Why Look for MyFitnessPal Alternatives?

MyFitnessPal has been the calorie-counting giant for nearly two decades. Founded in 2005, it was one of the first apps to make calorie tracking mainstream, thanks to its massive food database, barcode scanner, and simple daily logging. For years, it was the go-to (only?) choice for anyone looking for a calorie counting solution.

But things have changed. In 2015, Under Armour bought MyFitnessPal for $475 million, hoping to build a connected fitness empire. Just five and a half years later, in 2020, they sold it to a private equity firm for $345 million—a sharp drop in value. Many long-time users feel that’s when the focus shifted away from improving the app and toward monetization.

Today, MyFitnessPal often feels stuck in the past while newer apps have moved forward with AI-powered logging, voice and photo recognition, smarter integrations, and more playful designs. Instead of innovation, users are running into the same frustrations over and over:

• Endless ads and upsells unless you pay for premium.

• Clunky, outdated logging that makes every meal feel like homework.

• Confusing navigation and bugs, from recipe errors to missing foods.

• Slow barcode scanner and weak integrations with wearables.

• Inconsistent food database, with outdated or inaccurate entries.

If you’re curious what’s driving this shift, we break it down in Why Users Are Switching from MyFitnessPal — and What They’re Choosing Instead.

Here’s how a few users describe the experience:

• “The moment I re-downloaded it, I knew it wasn’t for me. Logging is clunky, the scanner is slow, and it just feels outdated compared to other apps.”

• “The interface is confusing—even my husband who’s tech-savvy can’t figure it out. Sharing meals is a pain, and $79/year is way too much for the minimal features.”

• “What used to be the best calorie counter is now buggy, stripped down, and focused on pushing subscriptions instead of providing value.”

Not every review is negative—some users still appreciate its large food database, long track record, and integrations with Garmin and Apple Health. But overall, the sentiment is clear: what was once the gold standard has lost its edge.

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be something better,” you’re right. Today, there are smarter, friendlier food-tracking apps designed for busy professionals and health-conscious millennials who don’t want to spend half their lunch break searching for “grilled chicken salad, no dressing, add avocado.”

And while there are plenty of competitors, one app stands out above the rest: Hoot.

Hoot – The Best MyFitnessPal Alternative

Hoot is the easiest, smartest, and most playful food-tracking app out there—built for people who are tired of logging drama and just want progress that sticks.

Hoot isn’t just a calorie tracker. It’s an AI-native, multi-modal wellness app that makes logging effortless and keeps you motivated with feedback, streaks, and a little owl mascot cheering you on.

Here’s what makes Hoot different:

• Multi-Modal Logging: Log meals by typing, snapping a photo, scanning a barcode or label, talking into the mic, or tapping a saved favorite. No more 20-step entries.

• Guided Insights: Every log gets a Nutrition Score (1–100) plus pros, cons, and simple improvement suggestions. Instead of just “you ate 650 calories,” Hoot says, “Great protein here—next time swap fries for veggies to bump your score.”

• Personalized Plans: Using the gold-standard Mifflin-St Jeor formula, Hoot builds a calorie and macro plan based on your weight, goals, activity level, and pace of change.

• Motivation That Sticks: From streak tracking to playful animations, Hoot turns consistency into a game. Progress feels like play, not punishment.

• Fair Pricing: 7-day free trial, then a low-cost monthly or annual plan. No confusing upsells or locked-out features.

In early testing, users who logged with Hoot stuck to their goals 40% longer than those using traditional apps. Why? Because feedback and playfulness make consistency easier.

If you’re tired of MyFitnessPal, Hoot is the upgrade that makes tracking simple, supportive, and even fun.

👉 Additional reading: The Best Food Diary App for Losing Weight (Without the Logging Overload)

Hoot vs. MyFitnessPal: Key Features at a Glance

Other Apps Like MyFitnessPal Worth Considering

If you’ve outgrown MyFitnessPal—or just want a food diary app that feels less clunky and more supportive—you’re not alone. Today’s calorie tracker alternatives range from nutrient-dense powerhouses to playful, habit-focused apps. The best choice depends on your priorities: precision, simplicity, community, or price.

Here are some of the top food logging and diet tracking apps worth exploring:

Cronometer – Precision for Nutrition Nerds
Cronometer is solid if you care about nutrient detail. It tracks 84+ nutrients with high accuracy, making it popular among athletes, biohackers, and anyone working closely with a nutritionist. (If you’re considering Cronometer itself, check out our guide to Cronometer alternatives)

Lose It! – Visual and Social Motivation
Lose It! is a bit dated, but offers a clean interface and the fun “Snap It” photo logging feature. With built-in challenges, badges, and group support, it doubles as a social network for healthy habits. Great for people who thrive on accountability and like a calorie tracker with community energy.

Lifesum – Habit-Focused Wellness
Lifesum positions itself as more than a diet app—it’s a wellness companion. Its colorful design, daily reminders, and “Life Score” focus on overall balance instead of rigid calorie policing. Perfect if you want a friendlier, habit-building approach. (Looking beyond Lifesum? Explore our guide to the best Lifesum alternatives for other apps that emphasize healthy habits.)

FatSecret – Free and Community-Powered
If cost is a concern, FatSecret is one of the strongest free calorie tracking apps. Its community features, recipe sharing, and forums help keep you motivated. The interface isn’t as polished as some paid options, but the zero-cost model is a big win.

Macrofactor – Adaptive Nutrition for Data-Driven Users
Macrofactor is one of the most advanced macro-tracking apps available, built for people who love precision and progress data. It automatically adjusts your calorie and macro targets based on real-world results, helping you fine-tune performance whether you’re cutting, bulking, or maintaining. While powerful, its data-heavy interface and premium-only pricing make it best suited for dedicated trackers rather than casual users.

Looking for something more data-driven? Check out our guide to the best Macrofactor alternatives for precision-focused nutrition tracking.

Cal AI – Logging Without the Numbers
Cal AI takes a minimalist approach: snap a photo, and the app estimates calories and macros. It’s quick, frictionless, and great for busy users who hate data entry. Accuracy isn’t as tight as other tools, but speed is its main selling point. (Want other fast, low-effort trackers? Check out the best CalAI alternatives for apps that keep things simple.)

Foodnoms – Privacy-First Simplicity
Foodnoms is a diet tracking app built for people who value privacy. All data is stored in iCloud instead of ad servers, and the minimalist design keeps logging distraction-free. Ideal if you want a clean, no-frills experience.

Fooducate Pro – One-Time Payment, Quality Grades
Fooducate Pro sets itself apart with a lifetime, one-time purchase (no subscriptions). It also grades foods with an easy-to-read A–F score, helping you focus on food quality as much as calorie counts. A strong pick for those who dislike ongoing fees.

The Right Tracking App Depends on Your Goals

If MyFitnessPal no longer feels like the right fit, the good news is there are plenty of calorie tracking apps and food diary alternatives that might suit your needs better.

Cronometer excels at nutrient depth.

Lose It! makes tracking social.

Lifesum focuses on balance.

FatSecret is the go-to free option.

Privacy seekers will love Foodnoms.

MacroFactor and Cal AI bring precision and speed.

The right alternative depends on your goals—whether you want detailed macro tracking, simple logging, or a supportive community to keep you motivated. What matters most is finding a tool you’ll actually enjoy using day after day. The best app isn’t just accurate—it’s sustainable, intuitive, and aligned with how you live.

FAQs: MyFitnessPal Alternatives

What makes Hoot the best MyFitnessPal alternative?
Hoot combines AI-powered logging, multi-modal input (text, voice, photo, barcode), and personalized insights—making it one of the best MyFitnessPal alternatives for people who want simplicity and motivation. Unlike MyFitnessPal’s number-heavy interface, every entry in Hoot gets a Nutrition Score (1–100) with pros, cons, and suggestions for improvement. It’s faster, easier, and built to keep you motivated with streaks and playful design.

Is Hoot free to use?
Hoot offers a 7-day free trial so you can experience the full app. After that, there’s a simple, affordable monthly or annual subscription. Unlike MyFitnessPal Premium, there are no hidden upsells or gated features—you get the full experience from day one.

Does Hoot give nutrition advice or just numbers?
Hoot is more than a calorie counter. Each log comes with feedback to help you understand your choices—things like “Nice protein boost—add some fiber to raise your score.” It’s designed to feel like a supportive coach, not just a spreadsheet.

Can I track macros in Hoot?
Yes. Hoot tracks protein, carbs, and fats, plus optional goals like fiber, sugar, sodium, and water. Macro targets are based on the gold-standard Mifflin-St Jeor formula and can be personalized to your lifestyle and goals.

Is MyFitnessPal still free to use?
MyFitnessPal offers a free version with limited features, but many core tools—like barcode scanning, custom macros, and meal insights—are now locked behind the Premium paywall. This shift has pushed many longtime users to explore alternatives that offer more value upfront.

What is the monthly fee for MyFitnessPal?
MyFitnessPal Premium costs about $19.99/month or $79.99/year. While it includes advanced analytics and custom goals, many users find better value in lower-cost apps like Hoot, Lose It!, or Cronometer.

Is MyFitnessPal actually good?
MyFitnessPal remains one of the most popular calorie tracking apps, with a massive food database and reliable syncing. However, its aging interface, frequent ads in the free version, and increased paywall restrictions have led many users to switch to faster, more modern alternatives like Hoot and Cronometer.

What is the best free food tracking app?
For free users, FatSecret and Foodnoms are strong options. FatSecret offers social community support, while Foodnoms prioritizes data privacy and offline use. Cronometer also provides a free version with impressive nutrient tracking, though its interface feels more technical.

What’s the most privacy-focused MyFitnessPal alternative?
If privacy is your top concern, Foodnoms is a great choice. It keeps all your data stored locally in iCloud rather than on ad servers. Hoot also prioritizes data privacy, avoiding the heavy ad-based model many older calorie apps rely on.

Which calorie tracker is best for athletes?
For serious lifters or endurance athletes, MacroFactor is strong because of its adaptive macro coaching, and Cronometer is excellent for detailed nutrient tracking (84+ micronutrients). Hoot is also athlete-friendly, with quick logging, flexible macros, and streak tracking for long-term consistency.

Can I log food by taking photos?
Yes. Hoot, Lose It!, and Cal AI all support photo-based logging. With Hoot, you can also mix and match logging styles—type it, scan it, speak it, or snap it—so you don’t waste time.

Which MyFitnessPal alternatives are free?
If you want a free calorie counter, FatSecret and Foodnoms offer strong no-cost options. Hoot is subscription-based but provides more motivation, personalization, and playful design than most free apps.

Do any alternatives avoid subscriptions?
Yes. Fooducate Pro offers a one-time purchase option with lifetime access, while most other calorie tracker apps—including MyFitnessPal—require ongoing premium subscriptions.

How much is MyFitnessPal Premium compared to alternatives?
MyFitnessPal Premium costs around $79 per year, which many users feel is too high given the app’s clunky UI and reduced free features. Alternatives like Hoot, Cronometer, and Lose It! often cost less and offer a more modern experience.

Does Hoot sync with wearables?
Yes. Hoot integrates with activity levels and water tracking, and additional wearable and fitness integrations are on the roadmap. Other apps like Cronometer and Lose It! also support syncing with Apple Health, Garmin, and Fitbit.

Are food databases accurate across calorie tracking apps?
This is a common frustration with MyFitnessPal—its user-generated entries are often outdated or inaccurate. Cronometer is known for having the most precise database. Hoot uses AI to interpret entries and help users log more accurately without the clutter.

What’s the best MyFitnessPal alternative overall?
It depends on your goals. For speed and simplicity, try Hoot. For nutrient depth, Cronometer shines. And for advanced macro coaching, MacroFactor leads the pack.

Key Takeaways

• Hoot is the best MyFitnessPal alternative if you want calorie tracking that’s simple, playful, and motivating.

• Other strong contenders include Cronometer (best for nutrient detail), Lose It! (social + photo features), MacroFactor (adaptive coaching), and Foodnoms (privacy-first).

• Free options exist (FatSecret, Foodnoms), and Fooducate Pro offers a unique one-time payment.

• If you’re frustrated with MyFitnessPal’s ads, upsells, and clunky UX, you have smarter, cheaper, and more motivating alternatives today.

Disclaimer: Content provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional, or health advice.