MacroFactor App Review 2025 by Independent Expert—Results, Price & More [In-Depth]

MacroFactor is a popular macro-tracking and nutrition coaching app.

Developed by evidence-based fitness experts, it has gained a loyal following. But is it the right app for you?

In this in-depth, expert review, we'll explore MacroFactor's features, pricing, real users results, and how it compares to other diet tracking apps.

This is a completely independent review; I have no ties with MacroFactor. No affiliate links here and no hidden agendas. My aim is to help you make an informed decision.

Why should you listen to me?

I’ve been a lifter and a coach for 20 years, and a trainer for the Canadian Forces.

I have a B.Sc in exercise science and a PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology (health statistics). I’ve helped about 10,000 people get in shape 1-on-1, in group classes, and online.

And I walk the walk, being in decent shape myself. Note that these photos were taken before I started using MacroFactor.

With that said, I've used it for over a year, so I feel I'm in a good position to provide an honest evaluation of MacroFactor.

What is MacroFactor?

MacroFactor is a subscription-based app available on iOS and Android devices. It combines flexible dieting principles with an advanced algorithm to provide personalized macro targets and nutrition coaching.

Unlike traditional calorie counting apps, MacroFactor goes beyond simply tracking your food intake. It uses your logged data and weight trends to dynamically adjust your calorie and macro targets, ensuring you stay on track toward your goals.

Here's how it works:

• Daily Weigh-ins and Food Logging: You input your daily weight and meticulously track everything you eat. This consistent data input allows the app to accurately assess your energy expenditure and adjust your calorie and macro targets accordingly.
• Dynamic Adjustments: This is where MacroFactor truly shines. Its algorithms analyze your progress and make adjustments to your targets over time, ensuring you stay on track toward your goals. This dynamic approach sets it apart from static calorie calculators or generic diet plans, which often fail to adapt to your individual needs and progress.

Key Features

MacroFactor boasts a comprehensive suite of features designed to simplify nutrition tracking and optimize your diet:

• Flexible Dieting: Set your own macros or choose from various diet styles like low-carb, keto, or balanced.
• Trend Weight: MacroFactor goes beyond simply tracking your daily weight on the scale. It also calculates your "Trend Weight," which smooths out daily fluctuations to give you a clearer picture of your actual progress. This helps you avoid getting discouraged by day-to-day variations and stay focused on the bigger picture.
• Progress Tracking: Track weight, body measurements, and progress photos.
• Micronutrient Tracking: Monitor your intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Goal Setting: Define your goals (weight loss, gain, or maintenance) and set your preferred rate of change.
• Dynamic Adjustments: The app's algorithm adjusts your calorie and macro targets weekly based on your progress.
• Food Logging: A user-friendly interface with a barcode scanner, a verified food database, and custom food and recipe creation makes logging efficient. This ensures the nutritional information is accurate and reliable.
• AI Describe: Log food by describing it in your own words or using voice input. For example, you can simply type "chicken breast with broccoli and rice" for a quick and easy log.
• Integrations: Connect with Fitbit, Google Fit, and Apple Health.
• Customizable Dashboard: Prioritize and arrange the insights that matter most to you. This allows you to personalize your view and focus on the data that's most important to you.
• Adherence Neutral: The app avoids judgmental language and focuses on data-driven adjustments. This means the app focuses on providing data and adjustments without making you feel guilty for occasional slip-ups, promoting a healthy relationship with food.

Pros and Cons

Main Drawback

While MacroFactor excels in many areas, it does have a significant limitation: its reliance on daily weigh-ins and consistent food tracking.

This feature is essential for the app's algorithms to provide accurate and personalized feedback, but it can also be demanding.

To be clear, to get the most from the app's algorithm, you'll need to:

• Log your foods daily for months or even years
• Track everything you eat, not just main meals
• Weigh yourself daily
• Maintain this consistency even during holidays, travel, or busy periods—ideally

Not everyone can maintain this level of consistency, a challenge I’ve faced personally. Several reasons come to mind:

1. Time Investment: Detailed food logging takes 5-15 minutes daily, which adds up over weeks and months
2. Mental Load: Constantly thinking about tracking can become mentally taxing
3. Lifestyle Impact: Social situations, travel, and irregular schedules can disrupt tracking routines
4. Potential Obsessiveness: Daily weigh-ins and strict tracking might trigger unhealthy behaviors in some users

Missing several days of logging can impact the app's ability to calculate your true energy expenditure and make appropriate recommendations.

To be fair, this limitation isn’t unique to MacroFactor; many diet tracking apps share similar demands. However, MacroFactor's premium price point and advanced algorithm make this especially important. Think of it like a high-performance car - it needs regular maintenance to deliver optimal results.

If you can't commit to this level of consistency, you might be better served by a simpler, free alternative. However, if you're willing to put in the work, MacroFactor's sophisticated features can provide valuable insights for your nutrition journey.

Remember: It's better to make an informed decision now than to waste your time and money on a tool that doesn't match your lifestyle and habits.

MacroFactor Results: What 9 Users Are Saying

Many users report positive results with MacroFactor, with experiences ranging from significant weight loss to improved body composition. Here's what some users have shared:  

• One user lost 35 pounds in one year.  
• Another user lost weight (down to 170 lbs), then gained muscle (up to 185 lbs), then lost more weight (down to 162 lbs), all within 11 months of using MacroFactor.  
• A 49-year-old male user lost 55 pounds in a year, going from 255 pounds to just under 200 pounds.  
• One user lost 30 pounds and found MacroFactor's approach helped them adopt this as their new normal.  
• A user lost 20 pounds in 6 months and was aiming to lose 10 more.  
• One user lost 40 pounds over a year, with the first 20 pounds lost before using MacroFactor.  
• One user lost 70 pounds since November 2023 using various apps, including MacroFactor.  
• A user who had previously lost 50 pounds (from 205 to 150) was using MacroFactor to lose "stubborn belly fat".  
• A software engineer lost 47 pounds and reached a single-digit body fat percentage.  

Beyond individual success stories, a common theme among users is the app's ability to improve adherence to their nutrition plans. The dynamic adjustments and adherence-neutral design help users stay consistent, even when they have occasional slip-ups.

Many users also appreciate the accurate TDEE estimation, which takes the guesswork out of calorie targets and allows for more efficient progress.

Furthermore, MacroFactor seems to have a positive psychological impact on users, helping them develop a healthier relationship with food and a better understanding of their bodies.

Comparison to Other Diet Tracking Apps

While many diet tracking apps are available, MacroFactor distinguishes itself through its advanced algorithm, micronutrient tracking, and focus on personalized coaching.

Compared to apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, or Cronometer, MacroFactor offers a more data-driven approach with dynamic adjustments and a streamlined user interface.

However, MacroFactor's subscription model may be a barrier for some users who prefer free alternatives.

MacroFactor for Bodybuilding and Bulking

MacroFactor offers several features that make it particularly valuable for bodybuilders and those focused on muscle gain, though there are some limitations to consider.

Strengths for Bulking:

• Precise TDEE Tracking: The algorithm's accuracy in calculating energy expenditure is especially valuable during bulking phases, where maintaining the right caloric surplus is crucial for optimal muscle gain while minimizing excess fat gain.
• Dynamic Adjustments: As your metabolism adapts to increased calories and training volume, MacroFactor automatically adjusts your targets. This is particularly useful during lengthy bulk phases where metabolic adaptation occurs.
• Micronutrient Monitoring: The detailed micronutrient tracking helps ensure you're getting adequate vitamins and minerals to support muscle growth and recovery, which becomes increasingly important with higher food intake.
• Flexible Macro Settings: You can easily adjust protein targets to meet bodybuilding requirements (typically 0.8-1.2g per pound of bodyweight) while balancing carbs and fats according to your preferences.

Limitations and Considerations:

• No Direct Training Integration: Unlike some bodybuilding-specific apps like our very own Dr. Muscle, MacroFactor doesn't include workout tracking features, requiring separate tracking for your training program.
• Limited Performance Metrics: While it excels at nutrition tracking, it doesn't directly track training-related metrics like strength progression or recovery markers.
• Cost Factor: For bodybuilders already paying for other services (coaching, gym membership, supplements), the subscription cost adds to the overall expense of pursuing their goals.

Best For:

MacroFactor seems particularly well-suited for intermediate to advanced bodybuilders who:

• Want precise control over their bulk
• Value data-driven approaches to nutrition
• Need help managing the transition between bulking and cutting phases
• Appreciate objective feedback on their progress

However, complete beginners might find simpler apps sufficient until they're ready for MacroFactor's more advanced features.

Pricing and Free Trial

MacroFactor is a premium app with a subscription model. The app offers a 7-day free trial to test out its features. As of December 2024, the subscription options are:

• Monthly: $11.99/month
• Half-Yearly: $47.99/half year
• Yearly: $71.99/year (equivalent to $5.99/month)

While it requires a subscription, many users find it a worthwhile investment for the personalized guidance and accurate tracking it offers.

MacroFactor Free Plan

It's important to note that MacroFactor does not have a free plan.

Conclusion: Is MacroFactor Right for You?

MacroFactor presents a sophisticated approach to nutrition tracking and coaching.

It sets itself apart through its dynamic algorithm, comprehensive features, and data-driven methodology. While its effectiveness is evidenced by numerous user success stories and its scientific backing, it's important to consider both its strengths and limitations when deciding if it's right for you.

The app is likely to excels for individuals who:

• Value precise, data-driven feedback
• Are comfortable with daily weigh-ins and consistent tracking
• Appreciate a judgment-free, adherence-neutral approach
• Want personalized, algorithmic adjustments to their nutrition plan

However, it may not be ideal for those who:

• Find daily weigh-ins mentally challenging or triggering
• Prefer a more casual approach to nutrition tracking
• Are looking for a free solution
• Struggle with consistent food logging

At $5.99-$11.99 per month depending on your subscription choice, MacroFactor represents a significant investment compared to free alternatives. However, for those aligned with its methodology and committed to their nutrition goals, many users find the personalized guidance and sophisticated features justify the cost.

Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal goals, tracking preferences, and comfort with the app's required commitment level. While MacroFactor offers powerful tools for nutrition management, success with any app depends on how well it aligns with your individual needs and lifestyle.