8 Free & Paid MacroFactor Alternatives: Independent Guide

Your nutrition tracking needs are unique—and your app should be too.

While MacroFactor has made a name for itself as a diet tracking and coaching app, it's not the only option out there.

Whether you're seeking more affordable options, enhanced features, or simply exploring alternatives, this comprehensive guide breaks down 8 powerful competitors.

From free basics to premium powerhouses, you'll discover exactly how each alternative measures up in terms of features, accuracy, user experience, and value. Ready to find your perfect nutrition companion?

Related: MacroFactor App Review by Independent Expert—Results, Price & More

Why should you listen to me?

As an independent exercise scientist with no ties to MacroFactor or any diet tracking apps, I can offer you an unbiased perspective. I don't use affiliate links or receive any compensation for my recommendations.

I've been a lifter and coach for 20 years, including serving as a trainer for the Canadian Forces. My credentials include a B.Sc in exercise science and a PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology (health statistics). Throughout my career, I've helped about 10,000 people get in shape through one-on-one coaching, group classes, and online training.

And yes, I walk the walk, maintaining my own fitness while helping others achieve their goals.

My only aim here is to provide honest, evidence-based advice to help you make the best choice for your needs.

MacroFactor Alternatives Comparison

Cronometer

Cronometer is a popular alternative to MacroFactor, known for its in-depth nutritional analysis. It goes beyond basic macro tracking to provide a detailed breakdown of your micronutrient intake, making it a valuable tool for individuals with specific dietary needs or those who want a comprehensive understanding of their nutrition.

Features:

• Tracks over 80 micronutrients.
• Allows you to set custom macronutrient targets.
• Syncs data from various health devices, including those that track body weight, body fat percentage, sleep, and activity levels.
• Supports specialized diets and can be used in nutrition research.

One thing to keep in mind is that Cronometer defaults to measuring net carbs instead of total carbs, which can be a consideration for users who are closely monitoring their fiber intake.

User Feedback: User feedback suggests that Cronometer is highly regarded within the nutrition community and is often cited as a top MacroFactor alternative².

Comparison with MacroFactor: Both apps offer barcode scanners and nutrition coaching features. However, Cronometer distinguishes itself with its comprehensive micronutrient tracking, while MacroFactor may be preferred for its user-friendly interface and dynamic weekly adjustments.

My Macros+

My Macros+ was designed by a professional bodybuilder, making it a solid choice for those with a strong interest in fitness and who require precise nutritional tracking.

Features:

• Allows for unlimited meal tracking with individual breakdowns for each meal, food, and day.
• Supports specific macro targets and allows you to set varying goals for different days of the week.
• Stores information locally on your device, so you can access your data even without an internet connection.
• Is known for its high degree of accuracy in macro and calorie calculations.

User Feedback: My Macros+ is well-regarded for its comprehensive tracking and accuracy, particularly among those focused on bodybuilding and fitness goals².

Comparison with MacroFactor: Both apps provide detailed macro tracking and customization options. However, My Macros+ lacks online backup and community features, which might be drawbacks for some users. MacroFactor, on the other hand, offers a more integrated and user-friendly experience with these features.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular calorie-counting apps available¹. It boasts a vast food database and a large, active community, making it a versatile tool for tracking your diet and connecting with others.

Features:

• A massive food database with verified entries.
• A barcode scanner for quick and easy food logging.
• Recipe logging and calorie calculation, allowing you to track homemade meals.
• Integration with a wide range of fitness trackers and other health apps.
• Community support and challenges to help you stay motivated.

Comparison with MacroFactor: While MyFitnessPal offers a wider range of features and a larger community, MacroFactor is generally considered superior in terms of accuracy and its dynamic adjustment algorithm, which helps to personalize your calorie and macro targets over time¹.

Lose It!

Lose It! is an app specifically designed to help users achieve their weight loss goals. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features to support your weight loss journey.

Features:

• Personalized weight loss plans tailored to your individual needs.
• Calorie tracking and macro tracking.
• Barcode scanner for easy food logging.
• Community support and challenges to keep you engaged.

Lose It! goes beyond simple calorie counting by aiming to educate users about food choices and provide personalized guidance. When you sign up, you'll take a thorough quiz that helps the app establish appropriate food goals based on your body stats, goals, and exercise levels. You can even customize the plan by selecting higher calorie days in the week if you want more flexibility.

Comparison with MacroFactor: Both apps offer nutrition coaching and barcode scanners. However, MacroFactor has a slightly higher rating and offers more advanced features like dynamic adjustments and expenditure data calculations.

FatSecret

FatSecret is a completely free calorie counter app that provides a comprehensive set of tools for tracking your food intake and exercise.

Features:

• Calorie and macro tracking.
• A large food database to help you find and log your meals.
• Barcode scanner and image recognition for convenient food logging.
• Exercise diary to track your activity levels.
• Fitness tracker integration.

If you opt for the premium version of FatSecret, you'll gain access to highly-rated pre-planned meals and shopping lists. These plans are automatically entered into your food diary, making it even easier to stay on track.

Comparison with MacroFactor: While FatSecret offers a comprehensive free version, MacroFactor provides more advanced features like dynamic adjustments and a more accurate food database, which can be important for those who need precise tracking.

Carbon Diet Coach

Carbon Diet Coach is another paid alternative to MacroFactor that emphasizes a results-oriented approach to diet tracking.

Features:

• Barcode scanner for easy food logging.
• A straightforward and user-friendly interface for logging food.
• Timeline-style food log to visualize your intake.
• Focuses on helping you achieve your goals through consistent tracking.

It's worth noting that Carbon Diet Coach offers both free and premium versions, giving you flexibility in choosing the level of features you need.

Comparison with MacroFactor: While both apps aim to help you achieve your diet goals, Carbon Diet Coach may have a stricter approach to adherence, while MacroFactor offers more flexibility and dynamic adjustments.

Eat This Much

Eat This Much takes a unique approach by focusing on automated meal planning.

Features:

• Provides automated meal planning based on your dietary preferences and calorie/macro goals.
• Generates shopping lists to make grocery shopping easier.
• Offers a variety of recipes to help you discover new meals.

Comparison with MacroFactor: Eat This Much excels in meal planning and recipe suggestions, while MacroFactor focuses on personalized coaching and dynamic adjustments based on your progress.

RP Diet Coach

RP Diet Coach is a paid app developed by renowned fitness expert Mike Israetel.

Features:

• Offers personalized diet coaching with adjustments based on your progress.
• Provides educational resources to help you understand nutrition principles.
• Focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.

Comparison with MacroFactor: Both apps provide personalized coaching, but RP Diet Coach may place a stronger emphasis on education and long-term habit formation.

Free Alternatives

If you're looking for a free alternative to MacroFactor, there are a couple of strong contenders:

Lose It!

The free version of Lose It! provides core features like calorie tracking, barcode scanning, and personalized weight loss plans. It's a user-friendly option for those who are new to calorie counting or want a simple way to track their intake.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal's free version gives you access to its extensive food database, barcode scanner, and basic tracking features. While it lacks some of the premium features, it's a solid option for those who are on a budget.

Conclusion

While MacroFactor is a strong contender in the diet tracking and coaching app market, several alternatives cater to different needs and budgets.

• If you prioritize micronutrient tracking, Cronometer is an excellent choice.
• For those who need a free and user-friendly option, Lose It! is a good starting point.
• Fitness enthusiasts who want detailed customization might prefer My Macros+,
• Those who value community support and a vast food database could opt for MyFitnessPal.
• If you're looking for automated meal planning, Eat This Much is worth considering.
• And if you prefer personalized coaching with a focus on education and sustainable habits, RP Diet Coach could be a good fit.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.