Arnie vs Strong
Two workout logbook apps for lifters. Strong is a polished veteran with a paid model. Arnie is a focused, free alternative that does the essentials without fluff.
Strong has been a respected name in the gym strength logging space for years, with mature Apple Watch integration, RPE tracking, and detailed analytics. Its $4.99/month Pro tier covers serious lifters who want deep progression analysis. Arnie is a focused, free alternative built for the lifter who just wants to log sets and see progress without paying every month or wading through every metric.
Strong's depth is genuine: 1RM estimates by formula, volume trends, body weight tracking, RPE logging, custom routines, and Apple Watch hands-free logging. The Pro subscription unlocks the analytics that committed lifters appreciate. The free trial is generous before the paywall.
Arnie keeps the core tight: weight, reps, sets, rest timer, volume, and PR tracking. No social features, no Apple Watch, no RPE — yet. The trade-off is intentional: a clean interface focused on logging the workout fast, no distraction, no upsells, no recurring cost.
Pick Strong if you want detailed analytics, Apple Watch integration, RPE tracking, and the $4.99/month is comfortable. Pick Arnie if you want a free-forever lifter logbook that does the essentials cleanly without subscriptions or feature bloat.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arnie | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free trial, $4.99/mo Pro |
| Focus | Workout logbook only — no fluff | All-in-one logbook with body metrics |
| Tracking | Weight, reps, sets | Weight, reps, sets, RPE, body metrics |
| Programs | User-created routines | User-created + popular templates |
| Rest Timer | Customizable | Yes |
| Analytics | Volume, PR tracking | Pro: detailed charts, 1RM estimates |
| Offline | Full offline | Yes (Pro: cloud sync) |
| Social | None (private) | None (private) |
| Ads | None | None |
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Apple Watch |
Who should choose Arnie
Arnie is a deliberate alternative to bloated trackers — focused on logging your sets and showing progress without subscriptions or distractions.
- ✓You want a free strength tracker with no Pro tier paywall
- ✓You log sets fast and don't need every metric known to mankind
- ✓You prefer a clean interface focused on the workout
- ✓You don't care about social or community features
- ✓You want offline-first with no cloud-sync requirement
Who should choose Strong
Strong is a mature workout logger trusted by lifters for years. The Pro tier unlocks deep analytics and Apple Watch integration that Arnie doesn't offer.
- ✓You want detailed analytics: 1RM estimates, volume trends, PR charts
- ✓You use an Apple Watch for hands-free logging
- ✓You're willing to pay $4.99/month for Pro features
- ✓You like RPE and rich body-metric tracking
- ✓You want a mature, well-supported app
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Arnie completely free?
Yes. Arnie is fully free with no Pro tier, no paywall on advanced features. Strong has a free trial period then converts to $4.99/month for Pro. If you want a free-forever lifter logbook, Arnie is built for that.
+Why does Strong have so many fans on Reddit?
Strong was one of the first polished, focused gym loggers when it launched. Years of refinement, Apple Watch integration, and a clean UI built a loyal user base. The Pro tier ($5/month) unlocks deep analytics, 1RM estimates, and detailed charts that lifters appreciate as they get more serious.
+Does Arnie have RPE tracking like Strong?
Not in the current version. Arnie focuses on the core: weight, reps, sets, and rest timer. Strong supports RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and richer body metrics. RPE is on Arnie's roadmap but not shipped yet.
+Can Arnie sync with Apple Watch?
No, Arnie is iOS and Android only. Strong has a mature Apple Watch app for hands-free logging. If wrist-based logging is a hard requirement, Strong is the better fit today.
+Which has better analytics?
Strong Pro has more detailed analytics: 1RM estimates by formula, volume trends, PR charts, body weight tracking. Arnie shows volume and PRs in a simpler view. For deep analytical lifters, Strong wins; for 'just track my sets and show progress,' Arnie is enough — and free.
+Should I pick Arnie if I'm just starting strength training?
Yes — Arnie's simplicity is a feature, not a bug, for beginners. Strong's depth can feel overwhelming when you're learning the basics. As you progress and want richer analysis, you can graduate to a paid tracker later. Or stay with Arnie if simplicity keeps working — many lifters never need more than the basics.
Log lifts. No subscriptions.
Arnie is the free alternative for lifters who just want to track sets without paying every month or wading through features they'll never use.
