Comparison

Forge vs Heave

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

Head to head
About

Forge

This app locks your distracting applications and requires you to complete physical exercises, like squats, to earn back screen time. It gamifies fitness by tracking reps automatically and offers features like daily streaks and leaderboards to motivate users.

Highlights
  • App blocking
  • Automatic rep counting via camera
  • Gamified progress tracking
  • Daily streaks and leaderboards
  • Customizable screen time rules
  • Multiple exercise modes (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Your apps are locked. Your body is the key. Forge blocks the apps that eat your day and makes you earn every minute of screen time with real exercise. Squats in front of the camera, counted automatically on your iPhone. No equipment, no gym, no excuses. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick the apps that steal your time: social media, video, games. 2. Choose how many minutes you want. 3. Do your squats. The camera counts every rep on device. 4. Your apps unlock. When time runs out, the shield comes back. WHY IT WORKS Willpower fails because quitting is free. Forge adds a price: movement. You stop scrolling on autopilot because every minute now costs effort, and the effort makes you stronger. EARN IT LIKE A GAME Forge Ranks: climb from Spark to Titan of the Forge as your lifetime score grows. Daily streaks keep you honest. A worldwide leaderboard of doers, by country. A FORGED stamp every time you finish a set. YOU SET THE RULES Free minutes per day if you want them: strict, balanced, or generous. Everything beyond that is earned. A three stage friction gate stops rage quitting. PRO, ONCE, FOREVER Squats are free forever. Forge Lifetime adds push up mode, walking mode (100 steps = 1 minute), full statistics, and encrypted backup. One purchase, family sharing included, no subscription. PRIVATE BY DESIGN The camera never records: pose detection runs entirely on your iPhone. No video is stored or uploaded. Ad-supported: the one-time Pro purchase removes every ad forever. No account required. Forge yourself stronger.

About

Heave

Features
Read full description

Heave is a smart workout log that makes tracking your training as fast as taking simple notes. **How it works:** - Type in your workout Just type your exercises and sets freely, without dealing with complicated forms. - Heave recognizes your input Heave analyzes your notes and automatically detects exercises, weights, and reps. - Save your training Your workouts are neatly structured and saved clearly in your history. - Track your progress View your workout history and see how your performance is developing. - Understand muscle groups Heave maps exercises to specific muscle groups, helping you better evaluate and structure your training. **Why Heave?** - Log faster instead of dealing with complicated apps - Quick entry, just like using a notes app - Less effort during your workout - Clear overview of your workouts, exercises, and progress - Ideal for strength training, progressive overload, and regular workout routines - Smart workout reminders Heave helps you consistently log your training, visualize your progress, and train smarter. (requires in-app subscription) https://heave-app.vercel.app/terms.html

Screenshots

Forge4 screens
Heave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Forge at every 2 days against Heave's every 4 days. Forge also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). 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. Forge sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Heave sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Forge ships an update every 2 days, Heave every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Forge versus Heave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterForgeHeave
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 4 days
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaoufik JabbariJustus Grothe

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Forge

One-time1
  • Forge Lifetime$39.99
2 purchases

Heave

Subscriptions2
  • Heave Unlimited Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Heave Unlimited Yearly7 Days trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is Forge free?
Forge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Heave free?
Heave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Forge or Heave have ads?
Both Forge and Heave show ads.
Which is updated more often, Forge or Heave?
Forge ships an update every 2 days, and Heave every 4 days. Most recently, Forge was updated on September 6, 2026 and Heave on September 18, 2026.

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