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Two apps compared, not ranked

Cal AI vs MacroFactor

Neither describes a free version, so the question is the trial and what you get for the subscription. Cal AI is built around photo scanning; MacroFactor adds a plan that moves with your weight trend. The accuracy row is one-sided, as only Cal AI prints a figure.

Try CalorTracker free

Head to head

Cal AI and MacroFactor compared on 9 points, in alphabetical order
Cal AIMacroFactor
Free planNot listed. Not listed: the FAQ mentions a paywall and a free trial, and no free tier[1]No. No free version: "there isn't (and will never be) a free version"[3]
Free trialYes. A 3-day free trial, "no commitment"[2]Yes. A 7-day free trial[3]
Logs a meal from a photoYes. Photo scan; the home page says the phone's depth sensor helps estimate volume[2]Yes. AI calorie tracking: snap a photo or describe your meal[3]
Voice loggingNot listed. Not listed on the pages checked[2]Yes. Speech-to-text food logging[3]
Barcode scannerYes. Barcode scan beside photo scan and manual search[1]Yes. Scans barcodes and nutrition labels; coverage varies by country[3]
Targets that adjust to your weight trendNot listed. Not listed on the pages checked[2]Yes. Weight trend and an energy expenditure estimate; the macro plan auto-adjusts every week[3]
Accuracy it states for itselfYes. Says its accuracy is about 80%, and that values can vary[1]Not listed. Not listed: no accuracy figure on the page checked[3]
AdsNot listed. Not listed on the pages checked[2]Yes. None: "we will never serve ads"[3]
Where it runsYes. iPhone (iOS 18 or later) and Android (10 or later)[1]Yes. iPhone and Android apps; no desktop version at present[3]

Last verified . Numbers in brackets point to the sources below. The apps are in alphabetical order.

One app at a time: Cal AI alternative, MacroFactor alternative. CalorTracker features mentioned here: AI food scanner, Weight progress tracker.

Where each one is stronger

Where Cal AI is stronger

  • Offers a 3-day free trial and says the phone's depth sensor helps estimate food volume.[2]
  • Prints an accuracy figure for itself (about 80%) and says values can vary.[1]
  • Names photo scan, barcode scan and manual search as the ways to log.[1]

Where MacroFactor is stronger

  • A weekly-adjusting nutrition plan built on an energy expenditure estimate and your weight trend.[3]
  • Says it will never serve ads or use ad networks to track you.[3]
  • Gives a 7-day free trial and lists speech-to-text logging, which the Cal AI pages we read do not mention.[3]

Who each one suits

  • Cal AI suits someone who wants quick photo logging and will decide within a 3-day trial.
  • MacroFactor suits someone who wants a week-long trial and a plan that follows their weight, on a phone.

These are suggestions drawn from the table, not a verdict. The right app depends on which row matters to you.

And if you want something else, CalorTracker

CalorTracker is a third option, from the team that wrote this page. What it does for the points above, from our own code:

  • If you want a free plan to start on, rather than a trial: Free plan with daily AI limits.
  • If you want a 10-day trial of the paid plan: 10-day Premium trial.
  • If you want targets that stay where you set them: Targets come from your profile and goal; no weekly adjustment.

Where CalorTracker falls short

  • No barcode scanner; reads the label from a photo.
  • Web app and Android app; the iOS app is not public yet.
  • Voice logging is Premium.
  • The free plan has daily limits: 1 AI photo scan and 2 AI text logs a day.
  • AI results are estimates to check before you save them.

Sources and last verified

Every fact about the two apps on this page comes from that app’s own site, checked on . “Not listed” means we found nothing on the pages cited; it does not mean the app lacks the feature. Prices are left out because they change and differ by country, so check each app before you decide.

We re-verify this page every quarter. Next review due by . We also re-read every source before a page goes live if its facts are more than 90 days old.

  1. Cal AI FAQ: https://www.calai.app/faq (checked )
  2. Cal AI home page: https://www.calai.app/ (checked )
  3. MacroFactor app page: https://macrofactor.com/macrofactor/ (checked )

Frequently asked questions

Is either one free?
MacroFactor's page says there isn't and never will be a free version. Cal AI's FAQ points to a paywall and a trial and describes no free tier.
How long are the trials?
Cal AI's home page says 3 days. MacroFactor's page says 7 days.
Which adjusts targets as your weight changes?
MacroFactor says its plan adjusts weekly from an energy expenditure estimate and your weight trend. Cal AI's pages describe no such feature.
Does CalorTracker adjust targets from weight?
It does not. Targets come from your profile and goal, and you can edit them.

Try it on your own meals

Start free, log your first meal from a photo, and see whether it suits the way you track.

Start free on the web

Every app name is a trademark of its respective owner; this page is an independent comparison.