Arnie vs Strong
Two workout logbooks for lifters. Strong is the polished veteran; Arnie is the RPE-first logbook with an affordable lifetime option. Here's how they differ.
Strong has been a respected name in gym logging for years, with mature Apple Watch integration, RPE support, and detailed analytics. Arnie takes a different angle: a logging-first logbook where half-point RPE/RIR is the core workflow, your data lives on your device with no account, and the paid tier includes a one-time lifetime price.
Strong's depth is genuine: 1RM estimates by formula, volume trends, body weight tracking, custom routines, and hands-free Apple Watch logging. Its free tier logs unlimited workouts with three custom routines; PRO ($4.99/month or $29.99/year) unlocks the rest, including the plate and warm-up calculators.
Arnie keeps the core tight: weight, reps, sets, half-point RPE or RIR inline on every set, rest timer, per-lift estimated-1RM and tonnage trends, and editable volume landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV). No feed, no account, no Apple Watch — a deliberate trade-off for a logbook that opens fast and stays out of the way. The free tier is ad-supported with up to three routines; Pro removes ads at $4.99/month, $29.99/year, or $59.99 lifetime.
Pick Strong if Apple Watch logging and a mature ecosystem matter most to you. Pick Arnie if you live in RPE, want your history stored locally, and prefer paying once. Facts as checked August 2026 from both vendors' listings.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arnie | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier; Pro $4.99/mo, $29.99/yr or $59.99 lifetime | Free tier; PRO $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr |
| Focus | Workout logbook only — no fluff | All-in-one logbook with body metrics |
| Tracking | Weight, reps, sets, half-point RPE/RIR inline | Weight, reps, sets, RPE, body metrics |
| Programs | User-created routines (3 on free, unlimited with Pro) | Unlimited workouts; 3 custom routines on free + templates |
| Rest Timer | Customizable | Yes |
| Analytics | Per-lift e1RM trends, tonnage, editable volume landmarks | Detailed charts, 1RM estimates (PRO) |
| Offline | Local-first, no account required | Yes (account sign-up, cloud sync) |
| Social | None (private) | None (private) |
| Ads | On the free tier; removed with Pro | None |
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Apple Watch |
Who should choose Arnie
Arnie is a logging-first logbook built around RPE: fast set entry, per-lift e1RM trends, and a lifetime price instead of a forever subscription.
- ✓You log RPE or RIR and want it inline, at half-point precision
- ✓You want per-lift e1RM trends and volume landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV)
- ✓You prefer local-first storage with no account
- ✓You'd rather pay once ($59.99 lifetime) than rent your training history
- ✓You don't care about social or community features
Who should choose Strong
Strong is a mature workout logger trusted for years. Its Apple Watch app and years of polish are real advantages Arnie doesn't match today.
- ✓You use an Apple Watch for hands-free logging
- ✓You want a long-established app with years of refinement
- ✓You track body measurements alongside your workouts
- ✓You're comfortable with an account and cloud sync
- ✓PRO at $4.99/month or $29.99/year fits your budget
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Arnie completely free?
Arnie has a free tier (ad-supported, up to three routines) and a Pro tier at $4.99/month, $29.99/year, or $59.99 lifetime. Strong's free tier logs unlimited workouts with three custom routines; PRO is $4.99/month or $29.99/year. Neither app is fully free at the power-user level — the difference is Arnie's one-time lifetime option.
+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 ($4.99/month) unlocks deep analytics, 1RM estimates, and detailed charts that lifters appreciate as they get more serious.
+Does Arnie have RPE tracking like Strong?
Yes — RPE is Arnie's home turf: half-point RPE or RIR is logged inline on every set, and the analytics are built around it. Strong also supports RPE tracking. The difference is emphasis: in Arnie, RPE is the core workflow rather than an extra field.
+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?
Different strengths. Strong PRO offers detailed charts, 1RM estimates and body-metric tracking. Arnie tracks per-lift estimated-1RM trends, tonnage, and editable volume landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV) — analysis aimed at programming decisions. For body-composition depth, Strong; for RPE-driven programming, Arnie.
+Should I pick Arnie if I'm just starting strength training?
Arnie's simplicity works well for beginners: log sets fast, see progress, and learn RPE gradually as it becomes useful. Strong's depth can feel like a lot when you're learning the basics. Both let you start free and decide later which paid tier earns its keep.
Log lifts. Keep them yours.
Arnie is the logging-first logbook for lifters: fast RPE entry, e1RM trends, and a lifetime option so you can stop paying monthly for your own history.
