Comparison

5x5 vs stronglifts

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

Head to head
About

5x5

Read full description

5x5 FiveByFive is a no-nonsense strength training tracker built around the proven 5×5 barbell method: five sets of five reps on the core compound lifts, adding weight every session. Open the app, see exactly what to lift today, tap a dot for each set you complete, and let the rest timer count you down. When you finish, 5x5 bumps your weights for next time automatically — and backs off intelligently when you stall. CORE LIFTS, DONE RIGHT • Squat, bench press, barbell row, overhead press, deadlift • Automatic linear progression — weights go up when you succeed • Smart auto-deload after repeated misses, so you never get stuck FAST IN-WORKOUT LOGGING • Tap to log each set — missed a rep? Tap again to drop the count • Add extra sets on the fly • Adjust your working weight mid-session • Full-screen rest timer with a Live Activity on your Lock Screen BUILD YOUR OWN PLANS • Run the classic 5×5 A/B routine or create custom plans • Edit sets, reps, and exercises to fit your training • Schedule workout reminders so you never skip a day TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Complete history of every session • Progress dashboard for each lift • Plate calculator shows exactly what to load on the bar • Syncs completed workouts to Apple Health PRIVATE BY DESIGN • All your data stays on your device • No account, no ads, no tracking Whether you're starting your first barbell program or running a tried-and-tested 5×5, this app keeps it simple: show up, lift, add weight, repeat.

About

stronglifts

This app simplifies tracking your strength training progress with a clean interface. It automates weight increases, calculates warmups, and provides a rest timer to keep you focused on your lifts.

Highlights
  • Automated weight progression
  • Smart deloads for failed sets
  • Automatic warmup set calculation
  • Built-in rest timer
  • Visual plate calculator
  • Workout history and progress tracking
  • Apple Health integration
Features
Read full description

Track your Stronglifts 5×5 workouts with a clean, focused interface designed to keep you lifting — not tapping. SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE The Stronglifts 5×5 program alternates between two workouts (A and B) using five compound barbell exercises: Squat, Bench Press, Barbell Row, Overhead Press, and Deadlift. This app handles the programming so you can focus on your lifts. SMART PROGRESSION - Automatically increases weight after successful sets - Tracks consecutive failures and applies deloads when needed - Warmup sets calculated automatically based on your working weight DURING YOUR WORKOUT - Tap sets to log reps as you complete them - Built-in rest timer with automatic recommendations - Collapse completed exercises to stay focused on what's next - Visual plate calculator shows exactly which plates to load WORKOUT HISTORY - Review past workouts with completion status at a glance - Track your progress over time APPLE HEALTH INTEGRATION - Completed workouts saved to Apple Health as strength training sessions PLATE CALCULATOR - Standalone plate calculator for quick reference - Visual bar diagram with color-coded plates Built for lifters who want to get stronger without distractions.

Screenshots

5x54 screens
stronglifts4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: stronglifts at 3 against 5x5's 1. 5x5's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

5x5 ships an update weekly, stronglifts every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
5x5 versus stronglifts: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter5x5stronglifts
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFrancesco CarrerJeff Namkung

In-app purchases

None

5x5

No in-app purchases

None

stronglifts

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 5x5 free?
5x5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is stronglifts free?
stronglifts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do 5x5 or stronglifts have ads?
Neither 5x5 nor stronglifts shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 5x5 or stronglifts?
5x5 ships an update weekly, and stronglifts every 5 days. Most recently, 5x5 was updated on October 24, 2026 and stronglifts on October 23, 2026.

Other comparisons