STARK vs Strong: which workout app should you choose?
STARK and Strong compared feature by feature: the free version, the tools that help you during the session, programs, Apple Watch and price.
Updated October 15, 2026 · Written by the STARK team. We make STARK; Strong details come from its App Store listing and public pages.
Short answer: STARK comes out ahead on 9 of the 18 points compared, Strong on 1, and they are level on the other 8. Strong is a proven, minimalist log. STARK goes further with 1,394 exercises, 30+ ready-made programs, next-load suggestions, a weekly muscle review, HIIT/WOD sessions and a friends feed, for a lower monthly price. Strong keeps a lifetime plan and Android.
Feature by feature
| Feature | STARK | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan: workout history | Full history | Unlimited workouts, 3 routines |
| Exercise library | 1,394 exercises with video | Not stated (“wide range”) |
| Ready-made programs | 30+ (PPL, upper/lower, full body, 5×5…) | Suited to 5×5 and Starting Strength |
| Warm-up sets suggested | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plate calculator | ✓ | ✓ |
| Next load suggested | ✓ | Not stated |
| Weekly review per muscle group | ✓ | Not stated |
| Supersets and drop sets | ✓ | Not stated |
| HIIT, WOD and AMRAP sessions | ✓ | Not stated |
| Body weight and progress photos | Free | Measurements |
| Friends and activity feed | ✓ | Not stated |
| Apple Watch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple Health | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available in French | ✓ | ✓ |
| Use without an account | ✓ | Not stated |
| Android | Not yet | Yes |
| Paid plan, monthly | €2.99 | €4.99 |
| Paid plan, yearly | €29.99 | €24.49 to €33.99 depending on offer |
Green rows: STARK offers more; grey rows: Strong offers more. “Not stated” means Strong does not mention it on its App Store listing or public pages. Prices from the French App Store, October 2026.
What really makes the difference
Both apps log fast and both calculate warm-ups and plates. The difference is everything around the log: STARK gives you programs to follow, tells you what to lift next, reviews your week per muscle group and lets you train with friends.
During the session: STARK does more of the thinking
- Warm-up suggested before your first heavy sets.
- Plates calculated: you see which discs to load on each side.
- Next load suggested from your previous sessions.
- Last weights in view on every set, with rest timers on iPhone and Apple Watch.
When Strong is a good choice
Strong suits lifters who want the simplest possible log and already know their program. It runs on Android and offers a lifetime licence (from €89.99).
Try STARK at your next workout
Free, with your full history, on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Frequently asked questions
Is STARK better than Strong?
STARK comes out ahead on 9 of the 18 points compared, Strong on 1, and they are level on the other 8. Strong is a proven, minimalist log. STARK goes further with 1,394 exercises, 30+ ready-made programs, next-load suggestions, a weekly muscle review, HIIT/WOD sessions and a friends feed, for a lower monthly price. Strong keeps a lifetime plan and Android.
Is STARK free?
Yes. You log unlimited workouts and keep your full history for free. STARK Premium (€2.99 a month or €29.99 a year) adds more programs and long-period statistics.
Can I switch from Strong to STARK?
Yes. Install STARK, pick a program or rebuild your routine, and log your next sets straight away. STARK can also import a workout history in JSON.
Is STARK on Android?
Not yet. STARK is available on iPhone with Apple Watch.