Progressive Overload vs Stack
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Progressive Overload
This app automates progressive overload in your workouts. It calculates your estimated one-rep max and provides structured guidance on how to increase weight or reps, removing guesswork and confusion from your training.
- Calculates and tracks estimated 1RM
- Guides weight vs. rep increases
- Encourages consistent progressive overload
- Structured and measurable progression
- Removes guesswork from training
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Progressive overload shouldn’t be guesswork. Most lifters understand the principle: lift more over time. But when it comes to execution, it gets confusing. Should you increase weight and drop reps? Add reps at the same weight? How do you know what actually pushes adaptation without stalling? I built this app because I was tired of bouncing between e1RM calculator websites before and after workouts. I’d plug in numbers, test a weight, adjust the next session, and repeat through trial and error. It broke focus and slowed progress. This app removes that friction. It automatically calculates your estimated one-rep max (e1RM) and helps guide intelligent progression. Instead of guessing what to lift next, you get structured guidance based on your performance. No spreadsheets. No switching between calculator tabs. No random weight jumps. Just clear, data-driven progression. What it does: • Calculates and tracks your estimated 1RM • Helps determine when to increase weight vs. reps • Encourages consistent progressive overload • Keeps your progression structured and measurable If you’re serious about getting stronger, this turns progressive overload from theory into a system. Train with intention. Progress with clarity.
Stack
This app helps users track their weightlifting progress with a focus on ease of use and data privacy. It allows for detailed logging of sets, exercise planning, and visual progress tracking without ads or intrusive notifications.
- Distraction-free lifting log
- Local-first data storage with optional iCloud sync
- Customizable splits and routines
- Extensive exercise library with muscle mapping
- Detailed per-set logging
- Plate calculator for real-world racks
- Progress visualization and trend analysis
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Less tapping. More time lifting. See how far you have come. Stack is a workout log for strength training. Walk in with a routine ready, keep your last session's numbers close and see your progress over time. Start free, with no account required. With Stack Pro, get a target for your next set, skip the plate math and repeat a set from your iPhone Lock Screen without reopening the app. KEEP YOUR WORKOUT MOVING Log weight and reps with controls made for the time between sets. Your previous session's numbers are prefilled, so you can pick up where you left off. Build routines, add your own exercises and train in pounds or kilograms. SEE WHAT YOUR WORK IS ADDING UP TO Revisit your workout history, follow strength trends and track personal records. Explore the muscle map to see which muscles your logged sets worked. Your workout log, history, basic trends and muscle map are free. GIVE YOUR NEXT SESSION A DIRECTION WITH PRO - Know what to lift next. Smart Targets suggest weight and reps based on your logged sets. - Keep logging from your Lock Screen or Dynamic Island. Repeat your previous set and add rest time on iPhone. - Load the bar without the math. See the plates to put on each side for your chosen weight. - Turn a weekly gap into a plan. Compare planned sets with your muscle targets, preview a routine change and save it when it fits your week. - See progress beyond the numbers. Compare progress photos and work toward your next max attempt with guided one-rep max testing. Pro also includes Gym Mode, suggested exercise replacements, extra themes and custom appearance controls. YOUR TRAINING, WITH YOU Log workouts offline. Export and import your training data, and choose optional iCloud sync. No account is needed to start training. Start with your next workout. Keep a record you can build on. STACK PRO Optional monthly or yearly subscription, or a lifetime purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled. Manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Lifetime is a one-time purchase. Terms of Service: https://stack.lauterstar.com/terms.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Stack at 5.0 against Progressive Overload's 4.4. Stack also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%). Progressive Overload's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days) and ratings volume (7 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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.
Stack holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Progressive Overload's written reviews are positive against 100% of Stack's.
Progressive Overload ships an update every 3 days, Stack every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 2, 2026.
| Parameter | Progressive Overload | Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (7 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 10 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 26.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | GAVIN PETER OBRIEN | Lauterstar Technologies, Inc |
Customer experience
Progressive Overload
Stack
In-app purchases
Progressive Overload
No in-app purchases
Stack
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Progressive Overload free?
Is Stack free?
Which has better reviews, Progressive Overload or Stack?
Do Progressive Overload or Stack have ads?
Which is updated more often, Progressive Overload or Stack?
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