Comparison
MacroFactor vs Cronometer
MacroFactor and Cronometer are both popular with people who take tracking seriously, but they do different jobs. MacroFactor coaches your calorie and macro targets from your own data. Cronometer gives you the most detailed nutrient picture available in a consumer app.
This MacroFactor vs Cronometer comparison will help you decide which job matters more to you. We make Caloroo and mention it as a free third option.
By the Caloroo team · Competitor prices and features checked November 2026. Check the official sites for current pricing.
The short answer
- Choose MacroFactor if your goal is body composition and you want targets that adapt to your results every week.
- Choose Cronometer if you care most about micronutrients and accurate data, or you want a free plan.
- Consider Caloroo if you want a free tracker with an expenditure estimate, a weekly calorie budget and sharing with others.
MacroFactor vs Cronometer vs Caloroo at a glance
| Feature | MacroFactor | Cronometer | Caloroo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No, free trial only | Yes (Basic) | Yes |
| Paid plan | About $11.99/month or $71.99/year | Gold: $10.99/month or $59.99/year | Premium price not yet announced |
| Adaptive expenditure (TDEE) | Yes, with weekly check-ins | No, targets from profile settings | Yes, estimate from logged food and weight trend |
| Nutrient depth | Macros and a range of micronutrients | Up to 84 nutrients | Calories, macros, fiber and key vitamins and minerals |
| Photo meal logging | Included (AI logging) | Gold only | Free |
| Ads | None | On Basic | None |
| Free history | Not applicable | Reports limited to a 7-day window | Latest 90 days |
| Workouts | Separate MacroFactor Workouts app | Exercise logging | Workout, weight and step logging |
| Sharing | Solo | Separate Pro product for practitioners | Groups for partners, families and coaches |
Coaching: MacroFactor wins
MacroFactor's main feature is its adaptive algorithm. It estimates your energy expenditure from your intake and weight trend and updates your targets at weekly check-ins. Cronometer calculates targets from your profile and activity settings, and you adjust them yourself.
Micronutrients: Cronometer wins
Cronometer tracks up to 84 nutrients from curated data, with targets based on your profile. MacroFactor tracks micronutrients too, but Cronometer goes deeper and is the better choice if you manage a deficiency or a restrictive diet.
Price and free plans
MacroFactor has no free version and costs about $11.99 a month or $71.99 a year after the trial. Cronometer Basic is free, with ads and a 7-day reporting window. Gold costs $10.99 a month or $59.99 a year.
Logging speed
MacroFactor is designed for fast logging, with few taps per food and AI-assisted logging. Cronometer's logging shows more numbers and options, which some people like and others find slow.
A free third option: Caloroo
Caloroo is free and estimates your expenditure from your logged food and weight trend, without a subscription. It includes free barcode and photo logging and a weekly calorie budget that absorbs big meals. You can also track with a partner, family or coach.
It tracks fewer nutrients than Cronometer and doesn't have MacroFactor's structured weekly coaching.
Which should you choose?
Choose MacroFactor if…
- You want targets coached from your results.
- You want fast, ad-free logging.
- You're happy to pay a subscription.
Choose Cronometer if…
- You track micronutrients closely.
- You want curated, accurate data.
- You want a free plan.
Choose Caloroo if…
- You want an expenditure estimate for free.
- You want a weekly calorie budget.
- You track with a partner, family or coach.
Frequently asked questions
Is MacroFactor better than Cronometer?
It depends on the job. MacroFactor is better for adaptive calorie and macro coaching. Cronometer is better for detailed micronutrient tracking and has a free plan.
Which is cheaper, MacroFactor or Cronometer?
Cronometer. It has a free Basic plan, and Gold costs $59.99 a year versus about $71.99 a year for MacroFactor at the time of writing.
Does Cronometer adjust calories like MacroFactor?
No. Cronometer sets targets from your profile and activity settings, and you change them yourself. MacroFactor updates targets automatically from your weight trend and intake.
Can I use MacroFactor and Cronometer together?
Some people do, using MacroFactor for targets and Cronometer to check micronutrients now and then. Logging everything twice is tiring, so most people settle on one app.
An expenditure estimate and a weekly budget, free.
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