Hevy vs StrongLifts 5×5
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Hevy is a workout tracking app for logging strength training sessions, building custom routines, and monitoring progress over time through charts, personal records, and estimated one-rep max calculations. It also includes social features so users can follow other athletes and share workouts within the app's community.
StrongLifts 5×5 is a beginner-friendly strength training program that focuses on three core lifts performed three times per week. The app guides users through progressive overload, tracking weights, reps, and workout history. The companion mobile app provides video tutorials, automatic weight calculations, and warm‑up sets, making it easy to stay consistent and see measurable progress over weeks and months.
- Free core logging with a highly rated experience (4.9/5 on both app stores)
- Detailed progress tracking including personal records and 1RM estimates
- Smartwatch support for logging without a phone
- Large existing user base of over 15 million athletes
- Very easy to understand and follow
- Automatic warm‑up calculations
- Clear visual progress tracking
- Free version covers core program
- Full feature set likely gated behind a premium tier not detailed on the homepage
- Primarily built for strength training, less suited to cardio-focused tracking
- Community/social features may not appeal to users who want a private log
- Limited to barbell lifts; no accessory exercises
- Premium features locked behind subscription
- No built‑in nutrition tracking
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Hevy
View all →Alternatives to StrongLifts 5×5
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataStrongLifts 5×5 offers a guided, beginner‑focused barbell program with automatic warm‑up calculations, while Hevy provides a flexible, feature‑rich workout logger with smartwatch support and community features.
Key differences
- •Program structure: StrongLifts delivers a fixed 5×5 routine; Hevy lets users build any routine.
- •Guidance: StrongLifts includes step‑by‑step videos and auto warm‑up sets; Hevy relies on manual entry.
- •Wearable integration: Hevy supports Apple Watch and WearOS; StrongLifts has no wearable support.
- •Community/social: Hevy includes a feed for following athletes; StrongLifts has none.
- •Depth of analytics: Hevy tracks volume, 1RM estimates, and custom charts; StrongLifts offers basic strength graphs only.
Pricing & value
Both are freemium; premium tiers exist but details are not specified for either.
Ease of use / learning curve
StrongLifts provides a ready‑made program with auto calculations, making it simpler for beginners.
Features & depth
Hevy offers custom routine building, detailed set markers, smartwatch logging, and community feed.
Integrations & ecosystem
Hevy integrates with Apple Watch, WearOS, and has a desktop web portal; StrongLifts syncs only across mobile/web.
Collaboration
Hevy includes a social feed for sharing workouts; StrongLifts provides no collaborative features.
Support
StrongLifts lists email and in‑app help center; Hevy's support options are not specified.
Security & privacy
No security or privacy details are provided for either product.
Choose Hevy if…
Gym‑goers who need flexible logging, smartwatch support, and community interaction.
Choose StrongLifts 5×5 if…
Beginners or intermediate lifters who want a structured, hands‑off 5×5 strength program.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use the core features?
Both apps are freemium; core workout logging and the basic StrongLifts 5×5 program are free.
Can I log workouts from a smartwatch?
Yes, Hevy supports Apple Watch and WearOS; StrongLifts does not offer wearable logging.
Which app is better for a complete beginner who wants a ready‑made program?
StrongLifts 5×5, because it provides an automatic schedule, warm‑up calculations, and video demos.


