Fasted vs Zero: Which Fasting App Is Better?
Quick Answer: Both are solid fasting apps, but they serve different needs. Zero excels at educational content and has strong brand recognition. Fasted offers more built-in tracking features, including meal logging, weight tracking, streak tracking, and multiple fasting schedules, with a more generous free tier. If you want a complete tracking toolkit, Fasted wins. If you value science articles and a familiar brand, Zero is a good choice.
Zero is one of the most recognized names in intermittent fasting. Backed by venture capital and led by a team with deep roots in the fasting community, it has been a go-to recommendation for years. But recognition is not the same as being the best fit for every faster.
Fasted takes a different approach: less content platform, more tracking powerhouse. This comparison breaks down where each app genuinely excels and where it falls short.
Company Background
Zero launched in 2016 and quickly became the default fasting app recommendation. The company raised significant funding, brought on scientific advisors, and built a content library that rivals standalone health blogs. In recent years, Zero introduced Zero Plus, a premium tier that added nutrition tracking and deeper insights.
Fasted is a focused fasting tracker built around the idea that you should not need five apps to manage one habit. It combines fasting timers, weight tracking, meal logging, stats, and streak tracking in a single clean interface.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fasted | Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Timer | Yes | Yes |
| 16:8 Schedule | Yes | Yes |
| 18:6 Schedule | Yes | Yes |
| 20:4 Schedule | Yes | Yes |
| OMAD | Yes | Yes |
| 5:2 Schedule | Yes | No |
| Alternate Day Fasting | Yes | No |
| Weight Tracking | Yes | Yes (Plus only) |
| Meal Logging | Yes | Yes (Plus only) |
| Streak Tracking | Yes | No |
| Detailed Stats | Yes | Yes (Plus only) |
| Educational Content | Basic | Extensive |
| Social Features | No | No |
| Free Tier | Strong | Good (basic) |
| Premium Price (Annual) | $29.99 | $69.99 |
Fasting Timer and Schedules
Both apps offer reliable fasting timers. You tap to start, watch it count, and get notified when your window opens. No complaints on either side for the core timer experience.
The difference shows up in schedule variety. Fasted includes six major fasting protocols built in: 16:8, 18:6, 20:4, OMAD, 5:2, and Alternate Day Fasting. You can switch between them freely as your routine evolves.
Zero covers the popular time-restricted eating schedules well but has historically focused on the daily fasting window model. If you want to try 5:2 or ADF, you will find Fasted more accommodating.
For people just starting out, the beginner's guide to intermittent fasting covers how to choose your first protocol.
Tracking and Insights
This is where the apps diverge most clearly.
Fasted includes weight tracking, meal logging, and detailed stats in the core experience. You can log your weight daily, track what you eat during your eating window, and review trends over time. The streak tracking feature adds a layer of accountability that many users find motivating. All of this works together to give you a complete picture of how your fasting practice connects to your results.
Zero added weight and nutrition tracking with Zero Plus, which is a meaningful upgrade. However, these features sit behind the premium subscription at $69.99 per year. The free version of Zero gives you a solid timer and access to educational content, but the tracking tools are limited.
If tracking depth matters to you, Fasted gives you more out of the box. If you are comfortable paying for Zero Plus, you get comparable tracking with the added benefit of Zero's content library.
For more on how different apps handle tracking, see our feature comparison guide.
Design and User Experience
Zero has a clean, dark-themed design that many users love. The interface is straightforward, and navigation is intuitive. The app feels premium and well-crafted. Zero also invests heavily in content presentation, making articles and tips feel integrated rather than bolted on.
Fasted takes a minimal approach. The design prioritizes function: start your fast, check your stats, log your weight, move on. There is less visual flourish but also less clutter. For people who open their fasting app multiple times per day, this efficiency matters.
Both apps are well-designed. Zero leans more polished and content-rich. Fasted leans more functional and fast to use. Personal preference will determine which feels better in your hand.
Educational Content
This is where Zero genuinely stands out. The app features articles from researchers, doctors, and fasting experts. Topics range from the science of autophagy to practical tips for breaking a fast. If you are the type of person who wants to understand the why behind your fasting practice, Zero's content library is a real asset.
Fasted takes a lighter approach to in-app education, focusing instead on actionable stats and insights derived from your own data. The philosophy is different: Zero teaches you about fasting in general; Fasted teaches you about your fasting specifically.
Pricing and Value
Zero's free tier gives you a basic timer, some educational content, and simple tracking. Zero Plus at $69.99 per year unlocks nutrition tracking, advanced insights, and additional features.
Fasted offers a more generous free tier that includes the timer, multiple schedules, and basic tracking. The premium tier at $29.99 per year unlocks detailed stats, advanced insights, and the full feature set.
The price difference is notable. Fasted's premium costs less than half of Zero Plus, and Fasted's free tier includes features that Zero reserves for paying subscribers. For budget-conscious users, this is a significant differentiator.
To understand what premium features are actually worth paying for, check out our free vs paid fasting apps breakdown.
Where Zero Wins
Credit where it is due. Zero has genuine strengths:
- Brand trust. Years of presence and expert endorsements carry weight.
- Educational content. The article library is best-in-class among fasting apps.
- Scientific advisors. The team includes researchers who add credibility.
- Community reputation. Zero is often the first app recommended in fasting forums.
If learning about fasting science is important to your motivation, Zero delivers something Fasted does not replicate.
Where Fasted Wins
Fasted has clear advantages in several areas:
- More fasting schedules. Including 5:2 and ADF, which Zero lacks.
- Built-in weight tracking. Available without a premium subscription.
- Meal logging. Integrated tracking without needing Zero Plus.
- Streak tracking. A motivational feature Zero does not offer.
- Better free tier. More features accessible without paying.
- Lower price. Roughly half the cost for premium features.
If you want a complete tracking toolkit that does not require a premium subscription for basic functionality, Fasted is the stronger choice.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Zero if:
- You value in-app educational content and science articles
- Brand trust and community reputation matter to you
- You are willing to pay $69.99/year for the full experience
- You primarily fast using daily time-restricted eating schedules
Choose Fasted if:
- You want weight tracking, meal logging, and stats without paying premium
- You use or plan to try varied schedules like 5:2 or ADF
- Streak tracking helps you stay consistent
- You prefer a functional, minimal design
- Price matters and you want more value from a lower subscription
For a broader look at how all major fasting apps compare, see our best intermittent fasting app roundup.
The Bottom Line
Zero is a good fasting app with excellent content. Fasted is a more complete fasting tracker with better value. They are not trying to be the same thing, and that is actually helpful for you as a user.
If your primary need is a fasting timer paired with educational content and you do not mind paying a premium, Zero serves that well. If you want an all-in-one tracker that handles fasting schedules, weight, meals, stats, and streaks in a clean package at a lower price, Fasted is the better fit.
The best approach: try both free tiers for a week each and see which one you reach for naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zero still the best fasting app?
Zero remains a strong fasting app with excellent educational content and a trusted brand. However, newer apps like Fasted have surpassed it in tracking features and free tier generosity. Whether Zero is "best" depends on whether you prioritize content or tracking.
Is Zero Plus worth the price?
Zero Plus adds meaningful features like nutrition tracking and advanced insights. At $69.99 per year, it is one of the more expensive fasting app subscriptions. If you specifically value Zero's content library alongside those tracking features, it can be worth it. If you primarily want tracking, Fasted offers similar capabilities at a lower price.
Can I use Zero for 5:2 intermittent fasting?
Zero is designed primarily around time-restricted eating schedules like 16:8 and 18:6. It does not have dedicated support for 5:2 or Alternate Day Fasting protocols. Fasted includes both of these schedules as built-in options.
Does Zero have a free version?
Yes. Zero's free version includes the basic fasting timer and access to educational content. Weight tracking, nutrition features, and advanced insights require the Zero Plus subscription.
Which app is better for beginners?
Both work well for beginners. Zero's educational content can help newcomers understand fasting principles. Fasted's schedule variety and streak tracking can help beginners build the habit. For a complete beginner's guide, see our getting started guide.