Compare / Gym workout loggers
MaxRep vs StrongLifts 5x5
StrongLifts is a simple app for the StrongLifts 5×5 barbell program. MaxRep is an iPhone app that puts your workouts, plans, food and training group in one place.
The short answer
Pick StrongLifts if you want to run one proven beginner barbell program with automatic weight jumps. Pick MaxRep if you want to log any routine, add food tracking and classes, and train alongside a group.
Reviewed
Side by side
MaxRep vs StrongLifts 5x5 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 | StrongLifts 5x5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gym set logging | YesFree. Sets, reps and weight with your last numbers beside each set, plus a rest timer | YesBuilt around the 5×5 program |
| AI workout plans | PaidPro. AI plan creator and AI workouts; every account gets 1 free try | LimitedRule-based weight increases, not AI plans |
| Follow-along classes | PaidPro. A 3D coach leads 16 ready-made classes, or build your own from 460 moves | NoNo classes |
| 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 | NoNot a social app |
| PRs and progress | YesFree. PRs with estimated 1RM, a muscle map per workout, streaks and a calendar | YesLift history and charts |
| Platforms | LimitediPhone only. Imports workouts from Apple Health | YesiPhone and Android |
Credit where due
Where StrongLifts 5x5 is stronger
- A very simple start for barbell beginners
- Automatic progression for the 5×5 program
- Android support
Why people switch
Where MaxRep is different
Food lives next to your training
Log meals by barcode or search for free, or snap a photo with Pro, and see calories and macros in the same app as your lifts.
Plans built for you
Describe your days, equipment and level and MaxRep drafts a multi-week plan with a calendar (Pro, with one free try).
A coach for the days you are not lifting
A 3D coach leads stretch, yoga, HIIT and bodyweight strength classes and demonstrates any of 460 moves (Pro).
Training circles
Start a group with friends or your gym and compete on a 14-day leaderboard that rewards showing up.
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.
StrongLifts 5x5. Free to use. StrongLifts Pro varies by region (their own example lists $9.99 a month or $39.99 a year), with a lifetime option.
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 StrongLifts 5x5 FAQ
Is MaxRep a free alternative to StrongLifts 5x5?
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, StrongLifts 5x5: Free to use. StrongLifts Pro varies by region (their own example lists $9.99 a month or $39.99 a year), with a lifetime option.
Can I move my history from StrongLifts 5x5 to MaxRep?
MaxRep does not import StrongLifts 5x5 export files today. It can import workouts saved in Apple Health, so if StrongLifts 5x5 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. StrongLifts 5x5 runs on iPhone and Android.
Can I use StrongLifts 5x5 and MaxRep together?
Yes, but most people pick one log so their history stays in one place. If you keep StrongLifts 5x5 for lifting, MaxRep still works for food tracking, classes and a training circle.
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