# Pace Watch vs Start Running For Beginners

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Running For Beginners at 97% against Pace Watch's 50%. Start Running For Beginners also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 4). Pace Watch's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start Running For Beginners sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Pace Watch asks for nothing beyond the download.

Start Running For Beginners holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Running For Beginners has 2.1K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Pace Watch's written reviews are positive against 97% of Start Running For Beginners's.

Pace Watch ships an update every 8 days, Start Running For Beginners every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pace Watch | Start Running For Beginners |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pace-watch/id1252465274/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-for-beginners/id1254954672/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **96.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Simon Fortelny](https://appshunter.io/developer/601825403) | [Axiom Mobile LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1111094628) |

## What reviewers say

### Pace Watch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pace-watch/id1252465274)

This app helps runners maintain a target pace during training. It provides haptic and audio feedback when you deviate from your desired speed, with adjustable leeway. It integrates with HealthKit to read and write workout data.

**Highlights:** Target pace training, Haptic and audio feedback, Phone-free operation, Adjustable pace buffer, HealthKit integration

**In-app purchases:** none


### Start Running For Beginners

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-for-beginners/id1254954672)

This app guides beginners into running with a structured plan designed to increase jogging time gradually. It offers personalized coaching, detailed tracking, and voice feedback to help users achieve their fitness goals, including weight loss.

**Highlights:** Personal running coach, Couch to 5K training plan, Distance, speed, and pace tracker, GPS route tracking, Calorie counter, Voice feedback

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $1.99 | per month |
| Full Version | $9.99 | per 6 months |
| Full Version | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $4.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Gradual progression
- 💪 Helps build endurance
- 🎧 Allows listening to music
- 📈 Tracks progress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Audio prompts can be difficult to hear
- 🔒 Requires payment to unlock full features
- 🧭 No treadmill mode
- 🔄 Inability to repeat previous workouts

**Reported bugs**

- Sync issues when changing devices
- App crashes or freezes occasionally

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Provide more detailed workout statistics
- Integrate with fitness trackers
- Offer more advanced training plans


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pace Watch free?

Pace Watch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Start Running For Beginners free?

Start Running For Beginners is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pace Watch or Start Running For Beginners?

Start Running For Beginners is rated higher. Pace Watch averages 3.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Start Running For Beginners averages 4.7 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do Pace Watch or Start Running For Beginners have ads?

Neither Pace Watch nor Start Running For Beginners shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pace Watch or Start Running For Beginners?

Pace Watch ships an update every 8 days, and Start Running For Beginners every 3 months. Most recently, Pace Watch was updated on October 24, 2026 and Start Running For Beginners 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.*