Arvo vs Gravl
AI execution coaching against AI recovery-aware planning. An honest comparison for lifters choosing between depth and convenience.
Last updated: September 2026
How much does Gravl cost in 2026?
Gravl is reported at about $14.99/month in 2026, with prices varying by platform and offer, so verify at checkout. Arvo has a Free plan and Pro at €4/month, with set-by-set AI coaching, 5 training methodologies, and MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking.
Gravl and Arvo both bring AI to strength training, but they solve different problems. Gravl is a recovery-aware planner: it tracks which muscles are still recovering, adjusts for injuries, and builds each session around your equipment and readiness. With over a million lifters and a 4.9/5 store rating, it is a polished product for people who want training handled for them.
Arvo targets a different moment: the set you are about to do. Its 20 AI agents adapt every single set based on your performance, using RIR/RPE feedback, methodology rules, and your training history. If you follow the Kuba Method, Mentzer HIT, or FST-7, Arvo implements these systems faithfully instead of generic programming.
The honest summary: Gravl leads on recovery awareness, AI video form analysis, and wearable coverage with Apple Watch, Wear OS, and Garmin. Arvo leads on in-workout coaching depth, named methodologies, volume landmarks, and history import. Choose Gravl for smart planning with recovery built in, Arvo for a coach that works set by set beside you.
Quick Summary
Arvo
Best for serious lifters
- Set-by-set AI adaptation
- 5 training methodologies
- MEV/MAV/MRV volume tracking
- Free plan + Pro €4/mo
Gravl
Best for recovery-aware planning
- Muscle recovery tracking
- AI video form analysis
- Apple Watch, Wear OS, Garmin
- No named training methodologies
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arvo | Gravl |
|---|---|---|
| AI Adaptation Level | Set-by-set (under 500ms) | Plan-level, recovery-aware |
| Recovery Tracking | Fatigue via RIR/RPE feedback | Per-muscle recovery + injury-aware |
| Form Analysis | Exercise library with guidance | AI video form feedback |
| Training Methodologies | 5 (Kuba, Mentzer, FST-7, Y3T, Mountain Dog) | Goal-based programming |
| Volume Tracking | MEV/MAV/MRV per muscle group | Strength Score + plan tracking |
| RIR/RPE Support | Full integration with AI | Weight suggestions in workout |
| Watch & Wearables | Apple Watch + Apple Health | Apple Watch, Wear OS, Garmin, Strava |
| Exercise Library | 1300+ exercises | 300+ trainer-led videos (offline) |
| Nutrition Tracking | Fuel — macros, AI photo, barcode | Gravl Macros — photo logging |
| Workout History Import | CSV import (Fitbod, Hevy, Strong) | Not advertised |
| Offline Support | Full AI functionality | Downloadable videos |
| Price | Free plan + Pro €4/mo | About $14.99/mo (verify at checkout) |
Key Differences
AI Execution vs AI Planning
Arvo adapts every set in under 500ms from your logged performance. Gravl adapts the plan from recovery and readiness data. One coaches the set, the other plans the week.
Recovery and Form Feedback
Gravl tracks per-muscle recovery, adjusts for injuries, and analyses lifting technique from video. This is genuinely ahead of Arvo, which manages fatigue through RIR/RPE feedback instead.
Training Methodologies
Arvo implements complete methodology systems (Kuba Method, Mentzer HIT, FST-7, Y3T, Mountain Dog). Gravl uses goal-based programming without named methodology systems.
Pricing
Arvo: Free plan plus Pro at €4/month. Gravl: about $14.99/month reported, varying by platform and offer — verify at checkout. Arvo costs meaningfully less for deeper coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvo better than Gravl?
For lifters who follow specific methodologies and want set-by-set coaching with MEV/MAV/MRV tracking, Arvo goes deeper. Gravl is better for recovery-aware planning, video form checks, and wearable integration. Neither is strictly better; they optimise different parts of training.
How much does Gravl cost?
Gravl is reported at about $14.99/month in 2026, with annual and promotional options that differ by platform and purchase route. Prices change, so verify the current price at checkout before subscribing. Arvo has a Free plan and Pro at €4/month; check the price and billing period on the pricing page and at checkout.
Does Gravl adjust for recovery?
Yes, and this is one of its genuine strengths. Gravl tracks which muscles are still recovering, adapts sessions around readiness and injuries, and explains when an exercise was adjusted. Arvo manages fatigue differently, through set-by-set RIR/RPE feedback and volume landmarks.
Does Gravl analyse lifting form from video?
Yes. Gravl offers AI technique analysis from video, which Arvo does not currently match. Arvo instead provides a 1300+ exercise library with guidance and adapts load and volume set by set.
Which app has better smartwatch support?
Gravl, honestly. It has Apple Watch and Wear OS apps plus Garmin and Strava integrations. Arvo has a native Apple Watch app with set logging, live heart rate, and Apple Health sync, but no Wear OS or Garmin support.
Can I migrate my history to Arvo from another app?
Yes. Export your workout history as a CSV and import it into Arvo — the chat assistant parses exports from Fitbod, Hevy, and Strong so your training history comes with you. The AI then calibrates to your patterns within 2-3 workouts.
Does Gravl support Kuba Method or FST-7?
No. Gravl uses goal-based programming adapted to equipment, experience, and recovery. Arvo is the app that implements specific methodologies like Kuba Method, FST-7, Mentzer HIT, Y3T, and Mountain Dog with proper set/rep schemes and periodization.
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