Comparison

Arcus VBT vs IronForge

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

Head to head
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

About

IronForge

Features
Read full description

IronForge — forge your strength in iron and fire. Built for serious lifters. AI FORGE PLANS Tell it your goal, experience and equipment. Get a structured periodized plan with progressive-overload and deload rules per exercise. Weekly AI review adjusts loads from what you actually lifted. 873-EXERCISE LIBRARY Full instructions, target muscles, equipment filters. Works offline. TRAIN THE PLAN One tap starts today's session with target weight and reps pre-filled. Auto-advance set by set. Rest timer vibrates even on the lock screen. LIFTER'S DATA Weekly tonnage, training heatmap, muscle-group volume, PR timeline, and a streak that keeps you honest. APPLE WATCH Live heart rate and zones, set progress and rest countdown on your wrist. Calories sync to Apple Health — estimated from tonnage if you train without a watch. English and Chinese, follows your system language. Privacy Policy:https://ironforge.thezerus.com/privacy (EULA):https://lumora.thezerus.com/terms

Screenshots

Arcus VBT4 screens
IronForge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: IronForge at every 2 days against Arcus VBT's every 8 days. 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. Arcus VBT sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and IronForge 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

Arcus VBT ships an update every 8 days, IronForge every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Arcus VBT versus IronForge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArcus VBTIronForge
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size144 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer夏雯 姚Hangzhou Original Innovation Technology Co.,Ltd.

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
2 purchases

IronForge

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Arcus VBT free?
Arcus VBT is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IronForge free?
IronForge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Arcus VBT or IronForge have ads?
Neither Arcus VBT nor IronForge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Arcus VBT or IronForge?
Arcus VBT ships an update every 8 days, and IronForge every 2 days. Most recently, Arcus VBT was updated on October 15, 2026 and IronForge on October 15, 2026.

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