Comparison · updated November 2026
Pofu vs MyFitnessPal: which calorie counter fits you?
A fair, general comparison of Pofu and MyFitnessPal for people who want to log food quickly and stay consistent.
The short version
MyFitnessPal is one of the best-known calorie counters, widely associated with a large food database and barcode scanning. Pofu is a newer, independent iPhone app made for women, built around AI photo logging, optional cycle awareness, grace days and gentle fasting windows.
The difference is mostly one of focus: a long-established, broad tracker versus a smaller app designed around how many women actually eat and feel across the month.
Pricing and features change. This page describes MyFitnessPal only in general terms, so check its App Store listing for what it offers today.
Feature comparison
| Feature | MyFitnessPal | Pofu |
|---|---|---|
| Photo logging | Check the listing for current photo features and which plan includes them. | AI photo scan estimates food, portion, calories and macros with a visible confidence score. You can edit it, and Pofu remembers your correction. |
| Cycle-aware feedback | Not a central feature as far as we know; check the listing. | Optional and off by default. Shows your cycle day and phase; in the luteal phase a scale jump is flagged as possibly water. Cycle data stays on your device. |
| Missed-day handling | Check how it treats a skipped day. | Grace days keep your streak alive. Going over your target shows your weekly balance instead of a scolding. |
| Fasting | Check the listing for fasting tools. | Timer with 16:8, 14:10, 18:6 and 5:2 windows and Live Activities. A shorter window still counts. Fasting stats are part of Pro. |
| Macros | Calorie and macro tracking is a core use of the app. | Protein, carbs and fat per meal, with goals from a 2-minute quiz. Advanced analytics are part of Pro. |
| Widgets and watch | Check the listing for current widget and watch support. | Home screen widget, Apple Watch app, Live Activities and Apple Health support. |
| Price model | A free tier and a paid tier. Check the App Store. | Free to start: barcode, search and manual logging are free and unlimited, with 3 free AI photo scans on day one and 1 every day after. Optional Pofu Pro (yearly plan with a 7-day free trial, monthly, or one-time lifetime). |
Who each is better for
MyFitnessPal may suit you if
- You value a large food database and a long-established app.
- You like searching for packaged and restaurant foods by name.
- You already have a history in it and do not want to start over.
Pofu may suit you if
- You want to log a plate with a photo first and fall back to search or barcode.
- You want optional cycle awareness and gentler language about the scale.
- You want grace days and a weekly balance view.
- You want an independent app with a simple free start and an optional Pro.
Neither choice is wrong. The best calorie counter is the one you will still open in week three, and many apps offer a free way to try them.
Questions
Is Pofu better than MyFitnessPal?
It depends on what you value. A large food database is a real strength of established apps. Pofu is built around women's routines: optional cycle awareness, grace days, gentle fasting windows and AI photo logging. MyFitnessPal may suit you better if its approach matches how you like to track. Try both, since both can be started without paying up front, and check each App Store listing for current details.
Is Pofu free compared with MyFitnessPal?
Pofu is free to start. Barcode scanning, search and manual logging are free and unlimited, and you get 3 free AI photo scans on your first day and 1 every day after that. Pofu Pro is optional. MyFitnessPal has its own free and paid options that change over time, so check its App Store listing.
Does Pofu work on Android?
Not right now. Pofu is an iOS app for iPhone and iPad, with an Apple Watch app. You can get it on the App Store.
Can I move my history from MyFitnessPal to Pofu?
We do not promise an import. Pofu lets you export or delete your own data anytime. See the Pofu overview and privacy policy for details.
Try Pofu
Pofu is free to start on iPhone. Read the full Pofu overview or see our checklist for choosing a calorie counter as a woman.
Calorie apps are tracking tools, not medical advice. AI calorie numbers are estimates. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a history of disordered eating, follow your doctor's or dietitian's advice first.