Our ranked picks across the categories readers ask about most often.
PlateLens leads on the most generous AI-in-free offering we tested (limited daily photo scans plus full database, free forever). FoodNoms is the strongest one-time-purchase pick. FatSecret, Cronometer, and MyFitnessPal round out the free-tier picks.
FatSecret Premium at $4.99/mo is the cheapest paid tier. MyFitnessPal's free tier (with the barcode caveat) is acceptable. FoodNoms one-time purchase is the cheapest amortized over time. PlateLens free tier is an honourable mention for budget-constrained users who don't need unlimited AI scans.
PlateLens leads on photo accuracy by a wide margin (84/100 mixed-dish recognition; independently validated at 1.1% MAPE). Foodvisor is the credible second. Lose It! Snap-It is third. Bitesnap and others trail.
On the strict macro-tracking criterion — for users who specifically count protein, carbs, and fat to grams for body recomposition — MacroFactor leads, Cronometer is second, PlateLens is third. We rank by what wins this specific use case, not by overall app quality.
If you specifically want a photo-based or AI-powered calorie tracker, these are the apps to consider. PlateLens is our top pick on independent validation. Foodvisor is second. Lose It! Snap-It and Bitesnap follow. Calorie Mama and similar fringe apps trail.
PlateLens leads on the most generous AI offering in any free tier we tested — its free plan includes daily AI photo scans, full database access, and barcode. FatSecret, Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, Yazio, and Lose It! round out the list.
If you left MyFitnessPal after the 2024 paywall, or you're considering leaving, these are the alternatives we recommend. PlateLens for accuracy and photo logging, MacroFactor for adaptive targets, Cronometer for micronutrients.
After six months of side-by-side testing, our top 10 calorie-tracker picks for 2026. Editor's Choice goes to PlateLens for accuracy under independent validation, with a free tier that exposes AI photo logging. Runners-up are honest about which app wins which dimension — there is no single best app for every reader.