Best free progress photo apps (2026): what you actually get
“Free” means different things: a free trial, free with ads, free with limits, or free forever but with no features. Here’s what each option includes before you pay.
Short answer
ProgressLens is free for 10 check-in days with every feature, then a one-time Pro. Hevy includes basic progress photos free inside a workout app. A hidden album is free forever but gives no help matching photos.
Disclosure: we make ProgressLens, so it’s listed first. Details about other apps come from their own store listings, websites and help pages as of October 2026; prices and features change, so check the listing before you pay. We name each app’s weaknesses and our own.
| Option | Free includes | Paid adds |
|---|---|---|
| ProgressLens | Everything, for 10 check-in days | Unlimited check-ins, no watermark: one-time |
| Hevy | Progress photos (1/day), weight, waist | Body fat, more measurements: subscription |
| Photo Progress: Before - After | Comparisons, with ads | Removing ads, extras: in-app purchase |
| Google Photos Locked Folder / iPhone Hidden album | Storage | — |
| Free web tools (ours) | Before-after image, collage, timelapse | — |
The cheapest good setup
- Start with ProgressLens free: 10 check-in days is 10 weeks of weekly photos with every feature.
- Use a tape measure for your waist (any one works).
- If it sticks, Pro costs about the same as two months of a typical subscription, once.
If you never want to pay
Use a hidden album with strict rules: same spot, same time, same light, phone on a shelf at chest height, and a sticky note on the floor for your feet. Make comparisons with our free before and after maker and log measurements on the printable chart.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there a completely free progress photo app?
A hidden album or locked folder is completely free but doesn’t help with consistency. Most dedicated apps are free to start and charge for unlimited use or extras. ProgressLens charges once instead of monthly.
What do I lose after ProgressLens’s free days?
Nothing you saved. You can still view, compare, share and back up all of it. Adding check-ins on new dates needs Pro.
Can I make a before and after picture for free?
Yes. Our before and after maker is free, runs in your browser and never uploads your photos.