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VERTEX vs Strong

Short answer

Choose VERTEX for a free app with a social feed, a training score and a coach; it is iPhone-only for now. Choose Strong for a minimal, long-established logger on iPhone, Android or Apple Watch. Strong's free version is limited to three custom routines, with Strong PRO at $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year in the US App Store.

FeatureVERTEXStrong
Price to downloadFreeFree
Paid tierNone: every feature is freeStrong PRO: $4.99/month or $29.99/year, lifetime options also offered (US App Store); the free version is limited to 3 custom routines
PlatformsiPhone (Android coming soon)iPhone, Android, Apple Watch
Languages listed on the App StoreEnglish (the app itself runs in English, French, Dutch and Spanish)10, including English, French and Spanish
Ready-made programs50 workout plansBuild your own routines; optimised for barbell programs such as StrongLifts 5x5
SocialFeed with kudos and comments, shared routines, friends and gym leaderboardsShare routines and workouts through the share sheet
Estimated 1RMFrom every set (Epley, capped at 12 reps), charted per lift and muscleOne-rep max calculation and 1RM progression graphs
Overall training scoreVertex Index, 0 to 100 from five factorsNot listed
CoachingCoach with 17 rules, each citing its sourceNot listed
Notable extrasLock Screen rest timer, strength standards, DOTS, 21-muscle map, share cardsWarm-up and plate calculators, CSV export, Apple Watch app

Where Strong is stronger

  • Available on Android and Apple Watch as well as iPhone.
  • A long track record: on the App Store since 2011.
  • A deliberately minimal interface, plus a warm-up calculator and CSV export.

Where VERTEX is different

  • Every feature is free: there is no paid tier.
  • The Vertex Index turns your training into one score from 0 to 100, from five factors weighted to your goal.
  • A Coach with 17 rules tells you what to fix next, and each rule cites its source.
  • A rest timer on the Lock Screen as a Live Activity, with +15s and Skip.

Which should you choose?

If you are on Android today, Strong is the one you can use: VERTEX is iPhone-only until the Android version ships. On iPhone, the choice comes down to what you want from a tracker. Strong is a capable logger with its own strengths, listed above. VERTEX is built around one question, whether your training is adding up, and keeps every feature free.

Sources

Checked on , from each app's App Store listing (US store, description and in-app purchases), Google Play listing and official website. Prices and features change; check the listings before you choose. “Not listed” means the app's own listing does not mention it, not that the app cannot do it. VERTEX is made by Vertex Strength Lab, the publisher of this page.

Strong is a trademark of its owner. Vertex Strength Lab is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by it.