# RunTempo - Runners Metronome

> Runner's metronome app for cadence training, pace improvement, and injury prevention. (iPhone/iPad app by DockMarket LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runtempo-runners-metronome/id646414918 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [DockMarket LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/316076698)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Sports
- Price: $4.99 (on sale, was $5.99)
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 43 App Store ratings · 99 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-09-25
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runtempo-runners-metronome/id646414918/reviews.md

## What is RunTempo?

RunTempo: Cadence Metronome

Your personal running metronome. No subscriptions. No nonsense.

Why Cadence Training?
A small change in stride frequency can make a big difference. Increasing your cadence by just 5–10% can reduce joint impact by up to 20%, helping you run faster, more efficiently, and with less injury risk. Elite
runners target 170–180 steps per minute — RunTempo helps you get there.

Built to Stay Out of Your Way:
RunTempo isn't here to replace your favorite running app. It works alongside apps like Strava, Nike Run Club, or Apple Workouts — running quietly in the background while you track your run however you like.

- Set your target BPM with simple, precise controls
- Mixes seamlessly with music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Built-in timer for intervals and progressive training
- Works 100% offline — no account needed

Made for Apple Watch:
Leave your phone behind. RunTempo runs standalone on Apple Watch with full background audio, so you hear every beat even when your wrist is down. Add the Smart Stack widget for one-tap access mid-run.

No Subscriptions ever:
Pay once, own it forever. No trials, no recurring charges, no ads. Just a focused tool that does one thing well.

How to Get Started:
Find your current natural cadence, set it as your BPM, and run to the beat. Every few weeks, bump it up by 5 SPM. Over time, you'll build a faster, smoother, lower-impact stride — without thinking about it.

Whether you're recovering from injury, sharpening your form, or chasing a PR, RunTempo keeps you in rhythm.

Requires watchOS 11 for Apple Watch. See full device requirements at runtempo.com/requirements.html

## Key features

- Customizable BPM metronome
- Cadence training for efficiency
- Reduces joint impact and injury risk
- Works with music and podcasts
- Integrated interval timer
- Standalone Apple Watch app
- Offline functionality

## Chart rankings

- #41 in Top Paid · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

## What do users think of RunTempo?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and effective
- 🎶 Plays in background with music
- 🏃‍♂️ Helps improve running cadence
- ✅ Works as expected
- 💰 Good value for price
- ⏱️ Adjustable tempo on the fly
- 💡 Developer responsiveness to feedback
- 🎯 Exactly what users are looking for

**Cons**

- 🔇 Low audio volume
- 👂 Annoying/obnoxious sound design
- 🔋 Significant battery drain
- ⌚ Lacks Apple Watch support (historically)
- 🚫 Shuts off when running
- 🔊 Volume too low with other apps

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Shuts off when running
- Metronome turns off during in-run announcements
- App won't launch after iOS update
- Battery drain even when not in use
- Cannot play sound on Apple Watch app without AirPods

**Most requested features**

- Allow customization of beat tone
- Enable haptic feedback on Apple Watch
- Increase volume limit
- Add a three-beat option
- Preset buttons for quick pace changes
- Integrate with Shortcuts
- Add interval option for speed drills
- Add standard music metronome sounds
- Option to toggle between two paces
- Vibrate option instead of sound
- Turn on/off with headphone controls
- More than two sound tones

## Recent user reviews (10 of 99)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runtempo-runners-metronome/id646414918/reviews.md

### 1/5 — stops after apple watch split announcements

*2026-07-14, version 2.5.1*

it stops after apple watch split announcements during a workout and doesn’t automatically resume. Also would be nice to have a vibration/haptic mode for runners listening to music.

### 2/5 — Just a metronome

*2026-07-06, version 2.5.1*

This is just a metronome program. There is nothing that makes it stand out for running or jogging. You can get free ones that do the same thing (Fender Tuner has a metronome, for example). It is nice that it doesn’t collect any data, so it might be worth it to you to pay for that. It’s certainly not very expensive.

### 5/5 — Perfect

*2026-06-02, version 2.5.1*

I have used other apps in the running space and none of them have helped me fundamentally like this one. Highly recommend for newbies

### 1/5 — Doesnt work with Youtube app

*2026-05-25, version 2.5.0*

Can’t get the two apps to play simultaneously. Turns out a free metronome app does exactly what Runtempo says it does

### 5/5 — Cadence

*2026-05-17, version 2.4.0*

I’ve been trying to increase my running cadence as it’s so beneficial. Purchased this app and used for the first time yesterday to help me keep at a 180 cadence. What a game changer. A simple app that does what it should. Easy to select a beat tone, speed and adjust volume while still using my Runna app. 
Worth the one off payment, thanks 🏃🏻‍♂️

### 1/5 — Terrible garbage app

*2026-05-08, version 2.4.0*

It shuts off as soon as you start running. The sound is very quiet. This app absolutely sucks

### 4/5 — Apple Watch limitations not disclosed

*2026-04-11, version 2.4.0*

Update to my earlier negative review: I restarted my AW Ultra v1 and RunTempo works fine now, with Apple music and the native Apple Fitness workouts all working together. One minor glitch is that the metronome turns off when interrupted by some of Apple’s in-run announcements of splits, etc., and requires restarting. However after extensive research and trialling of metronome solutions for the Apple Watch and Garmin, I can now say that RunTempo is the only one that works nearly seamlessly. I also appreciated the support from Barry after my initial comments.

### 5/5 — No BS runners metronome

*2026-03-10*

I was looking for exactly this app. Something that just plays the metronome beat in the background without interfering with any other media playback. It just does the metronome thing and does it without any distractions. Perfect to fix my running cadence.

**Developer response:** Thanks so much for taking the time to review RunTempo and I'm really glad it's doing what you need it to do!

### 5/5 — What I was looking for except....

*2026-03-07, version 2.4.0*

Exactly what I was looking for, can when offline without phone, can play simultaneously with Spotify working in the background but audio level too low. Already at full volume but it is being overpowered by Spotify podcast audio. Hope futore updates can increase volume limit.

Volume turned all the way up on watch FYI

Update: developers listened and updated the app. Volume is now great!

### 3/5 — Works well

*2026-01-28, version 2.3.0*

Just started running and wanted something to help me run consistently and this app seems to fit the brief. 

Two things would improve it massively. 1 allow the Watch crown to turn up the volume. 
2 enable haptic feedback as hearing the beep is hard. Then use the crown to increase the haptic strength. Would definitely give a star for each

## Frequently asked questions about RunTempo

### What does RunTempo do?

RunTempo is a metronome app designed specifically for runners. It helps you train your cadence, which is your step rate per minute. By finding and maintaining an optimal rhythm, you can improve your running efficiency, boost your pace, and reduce the impact on your joints, potentially lowering your risk of injury.

### How does cadence training work with this app?

The app allows you to set a target BPM (beats per minute) for your cadence. You can start with your current rhythm and gradually increase it over time, aiming for the 'sweet spot' used by elite runners (170-180 SPM). This gradual increase helps your body adapt and improve form, reducing overstriding and enhancing overall running enjoyment.

### Is RunTempo free to use or does it have subscriptions?

RunTempo is a paid application with no ads and no subscriptions. Once you purchase the app, you have full access to all its features without any recurring costs or interruptions.

### Can I use RunTempo with my music or podcasts?

Yes, the app is designed to mix with your existing audio. You can listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or other audio apps while the metronome provides its rhythmic cues. This allows you to enjoy your preferred soundtrack during your runs without interruption.

### Is there an Apple Watch version of RunTempo?

Yes, RunTempo offers a full standalone Apple Watch app. This means you can leave your phone at home and still use the metronome directly from your watch. It supports background audio and includes a Smart Stack widget for quick access.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.5.1 — 2026-05-31

* Fixed an audio backgrounding bug in the iPhone app

### 2.5.0 — 2026-05-23

* On phone, allow AirPods or wired headphones click to play or pause when "Play in Background" is turned off
* Timer now remembers the last time you set

### 2.4.0 — 2026-02-05

* Increased the volume of the block metronome sound

### 2.3.0 — 2025-12-05

- RunTempo displays on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island while running

- SPM automatically syncs between your iPhone and Apple Watch

### 2.2.0 — 2025-11-04

New Sounds! New wooden block sound options for a more natural metronome feel • Added 3/4 time signature
(waltz) and 4/4 options for varied training rhythms

New Quick Start Guide! Get up and running faster with our new Quick Start guide - find it in Settings or at
runtempo.com/quickstart

Better Reliability: Fixed audio interruption handling - RunTempo now properly pauses and resumes when calls come in
or workout apps announce split times

Settings Improvements: Reorganized settings menu for better navigation • Added "Share with a friend" option to easily
recommend RunTempo • All settings are now properly scrollable even with expanded sound options

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## Related topics

[runtempo](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/runtempo)

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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 2026-09-03.*