We make Defiant, one of the apps below. That makes this a vendor's guide, not an independent ranking. We say plainly where another app is the better pick, prices and ratings come from each app's App Store listing (US, checked October 7, 2026), and the sources are at the end.
The short answer
- Both programs, as written, in one appBoostcamp
- Free, faithful and customizableLiftosaur
- Only 5/3/1, pay once5/3/1 Workout Logger
- Only GZCL programs, freeGZCL Method Workout Logger
- The structure, with weights from your own performanceDefiant
We'll be upfront: if you want 5/3/1 or GZCLP exactly as written, our app isn't the best pick. Defiant's versions keep the structure but set the weights differently. We explain the trade-off below.
What these programs need from an app
5/3/1
Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 works from a training max, usually 90% of your one-rep max. Each month runs three weeks of rising percentages (sets of 5, then 3, then 5/3/1) and often a deload week. The last set of each main lift is "as many reps as possible". After each cycle, the training max goes up: commonly 5 lb for upper-body lifts and 10 lb for lower-body lifts. Templates like Boring But Big add supplemental volume underneath.
A 5/3/1 app should calculate every set from the training max, log the AMRAP set, raise the training max between cycles, and handle assistance work.
GZCLP
Cody Lefever's GZCLP is a linear program in three tiers. Tier 1 is heavy (5×3+); tier 2 is the same lifts for volume (3×10); tier 3 is lighter accessory work (3×15+). When you fail a tier, the scheme changes rather than the weight dropping straight away: tier 1 goes from 5×3 to 6×2 to 10×1, tier 2 from 3×10 to 3×8 to 3×6, before a reset.
A GZCLP app should track each tier's stage and move you through the failure steps automatically.
At a glance
| App | 5/3/1 | GZCLP | Price | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boostcamp | Official templates | All four official programs | Free tier; Pro $59.99/yr or $14.99/mo | No |
| Liftosaur | Built in | Built in | Free to start; paid plan for extras | See listing |
| 5/3/1 Workout Logger | Yes, incl. Beyond 5/3/1 | No | 3-week trial, then one-time unlocks ($9.99 Pro; add-ons extra) | Paid add-on |
| Wendler Log 531 | Yes | No | Free base; Pro $69.99/yr or $5.99/mo | Yes |
| GZCL Method Workout Logger | No | GZCLP and other GZCL programs | Free, full programs; Pro $9.99 once (charts, plate math) | No |
| Defiant | Inspired version, rep ranges | Inspired version, rep ranges | Free now | Yes |
The apps, one by one
Boostcamp
Best for both programs as written, in one app
- App Store rating
- 4.8 (10K ratings)
- Price
- Free tier; Pro $59.99/yr or $14.99/mo
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad, Android
- Apple Watch app
- No
Boostcamp has 5/3/1 (including Boring But Big, Building the Monolith and 5/3/1 for Beginners) and all four official GZCL programs pre-built with tier tracking, alongside nSuns and thousands more. By Boostcamp's own description it logs AMRAP sets and raises the training max for the next cycle.
Good
- Official templates for both
- One history across programs
- Android too
Watch out for
- Some auto-progression features are listed as Pro
- No Apple Watch app
Pick it if you want to run these programs exactly as written and might switch between them.
Liftosaur
Best for free, faithful and customizable
- App Store rating
- 4.9 (338 ratings)
- Price
- Free to start; paid plan for extras
- Platforms
- iPhone, Android, web
- Apple Watch app
- See listing
Liftosaur includes GZCLP and 5/3/1, and lets you change the progression logic with a simple scripting language if you want your own variation.
Good
- Free to start; iPhone, Android and web
- Edit any rule
Watch out for
- Customizing takes some learning
Pick it if you want a free, faithful version, or want to tweak the rules.
5/3/1 Workout Logger
Best for 5/3/1 only, paying once
- App Store rating
- 4.8 (3.2K ratings)
- Price
- 3-week trial, then one-time unlocks ($9.99 Pro; add-ons extra)
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad, Mac
- Apple Watch app
- Yes (paid add-on)
The most-reviewed dedicated 5/3/1 app. Enter your maxes once and it lays out every working set across the wave, including Beyond 5/3/1 and custom cycles, with a plate calculator.
Good
- 4.8 from 3.2K ratings
- One-time purchases instead of a subscription
- Apple Watch logging available
Watch out for
- Main features need paid unlocks after the trial
- 5/3/1 only
Pick it if 5/3/1 is all you run and you'd rather not subscribe.
Wendler Log 531
Best for 5/3/1 across every Apple device
- App Store rating
- 4.4 (456 ratings)
- Price
- Free base; Pro $69.99/yr or $5.99/mo
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad, Mac
- Apple Watch app
- Yes
Wendler Log 531 calculates working sets from your maxes and supports standard templates, custom cycles and assistance work, on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac.
Good
- Broad Apple device support
Watch out for
- Subscription for Pro
- Lower rating than the alternatives
Pick it if you want 5/3/1 on every Apple screen you own.
GZCL Method Workout Logger
Best for GZCL programs, free
- App Store rating
- 4.7 (230 ratings)
- Price
- Free, full programs; Pro $9.99 once (charts, plate math)
- Platforms
- iPhone, Mac
- Apple Watch app
- No
Built specifically for GZCL: GZCLP, Jacked and Tan 2.0, The Rippler, Ultra High Frequency and VDIP, with automated progression, AMRAP sets and per-exercise rest timers. The full programs are free; Pro adds charts and a plate calculator.
Good
- Free full programs
- Several GZCL programs beyond GZCLP
Watch out for
- Small app, last updated October 2025
- No Apple Watch app
Pick it if you only run GZCL programs and want something simple and free.
Defiant
Our appBest for the structure, with weights from your own performance
- App Store rating
- New (launched October 2026)
- Price
- Free now; Pro $69.99/yr or $9.99/mo later. First 1,000 downloads free for life
- Platforms
- iPhone (iOS 26.1+)
- Apple Watch app
- Yes
Defiant's library includes "5/3/1 Boring But Big" and "GZCLP" programs inspired by the originals: the same days, main lifts, tiers and supplemental volume, with an as-many-reps-as-possible last set on 5/3/1's main lifts. The difference is the weights. Instead of training-max percentages or GZCLP's stage changes, each set has a rep range, and Defiant's per-lift strength model sets the target from how you've actually been lifting, adjusting after every set.
Good
- Targets that react to a good or bad day
- Same app for everything else you do: other programs, runs, stretching
- Apple Watch logging
Watch out for
- Not the original percentages, waves or stage changes
- If you follow Wendler's books to the letter, use an app above
- iPhone and Apple Watch only (iOS 26.1+)
Pick it if you like the shape of 5/3/1 or GZCLP but keep stalling on fixed percentages, or you want one app for all your training.
Every set gets a weight and rep target from your own training. First 1,000 downloads get Pro free for life.
Download on the App Store
Scan with your iPhoneQuestions
What is the best app for 5/3/1?
For 5/3/1 exactly as written, Boostcamp (official templates, free tier) or 5/3/1 Workout Logger (pay once). Liftosaur is a free option you can customize.
What is the best app for GZCLP?
Boostcamp has all four official GZCL programs. GZCL Method Workout Logger is free and dedicated to GZCL. Liftosaur includes GZCLP and lets you change its rules.
Does Defiant support 5/3/1 percentages?
Not as written. Defiant's 5/3/1 Boring But Big keeps the structure and the AMRAP last set, but sets weights from a strength model fitted to your lifts rather than from training-max percentages.
What is a training max?
A number below your true one-rep max, usually 90% of it, that 5/3/1 calculates every set from. Using a slightly low max leaves room to progress for longer.
Do I need a one-rep max to start 5/3/1?
No. You can estimate it from a recent set, such as a weight you lifted for 5 reps, using a standard formula. Most 5/3/1 apps do this for you.
Weight and reps for every set, worked out from your own training. iPhone and Apple Watch. First 1,000 downloads get Pro free for life.
Download on the App StoreScan with your iPhoneSources
- Boostcamp: Best apps for 5/3/1 (ratings and pricing)
- Boostcamp: Best apps for GZCL
- Boostcamp on the App Store
- 5/3/1 Workout Logger on the App Store
- GZCL Method Workout Logger on the App Store
- Liftosaur on the App Store
Defiant isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any app on this page. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected] and we'll fix it.
