What is the most used calorie counter app? Unpacking the enduring reign of MyFitnessPal

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

With over 200 million users worldwide, MyFitnessPal has been the dominant force in digital diet tracking for years. For many, the first question when starting their wellness journey is, what is the most used calorie counter app? The answer, while still largely MyFitnessPal, involves a deeper look into a shifting and competitive market.

Quick Summary

The most used calorie counter app is MyFitnessPal, renowned for its massive food database and extensive tracking features. Newer apps like Lose It! and Cronometer offer strong competition with different strengths, such as user experience or nutritional detail.

Key Points

MyFitnessPal is most used: With over 200 million users, MyFitnessPal has the largest user base among calorie counter apps, driven by its massive food database.
Feature shifts impact users: MyFitnessPal's move to place features like the barcode scanner behind a premium subscription has prompted some users to look for alternatives.
Competitors offer different strengths: Apps like Cronometer offer higher database accuracy and detailed micronutrient tracking, while Lose It! is praised for its user-friendly interface and cost-effective premium model.
Free vs. Premium: The value offered in the free versions varies significantly. Cronometer provides more nutritional detail in its free tier, whereas MyFitnessPal's free version is more limited after recent updates.
The 'best' app is personal: The ideal calorie counter app depends on individual goals, whether that's overall health, weight loss, or detailed nutritional data.

The Continued Popularity of MyFitnessPal

For nearly two decades, MyFitnessPal has dominated the world of digital nutrition tracking, a testament to its comprehensive features and user-friendly design. Its appeal is built on several key factors:

Enormous Food Database: With a database containing over 18 million food items, MyFitnessPal makes it easy for users to find and log a vast range of foods, from packaged goods to restaurant meals. The sheer size of this database, though containing user-submitted data, is a major convenience.
Holistic Tracking: The platform is an all-in-one solution, allowing users to track not just calories but also macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat), water intake, and exercise. It integrates with numerous fitness devices and apps, like Apple Health and Fitbit, to provide a more complete picture of a user's health.
Accountability and Community: MyFitnessPal's community features, including message boards and the ability to connect with friends, provide social motivation and accountability that many users find valuable for their wellness journey.

The Shift to Premium and User Reactions

In recent years, MyFitnessPal has shifted some key features, like the popular barcode scanner and custom macro goal settings, behind a paywall. This change has frustrated many long-term users and led some to seek alternatives. While the premium versions offer advanced features, the move has opened the door for competitors to gain market share by offering more robust free options.

Leading Alternatives to MyFitnessPal

While MyFitnessPal remains the most widely used, several competitors have carved out strong niches by focusing on different user needs. For example:

Cronometer: This app is favored by those who want high accuracy and detailed micronutrient tracking. It uses a verified food database, which minimizes user-submitted errors found in MyFitnessPal.
Lose It!: Known for its exceptionally clean and intuitive user interface, Lose It! appeals to beginners and those who prioritize simplicity. Its premium version is also more affordable than MyFitnessPal's.
MacroFactor: For users who value data-driven coaching, MacroFactor uses an AI algorithm to calculate your energy expenditure in real-time and adjust calorie targets accordingly.

Comparison of Top Calorie Counter Apps


Feature	MyFitnessPal	Lose It!	Cronometer
Best For	Overall features and massive database	Weight loss goals and a clean interface	Nutritional precision and micronutrients
Food Database	Extensive (18M+), includes user-generated entries	Large and growing	Verified, USDA-based, high accuracy
Free Version	Basic food/calorie logging, includes ads	Offers strong basic features, some AI	Detailed macro and micronutrient tracking
Barcode Scanner	Premium feature only	Premium feature (was free)	Included in the free version
Macronutrient Tracking	Available in premium version	Advanced tracking requires premium	Included in the free version
AI Features	Limited integration in some features	AI food recognition and planning	N/A

How to Choose the Right App for You

Selecting the best calorie counter depends on your individual needs. Here are some questions to consider:

What is your main goal? For weight loss with a focus on simplicity, Lose It! might be a good fit. For those building muscle or managing specific health conditions, Cronometer's detailed nutritional data is superior.
What is your budget? While all offer free tiers, the value proposition varies greatly. If you need a barcode scanner without paying, Cronometer is an excellent choice.
How do you prioritize data accuracy? If you are concerned about potential inaccuracies from user-submitted data, Cronometer's verified database provides peace of mind.

Conclusion: The Evolving World of Digital Nutrition

While MyFitnessPal remains the most widely recognized and used calorie counter, the market for nutrition tracking apps is more diverse than ever. Its dominance is challenged by more specialized and user-focused competitors like Cronometer and Lose It!. For individuals, this means there is a richer variety of tools available to support a healthier lifestyle. The best app ultimately depends on a user's goals, budget, and desired level of detail, proving that 'most used' doesn't always mean 'best for you'. For anyone looking to get started, it is always worth experimenting with a few free versions to see which interface and features align best with your habits and objectives.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. [^1]

[^1]: Authoritative link: MyFitnessPal - Track your meals

Frequently Asked Questions

MyFitnessPal has a massive food database, but it includes user-submitted data, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies. For higher accuracy and verified nutritional information, Cronometer is often recommended by nutritionists because it relies on sources like the USDA database.

Lose It! is often praised as the best app for beginners due to its clean, simple, and intuitive interface. Its user-friendly design makes it less overwhelming for people new to tracking their food intake.

Yes, MyFitnessPal has a free version that allows for basic food logging and calorie tracking. However, many popular features, such as the barcode scanner and custom macro tracking, are now exclusive to the paid premium version.

For those interested in tracking micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, Cronometer is the superior choice. Its free version provides detailed micronutrient data that is not available in the free versions of other popular apps.

MyFitnessPal moved its barcode scanner and other advanced features to its premium subscription to drive revenue. This shift in strategy has generated significant user frustration and opened up opportunities for competitors.

Yes, studies show that individuals who consistently log their food intake are more likely to achieve their health and fitness goals. The act of tracking increases awareness of eating habits and accountability.

The better app depends on your needs. MyFitnessPal has a larger database and broader features, while Lose It! offers a cleaner interface and a more focused weight-loss approach. For budget-conscious users, Lose It!'s premium features are more affordable.