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.
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.
- Automatic weight calculations
- Complete lift history tracking
- AMRAP score tracking
- Customizable program builder
- Barbell plate calculator
- Progress charts and graphs
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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/
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Wendler Log 531 | Forge 5/3/1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (518 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 70.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 518 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 49 MB | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Charles Vanderhoff | Dev IT Digital LLC |
Customer experience
Wendler Log 531
Forge 5/3/1
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
Wendler Log 531
- Wendler Log Pro Monthly$7.991 Month
- Wendler Log Pro 3 Months$19.993 Months
- Wendler Log Pro Annual7 Days trial$69.991 Year
- Assistance Lift Pack$4.99
- Ad Free Logbook$5.99
- Wendler Log Pro$9.99
Forge 5/3/1
- Premium Features$4.99
Questions
Is Wendler Log 531 free?
Is Forge 5/3/1 free?
Which has better reviews, Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1?
Do Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Wendler Log 531 or Forge 5/3/1?
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