Baisics vs SwoleMate: AI Programs vs Simple Tracking
Baisics and SwoleMate take fundamentally different approaches to fitness. SwoleMate is a simple, free workout tracker for iOS. Baisics is an AI-powered program generator with nutrition planning. This comparison breaks down when each makes sense for your fitness journey.
The Key Difference
SwoleMate tracks workouts you design yourself. Baisics creates complete workout and nutrition programs for you. It's DIY logging vs. AI coaching - completely different tools for different needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Baisics | SwoleMate |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes - 4 AI programs/month | Yes - All core features free |
| Premium Price | $5/month | $0.99/month (tip-based) |
| AI Program Generation | Yes - Full custom programs | No - Manual routine creation |
| Nutrition Planning | Yes - AI meal plans included | No |
| Exercise Library | Growing library | 300+ exercises |
| Platforms | Web (any device) | iOS only |
| Best For | Those wanting AI-built programs | iPhone users who design own workouts |
What is SwoleMate?
SwoleMate is a free workout tracking app for iOS that focuses on simplicity. Created by developer Anthony Samaha, the app aims to make workout logging as frictionless as possible while still providing useful tracking features.
The philosophy is "free high quality workout tracker" - core features remain free with optional $0.99/month tips to support development. Unlike apps that gate features behind paywalls, SwoleMate keeps everything accessible.
SwoleMate Strengths
- Completely free core functionality - no paywalls
- Clean, simple interface optimized for quick logging
- 300+ exercises with explanations and muscle targeting info
- Unlimited workout logs and custom routine creation
- Rest timers, progress graphs, and PR tracking
- Native iOS experience with iOS 26 design updates
What is Baisics?
Baisics is an AI-powered fitness platform that creates personalized workout and nutrition programs based on your goals, experience level, and available equipment. Instead of tracking workouts you design, Baisics generates complete programs for you to follow.
The platform runs on the web, making it accessible from any device - iPhone, Android, laptop, or desktop - without downloading an app from any app store.
Baisics Strengths
- AI generates complete multi-week programs automatically
- Nutrition planning with meal plans and shopping lists
- Works on any device with a browser (not iOS-only)
- Programs include progression and periodization
- Free tier lets you try AI generation without commitment
- Coach mode for training clients
Pricing Comparison
SwoleMate Pricing
SwoleMate is genuinely free. All core features - unlimited workouts, unlimited routines, all 300+ exercises, progress tracking - are available without paying anything.
- Free: All core features, unlimited logging, no restrictions
- Tip: $0.99/month optional support (doesn't unlock anything)
Baisics Pricing
Baisics offers a free tier with limited AI generations. Premium unlocks unlimited programs and full nutrition features.
- Free: 4 AI program generations/month, workout tracking, basic guidance
- Jacked: $5/month - Unlimited programs, full meal plans, shopping lists, all features
Value Analysis
If you just want to track workouts, SwoleMate is clearly cheaper - it's free. But comparing them purely on price misses the point. SwoleMate tracks workouts you create. Baisics creates the workouts for you.
The question isn't "which is cheaper?" but "do you need a program generator or a workout logger?" If you already know what workouts to do, SwoleMate at $0 beats everything. If you need help building a program, Baisics at $5/month (or free tier) provides that.
Feature Comparison
Program Creation
SwoleMate: You build your own routines by selecting exercises from the 300+ exercise library. The app explains what each exercise targets and how to do it, but you decide what to include, in what order, for how many sets and reps.
Baisics: AI generates complete programs based on your goals, equipment, and experience. You answer questions, it builds a multi-week program with exercises, sets, reps, and progression built in.
Workout Tracking
SwoleMate: Clean logging interface with rest timers, the ability to see previous attempts for each exercise, and PR tracking. Visual graphs show progress over time. Designed for quick, friction-free logging during workouts.
Baisics: Tracks workouts within AI-generated programs. Logs completion, weights used, and progress through the planned program. More focused on following the plan than freestyle tracking.
Nutrition Support
SwoleMate: None. It's purely a workout tracker. You'll need a separate app for nutrition.
Baisics: AI generates meal plans matched to your goals, with macro targets, ingredient swapping, and shopping lists. Premium includes complete 7-day nutrition programs.
Platform Availability
SwoleMate: iOS only. iPhone users get a polished native app with iOS 26 design updates. Android users and those who prefer web-based tools are out of luck.
Baisics: Web-based, works on any device with a browser. No app download required. Not as polished as a native app but accessible from anywhere.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose SwoleMate If...
- You have an iPhone and want a native iOS app
- You already know how to program your own workouts
- You want a completely free tracker with no paywalls
- Simplicity matters more than AI features
- You just need to log workouts, not plan them
Choose Baisics If...
- You want AI to build your workout programs
- You need nutrition planning alongside workouts
- You use Android or prefer web-based tools
- You're unsure how to structure your training
- You want structured multi-week progressions
Can You Use Both?
Actually, yes - and this might make sense for some users. You could use Baisics to generate your program, then log the workouts in SwoleMate if you prefer its iOS logging experience.
Baisics's free tier gives you 4 programs per month. SwoleMate is completely free. Combined, you get AI programming + polished iOS tracking without spending anything.
The Bottom Line
These apps solve different problems. SwoleMate is a simple, free, iOS-only workout logger for people who design their own training. Baisics is an AI coach that creates programs and includes nutrition, accessible from any device.
If you know what you're doing in the gym and just need a clean way to log workouts on your iPhone, SwoleMate is hard to beat - it's free and well-designed. If you want someone (or something) to tell you what to do, Baisics can generate that guidance.
Try Baisics Free
Curious how AI-generated programs work? Create your first personalized workout program in under 2 minutes - no credit card required, no time-limited trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baisics a good SwoleMate alternative?
It depends on what you need. If you want AI-generated programs and nutrition planning, Baisics is a good alternative. If you want a free iOS tracker and already know how to program workouts, SwoleMate may be better for you.
Is SwoleMate really free?
Yes. SwoleMate's core features are completely free - unlimited workout logs, unlimited routines, all 300+ exercises, progress tracking. The $0.99/month option is a voluntary tip that doesn't unlock any features.
Does SwoleMate work on Android?
No. SwoleMate is iOS-only. Android users looking for a workout app should consider Baisics (web-based, works anywhere) or other cross-platform options like Strong or Hevy.
Which app is better for beginners?
Baisics is typically better for beginners because it tells you what to do. SwoleMate requires you to know how to structure your own training. If you're not sure what exercises to do or how to progress, AI-generated programs provide that guidance.