A MacroFactor alternative you steer yourself.
PlateStack logs food and training in one record on iPhone and Android, free, with no ads. You set the targets. Coach proposes, and you decide.
Free: unlimited food search, barcode scanning, and workout logging. No ads.
Targets you set.
The weekly check-in proposes a change. You approve it.
Why look for a MacroFactor alternative?
MacroFactor describes itself as a macro tracker and diet coach, with separate Nutrition and Workouts products and a free trial. If a coach that tunes your numbers is what you want, that is its job.
People look elsewhere when they want to set their own targets, keep food and training in one app, and start on a free tier that does not run out.
What does PlateStack do differently?
PlateStack keeps the whole day in one record and leaves the decisions to you. You set calories and macros in grams or percent. Scores, XP, and streaks reward logging, never hitting a number.
Premium adds PlateStack Coach, which reads your own logs and names the records it used. It proposes drafts and changes, and you approve each one.
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Your targets, your call
The weekly coaching check-in proposes. You confirm.
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Food and lifting together
Sets, reps, weight, and RIR share the record with your meals.
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Free to log
Search, barcode, and workout logging are unlimited on Starter.
When is MacroFactor still the better fit?
Be honest about what you want from the app.
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You want a coach that adjusts for you
MacroFactor calls itself a diet coach. PlateStack proposes and waits for your answer.
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You want nutrition and training sold as separate, focused apps
MacroFactor has a Nutrition product and a Workouts product. PlateStack is one app.
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Your history lives there
PlateStack cannot import a food diary.
What does PlateStack cost?
Starter is free with no trial clock. Premium is optional; see the pricing page for the price and every limit.
| Feature | Starter ($0) | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Food search, barcode scanning, and manual logging | Yes | Yes |
| Calorie, macro, weight, and body fat targets | Yes | Yes |
| AI Coach chat | 3 messages/mo | Included |
| Weekly coaching check in | No | Yes |
| Workout logging (sets, reps, weight, RIR) | Yes | Yes |
The pricing page lists every feature on both tiers.
How do I switch?
Set your targets, log for a week, and save the meals you repeat. If you lift, import your workout history from a CSV.
Switching questions.
- Does PlateStack adjust my calorie target for me?
- No. You set your own targets. Premium’s weekly coaching check-in can propose a change from your records, and you approve it or ignore it. Nothing moves on its own, and Coach never hands you a new calorie target.
- Is PlateStack a diet coach?
- It is a record first. PlateStack Coach answers questions from your own logs and drafts editable plans. It does not diagnose, give medical advice, or help with a target below a conservative intake floor.
- Is PlateStack free?
- Starter is free forever, with unlimited food search, barcode scanning, and workout logging, and no ads. MacroFactor’s site offers a free trial; PlateStack’s free tier has no trial clock.
- Can I import my MacroFactor data?
- No. PlateStack imports workout history from Strong, Hevy, or a CSV file, and has no food diary importer.
- Is PlateStack affiliated with MacroFactor?
- No. PlateStack is an independent app made by StackForge Studios. MacroFactor is a trademark of its owner.
Start with the free record.
Starter has no countdown. Upgrade only if Coach and planning are worth it to you.