MacroFactor vs Cronometer
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
MacroFactor is the better app overall, scoring 8.8 to 8.6. MacroFactor wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Cronometer on 1, with 1 tied.
Lifters and dieters who want calorie targets that adjust as they progress
Health-focused eaters who want accurate data on vitamins, minerals and macros
Score by score
The details
| Feature | MacroFactor | Cronometer |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Health & Fitness | Health & Fitness |
| Category rank | #6 of 12 | #7 of 12 |
| Developer | Stronger By Science Technologies | Cronometer Software Inc. |
| Pricing | Subscription | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | No | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | — | ✓ |
Common questions
Is MacroFactor better than Cronometer?
MacroFactor is the better app overall, scoring 8.8 to 8.6. MacroFactor wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Cronometer on 1, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, MacroFactor or Cronometer?
MacroFactor: 7-day free trial, then $11.99 a month or $71.99 a year in the App Store. Cronometer: Free with ads; Gold is $10.99/month or $59.99/year. On value for money, Cronometer scores higher.
Do MacroFactor and Cronometer work on the same devices?
Only Cronometer runs on Web.
Which is more private, MacroFactor or Cronometer?
MacroFactor scores higher on privacy (8.2/10). App Store label: health and fitness, purchases, contact info, your logs, identifiers, usage and diagnostics may be linked to you. No tracking. Google Play lists no data shared with third parties.
Strengths and weaknesses
MacroFactor
- Targets adjust to your actual metabolism
- Fast logging with verified foods
- Ad-free, with no shaming when you go over
- No free tier after the 7-day trial
- Workout tracking is a separate app
MacroFactor is a macro tracker that coaches instead of scolds. Its algorithm estimates your real energy expenditure from what you log and how your weight moves, then adjusts calorie and macro targets at weekly check-ins, even if you missed them. Logging is quick, with barcode scanning, a verified food database and AI label scanning, and there are no red numbers or warnings when you go over. There's no free tier, but there are no ads either.
Full MacroFactor review
Cronometer
- Tracks dozens of vitamins and minerals, not just macros
- Verified database means fewer bad entries
- Barcode scanning included in the free plan
- Free version shows ads and limits reports to 7 days
- Photo logging, fasting timer and AI coach need Gold
- App Store label shows data used for tracking
Cronometer is one of the most accurate food trackers you can get. It leans on over a million verified foods and tracks dozens of vitamins and minerals, not just calories and macros. Barcode scanning stays free, and 2026 brought Apple Watch and Siri logging plus a fresher look. Photo logging and the AI coach need Gold, and the free version shows ads. If you care what is actually in your food, start here.
Full Cronometer review
