Why people leave Hevy
No AI workout programming - you still have to decide your own program and progressions
No recovery tracking or HRV integration to tell you when to push and when to back off
No nutrition tracking means managing a completely separate app for food
Social features are nice but community comparison doesn't replace coaching
Progressive overload requires manual decisions rather than automatic AI management
What to look for
AI that generates and adapts your workout programming, not just logs it
Recovery and HRV data connected to training intensity decisions
Nutrition tracking integrated with workout data in one coaching layer
Voice logging for hands-free session tracking
Apple Watch support for wrist-based workout logging
Hevy alternatives worth considering
Strong
The gold standard minimalist barbell workout logger
Best for: Lifters who want the cleanest, fastest manual logging interface available. Strong's UI is slightly faster for pure logging and has a long history of reliability. Still logging-only, no AI.
Boostcamp
Evidence-based program library with built-in logging
Best for: Lifters who want to follow a specific proven program (GZCLP, nSuns) exactly as written. Boostcamp's program library is unmatched for structured, community-validated training templates.
Fitbod
AI-generated gym workouts based on equipment and recovery
Best for: Gym-goers who want AI workout generation focused specifically on the gym without the full health coaching suite. Fitbod's muscle recovery model for exercise selection is well-regarded.
Where Beacon fits
We make Beacon, so it is not in the list above. Here is what it does, and what to know before you switch from Hevy.
Beacon keeps what makes Hevy valuable: clean workout logging with sets, reps, weight, exercise history, and progress tracking. You can still log manually just like Hevy if you want. Beacon also adds AI workout generation with Beacon Premium, which writes sessions from your recent training, per-muscle recovery, goals and equipment.
You can log strength sets on the Beacon Apple Watch app instead of your phone, or send a workout to Beacon AI Text as a message or voice note.
The bigger shift is health integration. In Hevy, your workout data exists in isolation. In Beacon, your lifts connect to your nutrition, sleep, and HRV in one coaching picture. When your sleep and HRV say you are under-recovered, your daily plan suggests a rest day.
- Full workout logging including sets, reps, weight, history, and PRs
- AI-generated workouts with Beacon Premium, based on your training and muscle recovery
- Strength set logging on the Beacon Apple Watch app
- Nutrition, HRV, and sleep connected to your training in one app
- Apple Watch native app with Live Activities and haptic timers
Limits to know
- AI workout suggestions, and turning one into a workout you can start, need Beacon Premium — as does the rest of the app. There is no free plan.
- Chat with Beacon, in the app or with Beacon AI Text, is part of the subscription.
Checked on September 15, 2026 against Beacon's help center and integrations page.
Full Beacon vs Hevy breakdown →
Beacon (our app) vs Hevy
| Feature | Beacon (our app) | Hevy |
|---|---|---|
| AI Workout Generation | ✓ (Pro) | ✗ |
| Manual Workout Logging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice Workout Logging | ✓ (voice note to Beacon AI Text) | ✗ |
| Social Feed & Following | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exercise History & PRs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recovery-Adapted Sessions | Rest day suggestions | ✗ |
| Progressive Overload (automatic) | AI workouts | Manual |
| Apple Watch App | ✓ | ✗ |
| Nutrition Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| HRV / Recovery Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Breathwork & Meditation Timers | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Daily Planning | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free Tier | ✗ (subscription only) | ✓ |
| Pro Price | $19.99/month | $7.99/month |
FAQ
Is Beacon better than Hevy for strength training?
We make Beacon, so weigh this accordingly. Hevy is a cleaner social logger with a more generous free tier, and it suits self-programmed lifting with a social layer. Beacon puts your lifting next to food logging and recovery tracking from HRV and sleep, and adds AI-generated workouts with Beacon Premium.
Does Hevy have a free tier?
Yes. Hevy's free tier includes full workout logging with no restrictions on exercises or sessions. Hevy Pro (~$7.99/month) adds advanced analytics, unlimited custom exercises, and custom themes. Beacon is subscription-only, with no free tier.
Can I migrate my Hevy workout history to Beacon?
Hevy supports data export. Beacon's team can assist with migration for users switching from Hevy. Apple Watch workout history is also accessible in Beacon directly via Apple Health.
Does Beacon have social features like Hevy?
Beacon has a social feed for sharing workouts in development. Hevy's social features - follow friends, activity feed, shared workouts - are currently more mature. If social training community is important, factor that into your choice.