The MF Universe
MacroFactor vs Cronometer: Which App Wins in 2026?
Cronometer is a popular nutrition tracking app, especially for people who want a detailed look at their nutrient intake. It has a solid food database and can provide a lot of nutritional depth. But detailed nutrition data is only one part of a good macro tracking app, especially for people focused on changing their body composition.
So, while Cronometer brings real strengths to the table, a key question remains: Do those strengths align with what most people need from a body composition-focused nutrition app?
Check out our in-depth comparison to see how the two apps stack up.
MacroFactor vs Cronometer: Which App Wins in 2026?
The Drawbacks of Using Wearable Devices to Inform Nutrition Targets
A new 2026 study from Lee et al compared smartwatches against lab-based reference methods during endurance and resistance exercise. While heart rate was fairly accurate, the calorie burn had a lot more variability, especially during resistance exercise.
So this would be a good time to revisit Greg Nuckols’ in-depth article, “The Drawbacks of Using Wearable Devices to Inform Nutrition Targets.” He explains why wearable calorie estimates can be unreliable as well as why activity isn’t always a neat and clean translation to TDEE estimation. It also provides insight into MacroFactor’s take regarding using wearable data for their nutrition targets.
The Drawbacks of Using Wearable Devices to Inform Nutrition Targets
How Scott Lost 65lb and Built a System That Works With MacroFactor
Scott is a 48-year-old marketing professional and father who found himself at a point that will probably feel familiar to a lot of people. His health and lifestyle were starting to show him that some of his habits weren’t healthy.
“Something had to change,” he said.
That realization eventually led Scott to MacroFactor and the start of a transformation he genuinely didn’t expect.
To read more and get tips from Scott, check out the full case study.
How Scott Lost 65lb and Built a System That Works With MacroFactor
Fact Check
Can You Build Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time?
You can. This process is typically called body recomposition. However, several factors determine how achievable or appropriate it may be for each person.
Your chances are generally better when you:
- Follow a resistance training program
- Eat enough protein
- Maintain weight or change it slowly
- Are newer to training or returning after time away
That said, changes in your body may be less noticeable than with a dedicated fat-loss or muscle-gain phase.
For recomping specifically in MacroFactor, select a maintenance goal or keep your intended rate of weight change between the “slower” range and the top of the “recommended” range. In short, limit big swings in either direction.
If you want to dive in deeper, you can check out this full article here on our site.
Sources: Barakat C, Pearson J, Escalante G, Campbell B & De Souza EO; Murphy C & Koehler K
Community
Two Users, Two Life-Changing Years
Two MacroFactor users shared the major changes they made over the past year. Thank you both for letting MacroFactor be part of the process.
Read their posts here and here.
The MacroFactor Equivalent of Hitting the DVD Logo Corner
One MacroFactor user landed almost perfect daily targets. We have no choice but to say, “Wow, very nice.”
Join the Communities
Learn more about nutrition and exercise, and celebrate wins on our Facebook group, subreddit, and Instagram.
Roadmap
Watch Beta for MacroFactor Workouts
Track your workouts right from your wrist. We’ve been working on building our Watch experience for Workouts for several months now, and the Beta for MacroFactor Workouts on Apple Watch began last week!
If you’re a Workouts user and you’d like to beta test the app on your Apple Watch, you can sign up for the beta here.
Push / Pull / Legs (PPL) Workout Splits
MacroFactor Workouts’ smart program generation currently allows you to choose between Full Body and Upper / Lower for your workout split.
Soon, you’ll also be able to select Push / Pull / Legs (PPL). Our team is hard at work on this and other related program improvements that we’re excited to share with you soon.
Learn More
Check our public roadmap to see our plans for new features and improvements. You can also submit features for consideration and vote on the upcoming features that are the highest priority to you.