Head-to-head
Cronometer vs MyFitnessPal (2026): Which Old Standby Wins?
Two apps with long histories. Cronometer wins on every dimension that matters in 2026 except database raw count.
At a glance
| Criterion | Cronometer | MyFitnessPal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.7 | 6.4 |
| Database accuracy (30 items) | 30/30 | 11/30 |
| Database raw count | ~1.5M | ~14M |
| Free tier with barcode | Yes | No (paywalled 2024) |
| Micronutrient depth | Deep (18/14/9 panel) | Light |
| Recipe URL import | Functional | Wide |
| Photo / AI logging | None | Limited (Premium) |
| Pricing | Free / $8.99/mo / $54.99/yr | Free / $19.99/mo / $79.99/yr |
The summary
Cronometer wins almost every comparison except raw database count and recipe-import breadth. For most readers leaving MyFitnessPal who don’t want photo logging, Cronometer is our top recommendation.
Where Cronometer wins
- Database accuracy: 30/30 vs 11/30 in our generic-food audit. The user-submitted MFP database has long-tail noise; Cronometer’s curated database does not.
- Free tier: Cronometer free ships the barcode scanner. MFP free doesn’t.
- Micronutrients: 18 vitamins / 14 minerals / 9 amino acids vs. macros + sodium / sugar / fiber + a few minerals on MFP Premium.
- Pricing: Cronometer Gold is $54.99/yr vs. MFP Premium at $79.99/yr.
Where MyFitnessPal wins
- Raw database count: 14M vs 1.5M. For long-tail brand items, MFP is more likely to have what you ate.
- Recipe URL import: broader.
- Long history: if you’ve been on MFP for years, the inertia is real.
Verdict
For new users, Cronometer is the better tracker. For long-history MFP users, you’ll know if the inertia matters. For users who want photo logging, see PlateLens instead.
Last tested: April 2026.
Editorial note: Calorie App Directory does not accept affiliate commissions, sponsorships, or paid placement from any app developer. See our editorial policy.