App comparison
Strong vs Hevy: pure logbook or social tracker?
Strong and Hevy both solve the same core job: fast set logging. The decision is really about workflow philosophy.
Strong feels like the classic private logbook. Hevy adds a more social, modern tracker layer and has an official Strong CSV import path.
| Feature | Strong | Hevy | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free routine limit | Strong help says free users can create up to 3 templates | Hevy help says free users can create up to 4 routines | Hevy |
| Custom exercises | Built for custom exercise logging | Free limit of 7 custom exercises in Hevy help | Tie |
| Import path | Exports CSV but help says exports cannot be imported back into Strong | Official Strong CSV import flow | Hevy |
| Social layer | More private logbook feel | Community/social features are central | Tie |
| Best fit | Minimal private logging | Logging plus sharing and smoother switching from Strong | Tie |
Where Strong wins
- Strong is cleaner if you want a familiar private gym log and do not care about a social feed.
- Strong has long-running help documentation around templates, exports, and classic logging workflows.
- It is a sensible pick if you already manage progression elsewhere.
Where Hevy wins
- Hevy has an official Strong CSV import path, which matters if you are switching with years of history.
- The free tier currently allows one more routine than Strong according to their help centers.
- Hevy is stronger for lifters who want community, sharing, and modern app polish.
The export/import difference
Strong can export workout data to CSV, but its help center says exported files cannot be imported back into Strong. Hevy documents a Strong CSV import flow with language and format caveats.
That makes Hevy the easier destination for Strong users, while Strong is less attractive as a destination if preserving old history is the priority.
The free-tier tradeoff
Strong's help center lists 3 free templates. Hevy's Pro documentation lists 4 free routines, 7 custom exercises, and 3 months of data history.
Those limits matter most for PPL, Upper Lower, and rotating programs where routine count disappears quickly.
Sources
Checked against official pages where possible.
Strong template help
Used for Strong's free-template limit and Strong PRO framing.
Strong export help
Used for Strong's CSV export and non-import-back limitation.
Hevy Pro help
Used for Hevy free vs Pro routine, custom exercise, and history limits.
Hevy import/export help
Used for Hevy's Strong CSV import and export behavior.
FAQ
Fast answers
Is Strong or Hevy better for switching apps?
Hevy is easier if you are importing from Strong because Hevy documents a Strong CSV import path. Strong is export-friendly but not import-friendly.
Which has the better free tier?
Based on current help docs, Hevy allows 4 routines while Strong allows 3 templates. Other limits differ, so verify in-app before moving.
Which is better for progressive overload?
Neither is as transparent as a tracker built around progression rules. RepStack is better if the core question is what to lift next.
RepStack for iPhone
Use the tracker that gives you the next target
RepStack keeps your program, logs the work, and calculates what to chase next.