# The Run Experience vs RunMate

The clearest difference is ads: The Run Experience at none against RunMate's shown. The Run Experience also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 71%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Run Experience sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month and RunMate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for The Run Experience against 4.7 for RunMate. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 542 and 243 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of The Run Experience's written reviews are positive against 71% of RunMate's.

The Run Experience ships an update every 6 weeks, RunMate every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Run Experience | RunMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (542 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-run-experience/id1189131975/reviews)** | [4.7 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runmate-trainer-and-tracker/id1485559769/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **542** | 243 |
| Positive reviews | **82.9% of reviews** | 70.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 119 MB | 384 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Run Experience](https://appshunter.io/developer/1189131974) | [Zen Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/485971738) |

## What reviewers say

### The Run Experience

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-run-experience/id1189131975)

This app offers daily audio runs, training videos, and structured programs for various running goals. It includes injury prevention routines, strength training, and a community forum to connect with coaches and other runners. Track your progress and stay motivated on your running journey.

**Highlights:** Daily audio runs, Training challenges, Weekly training videos, Injured runner program, Interactive running programs, GPS run tracker, Community forum

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TRE Training Club (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Running Training Club (Annual) | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful training programs
- 🚀 Comprehensive resources
- 💡 Knowledgeable coaches
- 👍 Supportive community
- 👍 Effective for improving running

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app performance
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Privacy concerns
- 👎 Poor customer service
- 👎 Difficult to navigate

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during workouts
- Inability to pause/resume workouts
- Inconsistent tracking of runs

**Requested features**

- Integrate with fitness trackers
- Offer more free content
- Improve app stability and usability
- Provide senior/military discounts


### RunMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runmate-trainer-and-tracker/id1485559769)

This app combines running training plans with guided meditation to improve physical and mental health. It offers GPS tracking for routes, distance, and calories, along with programs for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races. Users can unlock rewards and access curated music to stay motivated.

**Highlights:** Accurate GPS run tracking, Training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, Guided meditation for stress relief, Mindful running programs, Audio guides for motivation, Unlockable rewards, Calorie and distance tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Zen Power Playlist 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Annual | $74.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ❤️ Great concept and motivation
- 🏃‍♀️ Helps beginners start running
- 🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness and meditation integration
- 👍 Encouraging for all fitness levels
- 💯 Makes running enjoyable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Music volume issue
- 🎶 RunMate volume too loud
- 📏 Inaccurate distance tracking
- 🚫 Cannot change Miles to Kilometres
- ⚠️ Crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- Music volume lowers significantly when RunMate speaks
- App crashes when trying to play in-app music
- Progress lost upon signing out

**Requested features**

- Control music/audiobook volume independently
- Option to change units from Kilometres to Miles
- Apple Health integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Run Experience free?

The Run Experience is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is RunMate free?

RunMate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Run Experience or RunMate?

The Run Experience is rated higher. The Run Experience averages 4.8 out of 5 from 542 ratings, while RunMate averages 4.7 from 243 ratings.

### Do The Run Experience or RunMate have ads?

RunMate shows ads; The Run Experience does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Run Experience or RunMate?

The Run Experience ships an update every 6 weeks, and RunMate every 2 months. Most recently, The Run Experience was updated on October 24, 2026 and RunMate on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*