Platesmith
Try both. Platesmith is free to download and use, with no ads and no account needed, so trying it next to Strong costs nothing.
What Strong offers
Strong describes itself as the simplest, most intuitive workout tracker: a clean notebook for logging sets, optimised for progressive barbell routines, that adapts to any routine you choose. It is free to start, with a paid Pro tier.
What Platesmith does differently
- 131 ready-made programs, all free. From a first month in the gym to block periodisation, for a full gym, machines, dumbbells or no equipment. Each one moves the weight for you. See more.
- Training and food in one app. Calorie and protein targets that follow your goal, 8,863 foods built in, barcode scanning and ready meal plans.
- Nothing tracked. No ads, no analytics and no trackers, in the app or on this site. Without an account nothing you log reaches us. See more.
- Works offline, no account needed. Sign in only if you want sync, which runs on a server we own.
- Rest timer everywhere. On the Lock Screen, in the Dynamic Island and on Apple Watch. Workouts and bodyweight go to Apple Health.
Pick Strong if
You only want a plain notebook: Strong keeps the screen to the sets and little else, and has years of polish behind that one job.
Switching
Platesmith imports a Strong CSV export, so your history comes with you. You can export everything from Platesmith as CSV at any time.
Other comparisons
Strong is a trademark of its owner; Platesmith isn't affiliated with it. What Strong offers is summarised from its own App Store listing and website as of October 2026 and may have changed since.
General guidance, not medical advice. Start lighter than you think, and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition or injury.