High Protein- 1x12 ct Chick-fil-A® Nuggets380Calories40gProtein16gCarbs17gFat
- 1xOriginal Flavor Waffle Potato Chips220Calories3gProtein25gCarbs13gFat
Meal total
600Calories43gProtein41gCarbs30gFatSimple Macros vs MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is the best-known calorie counter, with a huge food database and a free plan. But in the US its barcode scanner, Meal Scan photo logging and voice logging are Premium features, $79.99 a year. Simple Macros gives you the barcode scanner and AI photo logging free, plus every chain's full menu to build your order from.
Prices and features checked .
Features and price
 | MyFitnessPal | |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie + macro tracking | Included free | Included free |
| Barcode scanner | Included free | Paid: only with a paid plan |
| AI photo logging | Included free | Paid: only with a paid plan |
| Customize restaurant ordersEvery menu option at 200,000+ restaurant locations | Included free | Not offered |
| Meal GeneratorBuilds restaurant orders that hit your calorie target | Included free | Not offered |
| Log food in ChatGPT, Claude, GrokTrack by talking to the AI you already use | Included free | Not offered |
| Price | Free | $79.99/yrPremium |
Paid = only with a paid plan. US list prices and features from each app's App Store listing, website and help center; they can change, so check each app for current details. All trademarks belong to their owners. Simple Macros is not affiliated with or endorsed by MyFitnessPal. Last checked .
What Simple Macros does differently
Barcode and photo logging, free.
On MyFitnessPal both need Premium. In Simple Macros they are free for everyone, with no trial to remember to cancel.
Build your restaurant order.
MyFitnessPal lists restaurant dishes as separate food entries. Simple Macros has each chain's full official menu with every option: swap the protein, skip the sauce, go light on the rice, and the macros update as you build. The Meal Generator builds whole orders that hit your calorie target.
Browse restaurant menusHigh ProteinLog food from ChatGPT, Claude or Grok.
MyFitnessPal's ChatGPT app offers recipes and nutrition guidance, but it couldn't log food when we checked. Connect Simple Macros to ChatGPT, Claude or Grok and your AI app can log meals, check what's left today and plan a restaurant order.
See how to connectI weighed 182.4 this morning
Simple MacrosLog weigh-inNice work! Logged 182.4 lb. That's 1.2 lb down this week, keep it up!
Lunch was a Chipotle bowl with chicken, white rice, black beans, fajita veggies, mild salsa and cheese
Simple MacrosLog mealGreat choice! Logged your bowl: 675 cal, 51g protein. You still have 1,120 calories and 74g protein to play with today.
When MyFitnessPal might suit you better
- You want the biggest food database: MyFitnessPal lists over 20 million foods.
- You like logging by voice: MyFitnessPal Premium has voice logging. Simple Macros has no voice logging in its app, though you can talk to your AI app instead.
- You want meal plans built from home recipes with grocery delivery: that is the MyFitnessPal Premium+ Meal Planner.
Questions
Is Simple Macros a free alternative to MyFitnessPal?
Yes. Simple Macros is completely free on iPhone and Android, including the barcode scanner and AI photo logging that need MyFitnessPal Premium. There is no subscription, paywall or trial.
Is the MyFitnessPal barcode scanner free?
Not in the US. MyFitnessPal's help center says Barcode Scan has been Premium only since October 1, 2022 (checked September 29, 2026). The Simple Macros barcode scanner is free.
How much does MyFitnessPal Premium cost?
As of September 29, 2026, MyFitnessPal Premium lists at $79.99 a year or $19.99 a month in the US, and Premium+ at $99.99 a year. Simple Macros is free.
Can I switch from MyFitnessPal to Simple Macros?
Yes. Download Simple Macros, answer a few questions to get your daily calorie and protein targets, and start logging. It takes a couple of minutes.
Sources
- MyFitnessPal Premium pricing
- MyFitnessPal help: Barcode Scan is Premium only
- MyFitnessPal help: Meal Scan is Premium only
- MyFitnessPal help: free vs Premium plans
- MyFitnessPal help: Meal Planner (Premium+)
- MyFitnessPal: ChatGPT app announcement (January 7, 2026)
More comparisons: Simple Macros vs Cal AI, Simple Macros vs MacroFactor, or all three side by side.