Yes for one starter: feeding log, rise timer, reminders and the hydration and levain calculator are free. A $3.99 one-time purchase unlocks unlimited starters, the bake planner, photo log and widget.

Do I need an account for a sourdough starter app?

Not for StarterLog: there is no sign-up or login. For other apps, check the listing; we did not verify this for every app.

Do I need an app at all to keep a starter?

No. A notebook with date, ratio, temperature and peak time does the job. An app adds timers, reminders and count-back scheduling.

What does a bake planner do?

You enter when you want the bread ready and it counts back through feed, rise, mix, bulk ferment and bake to show when to start. StarterLog bases this on your starter's own recent rise times.

Is there a sourdough starter app without a subscription?

Yes. Some sourdough starter apps for iPhone charge weekly or yearly subscriptions, but others are free or a one-time purchase. In the listings checked on 2026-09-26, StarterLog ($3.99 one-time) and Sourdough Starter Tracker ($12.99 one-time) have no subscription; Loaflo and Sourdough Forge do.

What a starter log needs, with or without an app

A paper notebook works for this. Record the same few things each time you feed:

Date and time of the feeding.
Ratio of starter to flour to water (for example 1:2:2) and the flour type.
Room temperature, because it changes how fast the starter rises.
When it peaked: note the time it reached its highest point, then work out the hours from feeding to peak.
Next feeding, or where you put it (counter or fridge).

After a week or two, the feeding-to-peak hours tell you when to start a bake. Count back from when you want the bread ready.

Sourdough starter apps compared

	StarterLog	Loaflo	Sourdough Starter Tracker	Sourdough Forge
Price	Free, $3.99 one-time	Free, £6.99/week–£39.99/year subscription	Free, $12.99 one-time (Premium)	Free, $5.99/mo, or $24.99 lifetime
Subscription	No	Yes	No	Yes (lifetime option available)
AI photo scan	No — reads your own log	Yes	No ("No AI gimmicks", per its own listing)	Not mentioned in its own listing

Facts from each app's own App Store listing, accessed 2026-09-26. Loaflo's price is from the GB storefront's purchase page (Weekly £6.99, Monthly £19.99, Yearly £39.99). Prices change; check the listing before you buy.

About StarterLog

StarterLog is a feeding log with a rise timer, feeding reminders and a bake planner that counts back from your "ready at" time using your own rise history. It is free for one starter, with feeding log, rise timer, reminders and the hydration and levain calculator. A single $3.99 purchase unlocks unlimited starters, the bake planner, photo log and widget. No account, no ads, no AI scan.

Get StarterLog on the App Store.

More detail on the StarterLog page.

Frequently asked questions

Is StarterLog free?: Yes for one starter: feeding log, rise timer, reminders and the hydration and levain calculator are free. A $3.99 one-time purchase unlocks unlimited starters, the bake planner, photo log and widget.
Do I need an account for a sourdough starter app?: Not for StarterLog: there is no sign-up or login. For other apps, check the listing; we did not verify this for every app.
Do I need an app at all to keep a starter?: No. A notebook with date, ratio, temperature and peak time does the job. An app adds timers, reminders and count-back scheduling.
What does a bake planner do?: You enter when you want the bread ready and it counts back through feed, rise, mix, bulk ferment and bake to show when to start. StarterLog bases this on your starter's own recent rise times.