The 30-second verdict
Ember is a better fit if you want to snap or describe your meals without paying, and track intermittent fasting. FatSecret is better suited if you prefer a classic food diary built on food search, or want dietitian-made meal plans with Premium.
With FatSecret, photo meal recognition is part of Premium. With Ember, it is included in the free plan, up to two analyses per day.
Ember vs FatSecret: the key differences
This comparison is based on features publicly documented by both apps in October 2026.
Swipe the table horizontally to compare.
| Criteria | Ember | FatSecret |
|---|---|---|
| Logging a meal | Photo, description or barcode | Search, barcode; photo and assistant with Premium |
| Photo meal analysis | Yes, on the free plan | Yes, with Premium |
| Barcode scanning | Yes | Yes, free |
| Intermittent fasting | Timer, reminders and fasting periods | Fasting-friendly meal plans with Premium |
| Calories and macros | Yes, with daily totals | Yes, with nutrition reports |
| Water tracking | Included | With Premium |
| Price | Free plan, optional subscription | Premium from $10.49 to $14.99/month or $38.99 to $59.99/year (US) |
| Platforms | iOS and Android | iOS, Android, Apple Watch and web |
Which app is right for you?
Choose Ember if
- You want to log a meal by snapping it instead of searching for every food.
- You want to use AI analysis for free every day.
- You practice intermittent fasting and want a timer with reminders.
- You want meals, macros, water, steps, weight and fasting in one clear view.
- You are looking for an ad-free app.
Choose FatSecret if
- You prefer a classic food diary built on food search.
- You enjoy a community and keeping a personal journal.
- You want dietitian-made meal plans with Premium.
- You use the web version or an Apple Watch.
Two ways to fill your food diary
FatSecret is built first around search and barcodes. Ember starts from a photo or a sentence to reduce typing.
- Search
- FatSecret lets you search every food in its database for free. It works well for common products but takes longer for mixed dishes.
- Scan
- Ember and FatSecret both read barcodes on packaged products.
- Photograph
- Ember estimates calories and macros from a photo on its free plan. With FatSecret, photo meal detection is a Premium feature.
- Describe
- Ember accepts a free-form description such as “chicken wrap, fries, garlic sauce”. FatSecret offers a similar assistant in Premium, according to its official help center.
Strengths and limitations of each app
Ember
Ember focuses on meal logging. A photo or description generates an estimate of calories, protein, carbs and fat. You can correct foods, portions or preparation, then follow your day with water, steps, weight and fasting.
- Strength
- Photo and sentence logging you can use for free every day.
- Good to know
- Ember has no web version or Apple Watch app.
FatSecret
FatSecret is a free calorie counter built around the food diary: search, barcodes, exercise diary, weight tracking, recipes and community. Premium adds photo meal recognition, a logging assistant, dietitian-made meal plans, a meal planner and water tracking.
- Strength
- A generous free plan for classic tracking with barcodes.
- Good to know
- The features that really speed up logging, such as photos, are reserved for Premium.
Free plan
Ember includes up to two AI analyses per day on its free plan. FatSecret’s free plan includes food search, barcode scanning, calorie and macro tracking, an exercise diary, weight, recipes and community. Photos, the logging assistant, meal plans and water tracking require Premium: on the US App Store, expect $10.49 to $14.99 per month, $19.99 to $28.99 per quarter or $38.99 to $59.99 per year depending on the offer shown. Prices and offers may change.
Accuracy
With FatSecret, accuracy depends on the database entry you choose and on weighing portions. With Ember, it depends on what the photo or description shows: weight, cooking oil and sauces sometimes need correcting. Both produce estimates; seek advice from a healthcare professional for medical needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to FatSecret?
Ember is a relevant alternative if you want to log meals with a photo or a sentence, for free, and track intermittent fasting. FatSecret remains a better fit if you prefer a classic search-based food diary with a community.
Is FatSecret free?
Yes, FatSecret has a complete free plan for a classic food diary: search, barcodes, calories, macros, exercise, weight, recipes and community. Photo logging and meal plans are part of Premium.
How much is FatSecret Premium?
On the US App Store, FatSecret Premium costs $10.49 to $14.99 per month, $19.99 to $28.99 per quarter or $38.99 to $59.99 per year, depending on the offer shown in the app.
Can FatSecret recognize meals from a photo?
Yes, with photo meal detection, which is part of Premium. Ember analyzes meal photos on its free plan, up to two analyses per day.
Can I switch from FatSecret to Ember?
Yes. Keep a record of anything you want to save, cancel Premium from your Apple or Google Play account if you have it, then recreate your goal in Ember and log your next meal.
Try Ember with your next meal
The free version includes up to two AI analyses per day, with no credit card required.
Methodology and sources
This comparison is published by the Ember team, so we have a commercial interest in presenting our app. To limit this bias, FatSecret’s features were checked against: its official Premium help page, its help page on connected apps, its US App Store listing, accessed on October 7, 2026. Ember’s features come from the app and its official product page.
FatSecret is a trademark of its respective owner. Ember is not affiliated with or endorsed by FatSecret. Features and prices may change after the verification date.