Strong vs Hevy
Strong and Hevy are the two most-downloaded strength-training trackers on iOS. Both log lifts cleanly. Both sync to Apple Health. The differences are about everything that isn't the lift screen — social feed, programs, exports, free-tier limits. Here's a neutral breakdown, then we'll show you the third option most lifters end up at.
| Criterion | Strong | Hevy | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-tier limits | 3 routines, unlimited workouts | Unlimited routines + workouts | Hevy |
| Social feed | None | Full feed + likes | Hevy |
| Programs library | Pro tier only | Free, large community library | Hevy |
| Logging speed | Industry-leading | Fast, slightly more taps | Strong |
| Apple Watch app | Polished | Decent | Strong |
| Cardio + nutrition | Neither | Neither | Tie |
| Anatomy heatmap | — | Basic muscle highlight | Hevy |
| Price (paid tier) | $4.99/mo Pro | $5/mo Pro | Tie |
Which one should you pick?
Hevy wins the free tier + social. Strong wins the watch + logging-speed polish. If you only lift, pick Hevy. If you also run, eat, sleep, and want one app for all of it, Ascend covers strength + cardio + nutrition + anatomy heatmap + AI coach in a single climb — free for the core, NZ$12.99/mo for Club.
The app is free. Club adds the coach, leagues and analytics.
Core tracking stays free forever — the climb, streaks, logging and your league tiers. Club is for when you want the full coach, worldwide competition and the depth, at about the price of one coffee a month.
14-day free trial · no card to start
| Free | Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking, the climb and streaks | ||
| Per-set logging, PR detection, wearables | ||
| Muscle-league tiers | ||
| The AI coach | nudges | Full conversation |
| Worldwide leagues and challenges | — | |
| PR projections and deep analytics | — | |
| Unlimited crews | — | |
| Themes, export and higher AI limits | — |