Editorial disclosure: Gainz publishes this comparison and makes the Gainz app. Product details were last reviewed July 14, 2026 against the Strong and Gainz App Store listings, plus Gainz's current plan configuration. Features, plan limits, and availability can change.
Why Lifters Look for Strong Alternatives
Strong has been available for years and its current App Store description reports more than one million downloads. It presents itself as a simple, general-purpose workout tracker. Lifters may still compare alternatives when they want a different training workflow, progress view, or plan structure.
Reasons you might compare another option include:
- Different progress cues — Strong offers history and progression graphs; another tracker may surface recent performance differently during a workout.
- Routine limits — Strong's current listing says its free version saves unlimited workouts but limits users to three custom routines.
- Training emphasis — Strong serves a broad range of fitness routines; some lifters may prefer a product explicitly positioned around strength and hypertrophy.
- Set-entry controls — Some lifters prefer larger controls or bulk entry for repeated working sets.
None of these are deal-breakers for everyone. Strong is a capable workout log; the question is whether another workflow better fits your program.
Strong vs Gainz: Feature Comparison
Here's how the two apps compare on features that matter to serious lifters:
| Feature | Strong | Gainz |
|---|---|---|
| Logging speed | Fast | Large controls and bulk logging for repeated sets |
| Progressive overload visibility | Exercise history and progression graphs | Recent performance, weekly progress, and PR history |
| Free tier | Free to download | Free to start |
| Current pricing | See App Store listing | See App Store listing |
| Exercise library | Comprehensive built-in library plus custom exercises | Exercise library plus structured programs |
| Apple Watch | Yes | Available on Premium |
| Data export | CSV | CSV on Pro and Premium |
| Target audience | Broad fitness routines | Strength and hypertrophy training |
The Progressive Overload Difference
Progressive overload—gradually increasing a useful training stimulus—is a core part of long-term strength and hypertrophy programming. The apps surface that history in different ways.
In Strong: Exercise history and progression graphs show past work, including volume and one-rep-max trends.
In Gainz: Recent performance, weekly progress, PR history, and muscle-volume status are designed to put the next session in context.
Compare these views during a real workout and choose the one that makes your next training decision clearest.
Comparing the Logging Workflow
Strong describes its interface as simple and intuitive. Gainz uses large weight and rep controls, bulk logging for repeated working sets, and an automatic rest timer. The faster workflow for you will depend on your program and how much detail you record.
Why does this matter?
- Your rest period is for recovery, not data entry.
- Faster logging = more mental focus on training.
- Less friction = more consistent tracking.
Test both with a normal session rather than choosing from feature lists alone.
Pricing
Strong: Free to download, with optional paid features listed in its current App Store offering.
Gainz: Free to start, with any optional paid features shown clearly in the App Store.
Pricing changes over time, so compare the live App Store listings before deciding.
When Strong Is Still the Better Choice
To be fair, Strong is better in some scenarios:
- You prefer its exercise library — Strong includes a comprehensive built-in library and custom exercises.
- You value longevity — Strong has a much longer operating history.
- You use Android — Gainz is iOS-only for now.
If any of these are priorities, Strong remains a solid choice. No app is perfect for everyone.
The Verdict
Choose Strong if: You want a proven, general-purpose tracker with a broad exercise library and long operating history.
Choose Gainz if: You want a training-first iPhone workflow with structured programs, weekly progress, and optional Apple Watch support on Premium.
How to Switch from Strong to Gainz
- Export your data from Strong — Settings → Export → CSV
- Download Gainz — Available on iOS App Store
- Import your history — Use Gainz's Strong CSV import and verify the result
- Start a workout — Confirm the workflow fits your program
Keep the original export as a backup until you have checked exercises, sets, dates, and units after import.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to the Strong app?
Gainz is an alternative for lifters who want quick set entry, structured strength or hypertrophy programs, and weekly training context. Strong may fit better if you prefer its established general-purpose workflow and exercise library.
Is Strong app worth paying for?
Strong may be worth paying for if its workflow and exercise library fit your training. Compare its current App Store offering with Gainz before choosing.
Can I export my data from Strong?
Yes. Strong's current listing includes CSV export. Gainz provides a Strong CSV importer; keep the original file and verify the imported result.
Does Gainz have an Apple Watch app?
Yes. Gainz supports workout tracking on iPhone, with Apple Watch access on Premium.
The Bottom Line
Strong is an established workout log with a broad feature set. Gainz takes a more training-first approach to set entry and weekly context.
Choose based on the workflow you will use consistently, the progress views you need, and whether the relevant features are included in the plan you want.
Both are free to download, so a normal training session is the most useful comparison.
Make your next workout count.
Log sets fast, track progressive overload, and know what to beat next.
iOS 17+ · Offline workout logging