Compare / AI and coached training apps
MaxRep vs Ladder
Ladder is a strength training app where human coaches program workouts for teams. MaxRep is an iPhone app that puts your workouts, plans, food and training group in one place.
The short answer
Pick Ladder if you want a human coach writing your program and video-led sessions, and the budget for it. Pick MaxRep if you want a free log with AI plans and a 3D coach for classes as a cheaper upgrade, plus food tracking.
Reviewed
Side by side
MaxRep vs Ladder features
“Paid” means the feature needs a subscription. “Not the focus” means it is not what the app is built around, or we could not confirm it.
| Feature | MaxRep | Ladder |
|---|---|---|
| Gym set logging | YesFree. Sets, reps and weight with your last numbers beside each set, plus a rest timer | PaidLogs inside your team program |
| AI workout plans | PaidPro. AI plan creator and AI workouts; every account gets 1 free try | NoPrograms are written by human coaches |
| Follow-along classes | PaidPro. A 3D coach leads 16 ready-made classes, or build your own from 460 moves | PaidCoach-led video sessions |
| AI photo food logging | PaidPro. Snap a meal for a calorie and macro estimate you review; 3 free scans | NoNo food tracking |
| Barcode food scanning | YesFree, along with food search and saved meals | NoNo food tracking |
| Calorie and macro targets | YesFree. Calorie ring plus protein, carb and fat targets | NoNo food tracking |
| Groups and leaderboards | YesFree. Training circles with a 14-day leaderboard, posts, polls and RSVPs | PaidTeam chat; 1:1 coach chat on higher tiers |
| PRs and progress | YesFree. PRs with estimated 1RM, a muscle map per workout, streaks and a calendar | PaidProgress inside the program |
| Platforms | LimitediPhone only. Imports workouts from Apple Health | YesiPhone and Android |
Credit where due
Where Ladder is stronger
- Real human coaches write the program
- Video-led sessions and a team community
- Form checks on higher tiers
Why people switch
Where MaxRep is different
Log free, pay for the AI
Workout logging, plans you pick or build and progress tracking stay free. Pro adds unlimited AI plans and workouts.
Food tracking included
Calories and macros sit next to your workouts, with free barcode logging and AI photo logging in Pro.
Follow-along classes
A 3D coach leads mat classes you can build to your length, level and kit (Pro).
Train with your people
Training circles add a shared leaderboard, posts, polls and session RSVPs.
Price
What it costs
MaxRep. Free to download. Logging, plans you build or pick, barcode and manual food logging, progress and training circles are free, and every account gets 3 AI food scans and 1 AI plan or workout. MaxRep Pro is $19.99 a month or $99.99 a year and unlocks unlimited AI and the 3D coach and classes.
Ladder. Subscription with a 7-day trial: about $29.99 a month or $179.99 a year, more for 1:1 coach tiers.
Approximate US prices seen in October 2026. Prices vary by country and change often, so check the App Store or Google Play before you subscribe.
Questions worth asking
MaxRep vs Ladder FAQ
Is MaxRep a free alternative to Ladder?
MaxRep is free to download, and workout logging, plans you build or pick, barcode and manual food logging, progress tracking and training circles are free. Every account also gets 3 AI food scans and 1 AI plan or workout. MaxRep Pro ($19.99 a month or $99.99 a year) unlocks unlimited AI and the 3D coach and classes. For comparison, Ladder: Subscription with a 7-day trial: about $29.99 a month or $179.99 a year, more for 1:1 coach tiers.
Can I move my history from Ladder to MaxRep?
MaxRep does not import Ladder export files today. It can import workouts saved in Apple Health, so if Ladder writes your sessions to Apple Health, those sessions can come across; set-by-set detail may not.
Does MaxRep work on Android?
Not yet. MaxRep is an iPhone app. Ladder runs on iPhone and Android.
Can I use Ladder and MaxRep together?
Yes. Some people follow Ladder for programming and use MaxRep for food tracking and a training circle with friends.
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