# 5K Run vs Start Running

The clearest difference is ratings volume: 5K Run at 2.2K against Start Running's 24. 5K Run also leads on review sentiment (24% vs 0%) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). Start Running's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 5K Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Start Running sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

5K Run holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5K Run has 2.2K ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 24% of 5K Run's written reviews are positive against 0% of Start Running's.

5K Run ships an update every 10 days, Start Running every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5K Run | Start Running |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505/reviews)** | [4.4 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | **24.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 25 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carlos Fernandez Mayor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544231737) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## What reviewers say

### 5K Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505)

This app guides beginners from inactivity to running a 5K with a flexible, adaptive training plan. It offers audio cues during runs and integrates with HealthKit to track progress and Apple Watch activity.

**Highlights:** Adaptive 5K training plan, Voice trainer for run/walk intervals, Flexible workout scheduling, HealthKit integration, Motivation and progress tracking

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plan de entrenamiento 5K | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Motivating for beginners
- 💡 Gradual training program

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable sync with Apple Watch
- 🔒 Lack of customer support
- 💰 Hidden in-app purchases
- 🔄 Inability to repeat or restart stages

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and loses user progress
- Inconsistent tracking of distance and pace
- Issues with treadmill workouts

**Requested features**

- Ability to manually adjust training program
- More detailed workout information
- Integration with other fitness apps
- Audio cues for run/walk transitions


### Start Running

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000)

Beginner-friendly running plans to improve fitness, strength, and calorie burn. Offers guided workouts for various goals, from introductory runs to 5K training, with progress tracking and health app integration.

**Highlights:** Multi-week training plans, Beginner to advanced levels, Step-by-step workout guidance, Audio coach, Workout logging and progress tracking, Apple Health integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Running Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5K Run free?

5K Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Start Running free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 5K Run or Start Running?

5K Run is rated higher. 5K Run averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Start Running averages 4.4 from 24 ratings.

### Do 5K Run or Start Running have ads?

Neither 5K Run nor Start Running shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 5K Run or Start Running?

5K Run ships an update every 10 days, and Start Running every 3 weeks. Most recently, 5K Run was updated on November 6, 2026 and Start Running on November 7, 2026.

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