Strong vs Hevy: Which Workout Tracker is Better in 2026?

If you're choosing between Strong and Hevy, you're already on the right track. Both are excellent workout tracking apps used by millions of lifters worldwide. But they take different approaches to the same core goal: helping you log workouts and track progress.

I've used both apps extensively, tested their features head-to-head, and talked to lifters who swear by each one. In this comparison, I'll give you an honest breakdown of how they stack up across features, pricing, user experience, and overall value.

By the end, you'll know exactly which app is right for you (and I'll also introduce a third option that combines the best of both with AI coaching).

Quick Verdict: Which App Should You Choose?

Feature Comparison: Strong vs Hevy

Let's break down how these two apps compare across the features that matter most for serious lifters.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Progressive Overload & Workout Tracking

This is where both apps shine. Progressive overload - the gradual increase of weight, reps, or volume over time - is the foundation of strength training. Both Strong and Hevy handle this exceptionally well.

Strong's approach: Clean, minimalist display of your previous sets during workouts. When you log an exercise, you immediately see what weight and reps you did last time. The interface is incredibly simple: previous sets appear in gray text above your current workout. You can quickly reference your PRs (personal records) for any exercise at any time.

Hevy's approach: Similar previous set display with slightly more visual emphasis. Hevy shows your previous workout data with color-coded indicators for PRs. The app also includes volume tracking (weight × reps × sets) which is great for monitoring total training load. Hevy's PR detection is slightly more aggressive in celebrating achievements.

Winner: Tie. Both apps excel here. Strong wins for minimalists who want clean data. Hevy wins for lifters who like visual celebration of achievements.

PRPath's edge: PRPath takes this further with AI that automatically suggests weight/rep targets based on your progression curve, fatigue levels, and training history. ATLAS coaches you through progressive overload instead of just displaying data.

User Interface & Experience

Strong: The Strong app is famous for its minimalist, no-nonsense design. It feels like it was built by a powerlifter who just wants to log sets and get back to lifting. The interface is fast, responsive, and stays out of your way. No distractions, no gamification, no social feeds. Just you and your numbers.

The design philosophy is "less is more." Every screen serves a clear purpose. The workout logging screen shows exactly what you need: exercise name, previous performance, and input fields for current sets. Nothing else.

Hevy: Hevy has a more modern, feature-rich interface. It's still very usable, but includes more visual elements, animations, and features. You'll see muscle group illustrations, exercise animations, and social elements integrated throughout the app. Some lifters love this; others find it slightly busy.

Hevy's design philosophy embraces modern app conventions - smooth animations, colorful charts, social engagement features. It feels more like a comprehensive fitness platform than a pure tracking tool.

Winner: Strong for minimalists, Hevy for visual learners. This comes down to personal preference. If you value speed and simplicity above all else, Strong wins. If you like a more engaging, feature-rich interface, Hevy wins.

Social Features: A Key Differentiator

This is the biggest philosophical difference between these apps.

Strong: Zero social features. No feed, no friends, no sharing. This is intentional. Strong focuses 100% on individual performance tracking. If you want to share workouts, you'll need to screenshot and share manually.

Hevy: Full social platform built into the app. You can follow friends, share workouts to a social feed, comment on others' training, and even discover popular workout programs from the community. For many users, this social accountability is genuinely motivating.

The social feed shows friends' workouts, PRs, and workout streaks. You can like and comment on posts. It's basically Instagram for gym rats.

The question is: Do social features help or distract from training?

Honest answer: It depends on your personality. If you thrive on community accountability and enjoy celebrating friends' progress, Hevy's social features are genuinely valuable. If you prefer to focus purely on your own training without comparison or distraction, Strong's absence of social features is a feature, not a bug.

Analytics & Charts

Strong: Basic but beautiful charts. You get weight progression over time, volume charts, and PR history. The graphs are clean and easy to read. Strong doesn't overwhelm you with data - it shows you what matters and presents it clearly.

Hevy: More comprehensive analytics. In addition to weight progression and volume tracking, Hevy offers muscle group breakdown charts, workout frequency analysis, and detailed training volume reports. The Pro version unlocks even more advanced metrics.

Winner: Hevy for data enthusiasts, Strong for those who want essential metrics only. If you like diving deep into training analytics, Hevy provides more tools. If you just want to see "am I getting stronger?" at a glance, Strong's simpler approach is refreshing.

Workout Templates & Planning

Both apps let you save workout templates (routines) so you don't have to rebuild your workout from scratch each session.

Strong: Strong Pro allows unlimited workout routines. You can create custom templates, duplicate workouts, and organize them however you like. The process is straightforward and fast. Strong doesn't provide pre-made programs - you build your own or import from elsewhere.

Hevy: Even the free version includes unlimited workout routines. Hevy also offers a library of popular pre-made programs (Starting Strength, PPL splits, etc.) that you can add with one tap. The community also shares custom programs you can import.

Winner: Hevy for beginners who want ready-made programs; Strong for experienced lifters who already know their programming.

PRPath's approach: ATLAS AI generates completely personalized workout templates based on your goals, experience level, equipment access, and schedule. Instead of choosing from generic programs, you get a custom program built specifically for you.

Pricing Comparison: Free vs Paid

This is where these apps take dramatically different approaches.

Strong Pricing

• Strong Free: Limited to 3 workout routines, basic features
• Strong Pro: $4.99/month, $29.99/6 months, or $119.99 lifetime
• What you get with Pro: Unlimited routines, cloud backup, plate calculator, rest timer customization, exercise notes, CSV export

The lifetime purchase option is Strong's standout pricing feature. Pay $119.99 once and own it forever. For lifters who plan to track workouts long-term, this is excellent value (pays for itself in 2 years vs monthly).

Hevy Pricing

• Hevy Free: Unlimited workouts, basic analytics, social features, exercise database
• Hevy Pro: $8.99/month or $59.99/year
• What you get with Pro: Advanced analytics, more chart types, custom exercise categories, program builder, remove ads

Hevy's free tier is incredibly generous. Most lifters will find the free version perfectly adequate. The Pro version mostly unlocks advanced analytics and removes ads - core functionality remains free.

Value Assessment

Best free option: Hevy, no contest. The free version is fully functional for serious training.

Best paid value (long-term): Strong's $119.99 lifetime purchase is hard to beat if you're committed to tracking for years.

Best paid value (short-term): Strong Pro at $4.99/month is cheaper than Hevy Pro for monthly subscribers.

PRPath pricing: $9.99/month or $49.99/year. More expensive than Strong or Hevy, but includes AI coaching that would cost $50-200/month from a human trainer. The value proposition is different - you're paying for intelligence, not just tracking.

Strong App: Detailed Pros & Cons

Hevy App: Detailed Pros & Cons

Who Should Choose Strong?

Strong is the right choice if you:

• Value simplicity above all else. You want to open the app, log your workout, and close it. No distractions, no extra features you won't use.
• Prefer paid apps without ads. You're happy to pay for quality software and want zero advertising or freemium limitations.
• Love Apple's design philosophy. If you appreciate iOS's clean, minimal aesthetic, Strong feels right at home.
• Plan to track workouts for many years. The lifetime purchase option makes Strong incredibly cost-effective long-term.
• Don't care about social features. Training is personal for you. You don't need or want social accountability.
• Want proven reliability. Strong has been the gold standard since 2014 with millions of satisfied users.

Who Should Choose Hevy?

Hevy is the right choice if you:

• Want a fully-functional free app. You're not ready to commit to a subscription but want professional-grade workout tracking.
• Enjoy social features. Following friends' workouts, sharing your progress, and engaging with a fitness community motivates you.
• Like having pre-made programs available. You want to explore popular training programs without building everything from scratch.
• Value comprehensive analytics. You enjoy diving into detailed charts, volume breakdowns, and muscle group analysis.
• Prefer modern app design. You appreciate animations, visual polish, and a feature-rich interface.
• Want exercise guidance. Built-in exercise animations and form tips help you learn proper technique.

A Third Option: PRPath

While Strong and Hevy are both excellent workout trackers, they're missing something crucial: intelligence.

Both apps track your workouts beautifully. But neither tells you what to do next. They show you data, but don't help you interpret it or plan progression.

That's where PRPath comes in.

What Makes PRPath Different?

ATLAS AI Coaching: PRPath includes an AI coach (ATLAS) that provides real-time guidance during your workouts. Ask questions about form, get exercise substitution recommendations, receive feedback on your training volume - all personalized to your specific situation.

Intelligent Progressive Overload: Instead of just showing you last week's numbers, PRPath's AI suggests what weight and reps you should target today based on your recovery, recent performance, and training goals. It's like having a coach who knows your entire training history.

Automatic Program Generation: Tell ATLAS your goals, available equipment, and schedule. It generates a fully personalized training program optimized for you - not a generic template, but an actually custom program.

The Best Parts of Both Apps:

• Clean, fast interface like Strong
• Comprehensive analytics like Hevy
• Previous set display during workouts (both apps do this well)
• Automatic PR detection and celebration
• Cloud sync included
• Works perfectly offline

Plus the AI advantage:

• Real-time coaching and form tips
• Intelligent progression recommendations
• Automatic program periodization
• Post-workout analysis and suggestions

PRPath costs more ($9.99/month or $49.99/year) than Strong or Hevy, but provides value that neither competitor offers: actual coaching. For serious lifters who want to maximize their progress, the AI coaching is worth the premium.

Read our full Strong vs PRPath comparison or compare Hevy vs PRPath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Strong vs Hevy

Both Strong and Hevy are excellent workout tracking apps. You truly can't go wrong with either choice.

Choose Strong if: You want the cleanest, fastest workout logging experience. You value simplicity over features. You're willing to pay for software you use daily. You plan to track workouts for years and want the lifetime purchase option.

Choose Hevy if: You want to start with a free app that doesn't feel limited. You enjoy social features and community accountability. You like having pre-made programs available. You appreciate modern design and comprehensive analytics.

Try both! Both apps offer free trials or free versions. Download both, use each for a week, and see which one fits your workflow better. The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently.

Or consider PRPath if you want tracking plus AI coaching. The combination of intelligent recommendations and beautiful tracking makes PRPath the evolution of what workout trackers should be in 2026.

Whatever you choose, the fact that you're tracking your workouts at all puts you ahead of 95% of gym-goers. Progressive overload is the key to getting stronger, and having accurate data is essential. Strong, Hevy, or PRPath - any of these tools will help you build that data and make consistent progress.

Happy lifting!

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