Next Set vs Strong
Strong has been the go-to workout tracker for over a decade. Here's how Next Set compares—and why we built something different.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Next Set | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99 one-time | $4.99/month, $29.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days (full features) | Free tier with limits |
| Works offline | 100% | Yes (syncs when online) |
| Data collection | None | Email, user ID, usage data |
| Third-party SDKs | None | Analytics, crash reporting |
| PR detection | Automatic | Yes |
| Custom routines | Unlimited | 3 free, Unlimited (Pro) |
| Rest timer | Yes | Yes |
| Social features | None | Share sheet only |
| Platform | iOS | iOS, Android |
Key Differences
Pricing Model
Next Set
$9.99 one-time (after 30-day trial)
30-day free trial with full features. Then $9.99 once—own it forever. If you don't purchase, it goes read-only (your data is never lost). No payment info required to try.
Strong
$4.99/month, $29.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime
Free version limited to 3 routines. No ads. Pro unlocks unlimited routines, charts, and calculators. Lifetime option is 10x the price of Next Set.
Privacy & Data
Next Set
Zero data collection. No analytics. No third-party SDKs. No account required. Your data stays on your device (with optional iCloud sync). We literally cannot see your workouts.
Strong
Requires account (email or Apple/Facebook sign-in). Collects email, user ID, usage data. Uses Fathom analytics and Sentry for crash reporting. Data stored on their servers for sync.
Offline Support
Next Set
100% offline from day one. No account means no login required—ever. All features work without internet. Built for basement gyms, remote areas, and anywhere without signal.
Strong
Works offline for logging workouts after initial setup. Syncs to cloud when back online. Requires account login initially, and for syncing across devices.
App Maturity
Next Set
New app with modern SwiftUI architecture. Focused feature set without legacy baggage. Actively developed with a clear vision: fast logging, privacy, simplicity.
Strong
Established app with 10+ years of development. Larger feature set, proven reliability, millions of users. More features but also more complexity accumulated over time.
Which App Is Right For You?
Choose Next Set if you...
- Want to pay $9.99 once, not $99.99
- Care about privacy and don't want tracking
- Train in a gym with bad WiFi or at home
- Don't want to create another account
- Prefer a focused app without feature bloat
- Use iOS exclusively
Choose Strong if you...
- Need Android support
- Prefer established apps with long track record
- Want more features (Apple Watch, calculators)
- Don't mind account-based sync
- Value larger community and support resources
Our Honest Take
Strong is a solid, battle-tested app. It's been around for over a decade and has earned its reputation. If you need Android support or want the most feature-complete experience, Strong is a good choice.
We built Next Set for users who want something simpler: no account, no tracking, and a much lower price point. At $9.99 vs $99.99 for lifetime access, the savings are significant—especially if privacy matters to you.
Try Next Set Free
30-day free trial. Then $9.99 once—no subscriptions.
