The best free calorie counter apps, compared.
Free to download isn't the same as free to use. Here's which features each popular app gives you without paying.
What “free” usually means
Almost every calorie app is free to download. The difference is what you can do before a paywall appears. The features people most often find locked are photo logging, the barcode scanner and custom macro goals. Here's how popular apps compare on those.
| App | Photo logging | Barcode scanner | Macro targets | Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C for Calories | Free | Free | Free | No |
| MyFitnessPal | Premium | Premium | Percentages free; grams Premium | Yes |
| Cal AI | Paid after a short trial | Free | Yes | Check the app |
| Lose It! | Premium | Varies; check the app | Custom goals reported as Premium | Yes |
| Cronometer | Gold (paid) | Free | Free | Yes |
| FatSecret | Premium | Free | Basic tracking free | Yes |
Competitor plans as reported in October 2026; app plans change often, so check each store listing for current terms. We make C for Calories, so weigh our view accordingly; the table sticks to features the apps advertise.
C for Calories
Best for: free photo calorie counting. Photo scans, barcode scanning, macros, history and widgets are all free, with no account. It doesn't track exercise or micronutrients.
Cronometer
Best for: detailed micronutrients. The free tier includes the barcode scanner and tracks many vitamins and minerals. AI photo logging is part of the paid Gold plan.
FatSecret
Best for: a long-running free food diary with a large database, barcode scanner and community. Photo logging (Smart Food Scan) is part of Premium.
MyFitnessPal
Best for: database size and device integrations, if you're willing to pay for Premium features like barcode scanning.
Lose It!
Best for: simple calorie budgeting with challenges. Photo logging is part of Premium.
How to choose
- Want to log from photos for free? C for Calories.
- Need vitamins and minerals? Cronometer.
- Need exercise tracking and integrations? MyFitnessPal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free calorie counter app?
It depends on what you need for free. For AI photo logging plus a barcode scanner without paying, C for Calories includes both. For micronutrients, Cronometer's free tier is strong.
Is there a calorie counter with no subscription at all?
C for Calories doesn't require a subscription for any tracking feature. It's supported by ads, with an optional Ad-Free subscription for people who prefer no ads.
Which free calorie app has a barcode scanner?
C for Calories, Cronometer and FatSecret include a barcode scanner on their free tiers, and Cal AI's free plan reportedly does too.