# Couch to 5K® - Run training — user reviews > 365 indexed App Store user reviews of Couch to 5K® by Active Network, LLC, rated 4.60/5 from 4,707 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/couch-to-5k-run-training/id448474423/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/couch-to-5k-run-training/id448474423.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 3,747 · 4★ 540 · 3★ 162 · 2★ 116 · 1★ 142 ## What do users think of Couch to 5K®? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Great for beginners - 👍 Gradual progression - 🚀 Effective training program - 🚀 Helps build endurance - 👍 Motivating coaches - 👍 Integrates with music - 👍 Easy to use **Cons** - 🐛 Glitches and crashes - 🔋 Drains battery - 🔇 Audio issues with music volume - 🤖 Annoying coach voices - 🧭 Inaccurate GPS tracking - 🧭 Lacks treadmill support - 🧭 Apple Watch integration issues **Commonly reported bugs** - Timer freezing during runs - Workout data not saving properly - Inability to adjust completed workouts **Most requested features** - Ability to preview upcoming workouts - Option to customize intervals - Integration with Apple Health/Fitness - Standalone Apple Watch app - Shuffle option for music playlists - More detailed workout data and analytics ## Newest reviews (19 of 365) ### 4/5 — Great app! *2026-03-05, version 4.8.5* Love this app and have been using it for years. It has a great training pace and clear instructions. It looses one point for not stating what the walk/jog intervals are for the runs. Other than that totally recommend. ### 5/5 — You Can Do It *2025-10-29, version 4.8.4* I’ve never actually run the 5K, but thanks to this app I now run farther than I ever thought I would be able to. And I fully believe that I CAN run the 5K thanks to how this app steps me up to it. I just have to find the willpower to stick with it. Grateful for this tool. Johnny Dead is the best. ### 5/5 — Try Again *2025-10-01, version 4.8.4* Another attempt after a break and as always delivers. ### 5/5 — Simple et efficace *2025-09-29* Super appli pour démarrer la course à pied quand on aime pas ça comme moi et que courir plus de 2 mn est effrayant. Le programme est progressif et adapté, et rien n’empêche de refaire plusieurs fois la même étape. J’aime bien aussi le fait que les courses soient enregistrées avec quelques données type vitesse ou distance parcourue. Pour le prix vraiment ça vaut la peine. ### 5/5 — 40 something y/o noob *2025-09-27, version 4.8.4* As a guy in his mid 40’s deciding to finally move and get into running, this app is perfect for beginners. Especially at $4.99 ### 4/5 — My Go To However *2025-09-20, version 4.8.4* I really enjoyed this app back in 2017 and I went to get it again and noticed not much has changed. Really wish there was a Spotify connection for music and playlist and I wish the coaches interface felt a bit less 2D. The voices and set up are really cool but I think offering tips for beginners would help as well as joint protection advice. ### 5/5 — Fat man’s best friend *2025-09-13, version 4.8.4* Recommitted to improving my health after a cancer scare. This app makes it easy. Combined with a good nutrition plan this app pushes you to burn more calories than you thought possible. Weight is finally coming off ### 5/5 — Très accessible *2025-09-08, version 4.8.4* Je n’ai pas couru depuis des années, et j’aime beaucoup le rythme du programme de cette application! Ce n’est pas décourageant dès le départ puisque les intervalles sont courts et adaptés ### 5/5 — Love!!! *2025-08-27, version 4.8.4* I love this app. I literally went from the Couch to a 5K. I finished the program once and now I’m going back and redoing it at a faster pace with an incline on the treadmill. It’s just a really good app. You can listen to your own music. It’s awesome. And, best part- it’s FREE!!!!! ### 2/5 — Does not sync to Apple Fitness *2025-08-19, version 4.8.4* Not bad. Not very good either. Bought it because it didn’t require a subscription - assumed it would sync to Apple Fitness/Health because I love closing my circles, but it does not do that. You have to have the Apple Fitness app running/open while this app is open as well, in order for the run workout to count towards your circles. Decided on requesting a refund and will try another running app that will sync to Apple Fitness. ### 3/5 — Used to be better… *2025-07-18, version 4.8.4* Integration with Apple Watch and Apple Fitness are clunky if working at all. I like the workouts - they are a good, safe way to ease back into a running routine. ### 5/5 — Fixed my chronic injury problems *2025-07-11, version 4.8.4* Started running about 5 years ago, but kept having to take extended breaks because of recurring injuries. First my IT band, then my ankle, then my knees and hips. Decided I wasn’t physically made for it and quit. Wanted to try and get back into running, but was really nervous. Found out I was almost definitely massively overdoing it, and trying to go from couch to 50K, skipping the 5K altogether. The gradual progression of the workouts allowed me to slow way down, focus on form, and not want to puke at the end of every run. 6 weeks in, running actually feels good for the first time ever. I thought pain was supposed to be a part of it, or I was just getting old. Neither are true. Love this app and its simplicity. ### 5/5 — Great app, an update would be nice *2025-07-02, version 4.8.3* This app does everything I need and I appreciate the lack of intrusive ads, but I can’t help but miss the social element which seems to be all but dead at this point. Maybe an update and some new content could bring it back? ### 5/5 — Perfect way to get back to the 5k *2025-06-21, version 4.8.3* Love this app. I use the drill sergeant, play my music, then when the drill sergeant tells me to jog, I jog. To walk, I walk. Progressive difficulty, and if you do it daily, you’ll be running a 5k by the time it’s over. Simple and easy. No ads interrupting you. ### 5/5 — Helps you learn to run *2025-06-09, version 4.8.3* I’ve never been good at running. In middle school, everybody could jog a mile straight no problem while I’d be getting yelled at for taking breaks. This app is AMAZING, and I was able to run my first mile after using it! If you’re on the fence about it, definitely buy it. You can listen to music with your music app while getting audio cues when to walk / jog / etc, it’s very easy to use and keeps track of your progress. I never review apps but I love this one so much haha. ### 5/5 — Great app; needs an update *2025-05-22, version 4.8.3* I love this app but I would love for it to get an update. The last articles are from over 6 years ago. I would also like to see a tips and suggestions section like to improve speed or meal suggestions before and after jogging. Overall I’m pleased and thankful for this app. ### 5/5 — Fun *2025-05-18, version 4.8.3* I started this program to run my first 5K. I didn’t realize that it would be an amazing and effective weight loss app as well. It’s easy to use. Pairs flawlessly with my IPhone. The voice cues come in over my music so I don’t miss them. I love this app. I am starting my third time through it. It’s like having a running buddy with you giving you encouragement. ### 5/5 — Love this *2025-05-05, version 4.8.3* This app works great and it’s the only really good, free one. Highly recommend ### 4/5 — Oldie but goodie! *2025-04-28, version 4.8.3* Used this app almost a decade ago when I started running and rediscovered it. Still holds up! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Apple Music Playlists *2025-08-08, version 4.8.4* It says it works with your music or playlist but it does NOT. It still refers to iTunes and IPod and doesn’t recognize the playlists or albums in the newer Music. ### 1/5 — Not Recommended *2025-03-13, version 4.8.3* Update March 13 2025: constant freezing once the app starts prior to a run or during where the app becomes unusable Initial review: This app works well for getting you to your 5K goal. I can recommend it. I’ve had some GPS issues which I initially blamed on the app. I’ve since done some trouble shooting on the phone and a soft iPhone 6s reset did the trick. If things go smoothly for a while I’ll up my rating on this app to 5 stars. ### 1/5 — Useless with Apple Watch *2025-02-11, version 4.8.3* Really disappointed with this app, saw the high rating and downloaded without doing any detailed research. $7.99 seemed very reasonable compared to $29.99/3 months on a different app, however after purchasing realised the app on the Apple Watch is useless, you have to have your phone with you to. Anyone who has an Apple Watch with cellular and GPS clearly does not intend on taking their phone with them running!!! So don’t make the same mistake if you’re hoping to use this with an Apple Watch, find a different C25K app!!! ### 1/5 — Not for beginners *2024-05-08, version 4.8.0* Progresses way too quickly!!! Jumps from 5 min intervals to 8 to 20 in one week. Ridiculous. Should increase running intervals from 2 to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and decrease walk intervals from 2 to 1 minute to 30 seconds. ### 1/5 — 😭 *2024-01-31, version 4.7.0* I can’t add my friends to this app. None of us can. Please fix this!!! ### 1/5 — Glitches *2024-01-20, version 4.7.0* Constant glitches- I have the latest iOS and this app skips ahead so it says job then walk straight after each other. Frustrating because it could be really good. ### 1/5 — Charge? *2023-10-06, version 4.7.0* I did not want to pay for this app! ### 1/5 — Want my 4.99 back *2023-10-03, version 4.7.0* Last time I'll pay for an app up front Couldn't sign in- tried multiple email addresses, never got a confirmation. No feedback on password selection The app's "support" function pulled my boss's rmIl address into the form and wouldn't allow me to change it. Zero stars. Refund me. ### 1/5 — Can’t sign in *2023-08-03, version 4.7.0* So, how good is an app that can’t even work well enough to allow you to set up account. Check out the internet, numerous issues with the app, wish I would have checked before buying. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work well with audiobooks *2023-07-19, version 4.7.0* I like listening to audiobooks (or occasionally podcasts) instead of music when I work out. Recently I decided to take up running but I’ve had a lot of trouble finding a running app that works well with audiobooks. I would prefer a running app that will PAUSE my audiobook when giving me instructions, and then resume the audiobook once the instructions are finished. Instead they all speak OVER the audiobook - ie the volume of the audiobook is turned very low and the instructions (“start jogging” “do a brisk walk”) will play over the audiobook. It means I can’t hear the audiobook well while the app is giving me instructions so each time, I have to rewind the audiobook so I didn’t miss what was said. It’s annoying and tedious. I’ve been trying a lot of different running apps to find one that might be compatible with audible but unfortunately this app is the absolute worst one I’ve tried. With other running apps, each time it gives instructions it lowers the volume of the audiobook, but the volume goes back to normal straight away. Not with this one though! At least half the time, the volume stays low even after the coaching instructions are over. I expected a lot better given that I actually paid for this one. I didn’t have this problem with any of the other apps I tried, and they were all free. Very disappointed. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Truly made for beginners *2026-06-24, version 4.8.5* This app eases you into it at a perfect pace. Highly recommend. ### 5/5 — My Go To *2026-06-23, version 4.8.5* I have never been a runner, but this helped me feel confident in learning how to run without overdoing it and hurting myself. For anyone who’s trying to take steps toward getting in shape this is a good choice ### 5/5 — Great App *2026-06-16, version 4.8.5* Have used this app for many years. The pacing is perfect and helps me to get back to running after the winter months. ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-06-10, version 4.8.5* I have used this app to start running after I had a heart attack at age 38 (cardiologist approved, of course) and it’s been a great, slow introduction! Between this and diet I’ve lost 50 pounds and still steaming ahead, and have my eye on a marathon in the future! ### 5/5 — Great *2026-06-04, version 4.8.5* Very helpful! ### 5/5 — Great investment in yourself *2026-05-21, version 4.8.5* Not a runner have had this app for years and keep coming back when I get the run buzz again, it’s paced, helpful,consistent, easy to use and will one day get me all the way to 5k ### 5/5 — Turns “I Might Pass Out” Into “Let’s Go” *2026-04-04, version 4.8.5* When I first tried running on my own, I pushed too hard and ended up clinging to a street lamppost, heaving and thinking I was going to puke and possibly pass out in the process. After that experience, a friend told me to try Couch to 5K. I’ve used this app since 2017, and with the ebbs and flows of life my jogging has definitely waxed and waned. But when I stay consistent, this app builds me up and helps me maintain. Within a couple of weeks, I noticed a real lift in my mood after jogging. Eventually, I got to the point where I’d open the app with a “let’s go” attitude, knowing I’d get that endorphin boost and some clear thinking time. After my runs, I felt energized and ready for the day and I honestly don’t think I would have gotten there without this app. What I like most is that it meets you where you are. It doesn’t expect you to already be in shape and it actually helps you build up to it in a realistic, doable way. The structure takes the guesswork out of it, which has been really helpful mentally. If a day felt too difficult, I’d repeat it two or three times before moving on, and that flexibility made a big difference. The app is encouraging without being intrusive, and I love that you can use your own playlist and lock the screen so your run doesn’t get interrupted. After a period where I wasn’t able to prioritize my health, I saw the app still on my phone and decided to recommit. I’m currently on week three and already feeling that mental and mood lift again (I did stay in week two a little longer before moving up). If you’re starting from scratch or getting back into it after a break, this is a really solid app. Also: stay hydrated - trust me on this. ### 5/5 — Gets it done *2026-03-01, version 4.8.5* I was able to accomplish my goals with this app. Runacorn rocks. ### 5/5 — Love It *2026-01-20, version 4.8.5* Busy mom. Used it years ago to run my 1st 5K in my 30s and have come back to it in my 40s to work on getting back in shape. Never a runner. I feel safe and confident and don’t have to think about the incremental steps to get where I need to go to feel good. Such an amazing resource. ### 5/5 — It works *2026-01-02, version 4.8.5* I’m building endurance, dropping weight and strengthening in a controlled healthy way. This coach works. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*