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If you’ve used MyFitnessPal for a while, you’ve probably noticed a few things: the ads are getting more aggressive, key features are now locked behind a paywall, and the overall experience hasn’t evolved much. Basically, MyFitnessPal sucks.
I’ve personally tested dozens of nutrition apps over the past few years—both as a coach and as someone who tracks macros daily—and I can confidently say there are better options than MyFitnessPal. The right choice for you depends on your goals, preferences, and priorities.
Some apps are smarter. Some are simpler. And some go deeper into your diet than MyFitnessPal ever could.
And I’m not just saying this from the outside looking in: I used to be a MyFitnessPal diehard (using the app for over 1,000 days straight!), but I made the switch and haven’t looked back.
Below, I’ve ranked the 6 best MyFitnessPal alternatives from best to worst, based on accuracy, usability, features, and overall value.
Key Takeaways
- AI is leveling the playing field and allowing new up-and-coming apps to disrupt some of the longer-standing apps that have been slower to adopt and integrate AI features
- MacroFactor is still our most highly-recommended nutrition tracking app that gives you “a nutrition coach in your pocket”
- MyNetDiary Premium and Cronometer both pack a punch when it comes to data
- Welling is an up-and-coming “keep it simple” tracker with powerful functionality that “feels like ChatGPT and MyFitnessPal combined”
- MyFitnessPal’s acquisition of CAL AI might revive the company the way acquiring Pixar revived Disney in the film industry: pairing technology and a fresh approach with an established, well-known brand
TL;DR (Quick Verdict)
- Best overall (coaching + accuracy): MacroFactor
- Best balance (easy + powerful): MyNetDiary Premium
- Best for fast logging (AI): Welling
- Best for automation (AI): CAL AI
- Best for nutrition nerds: Cronometer
- Best simple alternative: Lose It!
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Free Version | Ease of Use | Accuracy | Coaching/Insights | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacroFactor | Data-driven fat loss & macros | ❌ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8/5 |
| MyNetDiary Premium | Balanced, beginner to intermediate | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8/5 |
| Welling | Fast AI food logging | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8/5 |
| CAL AI | Automated tracking | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7/5 |
| Cronometer | Micronutrient tracking | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4/5 |
| Lose It! | Simple calorie tracking | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 4.0/5 |
Best For Summary (At a Glance)
- MacroFactor: Best for serious fat loss, macro tracking, and long-term physique goals
- MyNetDiary Premium: Best for beginners who want structure without complexity
- Welling: Best for people who hate logging food manually
- CAL AI: Best for automation and convenience-focused users
- Cronometer: Best for detailed nutrition and micronutrient tracking
- Lose It!: Best for simple, no-frills calorie tracking
1. MacroFactor
Overall rating: 4.8/5
What is MacroFactor?
MacroFactor is a premium macro tracking app designed for people who want highly accurate, data-driven nutrition coaching without the guesswork. Unlike MyFitnessPal, which relies heavily on user-entered data and static calorie targets, MacroFactor uses a dynamic algorithm that adjusts your calorie and macro targets based on your actual progress.
After using it for over two years, what stands out most is how coaching-driven it feels. Instead of telling you what should work, it adapts to what is working. If your weight isn’t moving as expected, it recalculates your targets automatically (in coached mode) —no manual adjustments needed (but possible if you want).
It’s especially valuable for people serious about fat loss, muscle gain, or body recomposition. That said, it’s not the most beginner-friendly app, since it assumes you’re comfortable with tracking consistently and interpreting trends over time.
Highlights
- Adaptive calorie and macro targets based on real progress
- No ads or upsells—clean, distraction-free experience
- Highly accurate nutrition database
- Strong trend analysis (weight, expenditure, adherence)
- Ideal for long-term physique goals
Drawbacks
- No free version (You code Feastgood for an extra week of your free trial)
- Slight learning curve for beginners
- Requires consistent tracking for best results (this is true of every app, though)
- Less “hand-holding” than beginner apps
Key Features
- Dynamic coaching algorithm, taking all of the guesswork out of what your macronutrient and calorie targets should be to keep you on track with your goals, or help you break through a plateau.
- Weekly check-ins with automatic adjustments: this is where the dynamic coaching algorithm shines. The fact that the app looks at weekly trends rather than fixating on single days helps remove the “all or nothing” mindset and emphasizes progress in the long-term versus perfection in any one day.
- Detailed trend dashboards: these visual reminders are very motivating and help users link their results with their intake, smoothing the noise (and related anxiety) of single day variances into reassuring big picture views to remind users that body change is a long game.
- Custom macro splits: manipulating macronutrients for optimal body composition is a science, and no one does it better than MacroFactor, ensuring that you are prioritizing lean body mass whether in a bulk or a cut.
- Integration with body weight and nutrition data: MacroFactor isn’t going off of theory; it reinforces actual logged intake against actual logged results which encourages honesty and adherence.
Enter code FEASTGOOD when signing up to get an extra week on your free trial (2 weeks total).
2. MyNetDiary Premium
Overall rating: 4.8/5
What is MyNetDiary Premium?
MyNetDiary Premium is one of the most well-rounded nutrition apps available, offering a balance between ease of use and advanced features. It’s often what people wish MyFitnessPal would evolve into—cleaner interface, better guidance, and more thoughtful design.
What I like most is how it walks the line between beginner-friendly and data-rich. You get structured guidance (like calorie targets and habit prompts), but also deeper insights if you want them—like nutrient breakdowns and Food Grades and progress analytics .
Compared to MyFitnessPal, it feels more polished and less cluttered. It’s particularly good for general weight loss users who want guidance without feeling overwhelmed by complexity. That said, the detailed data is there for mining by even the most advanced users.
Highlights
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Strong food database with high accuracy
- Built-in coaching and habit tracking
- Great balance of simplicity and depth
- Minimal ads compared to MyFitnessPal
Drawbacks
- Some advanced features locked behind Premium
- Less customizable than MacroFactor
- Not as overtly data-driven for advanced users – it takes a bit more work to bring the data to the forefront
- Coaching is more general than personalized
Key Features
- Barcode scanner and large food database: this makes it fast and reliable to log your food, and you need efficiency and accuracy to get the results you want.
- Daily coaching tips and reminders: having a form of outside accountability helps with adherence, and adherence is required for results.
- Detailed nutrient tracking (macros + micronutrients): MyNetDiary tracks up to 108 micronutrients (included in the free version), which allows users to really focus on health beyond just their weight.
- Weight and progress tracking: like MacroFactor, these visual reminders are very motivating to keep users focused on their big picture goals without getting overwhelmed with daily details.
- Meal planning tools: MyNetDiary’s Shopping List and meal plans make it easy for users to plan, shop for and prepare meals to hit their macros, which takes the guesswork out of what ingredients to have on hand and what meals to eat to hit their macros. This is especially helpful for new clients as they learn what foods, in what amounts, in what combinations will help them hit their targets.
3. Welling
Overall rating: 4.8/5
What is Welling?
Welling is an AI-powered calorie tracking app designed to make food logging as fast and effortless as possible. Instead of manually searching for foods, you can describe your meal—or even snap a photo—and the app estimates your calories and macros.
From a usability standpoint, it’s one of the fastest logging experiences I’ve tested. If MyFitnessPal feels tedious, Welling feels like the opposite. It removes friction, which can be a game-changer for consistency.
That said, the trade-off is accuracy. While the AI is impressive, it’s not always perfect, making it better suited for general tracking rather than precise macro control.
Highlights
- Extremely fast food logging with AI
- Great for reducing tracking fatigue
- Modern, intuitive interface
- Ideal for beginners or casual users
- Minimal manual input required
Drawbacks
- Less accurate than manual tracking apps
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for strict macro tracking
- Still evolving as a newer app
Key Features
- Natural language chat: you can ask Welling context-specific questions that refer to your stated preferences during the intake, such as, “How can I eat more protein without adding fish or yogurt to my diet?” This saves you from getting meal plans, recipes, or suggestions you simply won’t follow, which increases the value of the answer.
- AI food recognition (text + photo): this is where Welling shines – no need to even scan a barcode or type the name of the food you’re looking for. This removes the excuse, “I have no time to log my food.”
- Automatic calorie and macro estimates: no need to dig out your food scales – just tell the app what you had to eat, or snap a picture and upload it and Welling will calculate the calories and macros.
- Simplified daily tracking dashboard: with so many competing priorities for their time, our clients love that Welling’s dashboard keeps the focus on what’s most important (calories and macros) without overwhelming users with detailed data that doesn’t move the needle.
- Relevant notifications: Welling will send notifications to remind users to log their meals, weight, and workouts. These little nudges are like having a coach providing accountability to keep you on track, and even if it’s only AI “watching,” it increases adherence and sustainability of behaviours for weight and/or body composition change.
Use code FEASTGOOD15 for 15% off
4. CAL AI
Overall rating: 4.7/5
What is CAL AI?
CAL AI is another AI-driven nutrition app, but with a stronger focus on automation and convenience. It gained traction quickly as a next-gen alternative to traditional trackers, aiming to reduce how much you need to think about logging.
The core idea is similar to Welling—remove friction—but CAL AI leans further into automation, using predictions and simplified inputs to streamline the experience.
In practice, it’s impressive for consistency, but like most AI tools, it sacrifices some accuracy compared to manual tracking apps.
Highlights
- Advanced AI-driven tracking
- Fast and convenient logging
- Strong automation features
- Modern, clean user experience
- Good for consistency-focused users
Drawbacks
- Accuracy can vary
- Less control over detailed macros
- Still developing feature set
- Not ideal for advanced athletes
- No body measurement logging
Key Features
- AI-powered food recognition: when users add photos or describe what they ate, the app will show related foods and meals from its library, and allows users to save foods for easy logging later. One of the biggest barriers to success in tracking macros is users failing to log their foods – CAL AI makes this barrier as low as possible.
- Automated calorie estimation: like Welling, CAL AI will calculate estimated macros and calories for foods, and users can easily adjust if the numbers seem way off.
- Simplified activity tracking interface: users can input type of activity, duration and intensity, and CAL AI will calculate the estimated calories burned (and add them to the user’s daily calorie budget if desired – this is a step during intake) OR users can input their own value for calories burned.
- Reward badges: CAL AI gamifies weight management by allowing users to earn badges for various milestones (such as streaks of varying lengths, weight loss goals, and hitting calorie goals), creating a fun and engaging way to keep users motivated.
5. Cronometer
Overall rating: 4.4/5
What is Cronometer?
Cronometer is one of the most detailed nutrition tracking apps available, especially when it comes to micronutrients. While MyFitnessPal focuses mostly on calories and macros, Cronometer tracks vitamins, minerals, and even amino acids, and has a completely separate macronutrient category for alcohol.
It’s incredibly powerful—but that power comes with complexity. The interface isn’t as polished, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re just trying to lose weight. The free version is also starting to experience interruptions for full screen video ads that have to play before you can return to logging.
Where it shines is for data-driven users, nutrition coaches, and people with specific dietary needs. If you want to fully understand what you’re eating, Cronometer is unmatched.
Highlights
- Extremely detailed nutrient tracking
- Highly accurate, verified food database
- Ideal for advanced users and professionals
- Great for tracking micronutrients
- Strong customization options
Drawbacks
- Steeper learning curve
- Interface feels less modern
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Slower logging compared to simpler apps
Key Features
- Full micronutrient tracking: if you are serious about managing your intake of one or more micronutrients, no matter how obscure, Cronometer’s got you covered. The Ask the Oracle feature will also give suggestions for foods to deliver more of specified micronutrients, and food diaries can be easily exported to healthcare professionals as part of an overall health management plan.
- Verified food database: no guessing and no estimates here – get the exact calories, macronutrients and micronutrients for each food logged so that you know whether your actual intake is working to get you to your goals, or not.
- Custom nutrient targets: even in the free tier, you can set targets by the exact gram, which is great for athletes and advanced users who want full control over their experience.
- Advanced reports and charts: users can create custom charts (in the Gold version) to plot any variable they want against any other, to look for correlation and/or trends over time.
*This link gets you 10% off the gold plan. No code is required.
6. Lose It!
Overall rating: 4.0/5
What is Lose It?
Lose It! is one of the closest alternatives to MyFitnessPal in terms of overall feel. It’s a calorie-focused tracking app with a large database, barcode scanning, and a relatively simple interface.
It’s easy to use and beginner-friendly, which makes it appealing if you’re just getting started. However, compared to newer apps, it feels a bit dated and lacks innovation.
While it does the basics well, it doesn’t stand out in any particular area—which is why it ranks lower on this list.
Highlights
- Simple and easy to use
- Large food database
- Beginner-friendly setup
- Quick calorie tracking
- Familiar interface for MyFitnessPal users
Drawbacks
- Limited advanced features (macronutrient tracking is only available in the paid version of the app)
- Less accurate database than competitors
- More ads in the free version
- Lacks innovation compared to newer apps
Key Features
- Calorie tracking dashboard: Lost It has a “keep it simple” approach that recognizes that “calories are king” when it comes to weight loss, and allows beginners to focus on this before worrying about the “tetris” of trying to hit four targets simultaneously (calories and each of the three main macronutrients).
- Goal setting for weight loss: Lose It has one of the most thoughtful (and thought-provoking) intake processes on the market, encouraging users to truly understand their “why” for their weight loss goal and to consider what will set them up for success based on past experiences.
- Accurate calorie targets: some apps have overly aggressive calorie targets (too big of a deficit for sustainable weight loss) which can make it harder to stick to the targets AND can lead to poorer body composition results when lean muscle mass is sacrificed to lose weight quickly.
Final Verdict
If you want the most accurate, hands-off coaching, go with MacroFactor.
If you want a balanced, user-friendly experience, choose MyNetDiary Premium.
If you hate logging and want something fast and effortless, try Welling or CAL AI.
If you care about deep nutrition insights, Cronometer is unmatched.
And if you just want something simple and familiar, with a calorie-focus for weight loss, Lose It! will get the job done.
At the end of the day, the best app is the one you’ll actually use consistently—but if MyFitnessPal isn’t cutting it anymore, you now have better options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to MyFitnessPal?
The best alternative depends on your goal, but MacroFactor is the top choice if you want the most accurate, data-driven results. It automatically adjusts your calories and macros based on your progress, which removes a lot of the guesswork.
If you prefer something simpler, MyNetDiary Premium is a great all-around option that balances ease of use with helpful features, and the new Advanced Autopilot feature is making automated adjustments to rival MacroFactor’s.
Is there a free alternative to MyFitnessPal?
Yes—several apps on this list offer free versions, including MyNetDiary, Welling, CAL AI, Cronometer, and Lose It!.
That said, most free versions come with limitations (ads, locked features, or less customization). If you’re serious about your results, upgrading to a premium app is usually worth it.
Which app is most accurate for tracking calories and macros?
MacroFactor, MyNetDiary and Cronometer are the most accurate options.
MacroFactor uses a validated database and adjusts your targets based on real-world results, while MyNetDiary and Cronometer rely on highly verified food data and provide extremely detailed nutrient tracking.
Which app is easiest to use for beginners?
MyNetDiary Premium and Lose It! are the most beginner-friendly.
They have simple interfaces, guided setups, and don’t overwhelm you with too much data upfront. If you’re brand new to tracking, these are the easiest places to start. If you know you’ll want more data in the future, I’d recommend MyNetDiary Premium over Lose It!.
Are AI calorie tracking apps like Welling and CAL AI accurate?
AI apps like Welling and CAL AI are improving quickly, but they’re still less accurate than manual tracking apps.
They’re best for convenience and consistency—not precision. If your goal is general weight loss, they can work well. But if you need exact macros, you’re better off with MacroFactor, MyNetDiary or Cronometer.
Is MyFitnessPal still worth using?
MyFitnessPal can still work for basic calorie and macro tracking, but compared to newer apps, it feels outdated and the number of inaccurate entries in its bloated food database is overwhelming.
Many features are now behind a paywall, the database can be inconsistent, and the user experience hasn’t improved much. That’s why many users are switching to alternatives that are more accurate, modern, and easier to use.
Which MyFitnessPal alternative is best for weight loss?
For weight loss specifically:
- Best overall: MacroFactor (automatic adjustments based on progress and scientific algorithms)
- Best simple yet powerful option: MyNetDiary Premium
- Best for consistency due to ease of logging: Welling or CAL AI
The most important factor isn’t the app itself—it’s whether you can use it consistently over time.
Other Nutrition App Roundups
- 5 Best Nutrition Apps For Weight Gain (As Rated by Coaches)
- 7 Apps Like Noom But Cheaper (+ Free Noom Alternatives)
- Best Calorie & Macro Tracking App: I Tested 18 Apps
About The Author
Lauren Loveswell is a Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified nutrition coach. She focuses on helping busy professionals balance healthy eating and purposeful movement. Lauren has a background in competitive swimming and is currently competing as a CrossFit athlete. She has a passion for training, teaching, and writing.
Why Trust Our Content
On Staff at FeastGood.com, we have Registered Dietitians, coaches with PhDs in Human Nutrition, and internationally ranked athletes who contribute to our editorial process. This includes research, writing, editing, fact-checking, and product testing/reviews. At a bare minimum, all authors must be certified nutrition coaches by either the National Academy of Sports Medicine, International Sport Sciences Association, or Precision Nutrition. Learn more about our team here.
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