We’ve all downloaded a calorie app, logged three days and never opened it again. The ones that stick fit how you actually eat. That might mean a free barcode scanner, fewer taps per meal, targets that move with your weight, or, if you’re on a weight-loss medication, a glp 1 app that logs your dose next to your lunch.
1. MyNetDiary
MyNetDiary gives you the most for free: barcode scanning, custom protein targets and no third-party ads. Its 2M+ foods are staff-verified, and it tracks up to 108 nutrients, so you see iron and vitamin D, beyond just calories and macros. If you’re on a GLP-1, MyNetDiary’s GLP-1 Companion (Premium) logs your dose and side effects next to your meals, puts protein first and has recipes for smaller appetites. Get it free here.
2. MacroFactor
If you track macros like it’s your job, you’ve probably met MacroFactor. Each week it redoes your calorie target from your log and weight, like a GPS rerouting after a missed turn. No free version. MyNetDiary’s Advanced Autopilot (Premium) does the same.
3. MyFitnessPal
Everyone knows MyFitnessPal. The food database is huge, 20 million+ items by its own count, and it connects to more apps and devices than anything else here. Two catches: the barcode scanner is Premium-only now, and the free version has ads.
4. Cronometer
Cronometer is for data lovers. Same USDA and NCC data as MyNetDiary, up to 95 nutrients, charts anything against anything, and WHOOP, Garmin and Dexcom syncing. The free version has ads and needs an account.
5. Lose It!
If friends keep you honest, Lose It! is your app. Challenges, streaks and group goals are its thing. The database is massive (60 million items, mostly from users), but the barcode scanner is Premium now.
6. Noom
Noom is more coach than tracker. The daily lessons on habits and mindset are the real product; the food log is basic, calories, macros, not much else, and there’s no free tier.
7. Yazio
Into intermittent fasting? Yazio’s timers (16:8, 5:2, 6:1) are free and its 2,900+ recipes look great. Nutrition detail is thin: 4 nutrients free, 36 on Pro.
So, which one?
The one you’ll open on a Tuesday. MyNetDiary studied 5,132 of its own users in 2026 (regular loggers who weighed in monthly) and published it in a peer-reviewed journal. Those who logged six or seven days a week lost 11.33% of their body weight in six months on average; those who logged under two days a week lost 6.84%. Miss a few days? Just pick it back up.
