Calorie counting apps have become an integral tool for many pursuing health and fitness goals. Among the most popular options are MyFitnessPal and Lose It!, both of which offer robust features for tracking food and activity. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. A detailed comparison can help you decide which is better, MyFitnessPal or Lose It, for your personal journey.
Free vs. Premium Features
The most significant change in recent years has been the shift of key features behind paywalls, particularly with MyFitnessPal.
MyFitnessPal's Free vs. Premium Model
For years, MyFitnessPal was the undisputed king of free calorie tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of tools without charge. However, this has changed significantly. In 2022, MyFitnessPal made its popular barcode scanner a premium-only feature, causing many users to seek alternatives. Today, the free version is quite limited, primarily offering calorie tracking through manual entry or searching a vast but sometimes inaccurate user-generated database.
Free Version Limitations:
- No barcode scanning.
- Limited macro-nutrient tracking overview.
- Intrusive advertisements.
Lose It!'s Free vs. Premium Model
Lose It! traditionally offered a more generous free tier, including the barcode scanner that MyFitnessPal moved to premium. However, according to recent user reports on Reddit, Lose It! has also started experimenting with paywalls for the barcode scanner for some new users. While the situation can be inconsistent, Lose It! is still often considered a more budget-friendly option, with a more affordable premium plan. The free version provides solid calorie and basic macro tracking, exercise logging, and community access.
Key differences in paid versions:
- Lose It! Premium is generally cheaper than MyFitnessPal's.
- Lose It! Premium offers a tidier, more gamified interface and advanced reports.
- MyFitnessPal Premium offers deeper nutritional insights, macro-cycling, and recipe importing from URLs.
Food Database: Quantity vs. Quality
Both apps rely heavily on user-generated data, leading to potential inaccuracies in both databases. However, there are noticeable differences in size and verification.
MyFitnessPal's Database
- Size: MyFitnessPal boasts one of the largest food databases available, with millions of food items, including global and restaurant entries. This makes it easier to find and log almost any food.
- Accuracy: A significant drawback is that a large portion of the database is user-submitted and unverified. While verified entries exist, users must be diligent in double-checking nutritional information, especially for common packaged foods.
Lose It!'s Database
- Size: Lose It! has a smaller database than MyFitnessPal but has made significant strides in recent years. Many users find it sufficient for their needs.
- Accuracy: Lose It! also relies on user-generated content, but many feel it has a better-vetted database with fewer incorrect entries than MyFitnessPal. It also features verified items to ensure accuracy.
User Experience and Interface
User experience is a highly subjective factor, but general themes emerge when comparing the two platforms.
MyFitnessPal's User Interface
Long-time MyFitnessPal users appreciate its straightforward, no-frills approach to data logging. However, newer users often find the interface dated, cluttered, and less visually appealing compared to modern apps. The app can feel more like a basic database logger than a motivational tool.
Lose It!'s User Interface
Lose It! is consistently praised for its modern, clean, and intuitive design. The app utilizes progress circles and a visually engaging aesthetic, which can feel more motivating and less like a chore. Features like the 'insights' and goal tracking are presented in a fun and easily digestible manner.
Comparison Table
| Feature | MyFitnessPal | Lose It! |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version | Limited calorie logging, basic activity tracking, ads. | Calorie tracking, community, insights, often includes free barcode scanning for existing users. |
| Barcode Scanner | Premium feature only. | Often included in the free tier, but is transitioning to a premium-only feature for some users. |
| Food Database | Extensive and vast, but accuracy can be inconsistent due to user submissions. | Large and continually improving, with good verification; generally considered more reliable. |
| User Interface | Can feel cluttered and outdated, more of a functional logging tool. | Modern, clean, and engaging; often praised for user-friendliness. |
| Customization | Excellent macro tracking and custom goal setting in Premium. | Highly customizable goals, including average-by-week caloric budgets. |
| Recipe Creation | Robust feature for importing recipes from websites in Premium. | Allows manual recipe creation, but less seamless for importing from external links. |
| Community | Active forums and social features. | Engaged community with support and challenges. |
| Pricing | Higher cost for Premium features ($79.99+/year). | More affordable Premium plan ($39.99/year). |
Who Should Choose Which App?
Your best choice depends heavily on your habits and what you value most in a tracking app.
Choose MyFitnessPal if...
- You need the most extensive, comprehensive food database possible, especially for unique items or international foods.
- You track a wide range of micronutrients and want deep, detailed nutritional breakdowns, especially in the Premium version.
- You are deeply embedded in the Under Armour and other fitness ecosystem integrations, and device sync is a priority.
- You are a long-term user accustomed to the interface and have saved meals and recipes.
Choose Lose It! if...
- You are a beginner looking for a simple, visually pleasing, and encouraging interface.
- You want a more budget-friendly option, as the premium version is more affordable and has frequent discounts.
- You prefer a more modern, gamified approach to tracking your progress.
- You want access to a barcode scanner without paying a premium, though it's important to verify it's still free for new users.
Conclusion
There is no single winner between MyFitnessPal and Lose It!, as both apps offer strong tools for calorie and nutrition tracking. MyFitnessPal remains a powerhouse for its immense database and detailed nutrient tracking, making it ideal for the meticulous tracker, provided they are willing to pay for premium features like the barcode scanner. In contrast, Lose It! offers a more user-friendly, motivational, and often more budget-friendly experience, making it a better entry point for most casual or new users. The best choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a large database and deep-dive analytics (MyFitnessPal) or simplicity and a more encouraging user experience at a lower price point (Lose It!).
Resources for Further Information
- Lose It! Support Center: https://help.loseit.com/hc/en-us (1.2.2)
- MyFitnessPal Support: https://support.myfitnesspal.com/hc/en-us (2.6.1)
