Comparison

Syntax vs Hench

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

Head to head
About

Syntax

Effortlessly log strength training workouts by typing or speaking natural language commands. This app offers an AI coach, routine creation, and progress tracking, all while prioritizing user privacy with local data storage and no ads.

Highlights
  • Natural language workout logging
  • AI coaching and routine building
  • Local data storage and privacy
  • Strava integration
  • Live Activities and Dynamic Island support
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

Log your workout in seconds — just type "bench 80kg 3x8" or ask the AI coach. No tapping through menus. No manual data entry. Syntax is the fastest way to track strength training. YOUR DATA STAYS ON YOUR DEVICE No account required. No cloud sync. No tracking. No ads. Everything is stored locally in plain-text files you own and control. Built in London, designed for privacy. TYPE OR TALK TO LOG Type your sets in natural language — "squat 100kg 5x5" — and Syntax understands. Or use the built-in AI coach to log by conversation. Spend less time on your phone, more time lifting. AI COACH BUILT IN Get a personal training assistant that builds routines, answers questions, and tracks your progress. Powered by the AI model you choose (Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, and more). Your API key, your data. STRAVA INTEGRATION Export your workouts to Strava with one tap. Keep all your training data connected across platforms. LIVE ACTIVITIES & DYNAMIC ISLAND See your current workout on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. Track elapsed time, current exercise, and sets completed at a glance. ROUTINES & PROGRAMS Create and save workout templates. Start a session from a routine and fill in the weights as you go. Progressive overload made simple. TRAINING HISTORY & PERSONAL RECORDS Review every workout. See exercise trends, PRs, and volume over time. All your data, always accessible, always exportable. 75+ BUILT-IN EXERCISES Browse a curated exercise database with muscle groups and equipment filters. Add your own custom exercises anytime. WORKS OFFLINE No internet needed to log workouts. Train anywhere — gym basements, outdoor parks, hotel gyms. Your data is always available. FREE TO USE Core workout logging is completely free with no limits. Pro unlocks advanced AI coaching and detailed analytics. Syntax is for lifters who want a fast, no-nonsense way to track training. If you've ever logged workouts in a notes app and wished it was just a little smarter — this is it.

About

Hench

Features
Read full description

Ready to get Hench? Hench is the weightlifting tracker built for people who are serious about progress. Log your workouts in seconds, track every set and rep, and let Hench do the maths. Know your numbers See your personal bests highlighted automatically, no digging required. Your stats are front and centre so you always know exactly how you're improving. Stay consistent Your weekly streak keeps you honest. Miss a session and you'll know about it. Hit your targets and feel it. Built to be fast Hench is a clean, focused tracker that helps you get on with your workouts. Terms of Service: https://edenhamilton.com/portfolio/hench/tos

Screenshots

Syntax4 screens
Hench4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hench at none against Syntax's 2. Syntax's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, update cadence 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. Syntax sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Hench asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Syntax ships an update every 3 days, Hench every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Syntax versus Hench: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSyntaxHench
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 6 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYuanjia SuEden Hamilton

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Syntax

Subscriptions2
  • Syntax Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Syntax Pro$29.991 Year
None

Hench

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Syntax free?
Syntax is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hench free?
Hench is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Syntax or Hench have ads?
Hench shows ads; Syntax does not.
Which is updated more often, Syntax or Hench?
Syntax ships an update every 3 days, and Hench every 6 days. Most recently, Syntax was updated on October 22, 2026 and Hench on October 19, 2026.

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