Hey there!
Looking to take your health, fitness and physique to the next level this year? Tracking your macros with an easy-to-use app may provide the missing key.
I‘ve tested and reviewed the top 8 macro trackers that simplify counting protein, carbs and fat. I‘ll compare their features, accuracy and cost to help determine the best match for your goals.
Let‘s start with an overview of macro tracking fundamentals, then dive into the apps!
What Are Macros and Why Track Them?
Macronutrients (macros) consist of:
- Protein: Supports muscle building and repair
- Carbohydrates: Provides energy for exercise and activity
- Fat: Hormone/immune regulation and nutrient absorption
Monitoring daily grams or percentages of macros based on your needs gives the data to fuel properly. This leads to better body composition, performance and recovery.
For example, endurance athletes require more carbohydrates. And folks wanting to lose fat aim for higher protein with moderate fat and carbs.
Macro tracking gives clarity into hitting your personalized targets consistently.
Why Track Macros Over Calories?
Counting macros rather than just total calories offers precision based on goals:
- Hit specific protein needs for building/retaining muscle
- Ensure adequate carb fuel for intense training
- Include healthy fats for hormone optimization
- Make better meal decisions knowing the nutrient quality
Without macro visibility, two meals could have identical calories but vastly different effects based on their nutrition breakdown.
Macro Tracking Benefits
Here are some of the top reasons to leverage a dedicated macro tracking app:
- Set meaningful protein, carb and fat goals
- Log meals quickly with massive food databases
- Gain nutrition data awareness
- Improve meal planning and prep
- Visually track daily macro grams against targets
- Promotes long-term accountability and consistency
- Analyze trends over weeks and months to optimize
- Simplifies understanding nutrition needs for goals
Okay, now that we‘ve covered the basics, let‘s dive into the top macro tracking apps!
Ranking the Top 8 Macro Trackers
After extensive testing and research, I‘ve ranked the leading macro tracking apps available in 2023. I evaluated them across criteria including:
- Features: Goal setting, food logging, databases, reports etc.
- Convenience: Ease of use, barcode scanning, data access
- Accuracy: Validated data, verified entries
- Support: Help documentation, expert assistance
- Value: Free vs paid plans, subscription costs
Here are the top contenders proving most effective for simplifying nutrition tracking.
1. MyFitnessPal
With over 6 million foods in its enormous database, MyFitnessPal leads the pack. I especially appreciate how easy it makes dialing in daily protein, carb and fat goals tailored to your objectives.
Customizable macro ratios, recipes, restaurant menus, barcode scanning – it has everything you need to take the guesswork out of hitting your numbers.
The free version includes ads and some basic features. A premium subscription unlocks greater analytics, custom goals and data exporting capability.
Price: Free version available. Premium subscription $9.99/month.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Massive verified food database
- Easy to set and track macro goals
-Restaurant and grocery scanner - Robust premium features and reports
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Contains some user-generated data
- Must pay to unlock more detailed analytics
MyFitnessPal makes tracking macros easy with at-a-glance daily status.
2. MacroFactor
I‘m impressed by MacroFactor‘s combination of an elegant user interface plus personalized recommendations.
When setting up your account, it asks thoughtful questions to calculate optimal calorie and macro ranges based on goals, activity level, body stats and more.
The app simplifies logging with a built-in barcode scanner, favorites list, and reminders to input meals consistently. A basic subscription includes macro/calorie tracking, while premium unlocks additional analytics and customization.
Price: Limited free version. Complete access starts at $15/month.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Automated macro recommendations
- Intuitive, user-friendly design
- Barcode scanning capability
- Optional nutrition coaching
Cons
- Smaller database than some apps
- Limited free version
- Premium subscription required for full access
3. Cronometer
If you geek out on nutrition data (like me!), Cronometer is a goldmine. It enables incredibly detailed tracking – even down to the micronutrient level.
Cronometer allows hyper-customized macro programming leveraging your own lab tests and biomarkers. This precision tracking also covers micronutrients like magnesium, potassium and zinc against RDIs.
The Gold subscription ($6.99/month) includes ads-free access across devices and extended analytics.
Price: Free with limited features. Gold subscription $6.99/month.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Pros
- Tracks micronutrients too
- Fully personalized nutrient targets
- Massive food database
- Create and save custom foods and recipes
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Multiple subscriptions for full access
4. Carb Manager
Specifically designed with low-carb and keto trackers in mind, Carb Manager nails that use case.
It prominently displays net carbs against your daily limit for at-a-glance feedback to stay on track. Custom macro goals fit low-carb, keto, Paleo and other popular diet approaches.
I especially appreciate the emphasis on net carbs, thorough food database, recipe tool and barcode scanner for simplifying those early days of carb counting.
Price: Free version available. Pro plan $8.99/month or $39.99/year.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Perfect for keto and low-carb
- Shows net carbs prominently
- Scans grocery barcodes
- Affordable Pro subscription pricing
Cons
- Less macro customization than competitors
- Geared exclusively toward lower carb diets
5. Lifesum
Lifesum sets itself apart by promoting lifestyle changes through healthy eating – not just calorie and macro tracking. But it nails those parts too!
I‘m a big fan of Lifesum‘s auto-complete food logging, emphasis on nutrition education, and recipes tailored for various diets.
The basic app is free, while a premium pass ($74.99/year) includes deeper analytics and custom goal setting.
Price: Free version available. Premium $74.99/year.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Auto-complete food logging
- Nutrition education resources
- Recipes for specialized diets
- Tracks micronutrients also
Cons
- More limited tracking capabilities
- Geared toward nutrition beginners
- Only yearly premium subscription
6. Lose It!
Living up to its name, Lose It! caters to people aiming to drop pounds through maintaining a calorie deficit. That said, you can customize macro goals too for low-carb, high protein and other sports nutrition approaches.
I‘m a big fan of their barcode scanner, Snap It image recognition for food logging, and Favorites functionality for rapid entry. Premium unlocks a coaching community, custom goals and nutrition graphs.
Price: Free version available. Premium $44.99/year.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Snap It image recognition
- Social community motivation
- Affordable subscription price
- Easy nutrition data visualization
Cons
- Macro tracking secondary priority
- Beginner-intermediate focus
- Simplified food database
7. FatSecret
With a sizable nutrition database, barcode scanning and basic macro tracking, FatSecret deserves a free app shoutout.
Setting daily calorie or macro targets is simple, and the colored progress bars helpfully show where you net out by day‘s end. The Pro plan ($3.33/month) includes an ad-free interface and extended reporting.
Price: Free version available. Pro plan $3.33/month.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Solid totally free option
- Scans packaged food barcodes
- Syncs data across devices
- Upgrade available for more analytics
Cons
- More calorie-focused tracking
- Limited custom macro programming
- Smaller database than paid apps
8. Fooducate
While not a full-fledged "macro tracker", I wanted to highlight Fooducate for its novel nutrition grading system.
By scanning packaged food barcodes with your phone‘s camera, it returns an A-F letter grade representing that item‘s overall nutritional value. After rating foods, it suggests healthier alternatives.
This works wonders for bringing awareness to what you eat when grocery shopping and meal prepping. The app is 100% free too.
Price: 100% free app
Platforms: iOS, Android
Pros
- Grades nutrition quality of packaged goods
- Offers better alternative recommendations
- Builds nutrition awareness
- Easy to use and free
Cons
- Doesn‘t track macros or calories
- Limited to UPC database
- Not a daily tracking app
Comparing the Top Macro Tracking Apps
| App | Free Version | Premium Price | Platforms | Food Database Size | Barcode Scan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyFitnessPal | ✅ | $9.99/month | iOS, Android | 6+ million | ✅ |
| MacroFactor | Limited app | $15/month | iOS, Android | 1 million+ | ✅ |
| Cronometer | ✅ | $6.99/month | iOS, Android, Web | 1 million+ | ✅ |
| Carb Manager | ✅ | $8.99+/month | iOS, Android | 300,000+ | ✅ |
| Lifesum | ✅ | $74.99/year | iOS, Android | 400,000+ | ✅ |
| Lose It! | ✅ | $44.99/year | iOS, Android | 300,000+ | ✅ |
| FatSecret | ✅ | $3.33/month | iOS, Android | 330,000+ | ✅ |
| Fooducate | ✅ | Free | iOS, Android | 250,000+ | ✅ |
Getting Started: Macro Tracking Tips for Success
Here are my best tips for quickly mastering your nutrition tracking:
Determine Macro Ratios
Apps help calculate ideal percentages or grams based on goals, activity etc. As a starting point, try 30-35% protein, 40-50% carbs, 15-20% fat.
Weigh and Measure
Use a food scale and measuring cups to portion accurately versus eyeballing it. This prevents under/overestimating intake.
Log Meals ASAP
Input meals immediately after eating for best recall accuracy rather than waiting. This also raises self-awareness of food choices in the moment.
Analyze the Trends
Run full nutrition reports after 2-4 weeks to spot macro patterns and then course correct your meal plan as needed.
Promote Consistency
Track every single food item – small snacks too. Skipping items underreports intake throwing off your numbers.
Weigh Yourself Weekly
Given proper calorie targets, expect to lose/gain ~1-2 pounds per week depending on goals. Track weight to confirm energy balance is on point.
Add More Steps
Combining macro optimization with extra daily movement accelerates reaching your body composition goals!
Common Macro Tracking Questions
How do I set my macro targets?
Apps like MacroFactor provide macro suggestions based on inputs like height, weight goals and activity level. Or you can work with a qualified nutrition coach or registered dietitian.
As a starting point, try protein around 0.7-1 gram per pound of body weight per day. Carbs at 1.5-2 grams per pound. And fat around 30% of total daily calories.
What‘s the best macro ratio for weight loss?
To spur fat loss, aim for a high protein diet – up to 35% of total calories/macros. This helps retain precious muscle while running a calorie deficit. Set carbs around 40-45% to support workouts and recovery. And dietary fats at 20-25%.
Will macro tracking promote disordered eating?
It shouldn‘t, if you use the app as an awareness tool for fueling properly – not an obsessive behavior. Ensure your targets match your needs and activity level.
Focus more on hitting daily minimums through whole food nutrition versus restricting intake. And meet regularly with a qualified health professional to course-correct as needed.
How often should I recalculate my macros?
Plan to recalibrate your macros every 4-8 weeks. As body composition and fitness levels change, so do nutritional needs. Take new body measurements using a macro calculator to optimize.
Final Takeaway: Start Tracking Macros
I don‘t know about you, but understanding exactly what I need to eat each day based on activity and goals gives me clarity and confidence. Macro counting takes the guesswork out of fueling for performance and body composition.
The best macro apps eliminate friction logging meals, providing actionable feedback on protein/carb/fat intake versus science-backed targets.
MyFitnessPal, MacroFactor and Cronometer lead the category based on nutritional databases, features and convenience. But any app is better than trying to manually tally macros!
Here‘s to crushing those fitness goals in 2023 – now armed with macro tracking intelligence guiding your nutrition. Just don‘t forget the dedication to preparing meals, logging consistently and analyzing the trends.
You‘ve got this!
