Baisics vs Strong: Which Workout App Should You Use?
Strong and Baisics take very different approaches to fitness tracking. Strong excels at simple, no-frills workout logging. Baisics generates AI-powered programs and includes nutrition planning. This comparison helps you decide which approach fits your training style.
The Key Difference
Strong is a manual logging tool - you bring your own program and track it. Baisics is a program generator - it creates the workout plan for you. If you know exactly what you want to do, Strong keeps it simple. If you need guidance, Baisics provides it.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Baisics | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes - Full AI programs | Yes - Limited to 3 routines |
| Premium Price | $5/month | $4.99/month or $99.99 lifetime |
| AI Program Generation | Yes - Custom programs | No - Manual entry only |
| Nutrition Planning | Yes - AI meal plans | No |
| Offline Mode | Limited (web-based) | Yes - Full offline support |
| Platforms | Web (any device) | iOS, Android, Apple Watch |
| Best For | People who want AI guidance | Experienced lifters who know their program |
What is Strong?
Strong is a straightforward workout logging app for lifters who already know what they're doing. Founded in 2016, it's become the go-to choice for people who want to track their workouts without extra features getting in the way.
The app focuses on doing one thing well: logging sets, reps, and weight. It saves your routines, shows your progress, and stays out of your way. That simplicity is exactly why people love it.
Strong Strengths
- Clean, minimal interface - no clutter
- Full offline support - works in any gym
- Quick workout logging with plate calculator
- Progress charts and personal records tracking
- Apple Watch app for hands-free logging
- One-time lifetime purchase option ($99.99)
What is Baisics?
Baisics is an AI-powered fitness platform that creates personalized workout and nutrition programs. Instead of just logging what you do, it tells you what to do based on your goals and experience level.
The platform runs on the web and combines workout programming with meal planning. It's designed for people who want guidance on what to train and eat, not just a place to record their workouts.
Baisics Strengths
- AI generates complete workout programs for you
- Nutrition planning with meal plans and shopping lists
- Programs adapt based on your equipment and schedule
- Free tier with real AI program generation
- No app download required - works in any browser
- Progressive overload built into programs
Pricing Comparison
Strong Pricing
Strong has a free tier limited to 3 custom routines. Pro unlocks unlimited routines and extra features. The lifetime option is popular for long-term users.
- Free: 3 routines limit, basic tracking
- Pro Monthly: $4.99/month
- Pro Annual: $29.99/year (~$2.50/month)
- Pro Lifetime: $99.99 one-time
Baisics Pricing
Baisics free tier includes AI program generation - not just tracking. Premium adds unlimited generations and full nutrition planning.
- Free: 4 AI programs/month, workout tracking, basic nutrition tips
- Jacked: $5/month - Unlimited programs, full meal plans, all features
Value Analysis
Strong's annual plan ($2.50/month effective) or lifetime purchase offers excellent value for logging-focused users. But you're paying for a tracker, not a program.
Baisics at $5/month includes AI program generation and nutrition - things you'd need separate apps (or a coach) for with Strong. The free tier also does more: actual program creation vs. just 3 saved routines.
Feature Comparison
Programming Approach
Strong: Bring your own program. Strong is a blank canvas - you create routines manually or import them. It doesn't tell you what to do, it tracks what you decide to do. Perfect if you follow a known program like Starting Strength, 5/3/1, or PPL.
Baisics: AI creates your program. Tell it your goals, equipment, and schedule. It generates a complete multi-week program with progressive overload built in. Ideal if you don't want to research programming or pay for a coach.
Workout Logging
Strong: This is where Strong shines. Fast set logging, rest timer, plate calculator, supersets, dropsets. The interface is optimized for gym use with large buttons and minimal friction.
Baisics: Logging exists but isn't the focus. The web interface works but isn't as polished for mid-workout use as Strong's native app. Better for following the program than detailed logging.
Progress Tracking
Strong: Detailed charts for every exercise. See your estimated 1RM over time, volume trends, and personal records. Great for data nerds who love graphs.
Baisics: Tracks program completion and basic progress. Less granular than Strong's per-exercise analytics. Focus is on following the program, not maximizing data visualization.
Offline & Platform
Strong: Full offline mode - essential for basement gyms or spotty gym WiFi. Native iOS and Android apps with Apple Watch support. Syncs when you get connection back.
Baisics: Web-based, needs internet for full features. Works on any device with a browser. No app store downloads, but also no true offline mode yet.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Strong If...
- You already have a program you want to follow
- You want the simplest possible logging experience
- You need full offline support for your gym
- You prefer native mobile apps over web-based tools
- You want detailed per-exercise analytics and PRs
- You like the lifetime purchase option
Choose Baisics If...
- You don't know what program to follow
- You want AI to create a personalized plan
- You need nutrition guidance alongside workouts
- You want structure and progression built in
- You're newer to lifting and want guidance
- You prefer web-based access from any device
The Bottom Line
Strong and Baisics serve different needs. Strong is the better tracker. Baisics is the better planner. They're not really competing for the same users.
If you know your program and just need to log it, Strong's simplicity is unmatched. The clean interface, offline mode, and lifetime purchase make it a solid choice for experienced lifters.
If you need help figuring out what to do, Baisics makes more sense. The AI programming and nutrition planning give you a complete fitness system instead of just a logbook. The free tier lets you try real program generation, not just limited tracking.
Try Baisics Free
Not sure what program to follow? Let AI create a personalized workout plan in under 2 minutes. No credit card, no time-limited trial - just a real program you can start using today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baisics a good Strong alternative?
It depends on what you need. If you want program creation and guidance, yes - Baisics does things Strong doesn't. If you just want simple logging, Strong is better at that specific task.
Does Strong create workout programs?
No. Strong is purely a logging tool. You create or import your own routines. It tracks what you do but doesn't tell you what to do. Baisics generates programs; Strong records them.
Can I use Strong and Baisics together?
You could use Baisics to generate your program, then log workouts in Strong if you prefer its interface. Some people do this to get AI programming with Strong's superior logging experience.
Which app is better for beginners?
Baisics is better for true beginners who need guidance on what to do. Strong is better for beginners who already have a program (like following Starting Strength or a YouTube PPL) and just need to track it.
Is Strong worth the lifetime purchase?
If you've been lifting consistently and just need a tracker, the $99.99 lifetime purchase pays for itself in under 2 years vs. monthly. It's good value if Strong matches your needs long-term.