Arvo vs Strong
AI-powered coaching vs minimalist workout logging. Choose intelligence or simplicity.
Strong is the minimalist's workout tracker. It does one thing well: let you log sets, reps, and weight with zero friction. No AI suggestions, no complex features, just a clean interface that stays out of your way. For experienced lifters who follow their own programming, Strong's simplicity is a feature, not a limitation.
Arvo approaches training from the opposite direction. Rather than assuming you know exactly what to do, it actively coaches you. Its AI analyzes your performance in real-time and recommends weights, rep targets, and rest times for every set. When you finish a set of squats at RIR 1, Arvo calculates whether to increase weight, maintain, or adjust based on your methodology and fatigue levels.
Strong is for lifters who want a digital notebook. Arvo is for lifters who want a digital coach. If you have your own program dialed in, Strong's legendary reliability makes it hard to beat. If you want intelligent guidance implementing Kuba, Mentzer, FST-7, or evidence-based hypertrophy principles, Arvo's AI delivers coaching that Strong intentionally doesn't offer.
Quick Summary
Arvo
AI-powered coaching
- Tells you what weight to use
- Generates complete workouts
- Implements training methodologies
- Perfect for beginners & pros
Strong
Simple workout logger
- Minimal, clean interface
- Apple Watch app
- Reliable, fast logging
- No AI or recommendations
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arvo | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| AI Recommendations | 26 specialized agents | None |
| Workout Generation | AI-generated workouts | Manual only |
| Weight Suggestions | Set-by-set recommendations | Shows previous weight |
| Training Methodologies | 5 implementations | None |
| Volume Tracking | MEV/MAV/MRV | Basic totals |
| Stripe Payments (Coach) | Full integration | No |
| Google Calendar Sync | Two-way sync | No |
| Strava Import | Auto-import cardio | No |
| Interface Simplicity | Feature-rich | Minimal, focused |
| Plate Calculator | Built-in | Built-in |
| Apple Watch | Not yet | Full support |
| Exercise Database | 1300+ exercises | 300+ exercises |
| Price | Free (beta) / €6/mo | Free tier / $4.99/mo |
Key Differences
Philosophy
Strong believes in staying out of your way—it's a digital notebook. Arvo believes in active coaching—it's a virtual trainer.
Decision Making
With Strong, you decide everything. With Arvo, AI handles progression, exercise selection, and volume management automatically.
Best For
Strong: Experienced lifters who follow their own programming. Arvo: Anyone who wants intelligent guidance and automatic optimization.
Value Proposition
Strong is a well-made journal. Arvo is a complete coaching system. Different tools for different needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvo better than Strong?
For lifters who want AI recommendations and automatic progression, yes. Strong is a simple, reliable logger that's great if you already know exactly what to do. Arvo adds intelligence; Strong stays out of your way.
Is Strong free?
Strong has a free tier limited to 3 custom routines. Strong Pro costs $4.99/month or $29.99/year. Arvo is free during beta and will cost €6/month with unlimited features and AI coaching.
Does Strong have AI features?
No. Strong is purely a workout logger. It doesn't suggest weights, create workouts, or implement training methodologies. Arvo's entire value proposition is AI-powered coaching.
Which app is better for beginners?
Arvo. It tells you exactly what to do and adjusts based on your performance. Strong requires you to know what program to follow and how to progress. Arvo's Lite mode is designed specifically for beginners.
Can I import my Strong data into Arvo?
Direct import isn't available yet. However, Arvo's AI learns quickly from your performance. Within 2-3 workouts, it calibrates to your strength levels without needing historical data.
Does Strong support training methodologies like Kuba or FST-7?
No. Strong is a pure logger without methodology support. You log what you do, but there's no automated set/rep scheme enforcement or periodization. Arvo implements 5 complete methodologies with proper protocols.
Does Strong track MEV/MAV/MRV volume?
No. Strong tracks basic volume totals but doesn't use scientific volume landmarks. Arvo automatically tracks MEV, MAV, and MRV per muscle group with intelligent deload recommendations.
Which app has better Apple Watch support?
Strong has excellent Apple Watch integration for logging workouts. Arvo doesn't have Apple Watch support yet—it's on the roadmap. If Apple Watch is critical, Strong wins here.
Is Strong good for powerlifting?
Strong is popular among powerlifters because it's simple and reliable. However, Arvo's RIR tracking, periodization, and methodology support can optimize powerlifting training more intelligently.
Why is Strong so popular if it has no AI?
Strong's popularity comes from doing one thing perfectly: logging. Many experienced lifters don't want AI suggestions—they know their program. Strong respects that autonomy.
Can Strong replace a personal trainer?
No. Strong is a logger, not a trainer—it doesn't tell you what to do. Arvo is designed to replace or complement a personal trainer with AI coaching that provides real-time recommendations.
Which app is better for hypertrophy training?
Arvo is specifically designed for hypertrophy with methodology support, volume landmarks (MEV/MAV/MRV), and set-by-set adaptation. Strong can log hypertrophy workouts but doesn't optimize them.
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