KovaApp comparison
Last reviewed . Kova is our app.
Strong is a fast, simple workout log. It records your sets, charts your lifts, and leaves the next weight to you, which suits lifters who already run a program such as StrongLifts 5x5. Kova: Lift & Strength Tracker makes that decision for you. It builds a weekly plan, sets each target from the sets you log, can recommend a deload when you stall, and shows why each target changed. If you have a program and want the quickest log, use Strong. If you want the app to plan and progress your training, Kova fits better. Kova is our app, so this page sticks to facts you can check.
| Feature | Kova | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A weekly plan plus next-session targets, with the reason for each change shown. | Lifters who already follow a program and want the fastest log. |
| Plan builder | Builds a weekly plan from your goals, experience, equipment, schedule, and session length. Full-body, upper/lower, and push/pull/legs-style splits. | You build your own routines. Optimized for progressive barbell programs such as Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5. |
| How the next weight is set | Sets each target from the sets you log. Reach the top of the rep range and the weight can go up next session. Stall repeatedly and it can recommend a deload. Each target shows why it changed. | You choose it. Strong shows your history, records, and estimated 1RM. |
| Free version | Subscription required. Check available offers and eligibility in the app. | Yes. Unlimited workouts, limited to 3 custom routines. PRO adds unlimited routines and more statistics. |
| Logging | Batch logging for repeat sets, rest timer, warmups, effort ratings, notes, swaps, and skips. | Warm-up and plate calculators, rest timer, supersets, RPE, and warm-up, failure, and drop set tags. |
| Exercise library | 100+ exercises with demonstration videos and step-by-step instructions. | Strength and cardio exercises with instructions and a growing set of animated videos. Add your own. |
| Progress tracking | Strength Index across five movement patterns, training heatmap, volume, strength, and PR trends, with automatic PR detection. | Personal records, estimated 1RM, volume and 1RM graphs, and body measurements. |
| Platforms | iPhone and Android. No watch app listed. | iPhone and Android, plus an Apple Watch app that logs with or without your iPhone. |
| Integrations and export | CSV export of workout history. Separate equipment profiles for each gym. | CSV export and Apple Health support. |
Not always. If your program already has rules, such as adding a fixed amount to the squat each session, Strong is enough. It shows what you did last time, and you apply the rule.
Kova helps most when you do not have those rules, train with mixed equipment, or forget what you did last time. It sets each target from the sets you logged, can recommend a deload when you stall repeatedly, and shows why each target changed.
The free version of Strong saves unlimited workouts but limits you to 3 custom routines. Strong PRO removes that limit and adds more statistics. Kova requires a subscription. Check available offers and eligibility in the app.
Strong has been on the App Store since 2011 and has more than 100,000 US ratings. Kova was released in May 2026 and has few App Store ratings so far. Strong has the much longer track record.
Want your next weight set for you, with the reason shown? Kova builds a plan around your goals, equipment, and schedule, then adjusts each target from the sets you log.
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Comparing more than two apps? Read the best progressive overload apps, compared, or see how Kova works as a progressive overload app.