Which app should you pick?
You want to track macros for free
CronometerCronometer Basic is free. It tracks macros and up to 95 nutrients, with custom macro targets and a free barcode scanner. Photo logging and the Macro Scheduler need Gold.
You want an app that adjusts your macro targets each week
MacroFactorMacroFactor builds a plan that changes with your logged weight and intake. It has no free tier, so use the 7-day trial to decide.
You weigh food and want a large nutrient view
CronometerCronometer shows up to 95 nutrients and compounds in the free account. That suits people who weigh food and want micronutrient detail.
You use Android or the web
CronometerCalco is iOS only. Cronometer runs on the web, iOS and Android. MacroFactor is on iOS and Android but has no desktop version.
You want to log macros from a photo on iPhone
CalcoCalco is photo-first: snap the meal, and the AI estimates calories, protein, carbs and fat. You adjust the portion when the estimate looks wrong. Photo logging requires the premium subscription.
Three price models for macro tracking
Three questions decide the pick: Which app is free? Which app makes logging fast? Which app tells me what to eat next? The answers depend on the price model of each app:
- Free with paid extras: Cronometer. The free account tracks macros. The Cronometer Gold page lists custom macro targets in the free column; Gold adds the Macro Scheduler, the Photo Log and an ad-free app.
- Paid only, with a trial: MacroFactor. The MacroFactor page says there is no free version, and it offers a 7-day trial.
- Free to download, photo logging is premium: Calco. The core flow is a photo of the meal, an AI estimate of calories and macros, and a portion adjustment.
Which macro features are free in each app
This is the part that most "best macro app" lists skip. Checked on October 19, 2026:
| Feature | Cronometer Basic (free) | MacroFactor | Calco (free download) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track protein, carbs, fat | Yes | Trial, then paid | By photo (premium) |
| Custom macro targets | Yes | Paid | Set goals once |
| Photo logging | Gold | Paid | Premium |
| Barcode scan | Yes | Paid | No |
Sources: Cronometer free features, Cronometer Gold, MacroFactor, Calco on the App Store.
MyFitnessPal is a common pick too, but on its Premium page macro tracking with custom goals and the view of carbs, fat and protein by grams or percentage are Premium features. For a full side-by-side, see Cronometer vs MyFitnessPal.
How to choose in two questions
- Will you pay? If not, start with Cronometer Basic. If yes, compare the trials: MacroFactor has a 7-day trial, and Calco shows its offer terms in the app.
- How do you log food? If you weigh food and scan packages, Cronometer and MacroFactor both have barcode scanning. If you eat mixed meals, restaurant food or home cooking with no label, a photo estimate that you adjust is faster than a search for each ingredient.
Not sure what your macro targets are? Start with our calorie calculator, then read our guide to macronutrient ratios for weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free macro tracker app?
Cronometer Basic is free and tracks macros and up to 95 nutrients and compounds, with custom macro targets and a free barcode scanner (Cronometer, Cronometer Gold). Photo logging and the Macro Scheduler need Cronometer Gold.
Is MacroFactor free?
No. MacroFactor has a 7-day free trial, and its page says there is no free version (MacroFactor). The US App Store listing shows $11.99 monthly and $71.99 annual plans, among other offers (checked October 19, 2026).
Which macro tracker can log food from a photo?
MacroFactor (paid), Cronometer Gold (paid) and Calco (photo logging requires the premium subscription) all log a meal from a photo. In Calco, the AI estimates calories and macros, and you can adjust the portion.
Is MyFitnessPal good for tracking macros?
MyFitnessPal tracks food for free, but its Premium page lists macro tracking with custom goals and the grams or percentage view of macros as Premium features (MyFitnessPal Premium).
Can I track macros without weighing food?
Yes, with less precision. Use a photo estimate and adjust the portion, or estimate portions by eye. Our guide on how to count calories without labels shows each method with worked USDA examples.
