • Configurable durations for warmup, working sets, and BBB • Choose from 8 different chime sounds • Access timer anytime from the dedicated Timer tab TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Calendar view shows workout history at a glance • Personal records tracked automatically • PR celebrations when you hit new bests • Export your full workout history for backup or analysis FLEXIBLE TRAINING • Choose which exercise to start each session • Change exercises mid-workout if needed • Customize exercise order to match your schedule • Adjustable training max percentage (80-100%) SYNCS ACROSS DEVICES • iCloud sync keeps your data backed up • Access your workout history on all your devices NO SUBSCRIPTIONS • One-time purchase, no recurring fees • No ads, no tracking, no accounts required Whether you're new to 5/3/1 or a seasoned lifter, The Plus Set helps you focus on what matters: putting in the work and getting stronger.
Strength Cycle
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Built for serious lifters running structured strength programs. Strength Cycle handles 5/3/1, 3x5 Strength, and Texas Method with the rigor each methodology demands. No generic templates. No bolted-on assumptions. Every program implemented with full methodology fidelity: - 5/3/1 — Wendler's percentage-based system with proper Training Max management, AMRAP top set logging, and complete 4-week cycle phases (5/5/5, 3/3/3, 5/3/1, deload). - 3x5 Strength — Linear progression for intermediate strength building, with smart deload triggers when progress stalls. - Texas Method — Volume/recovery/intensity weekly progression with PR-driven Training Max updates. MORE PROGRAMS COMING Strength Cycle is built program-first. More proven strength programs are in active development — each implemented with the same methodology fidelity as the three above. No half-baked templates, no generic "add your own program" placeholders. WHAT YOU GET - Exact prescribed percentages, never rounded into uselessness - AMRAP top set logging with automatic e1RM calculation (Epley formula) - Training Max progression tracked across cycles, with full phase context - Deload weeks handled with proper percentages — not skipped, not faked - Workout history filterable by lift, cycle, and phase - e1RM trend charts per lift across all cycles - Ask Coach — in-app assistant for AMRAP interpretation, TM management, assistance work selection, deload decisions, and program-specific programming questions BUILT BY A LIFTER Strength Cycle was built by a 30+ year lifter who got tired of programming apps that misunderstand the programs they claim to support. If you've ever rolled your eyes at an app rounding 67.5% to "70% — close enough" or skipping deloads entirely, this is the one that gets it right. FREE, NO SUBSCRIPTIONS, NO ADS Strength Cycle is free to download and use. No subscription tiers. No paywalled programs. No ads. Just the programs, done right.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Strength Cycle at 15.1 against The Plus Set's 17.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
The Plus Set ships an update every 2 weeks, Strength Cycle every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | The Plus Set | Strength Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 11 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Vishal Agrawal | Strength Cycle Studios, LLC |
In-app purchases
The Plus Set
No in-app purchases
Strength Cycle
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is The Plus Set free?
Is Strength Cycle free?
Do The Plus Set or Strength Cycle have ads?
Which is updated more often, The Plus Set or Strength Cycle?
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