12 Best Free Apps for Counting Macros in 2025

Getting a handle on your nutrition doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You've probably heard about "tracking macros"—keeping an eye on your protein, carbs, and fats—but assumed it required a pricey subscription or a degree in nutrition. Good news: it doesn't! A great counting macros app free of charge is easier to find than you think.

Whether you're a busy professional grabbing lunch on the go, a student trying to eat better on a budget, or just someone curious about what's in your food, the right tool makes all the difference. This guide is your friendly tour of the 12 best free macro-counting apps out there. We'll skip the jargon and focus on what really matters: how easy they are to use for everyday life, from logging your morning coffee to figuring out that homemade dinner.

The goal is to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle, making it effortless to stay mindful of your goals without the stress. It's normal to have off days, but having the right app makes it easier to stay consistent. If you ever feel like you've slipped, remember there are simple strategies for getting back on track that can help. Let's dive in and find the best app for you.

1. Cronometer

Cronometer stands out as a top-tier counting macros app free of charge, praised for its incredible accuracy. While many apps rely on user-submitted food data, Cronometer’s database is primarily curated from verified, lab-analyzed sources. This means the macro info you log is exceptionally reliable.

The free version, known as the Basic account, is robust enough for most people. It includes full macronutrient tracking, a barcode scanner, and customizable macro targets. You can also connect it to devices from Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Health to import your activity data automatically. This level of detail makes it a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to ensure they're hitting precise nutritional goals.

Key Features and Takeaways

For those just getting started with tracking, the platform's precision can feel a bit overwhelming, but its benefits are clear. The detailed info is great, but don't feel like you have to track every single vitamin to get started!

Best For: Data-driven users who want scientific accuracy in both macro and micronutrient tracking.
Pros: Highly accurate food database, a powerful free version that covers all essentials, and seamless cross-device syncing.
Cons: The interface can feel more clinical than other apps, and advanced features like in-depth reports require a paid Gold subscription.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://cronometer.com/

2. MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is often the first name that comes to mind for a counting macros app free of charge, largely due to its massive food database and straightforward interface. For years, it has been the go-to app for millions, making it easy to log meals—from a Starbucks latte to a homemade chili—thanks to a huge, community-driven library of foods.

The free version provides all the essentials for basic macro tracking. You can log your food, view your daily totals for protein, carbs, and fat, and set macro goals by percentage. The app also features strong community forums and integrates with a huge number of fitness apps and devices, making it a central hub for your health data.

Key Features and Takeaways

Its simplicity makes it an excellent starting point for anyone new to tracking. If you’re just looking to get a feel for your daily protein or carb intake, this is a super reliable place to start.

Best For: Beginners and users who value a large community and an enormous food database for easy logging.
Pros: The largest user-contributed food database available, a simple logging process, and extensive third-party app integrations.
Cons: The barcode scanner is now a premium feature in some regions, and setting macro goals by grams requires a paid subscription.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

3. Lose It!

Lose It! has long been a favorite in the world of calorie and macro tracking, largely due to its incredibly friendly and straightforward interface. As a counting macros app free to download, it excels at making the logging process feel less like a chore. The app's design is clean and inviting, which is a huge plus for anyone who finds other trackers a bit too clinical or overwhelming.

The free version provides all the core functionalities needed to get started, including a food diary, barcode scanner, and a massive food database. You can easily log your meals, track your weight, and get a clear picture of your daily macro intake. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, no-fuss approach to understanding their eating habits.

Key Features and Takeaways

For beginners, the intuitive layout makes it one of the easiest apps to pick up and use consistently. While the most advanced macro-specific features are reserved for its Premium subscription, the free tools offer a solid foundation for anyone just looking to become more mindful of their nutrition.

Best For: Beginners or anyone who wants a user-friendly and motivational macro tracking experience without a steep learning curve.
Pros: Extremely intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, a large and reliable food database, and strong community features.
Cons: Key macro-focused tools, like setting specific gram targets and advanced reports, are behind the Premium paywall.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.loseit.com/

4. Carb Manager

Carb Manager has carved out a niche as the go-to counting macros app free for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. Its standout feature is the built-in net carb tracker, which automatically subtracts fiber and sugar alcohols, simplifying the process for keto dieters. This focus makes it incredibly easy to manage your macros without doing extra math.

The free version is impressively functional, offering unlimited food logging, a reliable barcode scanner, and access to a vast library of low-carb recipes. While many apps put core features behind a paywall, Carb Manager keeps the essentials accessible. This makes it a perfect starting point for someone curious about low-carb eating who isn’t ready to commit to a paid subscription.

Key Features and Takeaways

While its strength is its low-carb focus, the app works perfectly well for standard macro tracking too. You can easily adjust your goals for carbs, protein, and fat to fit any dietary plan, making it more versatile than its name suggests.

Best For: Individuals on keto or low-carb diets who need a clear and simple way to track net carbs.
Pros: Excellent free tools for low-carb lifestyles, a user-friendly interface, and a built-in recipe database for meal inspiration.
Cons: Many advanced features like detailed reporting, meal planning, and device syncing are locked behind a Premium subscription. Its keto-centric design might feel less relevant for users not focused on carb restriction.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.carbmanager.com/

5. FatSecret (Calorie Counter by FatSecret)

FatSecret has long been a reliable and completely free tool for tracking calories and macros, making it a community favorite. It offers a straightforward approach to food logging, focusing on the essentials without overwhelming you. The platform’s strength lies in its simplicity and its large, human-verified food database, which makes finding and logging what you eat—from branded products to restaurant meals—quick and accurate.

As a counting macros app free of charge, it provides all the core features you need to succeed, including a barcode scanner, detailed nutritional reports, and goal-setting capabilities. The integrated community features also provide a supportive environment where users can share tips and stay motivated, adding a valuable social layer to the tracking experience.

FatSecret (Calorie Counter by FatSecret)

Key Features and Takeaways

For those who want a no-fuss, effective tracker without a mandatory subscription, FatSecret is an excellent choice. It strikes a great balance between functionality and ease of use, making mindful eating accessible to everyone.

Best For: Beginners and anyone looking for a simple, community-driven macro tracker that gets the job done without a paywall.
Pros: Generous free version with a verified food database, a simple interface with clear day/meal macro views, and built-in community support.
Cons: Premium is required for some advanced reports and features, and the UI is less modern than some competitors.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.fatsecret.com/

6. MacrosFirst

MacrosFirst lives up to its name, offering a laser-focused counting macros app free of charge for users who prioritize hitting specific protein, carb, and fat targets above all else. The app makes it incredibly simple to set daily macro goals, log foods with a quick barcode scan, and even create unlimited custom meals and recipes without hitting a paywall.

What makes it unique is the "auto-calculate" serving size feature. If you have a specific macro target left for a meal, the app can tell you exactly how much of a certain food to eat to hit it perfectly. This removes the guesswork and makes it a powerful tool for anyone serious about precise macro intake. The free version is impressively generous, providing core functionalities that many competitors charge for.

Key Features and Takeaways

For those dedicated to hitting their numbers, the platform streamlines the entire process. It's a no-nonsense tool that helps you focus on what matters most for your goals.

Best For: Users who are primarily focused on hitting exact macro targets daily and want an efficient, no-frills workflow.
Pros: Generous free version with unlimited custom meals and barcode scanning, unique "auto-calculate" serving size feature, and an interface built for speed.
Cons: Has a smaller user base and food database than legacy apps, and in-depth trend analysis is locked behind a Premium subscription.
Availability: Free on iOS and Android.

Website: https://www.macrosfirst.com/

7. YAZIO

YAZIO positions itself as a sleek and modern counting macros app free for those who appreciate a clean design and user-friendly experience. It makes tracking feel less like a chore and more like a mindful habit. The app's core strength lies in its simplicity, offering a large food database, barcode scanner, and a straightforward food diary that makes daily logging a breeze.

YAZIO is also experimenting with AI-powered features, including a photo-based food logger. This forward-thinking approach aims to make tracking even more effortless, appealing to busy people who want to log meals quickly. YAZIO excels at providing a balanced, encouraging, and visually appealing tracking experience for everyday users focused on general wellness.

Key Features and Takeaways

YAZIO is great for anyone who has been intimidated by overly complex apps in the past. Its polished and encouraging environment is perfect for building consistent tracking habits without the stress, making it an excellent starting point for those new to macro awareness.

Best For: Beginners and casual users who want a visually appealing and motivating app for general macro and calorie tracking.
Pros: Polished, intuitive interface with quick logging options, a large food database, and motivating progress visuals.
Cons: Advanced analytics, recipes, and automatic meal plans require a Pro subscription, and the new AI features are still evolving.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.yazio.com/

8. MyNetDiary

MyNetDiary is a flexible and visually appealing counting macros app free of charge, offering a clean interface that feels more like a modern health journal than a sterile database. Its free version provides all the essentials for casual tracking, including a barcode scanner, comprehensive food logging, and clear macro breakdowns for each meal and for the day.

The app stands out by offering gentle coaching tips and reminders, which can help you stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. This supportive approach makes it a great choice for those who are new to tracking and want a tool that guides them toward better habits. It's designed to make the process of logging feel less like a chore and more like an act of self-care.

Key Features and Takeaways

While many advanced features are behind a paywall, the free version gives you more than enough to mindfully track your daily intake. It's a solid middle-ground app that balances user-friendliness with useful data.

Best For: Beginners and casual trackers who appreciate a supportive, visually organized interface and helpful reminders.
Pros: Clear daily and per-meal macro views, a clean and intuitive design, and helpful coaching tips in the free version.
Cons: Advanced macro customization and detailed reports are paywalled, and the different subscription tiers (Pro vs. Premium) can be a bit confusing.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.mynetdiary.com/

9. Nutritionix Track

Nutritionix Track prides itself on speed and simplicity, making it a great counting macros app free for those who want to log meals without the fuss. Developed by a team of registered dietitians, its major advantage is a clean, verified food database focused heavily on U.S. grocery items and popular restaurant chains. If you eat out often, you'll find its database particularly useful.

The free app gives you everything you need for straightforward macro tracking. It includes a fast barcode scanner, predictive search that learns your habits, and clear macro goal settings. Its no-frills approach removes complexity, allowing you to log your food—like that sandwich from the cafe down the street—and get back to your day in seconds.

Key Features and Takeaways

For those new to tracking or who prioritize speed over in-depth analytics, Nutritionix Track is an excellent choice. The focus on a verified, U.S.-centric database means less time spent second-guessing user-submitted entries for common foods.

Best For: Users in the U.S. who want a fast, no-nonsense tracker with a reliable database of grocery and restaurant foods.
Pros: Extremely quick logging process, accurate data for U.S. products, and a simple, uncluttered interface.
Cons: Lacks the advanced analytical features and community aspects found in more comprehensive apps.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.nutritionix.com/track

10. Lifesum

Lifesum positions itself as a beautifully designed and user-friendly counting macros app free for those who appreciate a gentler approach to nutrition. It combines macro tracking with guided meal plans and diet advice, making it feel more like a wellness companion than a strict food ledger. The free version provides a clear macro dashboard right in your diary, making it easy to see your protein, carb, and fat intake at a glance.

The app's interface is polished and intuitive, a big plus for anyone who finds other trackers a bit too clinical. Its Quick Track feature is perfect for busy moments, allowing you to manually add calories and macros when you don't have a barcode to scan. Lifesum also connects with popular health apps like Apple Health and Google Fit, helping to centralize your wellness data effortlessly.

Key Features and Takeaways

While the free version is solid for basic tracking, many of the app's signature features, like specific diet plans and detailed nutrient insights, are behind the Premium paywall. This makes the free experience more about general awareness than hitting precise, custom macro targets.

Best For: Beginners looking for a visually appealing app that offers gentle guidance and easy logging.
Pros: Modern and polished user interface, helpful food ratings, and simple quick-add options for manual entries.
Cons: Customizing your specific macro goals requires a Premium subscription, and some of the most powerful features are paywalled.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.lifesum.com/

11. Fitbit App

While known for its fitness trackers, the Fitbit app also functions as a counting macros app free for anyone, even without a device. Its greatest strength is integrating your food log with a holistic view of your health, including activity, sleep, and weight, all in one dashboard. This unified approach helps you see the direct connections between your nutrition and your overall wellness trends.

The free version provides a solid food diary where you can log meals and see your daily totals for calories, carbs, protein, and fat. If you already use a Fitbit device, the app becomes a powerful hub, automatically pulling in your activity data to give you a more accurate picture of your daily energy balance. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want to streamline their health tracking.

Key Features and Takeaways

For those already in the Fitbit ecosystem, using its native food tracker is a no-brainer. It simplifies the process by keeping everything you need to monitor—from steps to sleep to snacks—in one place, making it easier to build and maintain healthy habits without juggling multiple apps.

Best For: Fitbit device owners and users who want a single app for tracking nutrition, activity, and sleep.
Pros: Excellent integration with Fitbit hardware, provides a holistic view of health metrics, and offers a user-friendly interface.
Cons: The food database and logging experience can feel less robust than dedicated nutrition apps, and some advanced insights are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android.

Website: https://www.fitbit.com/app

12. Samsung Food / Samsung Health

For users deep within the Samsung ecosystem, Samsung Food (integrated with Samsung Health) offers a seamless approach to macro tracking. It stands out by linking meal planning with nutrition data, providing insights into your macro progress over days or weeks. This makes it a great counting macros app free for those who want a holistic view of their eating habits, not just a daily log.

The platform's strength is its integration. The U.S. version features a barcode scanner powered by FatSecret, and the core features for logging meals and viewing your macro dashboard are completely free. While it’s designed to work best with Samsung devices and services, its meal planning tools are useful for anyone looking to organize their nutrition.

Key Features and Takeaways

Samsung Food is less of a dedicated tracker and more of an all-in-one food management system. This makes it ideal for Android users, especially those with Samsung devices, who want their health data consolidated in one place without needing a separate app.

Best For: Samsung and Android users who want an integrated meal planning and macro tracking experience.
Pros: Excellent integration within the Samsung ecosystem, useful multi-day macro insights, and solid meal planning tools.
Cons: Feature availability and user experience can vary by region, and it may not feel as focused as dedicated tracking apps.
Availability: Free on Web, iOS, and Android (optimized for Samsung devices).

Website: https://samsungfood.com/

12 Free Macro-Counting Apps: Feature Comparison

App	Core features	UX / Quality (★)	Target audience (👥)	Unique selling point (✨🏆)	Price / Value (💰)
Cronometer	Lab-verified DB, macro+micro, barcode, integrations	★★★★☆ Accurate & detailed	👥 Precision-focused users, clinicians	✨ Micronutrient depth, verified food data 🏆	💰 Free core; Gold subscription for advanced reports
MyFitnessPal	Massive food DB, diary, community, integrations	★★★★☆ Familiar & broad coverage	👥 Casual loggers & social users	✨ Largest DB + community support	💰 Free; Premium for granular macros & features
Lose It!	Easy diary, weight/exercise logging, AI (Premium)	★★★★☆ Friendly & quick to learn	👥 Beginners & motivated trackers	✨ Clean UI; optional AI photo/voice logging	💰 Free basic; Premium for AI & advanced analytics
Carb Manager	Net-carb tracking, barcode, keto tools, recipes	★★★★☆ Keto-optimized clarity	👥 Keto / low-carb followers	✨ Net-carb focus & keto meal plans	💰 Free core; Premium for meal plans & reports
FatSecret	Free macros, barcode, 2.3M+ verified items, community	★★★☆☆ Simple & reliable	👥 Budget-conscious users	✨ Strong free verified food library	💰 Mostly free; Premium optional for extras
MacrosFirst	Macro-first goals, auto-serve calc, scanning	★★★★☆ Efficient for targets	👥 Goal-driven lifters & strict macro users	✨ Auto-calc servings to hit macros	💰 Free core; Premium for trends & export
YAZIO	Calorie/macro counter, barcode, AI photo logging	★★★★☆ Polished & visual	👥 General counters wanting visuals	✨ AI photo-based logging	💰 Free; Subscription for automation & plans
MyNetDiary	Food/exercise/water, macros, health integrations	★★★★☆ Flexible with coaching tips	👥 Users wanting coaching & charts	✨ Clear per-meal macro views & reminders	💰 Free core; Pro/Premium tiers available
Nutritionix Track	Predictive search, barcode, 800K+ US DB, export	★★★★☆ Very fast & US-accurate	👥 US grocery/restaurant-focused users	✨ Restaurant menu coverage; RD-built	💰 Free; Pro for coach/portal features
Lifesum	Macro dashboard, Quick Track, integrations	★★★★☆ Fast, polished guidance	👥 Users wanting programs & easy logging	✨ Guided programs & quick-add features	💰 Free; Premium for custom macros & plans
Fitbit App	Food diary + activity/sleep/weight integration	★★★☆☆ Good when paired with device	👥 Fitbit device users	✨ Unified health hub across metrics	💰 Free app; Fitbit Premium for expanded insights
Samsung Food / Health	Macro dashboards, meal planning, barcode (US)	★★★☆☆ Integrated in Samsung ecosystem	👥 Samsung/One UI users	✨ Deep Samsung integration & multi-day insights	💰 Free; optional Food+ subscription

Tired of Typing? Try Tracking with Your Voice

You've just explored a dozen of the best options for a counting macros app free of charge. From the nutrient-dense focus of Cronometer to the massive food database of MyFitnessPal, there is a powerful tool out there for every style of tracking. Each app brings something unique to the table, whether it's Carb Manager's low-carb specialization or Nutritionix Track's straightforward, no-frills logging.

The journey to mindful eating starts with awareness, and any of these platforms can be your perfect first step. But the biggest barrier to consistency isn't always finding the right app; it's the daily friction of actually using it. Searching for ingredients, scanning barcodes, and manually entering portions for every single meal can start to feel like a chore.

Choosing Your Path: Manual Detail vs. Effortless Awareness

Your ideal app depends entirely on your goals and lifestyle. To make the best choice, think about what truly matters to you:

For the Data-Driven User: If you need granular detail and enjoy digging into micronutrients, a traditional app like Cronometer or MyNetDiary is an unbeatable choice. Their detailed reporting is perfect for those with specific health goals.
For the Community Seeker: If motivation comes from sharing your journey and connecting with others, MyFitnessPal or FatSecret offer robust community features that can keep you engaged and accountable.
For the Simplicity Lover: If you want a clean, simple interface without overwhelming features, apps like Lose It! or Nutritionix Track cut through the noise and let you focus purely on your macros.

The Future of Tracking is Frictionless

While these apps are fantastic, the constant need for manual input remains their shared challenge. Think about it: how many times have you skipped logging a snack because it felt like too much work? This is where food logging is evolving. Modern tools are moving away from tedious typing and searching, leveraging technologies like AI to make tracking seamless.

The power of voice is a huge part of this shift. Instead of typing "one scrambled egg with a slice of whole wheat toast and half an avocado," imagine just saying it out loud. If you're intrigued by how voice commands streamline other parts of your life, exploring speech to text software can show you how this technology is changing data entry everywhere.

Ultimately, the best counting macros app free for you is the one you will actually use consistently. The goal isn't to become a perfect logger overnight but to build a sustainable habit of mindfulness. It's about understanding what you're eating without adding stress to your plate. If the thought of typing out another meal feels draining, know that there's a more effortless way to stay on track.

Ready to skip the typing and just talk? munchlog.ai was built for the casual tracker who values time and simplicity. Just speak your meals and let our AI do the work, turning your words into macro insights in seconds. Get started for free and see how effortless mindful eating can be at munchlog.ai.