Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan vs LADDER Strength Training Plans

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 4.9★ · Free + IAP 60
Winner LADDER Strength Training Plans
LADDER Strength Training Plans 4.9★ · Free + IAP 85

LADDER Strength Training Plans is the better choice for most users due to its comprehensive coaching, varied programs, and strong community focus, while Stronglifts 5x5 faces significant backlash over its pricing model and removal of previously purchased features.

Full reviews: Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan · LADDER Strength Training Plans

Stronglifts 5x5 is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness for the 5x5 program, but recent changes to its subscription model and removal of lifetime purchases have led to widespread user dissatisfaction. LADDER Strength Training Plans offers diverse coached programs, a supportive community, and strong motivation, though some users report issues with customer service and app functionality.

Head to head

Features & Program Variety edge: LADDER Strength Training PlansR5R8R14R15
Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan Stronglifts 5x5 is highly valued for its straightforward, effective 5x5 program, allowing users to track progress and customize weights R5R8R14. However, some users find its exercise library limited and note a lack of form guides . Recent updates have removed features like automatic deload after breaks and plate calculators, even for paid users R15.
LADDER Strength Training Plans LADDER offers a wide variety of training options and coaches, with new workouts weekly and different movements daily, catering to diverse fitness goals R65R97. Users appreciate the guided sessions, exercise demos, and the ability to track reps and weight R95. It also includes features like macro and water intake tracking, and Spotify integration .
Ease of Use & Reliability edge: Stronglifts 5x5 Workout PlanR3R6R8R18
Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan Stronglifts 5x5 is praised for its intuitive, simple interface that makes tracking workouts easy and helps users stay consistent R8. However, recent updates have been criticized for making the app less user-friendly, causing crashes, and leading to users being signed out or losing data R3R6R18.
LADDER Strength Training Plans LADDER is generally found easy to follow and navigate, making consistency non-problematic . Users appreciate the step-by-step instructions and the ability to pause or replay demos R95. Some users, however, experience issues with workouts not consistently syncing to Apple Health, intermittent delivery of downloaded sessions, and transitions between exercises not moving automatically R61.
Price & Value edge: LADDER Strength Training PlansR1R4R7R9
Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan Stronglifts 5x5 users are highly dissatisfied with recent pricing changes, particularly the shift to a subscription model and the removal of features previously purchased under one-time or 'lifetime' payments R1R4R7R13. Many find the current subscription, around $60 a year, too expensive for the basic tracking it offers R9R25.
LADDER Strength Training Plans LADDER's pricing is generally considered good value, especially for the unlimited version that allows switching teams . Users find it a worthwhile investment, with some achieving significant results like weight loss and body transformation . However, some users find the $30/month price point high and report issues with generic customer support regarding promos and refunds .
Support & Community edge: LADDER Strength Training PlansR2R7R22R32
Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan Stronglifts 5x5 receives mixed reviews for support. Some users praise the support team for quick resolutions and a comprehensive FAQ section R2R32. However, many long-term users report being ignored or refused refunds/access after their lifetime purchases were revoked R7R22.
LADDER Strength Training Plans LADDER is highly praised for its supportive community and engaging coaches who motivate users R62R65. Users feel a sense of camaraderie and appreciate the personalized push from trainers R62. However, customer service is a significant pain point, with multiple reports of non-existent, generic, or unresponsive support regarding technical issues, trials, and membership pauses R61.
Pick Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan if

you are specifically looking for a simple, no-frills app to follow the Stronglifts 5x5 program and are willing to pay the current subscription price, despite past issues R5R8.

Pick LADDER Strength Training Plans if

you want a highly motivating app with diverse coached programs, a strong community, and comprehensive tracking features, and are comfortable with a subscription model and potentially limited customer service R62R97.

Evidence note: The recent reviews for Stronglifts 5x5 are heavily skewed negative due to significant changes in its pricing model and the revocation of previously purchased 'lifetime' access, which overshadows its historical positive reception for program effectiveness. LADDER's reviews are largely positive, but a recurring theme of poor customer service is noted.

Frequently asked

Is Stronglifts 5x5 still free?
No, Stronglifts 5x5 is no longer free; many users report that the app is now entirely locked behind a subscription, even for basic tracking, and features previously purchased are now paywalled R1R13R25R27.
Does LADDER offer personalized coaching?
LADDER offers a network of coaches that users can choose from based on their fitness goals, providing structured weekly programming and motivation, though interactions are primarily through the app and not one-on-one personal training R62R65R95R97.
What are the main complaints about Stronglifts 5x5?
The main complaints about Stronglifts 5x5 revolve around its shift to a subscription-only model, the revocation of previously purchased 'lifetime' access and features, and deceptive free trial practices, leading to users feeling scammed and losing access to their data R4R7R10R22.
Does LADDER integrate with other apps like Apple Health?
LADDER offers integration with Apple Health, but some users report inconsistent syncing of workouts, which can be frustrating for those tracking their activity rings R61.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 5/5 · US Great app!: This app has everything you need to follow a simple preset program or build your own. Great price, no frills and meets my needs perfectly!
  2. [R8] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 5/5 · US Intuitive and great: I’ve been using StrongLifts for years. It’s simple, and helps me get it done. Great app!
  3. [R14] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 5/5 · US Gets Results: I have used StrongLifts on and off for about 10 years, and I find it very helpful in getting results lifting weights.
  4. [R15] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 3/5 · GB No DELOAD after break?: A bit disappointed in an app that I have recommended so much. It does not automatically deload weights after an i jury break which was very convenient. Please add that feature back.
  5. [R3] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 3/5 · US Update meh: Dislike this last update and the changes made it less user friendly. And deleted all my work outs.. after 599 workouts logged time to find something else…
  6. [R6] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 3/5 · US Mostly great: I overall love this app and this program. Every once in a while however I get signed out of my account and I'm unable to sign back in and restore my purchase without contacting support. A huge anxiety, and waste of my time to have to contact support and do a back and forth just to have access to a purchase I made years ago. As for the program and information it's a tremendous resourc
  7. [R18] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 3/5 · GB Still crashing: Clean updated download on 17/10/24 but it still crashes
  8. [R1] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Paygated trash: Locked me out and stole my data.
  9. [R4] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Buggy and they keep putting features behind paywalls: I paid for this app years ago before it was a subscription. It’s gotten much worse and they keep adding features I paid for behind a paywall.
  10. [R7] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US This was a great app, but: Update. After 10 years of use, StrongLifts has taken away the power pack I purchased 10 years ago and is trying to force me to use a $60 yearly subscription to access those features. I reached out to them and they refuse to honor my purchase. I’m very disappointed and will probably look for another way to record my workouts.
  11. [R9] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 3/5 · GB Good but expensive: This program is good and has helped me get stronger, and the new Liquid Glass update looks great. However, the Pro subscription is too expensive, and the frequent pop-ups are very frustrating.
  12. [R2] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 5/5 · US Best lifting app!!: I love this workout! Support is the best. They take care of things right away and they have a ton of FAQs to help with lifting and support for the app. I would never consider using anything else! Whatever they ask for the Pro Subscription, pay it! You won’t be sorry.
  13. [R22] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Deceptive “Lifetime” purchase.: I’ve been using this app off and on for ten years, ever since I made the decision to pay upfront for a "lifetime pass" under the clear impression that I would have access to the service for as long as the app existed. It is incredibly disappointing to see the developer now unilaterally revoke that access and force long-term supporters into a monthly subscription mod
  14. [R32] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 5/5 · US Great app: Emailed support about an issue with the app and they fixed it within 48 hours. Great app!
  15. [R13] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Not free: I used this app all the time and took a break due to injury. Came back to it to find out now I have to pay for it
  16. [R25] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Terrible app: I used to love the app. It is now subscription only and there isn’t even an option to buy a lifetime fee. Although if there was I wouldn’t pay for it, this app is way too basic to even think of it as worthy of any subscription service. Get a different free app.
  17. [R27] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Bait and switch: New update locks the entire app behind subscription. Useless. Theft
  18. [R62] LADDER Strength Training Plans 5/5 · US More than I expected: Love this app, all the coaches are amazing. I take a page out of everyone’s book. I am on team Align. Every time I don’t feel Iike working out, I can hear Coach Sasha saying, “Remember you don’t have do this, I get to do this.” It has stuck with me. It’s been a year of trusting the plan. Show up!
  19. [R65] LADDER Strength Training Plans 5/5 · US Loving it: I’ve been using it for about a month. Love having the different training options. I love the coach that I chose and the weekly programming keeps me on track.
  20. [R95] LADDER Strength Training Plans 5/5 · US Great Program: Love that it’s step by step instructions. I can still listen to my music while doing it. I can turn coaching on or off. Lots of great coaches to choose from!
  21. [R97] LADDER Strength Training Plans 5/5 · US GAME CHANGER: I tried multiple strength training apps before finding Ladder and it has been a complete game changer! A network of Coaches that you choose from based off your fitness goals, who truly push you and want to see you succeed on their team! A whole network of users who have like minded fitness goals, that also push you to be better than you were the day before! Different workouts weekly
  22. [R10] Stronglifts 5x5 Workout Plan 1/5 · US Free Trial Bait and Switch: I tried to start the 1-week free trial but switched the subscription to monthly, then cancelled within a week because I realized my gym doesn’t have reliable barbell access. Got charged at the end of what I thought was a free week, then realized the 1-week trial is only for the yearly subscription. That’s intentional and predatory. Give me a refund.
  23. [R61] LADDER Strength Training Plans 2/5 · US Phenomenal programming overall. Poor app support for Apple Health Sync.: First off: I love this app overall. My bad review here is only because I tried going through the support route to solve my issues and was met with extremely mediocre replies and care. I’m not sure what the issue is, but the workouts aren’t consistently syncing from Ladder to Apple Health. For those of us neurotic about clos

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store