Head-to-head
MyFitnessPal vs Cronometer (2026): The Other Big Comparison
Database breadth versus database depth. Cronometer wins on quality; MFP on size.
At a glance
| Criterion | MyFitnessPal | Cronometer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 6.4 | 8.7 |
| Database accuracy (30 items) | 11/30 | 30/30 |
| Database raw count | ~14M | ~1.5M |
| Free tier with barcode | No (paywalled 2024) | Yes |
| Micronutrient depth | Light (macros + sodium, sugar) | Deep (18 vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 amino acids) |
| Photo / AI logging | Limited (Premium) | None |
| Recipe import | Wide | Functional |
| Adaptive calorie targets | No | No |
| Pricing | Free / $19.99/mo / $79.99/yr | Free / $8.99/mo / $54.99/yr |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, web | iOS, Android, web |
The summary
Cronometer wins this comparison on most dimensions that matter to a thoughtful tracker. It has the most accurate database we measured (30/30 in our generic-food audit). It has the deepest micronutrient panel in the category. It has a free tier that retains barcode scanning. The price is lower at every tier.
MyFitnessPal wins on database raw count and recipe import. For users who specifically need long-tail brand coverage or rely on recipe-URL import, MFP is the answer.
For most readers leaving MFP and not interested in photo logging, Cronometer is the strongest pick. For users who specifically want photo logging, see our PlateLens vs MyFitnessPal comparison instead.
Accuracy
Cronometer’s database is the most accurate we tested in the entire directory. Our 30-item generic-food audit returned 30/30 within 5% of USDA reference. MyFitnessPal returned 11/30 — the lowest result, mostly because of user-submitted entries with eyeballed values.
Winner: Cronometer.
Database raw count
MFP has ~14M entries to Cronometer’s ~1.5M. For long-tail brand items, MFP is more likely to have your specific snack bar.
Winner: MyFitnessPal.
Free tier
Cronometer’s free tier ships barcode scanning, the full nutrient panel, search, and custom recipes (with limited count). It is genuinely usable. MFP’s free tier paywalled the barcode scanner in 2024.
Winner: Cronometer.
Micronutrient depth
Cronometer tracks 18 vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 amino acids, omega-3/omega-6 ratio. MFP tracks the macros plus sodium, sugar, fiber, and a few minerals on Premium.
Winner: Cronometer, decisively.
Recipe import
MFP’s recipe-URL import is broader and more polished. Cronometer’s works but covers fewer sites.
Winner: MyFitnessPal.
Pricing
Cronometer Gold: $8.99/mo or $54.99/yr. MFP Premium: $19.99/mo or $79.99/yr. Cronometer is meaningfully cheaper at every tier.
Winner: Cronometer.
Verdict
For most readers, Cronometer is the better app. Higher database accuracy, deeper nutrient panel, more usable free tier, lower price. The reasons to stay on MyFitnessPal are specific: you have a long history you don’t want to migrate, or you depend on recipe-URL import.
If photo logging is your priority, neither MFP nor Cronometer is the right answer — see our PlateLens review.
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.