Comparison

TopSet vs Arcus VBT

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

Head to head
About

TopSet

Track every set of your workouts with a card-based system and automatic rest timers. Visualize your progress with training calendars and detailed logs. Access pre-built plans or create your own with advanced editing tools.

Highlights
  • Card-based set logging
  • Automatic rest timers
  • Workout calendar and logs
  • PR and e1RM tracking
  • Built-in and custom training plans
  • RPE and coefficient calculators
  • Offline recording
Features
Read full description

TopSet is a training log built for strength athletes. Log one set at a time, rest on a timer you can see from your lock screen, and watch your PRs and estimated max climb. FOCUS ON EVERY SET • One card per set: enter weight, reps and RPE, then move on • Rest timer on the lock screen and Dynamic Island, with overtime • Plate breakdown and barbell view for every target weight • Notes on any set: bar position, cues, how it felt • Your workout stays docked above the tab bar while you browse • Keeps logging offline and syncs when you're back online PROGRAMS THAT WORK • Run proven programs such as 5/3/1, GZCL and Sheiko • Filter the library by goal, level, days per week and length • Copy any program to your library and make it your own • Plan editor with supersets, exercise swaps and per-set targets • Percentage-based sets calculated from your training max SEE YOUR PROGRESS • A summary after every workout, with a card to share • PRs and estimated 1RM (e1RM) update as you train • Strength trends for every lift you track • Training history by day and by session, with weight, reps and RPE • Export everything to CSV — your data stays yours BUILT FOR LIFTERS • kg or lb, with your bar weight and optional competition collars • RPE calculator: weight ↔ e1RM, both ways • DOTS, Wilks and IPF GL calculator, with formula sources • English and Chinese, light and dark mode, large text sizes Browse programs and exercises and use the calculators without an account. Sign up with email or Sign in with Apple to log workouts and build your own plans. Make every set count.

About

Arcus VBT

Analyze barbell training with real-time or imported video analysis. Track key velocity metrics, review reps, and monitor progress over time with detailed charts and cloud sync. Designed for strength athletes and coaches seeking to enhance their training.

Highlights
  • Live camera tracking
  • Video import analysis
  • Barbell velocity metrics
  • Rep-by-rep history
  • Progress charts
  • Cloud sync
Read full description

Arcus VBT helps lifters use iPhone video or live camera tracking to analyze barbell training with velocity-based training metrics. Record a lift live, import an existing video, review each rep, compare results, and track progress over time. Arcus is built for strength training and Olympic lifting workflows, with clear metrics, playback, overlays, history, progress charts, and cloud sync. Key features: - Live camera tracking for real-time training feedback - Video import for detailed post-session analysis - Barbell velocity metrics including mean velocity and peak velocity - Rep-by-rep history, playback, and comparison - Progress charts for tracking training trends - Overlay preview and export for sharing or reviewing lifts - Cloud sync for keeping analysis history available across devices - Arcus Pro for full history, advanced metrics, export, and sync features Arcus is designed for athletes, coaches, and serious lifters who want a simple way to bring velocity-based training into everyday barbell work without dedicated hardware. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms of Service: https://api.arcusvbt.com/legal/terms Privacy Policy: https://api.arcusvbt.com/legal/privacy

Screenshots

TopSet4 screens
Arcus VBT4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TopSet at none against Arcus VBT's 6. Arcus VBT's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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. Arcus VBT sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. TopSet asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for TopSet against 5.0 for Arcus VBT. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TopSet ships an update every 3 weeks, Arcus VBT every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
TopSet versus Arcus VBT: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTopSetArcus VBT
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB144 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer杰 任夏雯 姚

Customer experience

TopSet

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Arcus VBT

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

TopSet

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Arcus VBT

Subscriptions6
  • Arcus Pro Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Arcus Coach 10 Monthly$19.991 Month
  • Arcus Coach 20 Monthly$29.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Arcus Pro Yearly$49.991 Year
  • Arcus Coach 10 Yearly$149.991 Year
  • Arcus Coach 20 Yearly$229.991 Year

Questions

Is TopSet free?
TopSet is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Arcus VBT free?
Arcus VBT is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TopSet or Arcus VBT?
TopSet and Arcus VBT are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do TopSet or Arcus VBT have ads?
Neither TopSet nor Arcus VBT shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TopSet or Arcus VBT?
TopSet ships an update every 3 weeks, and Arcus VBT every 8 days. Most recently, TopSet was updated on October 17, 2026 and Arcus VBT on October 15, 2026.

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