AI calorie counters let you log a meal by taking a photo instead of searching a food database. They save a lot of time, but they are not all the same: some are free, some lock the photo feature behind a subscription, and only a few work well outside English.
We make CalorAI, so we are not neutral. We tried to keep this comparison fair and factual, and we list what each app does best.
Quick comparison
| App | How you log | Free version | Price (US) | Languages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalorAI | Photo, gallery, text, voice | Free to download and start | Pro $9.49/month or $37.99/year | 18, incl. Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish | Non-English users, all-in-one app |
| Cal AI | Photo, barcode, text | Scan results need a subscription (3-day trial) | Varies, about $30–70/year | 15 | Fast photo logging, iPhone depth sensor |
| MyFitnessPal | Search, barcode*, Meal Scan*, voice* | Yes, basic logging with ads | Premium $19.99/month or $79.99/year | 20, no Arabic or Hindi | Huge food database (*Premium) |
| SnapCalorie | Photo, voice | Yes, core features free | Premium $19.99/month or $149/year | English | Free photo logging |
| MacroFactor | Search, barcode | Free trial, then paid | Subscription | Not stated | Adaptive targets for serious trackers |
| Cronometer | Search, barcode | Yes, detailed free plan | Gold is paid | Not stated | Vitamins and minerals in detail |
CalorAI
Take a photo, pick one from your gallery, type what you ate or say it out loud, and CalorAI estimates calories, protein, carbs and fat. It also sets daily targets, turns a goal weight into a weekly plan, logs workouts from over 100 exercises, and includes an AI nutrition coach, a meal planner and health warnings for 20+ conditions.
- Strengths: 18 languages including right-to-left Arabic and Farsi, plus Kurdish; four ways to log; lower price than most.
- Limits: no barcode scanner; smaller community than the big apps.
Cal AI
One of the best-known photo calorie apps, with a very high App Store rating. It uses the iPhone depth sensor to estimate portion size and supports barcode scanning.
- Strengths: fast and polished; barcode scanning; syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit.
- Limits: the App Store listing says food scan results require a subscription.
MyFitnessPal
The classic calorie counter with the largest food database. Meal Scan (photo), barcode scanning and voice logging are Premium features.
- Strengths: database size; huge community; many integrations.
- Limits: the free version has ads; photo logging needs Premium.
SnapCalorie
A photo-first app that keeps its core features free and uses depth data to estimate portions.
- Strengths: free photo logging; voice logging.
- Limits: fewer extras such as meal planning or detailed coaching.
MacroFactor
Not a photo app first. It adapts your calorie target each week based on your weight trend.
- Strengths: smart, adaptive targets.
- Limits: paid after the trial; more manual logging.
Cronometer
Known for accurate, verified nutrition data and detailed vitamin and mineral tracking.
- Strengths: micronutrient detail on the free plan.
- Limits: built for careful logging rather than quick photos.
How to choose
- You want photo logging in your own language (Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Hindi and more): CalorAI.
- You use an iPhone and want barcode plus photo in one polished app: Cal AI.
- You want the biggest food database: MyFitnessPal.
- You want free photo logging and little else: SnapCalorie.
- You weigh yourself daily and want smart, adaptive targets: MacroFactor.
- You care most about vitamins and minerals: Cronometer.
A note on accuracy
Every AI calorie counter gives an estimate. Simple meals are easier to recognise than mixed dishes, sauces and oils. Pick an app that lets you correct the portion before you save, and the numbers will be close enough to guide your choices.
Fuentes
- Official websites and App Store / Google Play listings of each app, checked October 2026.
- US prices; they vary by country and change often. Check the store before you subscribe.
- Disclosure: this article is published by the team behind CalorAI.
CalorAI ofrece estimaciones solo con fines informativos y no es consejo médico.
