Comparison

The Plus Set vs 5/3/1 Strength Trainer

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Automatic weight calculation
  • Plate loading guidance
  • Warmup and working set tracking
  • AMRAP set prompts
  • Estimated 1RM calculation
  • Built-in rest timer
  • Calendar workout history
Features
Read full description

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.

About

5/3/1 Strength Trainer

Features
Read full description

built this because every tracker I tried wanted something from me mid-workout. A rest timer counting down, or a prompt to log the rep I'd just finished. I know where I am in the session. I only need to see it once. So that's what this app does. Open it and the whole day is there, every set shown as a real weight along with the plates to load on each side of the bar. Lift from memory, then mark the day done. 5/3/1 is meant to run indefinitely, cycle after cycle, yet some apps I tried ended it at twelve weeks with a "complete!" screen. Here the cycles keep coming. At the end of each one your training max goes up by the increments you set. If a lift stalls, reset its training max: you stay where you are in the cycle, and the workouts you've already logged keep their original numbers. You can run classic 5/3/1 with its deload week, or 5/3/1 Forever in Leader and Anchor blocks. Leaders are built on 5's PRO with FSL, SSL, BBS or BBB. Anchors use PR sets, Jokers, Widowmaker or 5×5/3/1, and between blocks there's a 7th week for a deload or a TM test. On Forever you log reps on your PR sets and TM tests; come in short and the app offers to drop that training max by 10%. The plate calculator only uses the bar and plates you actually own, in kg or lb. Train four days a week, or two or three with the lifts paired up. Warm-up sets and assistance work are optional. Don't know your 1RM? Enter a recent heavy set and the app estimates it. Every day you finish or skip is saved in full. Tuesday's missed session can still happen on Wednesday. There's no account and no tracking. Your data stays on your iPhone, and the app works without signal. That matters in a garage. This is an independent tracker, not affiliated with or endorsed by 5/3/1 author.

Screenshots

The Plus Set4 screens
5/3/1 Strength Trainer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: 5/3/1 Strength Trainer at 15.0 against The Plus Set's 17.0. 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
The Plus Set versus 5/3/1 Strength Trainer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Plus Set5/3/1 Strength Trainer
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB2 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperVishal AgrawalAbel Soares

In-app purchases

None

The Plus Set

No in-app purchases

None

5/3/1 Strength Trainer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Plus Set free?
The Plus Set is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 5/3/1 Strength Trainer free?
5/3/1 Strength Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Plus Set or 5/3/1 Strength Trainer have ads?
Neither The Plus Set nor 5/3/1 Strength Trainer shows ads.

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