Tracking your macros used to be a painful exercise in food journaling and calorie-counting guesswork.

Now? There’s an app for that. Actually, there are dozens of apps for that.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just get a better handle on your nutrition, macro tracking apps can be game-changers.

But with so many options flooding the market in 2025, which one should you actually download? 🤔

Let’s break down the best macro tracking apps available right now, including a unique text-based option that might surprise you.

Why People Track Macros

Before we dive into the apps, let’s talk about why tracking macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fats) has become so popular.

Tracking macros gives you a much deeper understanding of your diet than just counting calories. It helps you:

• Fine-tune your nutrition for specific goals
• Ensure you’re getting enough protein for muscle growth
• Balance your carbs for energy management
• Monitor healthy fats for hormonal health
• Create sustainable eating habits that actually work for your body

Basically, it’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. You get way more functionality and control.

Top Macro Tracking Apps of 2025

Here’s the rundown of today’s leading macro trackers:

App	Key Features	Pricing	What Makes It Special
MyFitnessPal	200M+ food database, barcode scanner	Free + Premium	Massive database, super beginner-friendly
Cronometer	Tracks 80+ nutrients, health markers	Free + Premium	Most detailed nutrient data available
Macro Max	AI-powered macro adjustments	Free with ad-free option	Adaptive algorithms that learn your patterns
MyMacros+	Deep data analysis, Apple Watch app	One-time payment + subscriptions	Perfect for serious macro counters
Lifesum	Meal recommendations, nutritional advice	Free + Premium	Great UI with helpful guidance
MacrosFirst	Custom goals, meal scheduling	Free + Premium	Excellent integration with other platforms
MyNetDiary	AI meal scanner, portion control help	Free + Subscription	Best for visual food tracking
MealByMeal.com	SMS-based tracking, no app needed	Free	Text your meals instead of logging in an app

In-Depth Reviews of the Leading Contenders

1. MyFitnessPal

The OG of macro tracking isn’t going anywhere in 2025. With over 200 million foods in its database, MyFitnessPal remains the most comprehensive food tracker around.

What I love: The barcode scanner is still magical. Point your phone at almost any packaged food, and boom—instant nutritional info.

What could be better: The free version now has more limitations than ever, and the premium subscription price keeps creeping up.

Most user reviews say something like this: “I’ve tried other apps but always come back to MyFitnessPal because I know how to use it and it has every food I eat.”

According to a 2024 study on nutrition tracking adherence, apps with larger databases like MyFitnessPal lead to longer user engagement.

2. Cronometer

If you’re a nutrition nerd who wants to track every micronutrient down to the microgram, Cronometer is your app.

What I love: The attention to detail is unmatched. You can track over 80 nutrients, sync with health devices, and get beautiful visualization of your data.

What could be better: The interface isn’t as sleek as some competitors, and the learning curve is steeper.

Research from the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity shows that comprehensive tracking apps like Cronometer help users develop more balanced nutritional profiles.

3. Macro Max

The newest contender making waves in 2025, Macro Max uses AI to adapt your macro targets based on your progress.

What I love: The adaptive algorithm is seriously impressive. If you’re making progress, it keeps you on track. If you’re stalling, it suggests adjustments. Plus, logging meals takes just three taps.

What could be better: The database isn’t as extensive as MyFitnessPal’s yet, though it’s growing fast.

4. MyMacros+

For serious fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders, MyMacros+ continues to be the gold standard.

What I love: The one-time payment model (instead of subscription) for the basic version, plus the Apple Watch integration is seamless.

What could be better: It’s definitely not for beginners. This app assumes you already understand macros and just need a powerful tool to track them.

According to fitness professionals surveyed by Men’s Health, MyMacros+ is consistently rated as the preferred choice for competitive athletes.

5. MealByMeal.com

Here’s where things get interesting. While everyone else is building more complex apps, MealByMeal.com went in the opposite direction with a brilliantly simple approach: text-based meal tracking.

What I love: You literally just text your meals (like “2 eggs, toast with butter, coffee with cream”) and it tracks everything for you. No apps to open, no passwords to remember, no complicated interfaces.

What could be better: You don’t get the visual feedback of graphs and charts that app-based trackers provide.

This approach aligns with research from the Journal of Medical Internet Research showing that reducing friction in health tracking significantly improves long-term adherence.

How to Choose the Right Macro Tracking App

Picking the perfect macro tracker depends on several factors:

Your Experience Level

• Beginner? Start with MyFitnessPal or Lifesum
• Intermediate? Macro Max or MyNetDiary might be perfect
• Advanced? Cronometer or MyMacros+ will give you the depth you crave

Your Tracking Style

• Want everything automated? Apps with barcode scanners and large databases
• Prefer simplicity? MealByMeal’s text-based approach might be refreshing
• Need detailed data? Choose apps with comprehensive analytics

Your Budget

Most apps now use the freemium model, with basic features free and advanced features behind a paywall. Consider whether the premium features are worth it for your specific goals.

The Text-Based Alternative: How MealByMeal.com Works

I’m fascinated by MealByMeal.com’s approach because it’s so different from everything else on the market.

Instead of navigating through app screens and searching databases, you simply text what you ate. Their system does all the heavy lifting, calculating calories and macros behind the scenes.

Think about it: no more opening apps, waiting for them to load, searching for foods, adjusting portions just send a quick text like you would to a friend.

For people who get overwhelmed by traditional tracking (which, according to a Cornell University study, is about 40% of those who try it), this friction-free approach could be a game-changer.

In Summary

The macro tracking world in 2025 offers something for everyone:

• MyFitnessPal remains the reliable standby with the biggest database
• Cronometer provides the most comprehensive nutritional data
• Macro Max brings AI-powered adaptability to the table
• MyMacros+ caters to the serious fitness crowd
• MealByMeal.com offers a refreshingly simple text-based alternative

The best app is ultimately the one you’ll actually use consistently.

Whether you choose a feature-rich app with all the bells and whistles or the simplicity of texting your meals, tracking your macros is one of the most effective ways to take control of your nutrition and reach your health goals.

And remember—no app can replace the fundamentals: eating real food, moving your body regularly, and being consistent with your habits. The app is just the tool to help you get there.