Top 9 Calorie Tracking Apps in 2026: An Honest Comparison

With dozens of calorie tracking apps on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Some are packed with features you will never use, others nickel-and-dime you with premium subscriptions, and a few actually deliver on their promises. We tested nine of the most popular options to help you decide.

Quick Comparison Table

Here is how the top calorie tracking apps stack up across the features that matter most:

1. Metrical

Metrical takes a fundamentally different approach to calorie tracking. Instead of making you search through a food database, you snap a photo or describe your meal in natural language, and AI estimates your calories and macros instantly. There is no account creation, no login, and no cloud storage. Your data stays on your device.

• Pros: Fastest logging experience, completely free, no account needed, AI photo recognition, local-only data storage, works in English and Spanish
• Cons: Smaller food database than MyFitnessPal, AI estimates can vary slightly, no social features, no barcode scanner

2. MyFitnessPal

The veteran of calorie tracking with over 14 million foods in its database. MyFitnessPal is the most recognized name in the space and integrates with almost every fitness device and app. However, many core features that were once free are now locked behind a $20/month premium paywall, and the app has become increasingly bloated with ads.

• Pros: Largest food database, barcode scanner, extensive integrations, recipe calculator, social features
• Cons: Expensive premium tier, ad-heavy free version, slow to log meals, requires account, privacy concerns with data sharing

3. Lose It!

Lose It! focuses specifically on weight loss with a clean, colorful interface. It offers basic photo recognition for food logging, though it is not as advanced as dedicated AI solutions. The free tier is usable but limited, and the premium version adds meal planning and nutrient breakdowns.

• Pros: Clean interface, weight loss focused, basic photo recognition, food database
• Cons: Limited free tier, photo AI is basic, requires account, premium needed for macros

4. Cronometer

Cronometer is the choice for people who care about micronutrients. It tracks over 80 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients with scientific precision. The food data comes from verified sources rather than user-submitted entries, making it more accurate than crowd-sourced databases. The trade-off is a steeper learning curve and a more clinical interface.

• Pros: Most detailed nutrient tracking, verified food data, great for specific diets (keto, vegan), professional version available
• Cons: Steeper learning curve, clinical interface, slower to log, premium needed for advanced features

5. FatSecret

FatSecret is a solid free option with a community focus. It includes food diary, exercise log, weight tracker, and a recipe calculator. The community features let you share recipes and join challenges. The interface feels dated compared to newer apps, but it gets the job done without pushing premium aggressively.

• Pros: Genuinely free, community features, recipe sharing, meal planning
• Cons: Dated interface, ad-supported, requires account, no AI features, limited food photos

6. Yazio

Yazio combines calorie tracking with meal planning and healthy recipes. The app suggests recipes based on your dietary goals and generates shopping lists. It has a polished design and an intuitive interface, though most of the interesting features require the premium subscription.

• Pros: Beautiful design, meal plans, recipe suggestions, intermittent fasting tracker
• Cons: Most features require premium ($45/yr), requires account, no AI tracking, limited free version

7. Noom

Noom is less of a calorie tracker and more of a behavioral coaching program that uses calorie tracking as one of its tools. It categorizes foods by color (green, yellow, red) based on caloric density and pairs you with a coach. The monthly cost is steep at $60/month, making it the most expensive option on this list by far.

• Pros: Behavioral psychology approach, personal coaching, educational content, food color system
• Cons: Very expensive ($60/mo), basic calorie tracking, requires long commitment, slow onboarding process

8. MacroFactor

MacroFactor is built for people serious about macro tracking. It uses an algorithm that adjusts your calorie and macro targets based on your actual results over time, rather than relying solely on static formulas. The food logging experience is solid and the analytics are deep. At $12/month, it is priced for dedicated users.

• Pros: Smart algorithm adjusts targets, excellent analytics, verified food data, collaborative with coaches
• Cons: Paid only ($12/mo), steeper learning curve, no free tier, requires account, no AI photo recognition

9. Samsung Health

Samsung Health comes pre-installed on Samsung devices and provides basic calorie and activity tracking. It integrates tightly with Samsung wearables and the broader Samsung ecosystem. The food tracking is functional but basic, relying on manual database searches. It is best used as a simple all-in-one health tracker rather than a dedicated calorie counting solution.

• Pros: Free, pre-installed on Samsung devices, activity tracking, sleep tracking, integrates with Samsung wearables
• Cons: Samsung devices only, basic food tracking, no AI features, limited food database compared to dedicated apps

Which App Should You Choose?

The best calorie tracking app depends on what you value most. If you want the fastest, most private experience with zero friction, Metrical is the clear choice. If you need the largest food database and do not mind ads, MyFitnessPal still delivers. For micronutrient obsessives, Cronometer is unmatched. And if you want behavioral coaching and have the budget, Noom offers a unique approach.