Comparison

Wendler Log 531 vs Forge 5/3/1

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

Head to head
About

Wendler Log 531

This app automates weight calculations for the Wendler 5/3/1 powerlifting program, tracks progress with detailed logs and PRs, and offers customizable training plans. Advanced features include pre-built assistance programs, a plate calculator, and progress charts.

Highlights
  • Automatic weight calculations
  • Complete lift history tracking
  • AMRAP score tracking
  • Customizable program builder
  • Barbell plate calculator
  • Progress charts and graphs
Features
Read full description

Transform your strength training with the ultimate Wendler 5/3/1 powerlifting tracker and workout calculator — a dedicated 5/3/1 workout app for serious lifters. AUTOMATIC WEIGHT CALCULATIONS Enter your one rep max once and never calculate percentages again. Wendler Log instantly generates your complete strength program and training cycle with precise weights for every set. Focus on lifting heavy, not doing math. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Complete lift history with sortable workout logs by date, exercise, reps, and calculated 1RM • AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) score tracking to monitor strength gains and personal records (PRs) • Progressive overload tracking as weights automatically increase each cycle • Workout timer and rest periods to optimize training efficiency FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE PROGRAM Built around the four main compound lifts - Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift, and Overhead Press - with full customization for your training style: • Create custom lifts beyond the core four • Configure cycle length from 3 to 10 weeks including deload weeks • Adjust weight increments and training max percentages • Warmup sets automatically calculated for each lift POWERFUL PRO FEATURES Upgrade to unlock advanced training tools: • 11+ pre-built assistance programs (BBB, FSL, Triumvirate, and more) • Custom assistance program builder for personalized accessory work • Barbell plate calculator - see exactly what plates to load for every set • Progress charts and strength graphs to visualize your gains over time • Secure cloud backup to sync your workouts and training data across devices • Completely ad-free experience DESIGNED FOR STRENGTH ATHLETES Whether you're a powerlifter, CrossFit athlete, or strength training enthusiast, Wendler Log acts as your 5/3/1 workout planner and lifting app so you can stay consistent and build lasting strength. Perfect for: • Powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strength training • CrossFit programming • Building a bigger squat, bench, deadlift, and press • Linear and periodized progression • Gym workouts with barbell and weightlifting training Switch between kg and lbs. Track your weightlifting progress. Hit new PRs. INDEPENDENT APP DISCLAIMER This app is independently developed and not affiliated with Jim Wendler or his official training materials. For the complete 5/3/1 methodology, please support Jim Wendler by purchasing his books. SUPPORT & FEEDBACK Need help or have suggestions? Contact us directly through the app at Help Center > Feedback / Get Help. We're committed to making Wendler Log the best strength tracking app available. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Forge 5/3/1

This powerlifting app helps users follow the Wendler 5/3/1 Boring But Big program with personalized workouts. It offers detailed tracking, history, and gym-ready features, with optional premium upgrades for advanced customization and data management.

Highlights
  • Personalized 5/3/1 BBB workouts
  • Classic Wendler progression
  • Log sets, reps, and weights
  • Volume and estimated 1RM tracking
  • Offline functionality
  • Plate calculator
  • Customizable training percentages
Features
Read full description

Forge 531 is your powerlifting companion for Wendler 5/3/1 Boring But Big—built for lifters who want precision, customization, and privacy. No ads-driven onboarding and no required account. PROGRAM & WORKOUTS (included) • Enter one-rep maxes for squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press—Forge generates personalized 5/3/1 BBB sessions from your training maxes • Classic Wendler progression with Boring But Big assistance work • Four-week cycles including deload; intuitive week navigation and cycle management • Metric or imperial units—switch anytime in Settings TRACKING & HISTORY (included) • Log sets, reps, and weights for every workout • Volume totals (weight × reps) • Estimated 1RM from AMRAP sets (Brzycki) • Full history with analytics so you can see progress over time GYM-READY DESIGN (included) • Optional keep screen awake during sessions • Dark theme suited to dim floors • Fast movement between weeks and workout detail PRIVACY & SIMPLICITY (included) • No account—ever. Nothing to register; nothing you must log into later • Your data stays on your device—not tied to a Forge cloud profile • Works offline for everyday training PREMIUM — SMART PLATES & LOADS (14-day free trial, then one-time purchase — no subscription) • Plate calculator — visual plate combinations for any target weight • Plate settings — barbell weight and inventory that match your gym • Full calculator access lines up with your metric/imperial choice once Premium is active PREMIUM — TRAINING CONTROL (same trial / purchase model) • Training max % adjustments — tune percentages off Wendler defaults • Progressions customization — adjust weekly progression percentages • Warm-up sets — bar-only and configurable percentage warm-ups before working sets (deload options in Settings) PREMIUM — DATA PORTABILITY (Not included in the free trial — unlocks with Premium purchase) • Import/export — backup and restore workout history via CSV HOW PREMIUM WORKS New users receive a 14-day trial for most Premium features listed above.** Import/export requires a Premium purchase and is not part of the trial.** After the trial ends, Premium remains available as a one-time purchase—no subscription.

Screenshots

Wendler Log 5314 screens
Forge 5/3/14 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Forge 5/3/1 at 5.0 against Wendler Log 531's 4.5. Forge 5/3/1 also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 71%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Wendler Log 531's advantage is ratings volume (518 vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Wendler Log 531 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Forge 5/3/1 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Forge 5/3/1 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Wendler Log 531 has 518 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Wendler Log 531's written reviews are positive against 100% of Forge 5/3/1's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Wendler Log 531 ships an update every 4 days, Forge 5/3/1 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Wendler Log 531 versus Forge 5/3/1: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWendler Log 531Forge 5/3/1
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (518 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews70.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings518 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB26 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCharles VanderhoffDev IT Digital LLC

Customer experience

Wendler Log 531

All ratings518 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral3.1%
Negative8.7%
Written reviews222 reviews
Positive70.7%
Neutral9.0%
Negative20.3%

Forge 5/3/1

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Wendler Log 531

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Workouts not saving properly
  • Subscription not recognized for previous purchases
  • Plate loading calculations not always accurate

Requested features

4 requests
  • Integration with Apple Health
  • More 5/3/1 program variations
  • Ability to customize assistance exercises
  • Option for 2-3 day per week training cycles

Forge 5/3/1

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Wendler Log 531

Subscriptions3
  • Wendler Log Pro Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Wendler Log Pro 3 Months$19.993 Months
  • Wendler Log Pro Annual7 Days trial$69.991 Year
One-time3
  • Assistance Lift Pack$4.99
  • Ad Free Logbook$5.99
  • Wendler Log Pro$9.99
1 purchases

Forge 5/3/1

One-time1
  • Premium Features$4.99

Questions

Is Wendler Log 531 free?
Wendler Log 531 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Forge 5/3/1 free?
Forge 5/3/1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1?
Forge 5/3/1 is rated higher. Wendler Log 531 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 518 ratings, while Forge 5/3/1 averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1 have ads?
Neither Wendler Log 531 nor Forge 5/3/1 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1?
Wendler Log 531 ships an update every 4 days, and Forge 5/3/1 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Wendler Log 531 was updated on September 23, 2026 and Forge 5/3/1 on August 9, 2026.

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