The best gym app, ranked honestly
We compared the six most popular gym apps on logging speed, free-tier usability, programming features and price. Here's the breakdown — and why AILiftLog earns the top spot.
Feature comparison
| App | Logging | Rest timer | Plate calc | Program builder | Custom exercises | AI coach | AI programs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AILiftLog | Free | Free | Free | Free | Pro $4.99 | Pro $4.99 | $0 / $4.99 | |
| Strong | Free (limit) | Pro | Pro | Free | $0 / $4.99 | |||
| Hevy | Free | Free | Pro | Free | $0 / $4.99 | |||
| Fitbod | Free | Free | Algorithm | Pro | Algorithm | $12.99/mo | ||
| StrongLifts | Pro | Pro | Pro | Pro | $0 / $9.99 | |||
| Jefit | Free | Pro | Pro | Free | $0 / $6.99 |
1. AILiftLog — best overall
The free tier covers everything you need to actually train: unlimited workouts, rest timer, plate calculator, program builder, custom exercises. Pro ($4.99/mo) adds an actual AI coach that explains your training and an AI program generator that builds custom routines around your gear and recovery.
2. Strong — best pure logger
Fast, clean, opinionated. The best UX of the lot if all you want is to log sets. Free tier caps you at 3 active workouts. No AI features at any tier.
3. Hevy — best community
Hevy nails the social side — share workouts, follow friends, see what others are doing. The free tier is generous but program templates and detailed analytics are Pro-only.
4. Fitbod — best algorithm-driven
Fitbod's strength is "tell me what to do next" — it picks exercises for you based on history. Pricier ($12.99/mo) and not really AI in the LLM sense, but solid for people who don't want to think about programming.
5. StrongLifts — original 5×5 app
Pioneered the 5×5 app category. Today the free tier is too restrictive — even the rest timer is paywalled. Most lifters now run 5×5 in a free alternative.
6. Jefit — most exercises
Massive exercise library, dated UI. Free tier is okay but the app feels heavier than the alternatives. Best if you want the most exercise-database depth.
FAQ
What is the best gym app overall?
For most lifters, the best gym app combines fast set logging, a free rest timer, plate calculator and program builder, plus AI coaching. AILiftLog is the only app at $0 that bundles all of that — Strong, Hevy and Fitbod each paywall at least one core feature.
Is Strong app worth it?
Strong is excellent at logging — fast UI, clean design — but the free tier caps you at 3 active workouts. At $4.99/mo Pro you get unlimited, but you still don't get AI program generation or coaching. AILiftLog matches Strong's logging speed and includes those at the same price.
Hevy vs Strong vs AILiftLog — which is best?
Hevy has the strongest social/community side. Strong has the cleanest logging UI. AILiftLog is the only one with built-in AI coaching and AI-generated programs at the same price point. If you want a coach in your pocket, AILiftLog wins; if you want a fitness Instagram, Hevy wins.
Is Fitbod really AI?
Fitbod uses an algorithm to suggest the next workout based on your history — it's not the same as a generative-AI coach. It's good if you want the app to pick exercises for you, but you can't ask it questions or get explanations. AILiftLog uses both: an algorithm for next-workout selection and a real LLM coach for the why.
What's the cheapest good gym app?
AILiftLog at $0 covers the core: unlimited workouts, rest timer, plate calculator, program builder, custom exercises. Strong free tier caps at 3 workouts. Hevy free is generous but locks templates and analytics behind Pro. StrongLifts free is the most restrictive — even the rest timer is paywalled.
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