Cronometer vs MacroFactor (2027)
By Hannah Whitlock · Published October 22, 2026 · Updated October 22, 2026
Cronometer and MacroFactor are both specialists. Cronometer is for detailed nutrient reports and has a free plan; MacroFactor is for adaptive macro coaching and has no free plan.
The short answer
These two apps answer different questions. Cronometer answers “what nutrients am I getting?”. MacroFactor answers “how should my macro targets change this week?”. Pick the one whose question is yours.
Side by side
| Cronometer | MacroFactor | |
|---|---|---|
| Core strength | Nutrient reports (up to 95 nutrients and compounds) | Adaptive expenditure and weekly macro targets |
| Free plan | Yes (with ads) | No (trial only) |
| Paid price | $59.99/yr (Gold) | $71.99/yr |
| AI logging | Photo Log and Voice Log on Gold | Describe a meal by photo or text |
| Web app | Yes | No |
| Best for | Specific diets, clinicians, nutrient-curious users | Lifters running a cut, bulk or recomposition |
How each one thinks
Cronometer is a measuring instrument. It wants to know exactly what you ate, and rewards precise entries with a detailed report of vitamins, minerals and other compounds against your targets. It does not tell you what to change; it shows you.
MacroFactor is a coach. It wants your daily log and your weigh-ins, and uses them to estimate how much energy you burn and to set next week’s targets. It is less interested in your magnesium than in whether your calorie and protein targets match your goal.
Logging
Both reward people who log carefully. Cronometer leans toward weighed portions and curated entries. MacroFactor’s logger is built for speed by experienced users, with barcode and label scanning, recipe import and describing a meal by photo or text. On Cronometer, Photo Log and Voice Log are part of Gold.
Cost over a year
| Cronometer | MacroFactor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes, with ads | No (trial only) |
| Monthly | $10.99 (Gold) | $11.99 |
| Yearly | $59.99 (Gold) | $71.99 |
| Six months | — | $47.99 |
Who should pick which
Choose Cronometer if you follow a diet that needs watching (vegan, low-sodium, high-potassium) or work with a clinician who wants detailed records. Choose MacroFactor if you weigh in most mornings, log every day and want the app to adjust your targets as your trend changes.
If neither fits
Most people do not need either specialty in full. A general-purpose tracker with good nutrient detail and an adaptive target covers both lightly; our 2027 ranking compares the general-purpose options.
Full reviews: Cronometer · MacroFactor.
Questions readers ask
Which is better, Cronometer or MacroFactor?
It depends on the goal. Cronometer is better for micronutrient detail and has a free plan. MacroFactor is better for lifters who want weekly adaptive macro targets and are happy to pay $71.99 a year with no free plan.
Does MacroFactor track micronutrients?
MacroFactor records nutrients beyond macros for many foods, but its focus is calorie and macro coaching. Cronometer is the specialist for detailed micronutrient reports.
Can I use Cronometer on a computer?
Yes. Cronometer has a web version as well as iPhone and Android apps. MacroFactor has no browser or desktop version, per its own FAQ.
More: Guides · Reviews · Comparisons · The 2027 ranking