# Ease into 5K: run walk interval training program — user reviews

> 252 indexed App Store user reviews of Ease into 5K by Bluefin Software, LLC, rated 4.10/5 from 191 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ease-into-5k-run-walk-interval-training-program/id301233668/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ease-into-5k-run-walk-interval-training-program/id301233668.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 113 · 4★ 29 · 3★ 17 · 2★ 13 · 1★ 19

## What do users think of Ease into 5K?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helps build endurance
- 💪 Motivating program
- 🎧 Integrates with music
- 📊 Tracks progress well

**Cons**

- 🐛 Glitchy audio cues
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🔒 Requires unlocked screen
- 🧭 Inaccurate GPS tracking

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes during workouts
- Inconsistent run/walk interval timing
- Incorrect pace and distance reporting

**Most requested features**

- Apple Watch integration
- Customizable voice prompts
- Metric units support
- Ability to delete individual workout logs

## Newest reviews (21 of 252)

### 4/5 — It’s been awhile

*2025-05-08, version 3.5.8*

It’s been several several years since I’ve opened this app, and I’m still pretty satisfied with it.

### 2/5 — Too glitchy

*2024-05-26, version 3.5.8*

I’ve given up on using this app. The glitches are constant…from getting stuck on one segment and not advancing, to only intermittently announcing when to run or walk, to announcing my distance and time literally every two minutes to overriding the day/week I chose and advancing me over one week forward mid-run, this app is only usable if I keep my phone in my hand so I can stop and restart when it glitches. Not worth the money or trouble. Also the jump from running a max of 3 minutes in week 3 to a max of 6 minutes in week 4 is just too big…

### 4/5 — Love it, but one suggestion

*2022-08-31, version 3.5.8*

I love this app, and have used it several times to return to running after having a baby. 
My only criticism is that I wish it worked to notify of changes, “walk”, “run”, etc. while the screen was off.

### 4/5 — Overall good trainer

*2021-12-20, version 3.5.8*

Does a pretty good job training you to run. Does have a few bugs that need fixing:  1) In first weeks run tells you there are 8 intervals but as soon as you finish number 8, says 9/9 so you get one more. A little frustrating.   2) Have found that if I have the program running but switch to my music on the screen, I will not get alerted when to start next run. Need to switch to music app and back before next interval or you will be late starting. 
Do like the information it provides as far as current pace, distance and overall pace. Do think I would like overall pace to be calculated without the warm up times factored in.

### 4/5 — Long time user

*2020-09-17, version 3.5.8*

I’ve been using this app on and off since 2011.  It’s a great program that you can just pick up and go, no matter how unfit you are!!  I only 2 issues with it - the app doesn’t work if the screen is locked and there is no Apple Watch support.  If all I needed was my watch and headphones, it would be 5 stars+!!!

### 3/5 — Update please

*2020-06-25, version 3.5.8*

I wish they would update this app. It’s my favorite couch to 5k app I’ve used. I love the interface and the options. But it’s been 5 years and the little bugs are making it janky. 
I’m moving on to another app, but this has been my favorite. Sad to let it go.

### 3/5 — Okay but...

*2020-06-12, version 3.5.8*

I’ve had this app for about 10 years, and haven’t used it for awhile, but now that my foot had healed, my only complaint is that iPod shuffle does not work.

### 2/5 — Fine app location tracking needs to be fixed

*2020-06-05, version 3.5.8*

I’ve used this app for a few years and it’s done a great job getting me running.  I liked that it wasn’t a social app like Strava because I don’t need my runs shared with anyone else.  The app no longer seems to work if location services are set to “only in use” and that’s a problem.  No reason y’all need to track me when I’m not running.  Please fix that and you’d be a 5-star review.

### 3/5 — Please update the app

*2020-05-23, version 3.5.8*

Please update the app so that it works with Apple Music! I really want to use this app again! It tends to crash sometimes too!

### 4/5 — I ran a marathon because of this ap!

*2020-03-15, version 3.5.8*

8 years ago (2012) when I first downloaded this app, I went from never having run in my life and actively being one of those people who avoid sports like the plague, to believing I could run a marathon! And I did! With the help of the 0-10k or bridge to 10k and the marathon training app (also releases by this company), I progressively worked my way through all the apps over about 8months and successfully completed my first and only sporting event.

But, about 4 years ago (2016), when the iPhone 6 came out with its stupid software updates that didn’t work with this app’s updates, I gave up because I couldn’t get this app to work properly on my phone.

Now in 2020 with an iPhone 8 it still doesn’t work as great as it did in 2012, but I have learnt to live with the fact that you CANNOT lock your iPhone. You must keep the screen on and lock the screen within the app instead. The minute the iPhone is locked, the app stops reading out the voice commands and you will loose your place in the training. I find this irritating as I’ve accidentally locked the screen in my pocket many times when looking for the volume button.

BUT, I doubt there is a better series of running apps to get a novice and unfit person like me motivated! So if you can be patient and careful NOT to LOCK your iPhone screen, it will work perfectly for you. If I could bring back the 2012 version (in which you could lock the screen and it still worked perfectly), I would give this 5 stars, instead I have to give it 4.

### 2/5 — Music won’t work!

*2019-10-17, version 3.5.8*

It’s a good program but I can’t get my music to play with it. I have to play music from my music app and every time the running app speaks for any length of time the music stops. Bit of a pain as it breaks the flow of the run considerably.

### 3/5 — App doesn’t always work right

*2019-10-03, version 3.5.8*

I paid for the full app but the free version was the one running - I had to purchase a second time. And if I purchase an app I expect it to work and not cause me to have to stop multiple times during my run to fix settings.

### 4/5 — Great app for beginners and those making a comeback following injury

*2019-09-03, version 3.5.8*

I have used this app many times for my come backs following various injuries including breaking the same bone in my right foot twice.  This is an awesome app for beginners and people like me who have to start over again.  Having a problem getting the music to sync with the app this time, but not really a big deal.  I open my music then start the app.

### 2/5 — WAS great

*2019-08-02, version 3.5.8*

This WAS a great app (in 2019) but the they don’t update... all I can say is the program is good- but honestly, there are other (free) ways of following the program that aren’t as clunky and old school.

### 3/5 — Great but phone can’t lock to work

*2019-01-21, version 3.5.8*

I love this app’s purpose, but I continually have this issue where if my iPhone locks the voice and tone notification to walk/run won’t work. You can “lock” the app’s screen but that doesn’t lock the rest of your phone. If the side lock button gets bumped while I’m running I don’t get notified. I have messed with phone setting, etc and it still happens. Otherwise a good app.

### 3/5 — Outdated

*2018-11-03, version 3.5.8*

I love the app and have had it for years, but the latest version is over 3 years old now without any updates. If you stream music while you’re running with the app on, be prepared for severe battery drainage. (Let’s not even get into if you’re using wireless earbuds and most new phones have driven us to!) You also cannot lock your phone while using the app (to conserve battery life) because if you do lock your phone, the audio cues will stop playing, essentially ruining your program for the day. 
It seems crazy that this has been abandoned by the developers, bc I would love to have this on my Apple Watch so that I don’t even have to bring my phone with me on a run.

### 4/5 — Pretty good app

*2018-06-07, version 3.5.8*

It would be 5 stars if it had apple watch integration

### 2/5 — Used to be better

*2018-06-04, version 3.5.8*

It doesn’t work when the phone screen is locked, rendering it basically useless. If I keep my phone on the entire time it’s ok, but that’s annoying and uses up 50% of my phone battery for one app. Not cool.

### 2/5 — Awesome!

*2018-04-26, version 3.5.8*

UPDATE:  This app went downhill.  I’ve had it since 2012 and now it doesn’t alert you if your phone’s screen is off (wasting battery power) and now for 2 weeks it’s glitchy.  Takes too long to start.  Auto pauses even though your moving.  When you try to restart it tells you to run when you should be walking or vice versa.  It’s terrible anymore.  Wish i could get my money back now.   The best thing about this app is just when you think you'll have to repeat a day because you feel not ready, you surprise yourself by being more than ready.  The app is timed perfectly to your abilities to go longer and harder.

### 3/5 — Great app but needs Apple Watch link

*2018-04-12, version 3.5.8*

I love this app. It’s easy to use and helped me achieve my goal of running 5km. The only thing that lets it down is that it doesn’t have an Apple Watch app. Please, please, please add this feature.

### 2/5 — Frustrated

*2018-04-02, version 3.5.8*

I can’t get this thing to work unless my screen is on.  Even then my songs stop every time it alerts me to run or walk making it impossible to keep my phone zipped up.

My phone almost always dies either before or just as I’m finishing.  So annoying.

If they fix it this would be a really good app because it’s features are better than most. Especially if you’re wanting to graduate to the 10k without starting over like other apps do.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2019-12-15, version 3.5.8*

Won’t alert you unless you have the app on the screen. You can’t switch to anything else or lock the screen.

### 1/5 — Abandoned?  Not updated in over 3 yrs

*2019-04-28, version 3.5.8*

I had used this app a lot in the past.  It’s not been updated in ages and now runs erratically in the newest versions of iOS.   Looks like it’s time to move on.

### 1/5 — Not what it used to be...

*2018-03-25, version 3.5.8*

I got this app several years ago. Then I’d have given it 5 stars easily. In my opinion it was the best running app out there. 

Used a few times off and on. This year I got it to start training with a 5k with one of the kids. Currently on week 5. It’s only worked three times one week out of it all. We’ve had to use a different running app when these freezes or set our timer for intervals on running when the second app froze. 

In it’s current state do not get this app. When or if it’s fixed I’d be more than happy to go back re-rate to 5 stars.

### 1/5 — Freezing and inoperable with iOS 11.2.2

*2018-01-22, version 3.5.8*

Have tried to use with latest iOS and freezes completely as soon as countdown screen launches. Have tried restarting phone to no avail. Frustrating as have used app a number of times in the past and otherwise is a great app with all the functionality required.

### 1/5 — App doesn’t work...Please Update!

*2017-10-04, version 3.5.8*

This app has stopped working with the latest iOS.

### 1/5 — Freezes

*2017-06-13, version 3.5.8*

Bought this app several years ago and had no problems with it. Began using it again about 2 weeks ago and it either freezes, doesn't play the music playlist I specifically made on the app, or the GPS keeps track of the miles wrong. There is no way I ran/walked 9 miles my 2nd week of the app. I will be looking for a new app. (iPhone 6s Plus)

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2017-06-01, version 3.5.8*

Twice in the last week music stops playing 2/3 through the workout then the app crashes. This is very disappointing. This app was once called Couch To 5K. I bought this app and later it changed names to Ease To 5K. I noticed that Couch To 5K can be purchased again. If this is a better version of the app I feel that I have been ripped off.

### 1/5 — Big fail

*2017-01-25, version 3.5.8*

I couldn't hear any alerts to walk or run. I thought I was going crazy. Turns out, it's just that the app requires that not only you keep it in the foreground, but that the display never sleeps. Seriously? I am not going to adjust my settings back and forth every day from lockout after 30 seconds to never. Throwing this away.

### 1/5 — Good app

*2017-01-22, version 3.5.8*

I'm a long time user of this an have recommended it to all my friends. Now here is the but. There is a consistent problem with this app which despite many emails to customer service I have had no replies or it seems any attempt to fix. A great app ruined by poor customer service. 1 star.

### 1/5 — No longer useful

*2015-12-14, version 3.5.8*

I've had this app for several years and have recommended it to many new runners. Recently I downloaded it again to start running after an injury but was disappointed by the current version. The run/walk alerts no longer work when the iPhone is locked. You have to set the auto lock to never in order for the alerts to come through. This one great app is now just a so-so GPS tracker with music. Save your money and look elsewhere until they fix this problem.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Great app!!!

*2024-10-25*

I LOVE this app I've never been a runner but after this app I am addicted to running! It has helped me to improve my stamina and increase my distance! And I've also lost a ton of weight. I had it on Droid first and now my Iphone 5 only thing is yesterday I used it on a run and sometimes I wouldn't get a notification to guide me through my workout. May want to look into that but other than that I don't have one single complaint.

I’d also like to add that I’ve had this app for years and a great way to get back on the horse when you “fall off”

### 5/5 — Solid app

*2022-11-27, version 3.5.8*

I used this ten years ago when I first got into running 5k.  Now I’m opening it up again after a few years off. It’s as effective as I remember.

### 5/5 — Best app by far

*2022-08-29, version 3.5.8*

I could never get going on a running program until actually the predecessor of this program called Couch to 5K. It almost teases you into pushing forward.

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2022-06-20, version 3.5.8*

Extremely user friendly.  Great system to use when new to running and not sure where to start.

### 5/5 — Awesome 5 years ago.

*2020-08-08, version 3.5.8*

Loved this and used it for years. Any plans to upgrade so it works with Apple health and Apple Watch? Or is there a newer app by Bluefin. This is by far THE best 5k training app but I would like it to integrate with my Apple devices.

### 5/5 — Been using this for years

*2020-06-05, version 3.5.8*

I really like this. And I love that I can put it in 60 minutes and even track a walk if I want to. Lovely app!

### 5/5 — Love this app!

*2017-06-26, version 3.5.8*

I love this app! I've had it for over 3 years and use it off and on when I'm preparing for a race or just working out. I have never had a single technical issue with it. I've used it outdoors and while on a treadmill. I used to use my playlist, but for the past year I use rock my run instead.

What I love about the app is that it starts out gradually and doesn't expect you to be a "runner" on day 2. Lately I've just been using it for timed runs and distance runs. I love the flexibility that I can use it to track and log my runs without having to always follow the chronological order. I can't recommend this app any more highly!

### 5/5 — Reviews are mixed but I love it

*2016-07-26, version 3.5.8*

I know the reviews are all over the place on this app so I will write to say my experience has been great with it. Over the past 4 years I've attempted the training schedule probably 5 or 6 different times without finishing (my lack of self discipline, not the app). Well, I just now finished week 6 and I really think I'm going to complete it this time. I have not experienced the technical difficulties others are describing. For like a week I couldn't get the music to advance past the first track, but then I finally figured out you have to make sure your music app itself isn't set to repeat... Otherwise the music on this app will be, too.

### 5/5 — It worked for me!

*2016-04-25, version 3.5.8*

I'm on week 8 of the program and can't believe how far I've come! I was a runner in the past but after having a baby I was having a hard time getting back into it. This program gave me the baby steps I needed to get back to where I was.

### 5/5 — Ease into 5k is a great app

*2016-01-19, version 3.5.8*

I have experienced having to start my music before the app, as others have said.  But that is a tiny issue.  I love the program.  I am gradually building stamina to run more each day.  

Thank you, bluefin for helping me stay strong.

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*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 2026-06-10.*
