Plates vs Hevy
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right weightlifting app for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Plates is ideal for lifters who want a beautifully designed, privacy-focused app with a one-time payment. Hevy may suit those who want social features and cross-platform support, but requires an ongoing subscription.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plates | Hevy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | $12.99 one-time purchase | $9.99/month or $69.99/year subscription |
| Cost After 2 Years | $12.99 total | $139.98 - $239.76 |
| Free Trial | 14 days full access | Free tier (limited routines & features) |
| Design Philosophy | Premium, minimalist iOS design | Cross-platform, utilitarian |
| Exercise Library | 250+ exercises | 300+ exercises |
| Custom Exercises | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Templates | Unlimited | Limited on free tier |
| Progress Analytics | Clean, intuitive charts | Basic analytics (limited on free) |
| Social Features | None | Workout sharing, followers |
| iPhone Experience | Built specifically for iPhone | Cross-platform app |
| Android Support | No | Yes |
Why Lifters Choose Plates
Pay Once, Own Forever
No recurring fees. A single $12.99 payment gives you lifetime access to all features and future updates. After just two months, you've already saved money compared to Hevy's subscription.
Beautifully Designed
Every screen, every interaction has been crafted with care. Plates feels like a premium iOS app because it is one. No cluttered interfaces, no overwhelming options—just elegant simplicity.
Built for iPhone
Hevy is designed to work on both iPhone and Android, which means compromises for both. Plates is built exclusively for iPhone—faster animations, smoother scrolling, smaller download size, and an interface that feels like it belongs on iOS. You can feel the difference.
Analytics That Make Sense
Hevy's analytics are cluttered and confusing—and mostly locked behind their subscription. Plates gives you clean, intuitive progress charts that actually help you understand your training. No paywall, no confusion.
When to Choose Hevy
Social Features
If you want to share workouts with friends, follow other lifters, or be part of a fitness community, Hevy has built-in social features that Plates doesn't currently have.
Android Support
If you use Android or switch between iPhone and Android, Hevy works on both platforms. Plates is iPhone-only.
Common Questions
Is Plates really cheaper than Hevy?
Yes. Plates costs $12.99 once, forever. Hevy's premium subscription costs $9.99/month or $69.99/year. After just two months of using Hevy, you've already spent more than the entire lifetime cost of Plates. Over two years, you'd save $127-$227 by choosing Plates.
Why does "built for iPhone" matter?
Hevy is designed to run on both iPhone and Android with the same codebase. That means it can't take full advantage of what makes iPhone great. Plates is built exclusively for iOS—smoother animations, familiar gestures, faster performance, and a smaller download. It feels like an app Apple would make, not a compromise.
What about social features?
Plates doesn't currently include social features. If workout sharing and community features are essential to you, Hevy might be a better fit. Plates focuses on providing a clean, distraction-free experience for your training.
Can I try Plates before buying?
Yes. Plates offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start. You can fully evaluate whether Plates is right for you before making any purchase.
Ready to try Plates?
Start your 14-day free trial. No subscription required—ever.
$12.99 one-time purchase after trial