5 Best Free Macro Tracking Apps - [Reddit Picks]

Hi fitness lovers, one of the biggest concerns will be resolved in this blog post. This blog post is about the Top 5 best and reliable macro tracking apps available on the internet. We will be discussing what macros are, how they can be tracked, and what apps are the choices of top fitness lovers. 

Why bother with macro tracking at all? Well, science backs it up.

A study from the Journal of Nutrition (2019) showed folks who tracked their macros lost more weight and stuck to their goals better than those who didn’t.

Another one from Obesity (2021) found it’s a game-changer for building muscle or dialing in your diet, whatever your vibe. It’s not just about counting—it’s about knowing what fuels you.

What is Macro Tracking

Macro tracking is the process of monitoring your intake of macronutrients and making a record to analyze your fitness goals. As simple as that. 

Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the diet that you take to fulfill your fitness goals. Why only carbohydrates, proteins, and fats? This is because these three nutrients are the basic building blocks that provide a major part of energy to the body. 

There are several usual ways to track your macros, so that you can analyze and have an idea about the intake. For example, your analysis can suggest taking a more balanced diet, and may be less. 

There are a lot of apps suggested by users to take a record of macros during the fitness journey. We took a survey on multiple social media platforms like Reddit and created a list of the top 5 best macro tracking apps for you. Here is the list of free macro tracking apps:

 Best Macro Tracking Apps

Whether you are a gym goer aiming to build muscles, a dieter aiming to lose weight, or a person following diet plans like the keto diet, these apps are going to help you in maintaining a record of macros. 

1- Cronometer

Cronometer is one of the top apps used by fitness lovers for macro tracking. Cronometer uses a large and verified databases USDA and NCCDB, for the users. It uses comprehensive macro tracking with 80+ micronutrients. Barcode scanner, one of the most wanted feature, is also available in the cronometer macro tracking app. 

Pros:

• Highly accurate database 
• Comprehensive nutrients tracking 
• Free barcode scanner
• Customizable Targets
• Recipe import feature

Cons:

• Most features are in the paid version 
• Recipe logging limitations 
• Limited social features 

2- MacrosFirst

Macros first comes on the second number in the list of the 5 best macro tracking apps. MacrosFirst is built specifically for macro tracking; you can utilize the app to add and delete things and calculate the macros accordingly. 

Unlimited meals, voice searching using AI, barcode scanner, and ad-free experiences in all versions of the app. Macro-focused design, macro calculations, and a barcode scanner facilitate the users to track macros. 

Pros:

• Macro-focused design
• Auto macro calculations 
• Free barcode scanner
• Unlimited meals
• Global food database
• Ads-free experience

Cons:

• Limited integration with devices
• No micronutrient calculations
• Less community support

3- MyFitnessPal (MFP)

One of the top and best apps with the largest database, with over 11 million items. MFP supports macro tracking for the restaurant foods. Integration support with Garmin, Fitbit, Apple Health, and more. Social features like connecting with others, joining challenges, and more are available. 

Exercise tracking feature logs workout, and adjust calorie goals based on your gym workout, load, or activities. Barcode scanner feature is available but in the paid version of this app.  

Pros:

• 11 Million database 
• User-friendly interface
• Integration with apps and devices
• Better Social features
• Recipe builder 
• Exercise tracking 

Cons:

• Barcode Scanner in paid version 
• An ad-free experience is paid 
• Higher prices than alternatives
• Limited micronutrients

4- FoodNoms

A privacy focused, one of the popular app among reddit community foodnoms provides free barcode scanner, AR label scanner, siri integration, detailed breakdown to track macros, with a user-friendly design. 

Food Noms provides options to track your macros as well as the micronutrients in your diet. There are a lot of basic and needed features available in foodnoms, but there is no app version for Android; it is an Apple app only. 

Pros:

• Privacy focused - no data sharing 
• Free barcode scanner
• AR Label scanner
• Detailed calculations 
• Clean UI design 

Cons:

• iOS exclusive 
• Smaller database than MFP, and Cronometer
• Less social integration 
• Less integration with devices

5- Lifesum 

The Reddit community voted for Lifesum various times as one of the top macro tracking apps on the internet. With a modern and stylish UI design, meals and recipes, a food rating system, integration with devices, custom goal adjustments, and many more beginner-friendly features are available in Lifesum.

 Lifesum has smaller database than MFP, and Cronometer, You may experience ads in the free version, but the basic macro tracking is always available in the free version of lifesum. 

Pros:

• A modern UI design
• Custom goals 
• Integration with devices
• Food rating system 
• Meal plans 

Cons:

• Ads in the free version 
• Less precision 
• Smaller database 

Conclusion 

And there you have it. Our top five macro tracking apps: Cronometer, MacrosFirst, MyFitnessPal, FoodNoms, and Lifesum. Each one brings something special for its users, whether you’re a numbers nerd who loves Cronometer’s precision, a beginner vibing with MacrosFirst’s simplicity, or someone hooked on MyFitnessPal’s huge food library. FoodNoms keeps it private and sleek for iPhone fans, while Lifesum adds a fun, stylish twist to your tracking journey. Picking the right one really depends on what you’re after: accuracy, ease, or maybe a little of both.

Big websites agree these apps are top-notch. Healthline raves about Cronometer’s nutrient deep-dive and MyFitnessPal’s popularity. CNET calls MacrosFirst a “hidden gem” for macro lovers and gives Lifesum props for its looks and plans. TechRadar even shouted out FoodNoms for its privacy edge. These apps aren’t just random picks—they’re loved by users, experts, and the Reddit community alike.

So, give one a spin! Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just curious about what’s on your plate, these tools make it way less of a chore. What’s your favorite? Let me know—I’m rooting for you!