Strength training · Self-coached · One-time
A Ladder alternative
without the team subscription.
Ladder builds its product around coached team programs and video workouts on a monthly subscription. That's a real product for people who want that structure. If you'd rather run a periodized strength program on your own, log clean numbers, and pay for the app once, LiftLog is the version of that workflow at $9.99–$39.99 one-time after a 7-day free trial — no card.
How does LiftLog compare to Ladder?
Different products, different lifters. Here's the line.
Coaching
LiftLog: Self-coached, periodized templates (PPL, Upper/Lower, 5/3/1, DUP, block, wave) + custom.
Ladder: Team-based programs led by named coaches with video workouts.
Ladder: Team-based programs led by named coaches with video workouts.
Pricing
LiftLog: Free 7-day trial (no card), then pay-what-you-can one-time $9.99–$39.99.
Ladder: Monthly / annual subscription per team or coach.
Ladder: Monthly / annual subscription per team or coach.
Format
LiftLog: Numbers-first log — tabular weights/reps, haptic-confirmed sets, 1RM analytics, PR moments.
Ladder: Video-led sessions with coach commentary and program structure.
Ladder: Video-led sessions with coach commentary and program structure.
Privacy / account
LiftLog: No account, no third-party tracking, data on device + optional iCloud sync.
Ladder: Account required; program data on Ladder's servers.
Ladder: Account required; program data on Ladder's servers.
Who should pick LiftLog vs Ladder?
Pick LiftLog if…
- You'd rather run a periodized program on your own than join a coached team
- You prefer numbers-first logging over video-led sessions
- You don't want a recurring subscription — pay once, own it forever
- You train solo and don't need a community feed
- You want your training history portable, not gated by an active subscription
Stick with Ladder if…
- You actively use the coached team programs and video workouts
- You like the community accountability layer
- You want a coach making programming decisions for you
- You're happy with the monthly subscription model
About LiftLog
Questions
FAQ
What is the best Ladder app alternative for self-coached lifters?
LiftLog is a design-led iPhone alternative to Ladder for lifters who'd rather follow a periodized program on their own than subscribe to a coached team. Programs include PPL, Upper/Lower, Full Body 3×, Starting Strength, and 5/3/1 with Training Max — linear, DUP, block, and wave periodization with automatic deloads. Pay-what-you-can $9.99–$39.99 one-time after a free 7-day trial, no card.
Does LiftLog have coached programs like Ladder?
No. LiftLog is intentionally self-coached. It ships proven program templates and lets you build periodized custom programs (linear, DUP, block, wave) with automatic deload weeks, but there's no human coach assigned to your account — because there's no account.
Is LiftLog a subscription?
No. After a free 7-day trial with no card required, you choose a one-time price between $9.99 and $39.99. There is no recurring charge and no team-based subscription.
More LiftLog comparisons
If you're cross-shopping Ladder, you're probably looking at these too.
vs Hevy
Design-led strength log with periodized programs and pay-what-you-can pricing.
vs Strong
Privacy-first one-time alternative to the most popular subscription tracker.
vs Caliber
Self-coached periodization instead of a remote coaching subscription.
vs Heavyset
Same minimal-numbers philosophy — plus periodized programs and one-time pricing.
Try it
Open LiftLog.
7 days free. No card. Pay once after that, at the price you decide is fair.