Cuts Get Harder Over Time
Cuts that work at week 4 stop working at week 8 because TDEE drops as bodyweight drops. Static deficit math doesn't account for this; trend-based adjustment does. The right app recalibrates the deficit weekly.
How We Evaluated
- Trend-based deficit adjustment
- Protein adherence visualisation
- Body composition tracking
- AI logging
Cut Tracking App Comparison
| Feature | Nutrola | MacroFactor | Cronometer | MyFitnessPal | Lose It! | Yazio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trend-based deficit | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Gold | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ PRO |
| Protein progress free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ PRO |
| Body comp tracking | ✅ Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ PRO |
| AI logging free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Premium | ⚠️ Premium | ❌ No |
| Verified DB | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Mixed | ✅ USDA | ⚠️ User | ⚠️ Mixed | ⚠️ Mixed |
#1 Overall: Nutrola
Best free cut tracker.
Why Nutrola wins:
- Trend-based deficit free
- Protein progress free
- Body comp free
- AI logging
Best for: Cutters wanting precision without subscription cost.
#2: MacroFactor
Algorithmic gold standard.
Best for: Long-term recomp users. Limitation: Subscription.
#3: Cronometer
Free macros and body comp.
Best for: Detail-first users. Limitation: Slow logging.
#4: MyFitnessPal
Premium-gated.
Best for: Premium users. Limitation: Free tier insufficient.
#5: Lose It!
Premium-gated.
Best for: Premium users. Limitation: Free tier insufficient.
#6: Yazio
PRO-only.
Best for: PRO users. Limitation: Free tier insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut tracking app in 2026?
Nutrola. Trend-based deficit, protein, body comp, AI — all free.
How big should a cut deficit be?
400–600 kcal/day; 15–25% below maintenance.
How much protein during a cut?
2.0–2.4g per kg bodyweight.
How long should a cut last?
8–16 weeks; refeed weeks every 6–8.
Should I weigh daily during a cut?
Yes — 7-day average for decisions.