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Elevate vs Strong: which workout tracker should you use?
Strong is the classic, no-frills lifting logger that a lot of people started on. Elevate keeps that fast logging feel but adds a modern Apple Watch experience, per-set heart rate, and an AI coaching layer on top.
Strong has been around a long time and is loved for being simple and quick to log into. Its free tier is fairly limited (a small number of custom routines) and its premium unlocks unlimited routines plus extra charts.
Elevate matches the quick-logging experience and adds the things Strong doesn't really do: a native, gym-focused Apple Watch app with live heart-rate zones, heart rate recorded for every working set, on-device progress detectors that flag plateaus and imbalances automatically, and a periodic AI 'Coach's Take' that summarizes your last ~90 days and suggests what to change next. Body weight and macro logging are built in too.
On price, Elevate Pro is $5.99/month or $34.99/year with a 3-month free trial; Strong's premium is typically a bit cheaper per month but covers a narrower feature set.
| Feature | Elevate | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Set-by-set logging (weight, reps) | ||
| RIR / rep-quality logging | RIR + rep quality | RPE |
| Automatic PR detection + PR cards | Basic PR tracking | |
| Native Apple Watch app | Limited | |
| Heart rate captured per set | ||
| On-device progress insight detectors | ||
| AI training meta-analysis | ||
| Unlimited programs on free tier | 3 free, unlimited on Pro | Very limited free |
| Import / export programs | Pro | |
| Body-weight & macro logging | Body weight | |
| Free tier | ||
| Paid plan | $5.99/mo · $34.99/yr · 3-mo trial | ~$4.99/mo |
Comparison reflects publicly listed features as of 2026 and is provided in good faith. Strong is a trademark of its respective owner; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Check each app for its current feature set and pricing.
Choose Elevate if you…
- Want a real Apple Watch app with live HR zones and per-set heart rate
- Want progress insights and an AI coach, not just history and charts
- Want a more generous free tier (3 programs, full PR detection) than Strong's free plan
- Like having body weight and macros tracked alongside training
Choose Strong if you…
- Want the absolute simplest possible logger and nothing else
- Are on a tight budget and Strong's premium price matters
- Already have years of history in Strong and don't want to move
FAQ
Can I move my Strong workout history to Elevate?
You can recreate your programs in Elevate quickly (Pro also supports importing a routine from text), but Elevate doesn't bulk-import historical set logs from Strong. Most people start fresh with their current program and keep going from there.
Is Elevate's free tier better than Strong's?
For most lifters, yes — Elevate's free tier includes up to 3 programs, 30 days of history, full automatic PR detection, exercise variants, rep-quality and set-timing logging, and progress insights. Strong's free plan caps you at a small number of custom routines.
Does Strong track heart rate per set?
No — Strong doesn't capture per-set heart rate. Elevate does, via its Apple Watch companion, and uses it in its heart-rate analytics and fatigue detection.
Which is cheaper?
Strong's premium is usually a little cheaper per month. Elevate Pro is $5.99/month or $34.99/year, but includes a 3-month free trial and a broader feature set (Apple Watch HR, AI coaching, macros).
Try Elevate free
iPhone & Apple Watch · automatic PRs · per-set heart rate · no ads.
More: vs Hevy · vs Strong · vs Strava · Elevate home