Zurge vs Strong
Strong has been the simple, reliable lifting log for years. It does not plan your training, progress your loads or handle running. Zurge imports your Strong history and gives you a plan for both lifting and running.
Choose Zurge if
- You want the app to tell you what to lift next time
- You also run and want one plan for both
- You want to bring years of Strong history with you
- You want more than 3 routines without paying
Choose Strong if
- You want the simplest possible log and nothing else
- You want a mature Apple Watch app that logs without your phone
- You prefer a one-time lifetime purchase
Feature by feature
| Feature | Zurge | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting | ||
| Set logging with previous numbers | Last time's numbers on every set | Yes |
| Set types and supersets | Warm-up, drop, myo-rep and failure sets, supersets, RPE | Yes |
| Plate and warm-up calculators | Plates per side and auto warm-up ramps | Yes |
| Automatic progression | Load goes up when you complete your sets, with deloads | No |
| Training plans | Plan library and Build my plan | Your own routines |
| Import your Strong history | Strong CSV import | CSV export |
| Running | ||
| Running plans and paces | Pace range plus effort, set from a recent race or hard run | Cardio as duration |
| In-app GPS recording | iPhone, outdoor or treadmill, with spoken cues | No |
| One plan for lifts and runs | Lifts and runs in one week, placed so they don't collide | No |
| Coach, apps and price | ||
| AI coach | Chat coach; every change is a card you approve (Zolt Pro) | No |
| Watch app | Not yet; record runs in Apple's Workout app | Apple Watch |
| Free tier | Plans, logging, goals, PRs and history | Unlimited workouts, 3 routines |
| Paid price (US) | $39.99 a year for Zolt Pro, which also covers Zolt nutrition | $4.99 a month, $29.99 a year or $99.99 forever |
In-app run recording is iPhone only. Coach chat and the AI connector need Zolt Pro, $39.99 a year, which also covers Zolt nutrition. Strong details are from its App Store listing.
Why hybrid athletes pick Zurge over Strong
Bring your history
Export a CSV from Strong and import it into Zurge. Every workout, exercise and set lands with its original date, PR badges included, and exercises our library doesn't cover come in as custom exercises under their original names.
From a log to a plan
Strong records what you did. Zurge also decides what's next: pick a split from the plan library or build one, and loads go up when you complete your sets, with deload weeks and stall detection built in.
Room for your runs
Strong logs cardio as duration. Zurge plans runs from 5K to marathon with pace ranges from your real runs, and keeps them away from your heavy leg days.
A coach when you want one
Strong has no coach. Zurge's daily note is free, and with Zolt Pro you can chat with a coach that knows your plan and only changes it when you approve.
Where Strong is ahead
Strong is simpler, has a mature Apple Watch app that works without your phone, and sells a lifetime licence. If you only want to write down sets, Strong does that very well.
Questions
Can I import my Strong data into Zurge?
Yes. Export a CSV from Strong and import it in Zurge. Workouts keep their original dates and PRs, and unknown exercises are added as custom exercises.
Does Strong have running plans?
No. Strong can log cardio exercises by duration but has no running plans, pace targets or GPS recording.
How much does Strong Pro cost?
Strong's App Store listing shows $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, with a lifetime option at $99.99 (checked 2026-11-05). The free version allows 3 custom routines.
Does Zurge progress my weights automatically?
Yes. When you complete your sets the load goes up next time. Zurge also handles deload weeks and flags lifts that have stalled.
How much does Zurge cost?
Plans, workout and run logging, goals, PRs and history are free. Zolt Pro is $39.99 a year in the US and adds the coach chat, the Claude and ChatGPT connector, measurements and progress photos, plus Pro in the Zolt nutrition app.
Sources
- Strong on the US App Store (prices, free tier and features). apps.apple.com/us/app/id464254577
Strong details come from its public website, app store listing and published pricing, checked on Nov 5, 2026. Prices vary by country and change often; check the app before you buy. Strong is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the product. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.